Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It in 2026?
Is CompTIA Security+ worth pursuing in 2026? Yes, for most IT professionals entering or advancing in cybersecurity, but the answer depends heavily on your career stage, market location, and current experience level. This certification delivers solid ROI through measurable salary increases, strong job demand across all three markets (US, UK, Canada), and doors into government contracting. However, it requires 100-150 hours of serious study, and some career paths may benefit from alternatives. This guide breaks down the real numbers, job market demand, and honest assessment of who should skip it.
Table of Contents
Salary Impact and ROI
Security+ certification delivers a measurable salary boost across all three target markets. According to CompTIA's own research and third-party salary data from Glassdoor and PayScale, Security+ holders earn 10-15% more than uncertified IT professionals in similar roles. In concrete terms, that translates to real money.
US Market: Entry-level Security+ holders typically earn $55,000-$65,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 5+ years experience see $75,000-$95,000. Senior security professionals with Security+ plus additional certifications command $100,000-$150,000+. The certification alone provides roughly $5,000-$10,000 annual increase over non-certified peers in entry roles.
UK Market: Starting salaries range from £28,000-£35,000 for Security+ certified professionals, with mid-career roles at £40,000-£55,000. The UK market values Security+ highly because it meets GCHQ standards for government security clearance work, which commands premium pay in London and other major centers.
Canada Market: Entry roles start around CAD $55,000-$65,000, with mid-career at CAD $70,000-$90,000. Canadian government roles specifically require or strongly prefer Security+ for security-cleared positions, creating consistent demand.
ROI Calculation: The exam costs $370, study materials typically run $200-$500 (DiviTrain's comprehensive package costs significantly less than alternatives), and your time investment is roughly 100-150 hours. If you study efficiently in 8-12 weeks, that's a certification cost under $800 total. A $5,000-$10,000 annual salary increase breaks even within 1-2 months of employment in your new role. Over a 10-year career, that's $50,000-$100,000 in additional earnings from this single certification. The ROI is strong, especially within the first 3-5 years of your career.
Job Market Demand in 2026
Security+ demand remains exceptionally strong heading into 2026, driven by three major factors: mandatory government contracts, enterprise security hiring, and global cybersecurity skills shortages.
Government and Defense Contracts (US/UK/Canada): The US Department of Defense and UK Ministry of Defence both list Security+ as the preferred baseline certification for security-cleared IT roles. This creates persistent, non-cyclical demand. In 2025-2026, government cybersecurity spending continues to grow, especially around critical infrastructure protection and election security. This means government contractor jobs requiring Security+ aren't competing with commercial hiring freezes. Same applies to UK government digital service roles and Canadian National Defence positions.
Job Posting Demand: LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor data shows Security+ appearing in roughly 35,000-45,000 active US job postings at any given time (ranging from "required" to "preferred"). In the UK, it appears in 4,000-6,000 postings, and Canada shows 2,500-3,500. These aren't vanity certifications that appear in 10% of postings. Security+ shows up in 8-12% of all IT security roles across these markets. That's substantial and growing.
Enterprise Adoption Trends: Financial services (banking, insurance), healthcare (especially post-HIPAA emphasis), e-commerce, and technology companies continue prioritizing security staffing. The average enterprise now allocates 8-12% of IT budget to security versus 4-5% a decade ago. That spending translates directly into hiring for security positions where Security+ certification is either required or strongly preferred.
Cybersecurity Skills Gap: According to the 2024-2025 SANS Institute Cyber Aces and CompTIA's own research, there's a persistent shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals. Companies struggle to fill entry to mid-level security analyst and security engineer roles. Security+ certification fast-tracks candidates past the first screening stage because it proves foundational knowledge. Many hiring managers use it as a filter to identify candidates who've invested in formal training.
The demand picture in 2026 is clear: Security+ remains one of the most directly marketable IT certifications you can obtain. It's not a luxury certification that's "nice to have." It's actively sought and valued in real hiring decisions across all three markets.
Time Investment and Real Cost
Realistic time investment for Security+ ranges from 100-150 hours for most candidates, depending on your IT background. This is not a weekend certification.
Study Timeline Breakdown: The exam covers 5 domains: threats, vulnerabilities and mitigations; architecture and design; implementation; operations and incident response; and governance, risk, and compliance. Comprehensive coverage requires roughly 12-16 weeks of part-time study (8-12 hours weekly). If you study full-time, 4-6 weeks is achievable but exhausting. Most working professionals do 10-14 weeks at a steady pace.
Cost Breakdown: Exam fee is a fixed $370. Study materials vary widely. Using a reputable platform like DiviTrain's Security+ course, you get comprehensive video instruction, 19 hours of hands-on practice labs, MeasureUp practice exams (60 days access), 365 days of course access, and expert tutor support available 24/7. This complete package costs significantly less than bootcamp-style programs ($2,000+) or university options ($3,000-$5,000+).
A realistic total investment is $500-$900 in materials plus your time. For context, that's comparable to a professional development course budget many companies allocate annually. The actual cost to you depends on whether your employer sponsors study materials (many do, especially for security certifications).
Opportunity Cost: This is the hidden cost. 100-150 hours is the equivalent of 3-4 full work weeks. If you're spending 10 hours weekly on this certification, you're committing to 12-16 weeks where you could be learning something else, working on personal projects, or resting. That's a meaningful time commitment. However, it's not a career-halting choice. Many professionals complete Security+ while working full-time, though it requires discipline.
Is It Worth the Time? For most IT professionals with 1-5 years experience, yes. The salary increase justifies the time investment within the first 6-12 months. For entry-level candidates with no IT background, the time investment is heavier (150+ hours) but still worthwhile because the salary impact is larger (moving from non-IT to security roles). For already-established senior security professionals with years of proven experience, the time investment becomes questionable because your work experience and reputation already open doors that Security+ would open.
The DiviTrain Advantage
- Expert tutor support available 24/7 to answer your toughest questions
- MeasureUp Practice Exams with 60 days of access to test readiness
- 365 days of full course access, so you learn at your own pace
- 19 hours of hands-on practice labs to apply theory to real scenarios
- Structured learning path designed specifically for CompTIA SY0-701 exam
Who Should Get Security+ in 2026
IT Help Desk or Support Staff Aiming to Move into Security: If you're currently in Tier 1 or Tier 2 IT support and want to transition into security roles, Security+ is the most direct path. It provides the foundational knowledge hiring managers expect and signals serious intent to move your career. Help desk professionals with Security+ certification see 30-40% salary increases when they move into junior security analyst roles.
Network Administrators or System Administrators Broadening Expertise: If you hold CompTIA Network+ or Microsoft Azure fundamentals certification, Security+ is the natural next step. You already understand networking and systems fundamentals. Security+ teaches you how to protect those systems and networks. This path is extremely common and highly valued by employers. You're essentially expanding from operations into security operations.
Anyone Seeking Government or Defense Contract Work: If you live in or near areas with significant government contracting (Washington DC, San Antonio, Northern Virginia in the US; London area in the UK; National Capital Region in Canada), Security+ is practically mandatory. Without it, thousands of job opportunities are simply closed to you. The salary premiums for government contract work are typically 15-25% above commercial rates, so the ROI improves significantly.
Fresh IT Graduates or Career Changers: If you're transitioning from another field into IT security, Security+ provides rapid credibility. Employers see it as proof that you've invested in formal training and understand industry fundamentals. Many employers prefer this to hiring someone with raw potential but no credential. You'll enter security roles 6-12 months faster with Security+ than without it.
Freelancers or Consultants in IT: If you work as an independent consultant, having Security+ on your resume immediately raises your perceived expertise and allows you to charge more for security-related work. Clients who don't know you personally need credentials as a proxy for competence. Security+ provides that signal. It also qualifies you for government consulting contracts that mandate certain certifications.
IT Professionals in Highly Regulated Industries: Working in financial services, healthcare, or utilities? Your organization's compliance requirements and security policies often explicitly mention Security+ as a preferred qualification for IT staff. Getting certified may directly support your current employer's compliance posture and open doors to security-focused roles within your organization.
Who Should Skip Security+ (Or Pursue Alternatives)
Already-Established Senior Security Professionals: If you've been working in cybersecurity for 8+ years with proven success, deep technical expertise, and a strong track record, Security+ adds little value. Your resume, GitHub projects, and professional reputation already demonstrate competence. The hours spent studying for Security+ would be better invested in AWS security certifications, advanced GIAC certifications, or deepening expertise in specialized domains like cloud security or incident response.
Developers or DevOps Engineers Not Targeting Security Roles: If your career goal is backend development, cloud architecture, or DevOps, Security+ is not the right choice. You'd get far more career benefit from certifications aligned with your specialization, such as AWS Solutions Architect or Azure Administrator. Security knowledge matters in these roles, but specialized certifications open more doors.
Specialized Security Roles (Pen Testing, Forensics, Threat Analysis): If your goal is specifically penetration testing, digital forensics, or threat intelligence, consider pursuing specialized certifications directly. CompTIA's CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) or CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) may be more directly applicable. Security+ becomes a prerequisite check-box, but jumping straight to specialized certifications can be more efficient if you already have security fundamentals through work experience.
Career Changers with No IT Background: If you have zero IT experience and want to enter cybersecurity, Security+ alone won't get you hired into security roles. You'll also need foundational IT knowledge (operating systems, networking, systems administration). A better starting path is CompTIA A+ first, then Network+, then Security+. This progression takes longer but ensures you have the practical knowledge that Security+ assumes you already possess.
Geographic Markets Where Security+ Isn't Valued: If you're working outside the US, UK, and Canada in regions where GCHQ standards or DoD contracting don't apply, local certifications may matter more. Research your local market before committing. In some European countries, European security certifications carry more weight. In Asia-Pacific regions, cloud certifications may dominate hiring priorities.
Professionals in Industries with Competing Certification Standards: Some highly specialized industries (financial services, healthcare) sometimes prefer industry-specific certifications (CISSP for finance, HIPAA compliance certifications for healthcare) over Security+. If your target industry has a dominant certification, research that first.
Study Timeline and Difficulty
Exam Difficulty Level: Security+ (SY0-701) sits at intermediate difficulty. It's more challenging than CompTIA Network+ but less demanding than CISSP or advanced certifications. The exam tests broad knowledge across five domains rather than deep expertise in any single area. Most candidates with IT experience find it challenging but achievable. Pure beginners find it significantly harder.
Content Complexity: The five domains cover threat identification, security controls, cryptography, identity and access management, incident response, and compliance frameworks. None of these topics requires advanced mathematics or programming, but they do require conceptual understanding. You can't simply memorize answers. You need to understand underlying principles to answer scenario-based questions correctly. This is why hands-on practice labs matter. The 19 hours of included practice labs let you apply concepts to real scenarios, which dramatically improves understanding and exam performance.
Realistic Study Schedule: Working full-time and studying part-time, most candidates need 12-16 weeks at 8-10 hours per week. Breaking that down:
- Weeks 1-4: Study Domain 1 (Threats, Vulnerabilities, Mitigations) and Domain 2 (Architecture and Design). Complete associated practice labs. Aim for 8-10 hours weekly.
- Weeks 5-8: Study Domain 3 (Implementation) and Domain 4 (Operations and Incident Response). These domains are content-heavy. Increase to 10-12 hours weekly if possible.
- Weeks 9-11: Study Domain 5 (Governance, Risk, and Compliance). Begin taking full-length practice exams.
- Weeks 12-16: Review weak areas identified by practice exams, take additional practice tests, refine your understanding of scenario-based questions.
Study Material Quality Matters Enormously: Using outdated study guides or low-quality practice exams will extend your timeline significantly. Investing in reputable materials like DiviTrain's course saves time because the content is current, well-organized, and focused on what's actually tested. You'll also have expert tutor support available 24/7 to clear up confusion quickly rather than spinning wheels trying to understand dense textbooks.
Practice Exam Strategy: MeasureUp practice exams are crucial. Most candidates take 3-4 full-length practice exams before attempting the real exam. Your practice exam scores should be 80%+ before scheduling the real exam. If you're scoring 70-75%, you need additional study time. If you're consistently scoring 85%+, you're ready.
Difficulty Trends in 2026: The SY0-701 exam (released in 2024) is slightly more scenario-focused than the previous version. This means pure memorization won't work. You need to understand how concepts apply to real security situations. This is actually good for your career because it means you'll genuinely understand security principles rather than just passing a test. However, it does require more thorough study than some other IT certifications.
Competitive Landscape vs. Other Certifications
Security+ vs. CompTIA Network+: Network+ teaches networking foundations. Security+ teaches security practices. They complement each other. Network+ is more foundational, Security+ is more specialized. If you're choosing between them, Network+ is easier and faster (70-100 hours study). Security+ is harder but opens more security-specific opportunities. Most professionals get both eventually. The sequence should be Network+ first if you lack networking knowledge, then Security+.
Security+ vs. AWS/Azure Security Certifications: Azure Security Engineer or AWS Security certifications are more specialized and cloud-focused. They require more hands-on cloud experience to master. Security+ is vendor-neutral and broader. If you work primarily in cloud environments, cloud-specific certifications may be more immediately valuable. If you work in hybrid environments or want vendor-neutral credibility, Security+ is better. Many professionals get both (Security+ for breadth, cloud certifications for depth).
Security+ vs. CISSP: CISSP is the gold standard for senior security professionals, but it requires 5 years of security work experience to take. Security+ requires zero experience. CISSP is also significantly more expensive and demanding. Security+ is the practical stepping stone toward CISSP. Most CISSP holders got Security+ first. If you have less than 5 years security experience, Security+ is your only option.
Security+ vs. CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): CEH focuses on offensive security and penetration testing. Security+ focuses on defensive security. They serve different career paths. If you want to be a pen tester or offensive security specialist, CEH is more relevant. If you want to work in security operations, compliance, or general IT security, Security+ is better. Some professionals pursue both because they complement each other.
Security+ vs. CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst): CySA+ is CompTIA's intermediate certification for security analysts. It assumes Security+ knowledge. You should get Security+ first if you're planning both. Security+ is broader and entry-level. CySA+ is deeper and more focused on analysis and response. Together, they form a powerful credential combination that employers highly value.
Market Preference Analysis: Across US, UK, and Canada job markets, Security+ appears in approximately 8-12% of security-related job postings. CySA+ appears in 3-4%. CISSP appears in 2-3%. AWS security certifications appear in 15-18% (but weighted heavily toward cloud-focused roles). This means Security+ has broader applicability across job types than most alternatives. It's the one certification that appears consistently across government, commercial, finance, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Recommendation: Security+ is the most universally valuable security certification for entry to mid-level professionals. It should typically be your first security certification. After Security+, your next certification depends on your specialization: cloud roles benefit from cloud certs, analyst roles benefit from CySA+, and senior leaders pursue CISSP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get Security+ without any IT experience?
A: Technically yes, but it's significantly harder. Security+ assumes foundational IT knowledge (operating systems, networking, basic systems administration). If you're completely new to IT, you'll struggle with the content and take 150-200+ hours to study. A better path is CompTIA A+ first (covers OS and hardware basics), then Network+ (covers networking), then Security+. This three-cert sequence takes 6-9 months full-time or 12-18 months part-time, but you'll genuinely understand the material rather than memorizing answers. If you have any IT work experience (help desk, tech support, etc.), Security+ is achievable without prerequisites.
Q: What's the pass rate for Security+ and how many attempts do most people need?
A: CompTIA reports that approximately 60-65% of test-takers pass Security+ on their first attempt. However, among candidates who use structured study materials like DiviTrain's course and practice exams, the pass rate increases to 75-80%. Most people pass on the first attempt with proper preparation. If you score 80%+ on practice exams before testing, you should pass the real exam. Those who fail typically didn't take practice exams seriously or didn't review weak areas. Second attempts have higher pass rates (approximately 70-75%) because candidates know what to expect and address their weaknesses. Most candidates who fail their first attempt pass on their second try within 4-6 weeks.
Q: How often is the Security+ exam updated and is SY0-701 current for 2026?
A: CompTIA updates Security+ every 3-4 years to reflect current threat landscape and industry practices. The current version is SY0-701, released in April 2024. This version is absolutely current for 2026 and will remain current through 2027. The next version (expected 2027-2028) will likely introduce updates for emerging threats like AI-based attacks and new compliance requirements. Don't worry about the exam becoming outdated. SY0-701 is the right version to study now. If you're planning to test in 2026, this is exactly what you need.
Q: Is Security+ required for government contracting jobs?
A: Security+ is mandatory for most DoD (US Department of Defense) contractor IT security roles and strongly preferred for many other government IT positions. UK government roles increasingly require or prefer Security+ alignment with GCHQ standards. Canadian National Defence and government IT contractor roles similarly expect Security+ certification. If you want to work in government contracting, Security+ isn't optional—it's a baseline requirement. This is actually one of the strongest reasons to pursue the certification because it's non-negotiable for that lucrative market segment. Private sector roles list Security+ as preferred but not required. Government contracting is different, it's typically required or you're not eligible.
Q: How long is Security+ valid and do I need to renew it?
A: CompTIA Security+ is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. After three years, you need to renew. Renewal is far easier than retesting. You can renew by passing an approved exam (like CySA+, PenTest+, or CISSP), earning 40 Continuing Education Credits through approved training, or retaking the Security+ exam. Most professionals renew through continuing education (attending conferences, completing approved training courses, reading industry publications) without retesting. The three-year validity is standard for CompTIA certifications and ensures your credential reflects current knowledge rather than outdated material from years ago. This is actually beneficial for your career because it shows ongoing commitment to professional development.
Q: What percentage of people get Security+ on their first attempt and how important are practice exams?
A: As mentioned above, roughly 60-65% pass on their first attempt overall, but this number jumps to 75-80% among candidates using quality study materials and practice exams. Practice exams are absolutely critical. They serve three purposes: (1) they identify your weak areas so you know what to study more, (2) they familiarize you with the exam format and question style, and (3) they build confidence and test-taking stamina. Most successful candidates take 3-4 full-length practice exams before attempting the real exam, spacing them a week apart to allow time for remedial study between exams. If your practice exam scores are 80%+, you're ready. If they're 70-75%, you need more study. If they're below 70%, reschedule your exam and study more. MeasureUp practice exams are the industry standard and included in DiviTrain's course, which significantly improves your odds of passing on the first attempt.
Q: Can I study for Security+ while working full-time?
A: Yes, many working professionals successfully study for Security+ part-time. The key is consistency. Studying 10 hours per week for 14 weeks is more sustainable and effective than cramming 20 hours per week for 7 weeks. Set a specific study schedule (for example, Monday-Friday evenings 1.5 hours, Saturday morning 3 hours) and protect that time. Weekend study sessions are helpful because you can work through practice labs and full-length exams without time pressure. Avoid studying on Sundays—you need at least one day to rest. Many candidates study while commuting (using mobile apps for flashcards), during lunch breaks (reviewing notes), and in dedicated evening blocks (hands-on labs). The main challenge is mental exhaustion, not time. If your job is mentally demanding, start your security study 3-4 hours into your workday rather than right after work when you're drained. Working full-time while studying for Security+ is definitely achievable. It just requires planning and consistency.
Q: Should I get Network+ before Security+ or can I skip it?
A: If you already have solid networking knowledge (from work experience or another networking certification), you can skip Network+ and go straight to Security+. However, if you lack networking fundamentals, you should get Network+ first. Security+ assumes you understand TCP/IP protocols, OSI model, network infrastructure, and common networking terminology. If these terms are unfamiliar, you'll struggle. Most IT professionals with help desk or system administration background have enough networking knowledge to skip Network+. If you work in pure development or haven't touched networking, getting Network+ first will make Security+ much clearer and faster overall. The question to ask yourself: Can I explain TCP/IP, subnet masks, firewalls, and routing? If yes, skip Network+. If no, get it first. Many employers also value the Network+ and Security+ combination as a well-rounded IT security foundation, so getting both eventually is ideal even if you skip Network+ initially.
Key Takeaways: Is Security+ Worth It?
Yes, for most IT professionals entering or advancing in security. The certification delivers measurable ROI through 10-15% salary increases, strong and consistent job demand across all three markets (US, UK, Canada), and mandatory requirements for government contracting. The time investment (100-150 hours) is significant but achievable alongside full-time work. The financial investment ($500-$900 total) is modest compared to the salary impact ($5,000-$10,000 annually).
Skip it if: You're already a senior security professional with 8+ years experience, you're specializing in a different IT domain (cloud, development, DevOps), your target role is specialized (pen testing, forensics), or you have zero IT background (get A+ first). Also skip if your geographic market doesn't value CompTIA certifications relative to local alternatives.
Get it if: You're in IT support or operations seeking to move into security, you're a network or systems administrator expanding into security, you want government contract work, you're a fresh graduate or career changer into IT security, or you work in regulated industries (finance, healthcare, utilities). These groups see the strongest ROI and most direct career advancement from Security+ certification.
Study Timeline: 12-16 weeks part-time at 8-10 hours weekly for IT professionals with relevant background. Add 4-8 weeks if you lack foundational knowledge and need to catch up on networking or systems concepts.
Success Factors: Use quality study materials with hands-on labs (19 hours included in DiviTrain's course gives you practical application). Take multiple full-length practice exams before attempting the real exam. Aim to score 80%+ on practice exams before testing. Use expert tutor support available 24/7 to clarify difficult concepts rather than struggling alone. Don't skip the practice labs—they're where true understanding happens.
Next Steps: If this analysis convinced you that Security+ is right for your career, start with DiviTrain's Security+ course. You'll get structured learning, hands-on labs, practice exams, and expert support designed specifically for SY0-701. Set a realistic study schedule, commit to consistency, and you'll be certified within 4-5 months.
About the Author
DiviTrain is an international IT learning platform with nearly 20 years of experience in professional IT training. Our courses are developed by Skillsoft, the global leader in enterprise learning, ensuring high-quality, industry-relevant content. You get access to hands-on practice labs (where applicable), expert tutor support available 24/7, and official MeasureUp practice exams, all backed by DiviTrain's commitment to your certification success. Whether you're pursuing your first certification or advancing your career in cybersecurity, DiviTrain provides the complete tools, guidance, and support you need to succeed.
