CompTIA Security+

security2/5 · AssociateCurrent catalog entry

The baseline security cert for IT staff; proves core knowledge of threats, controls, cryptography and incident response.

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Guidance checked 2026-09-06.

At a glance

Estimated study time: ~130 hours
Renewal cycle: 36 months
Practice in CertSprout: 100 questions
Mini-lessons: 24 lessons

Study time and difficulty are CertSprout estimates. How difficulty works. Requirements and renewal rules come from the issuer.

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Skills you’ll explore

security risk cryptography iam

Exam topics

General Security Concepts12%
Threats, Vulnerabilities and Mitigations22%
Security Architecture18%
Security Operations28%
Security Program Management and Oversight20%

Topic weights reflect the catalog outline and can change between exam versions. Confirm the current objectives, prerequisites and registration rules with CompTIA.

Where this certification can take you

Cybersecurity Offense →

Security fundamentals into penetration testing, then the hands-on OffSec exams that offensive roles actually screen for.

Security →

Defensive security from fundamentals through SOC analysis to the governance credential hiring managers filter on.

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Your learning links

Start with the certification requirements, explore free materials, then add paid learning if it suits you.

Official certification & exam

Official certificationCompTIA

Security+: official certification page

Requirements, exam details and booking

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Free study materials 1

Public guides, videos and tutorials, plus free courses. Each card explains whether you need an account.

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