Exam Comparison
Security+ vs CISSP
Comparing the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) and the ISC2 CISSP. Both fall under IT Certifications.
The Bottom Line
These bracket a security career: Security+ is the entry baseline; the CISSP requires five years of paid security experience and signals senior, architecture-and-management-level competence. Take Security+ early; the CISSP finds you later, attempting it first is putting the roof on before the walls.
Security+ vs CISSP: At a Glance
| Detail | Security+ | CISSP |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) | ISC2 CISSP |
| Governing Body | CompTIA | ISC2 |
| Number of Questions | 90 | 125 |
| Time Limit | 90 minutes | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 750/900 | 700/1000 |
| Exam Fee | $392 USD | $699 USD |
| Category | IT Certifications | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App | CompTIA & Cisco Exam Prep: A+, Network+, CCNA & More Soon | Cyber Security Cert Exam Prep: CISSP, CEH & CySA+ Soon |
Content Areas Compared
Security+ Domains
- General Security Concepts(12%)
- Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations(22%)
- Security Architecture(18%)
- Security Operations(28%)
- Security Program Management and Oversight(20%)
CISSP Domains
- Security and Risk Management(15%)
- Asset Security(10%)
- Security Architecture and Engineering(13%)
- Communication and Network Security(13%)
- Identity and Access Management(13%)
- Security Assessment and Testing(12%)
- Security Operations(13%)
- Software Development Security(11%)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Security+ and CISSP?
Security+ tests foundational security knowledge with no experience requirement, it gets resumes past filters for SOC, help-desk-security, and junior analyst roles. The CISSP (ISC2) spans eight domains from security architecture to risk governance, requires five years of cumulative paid experience in at least two domains (one year waivable with a degree or approved cert like Security+), and is written from the perspective of someone who designs and manages security programs. They measure different career altitudes, not different amounts of the same thing.
Can I take both the Security+ and the CISSP?
Standard career arc: Security+ opens the first security job; five years later the CISSP marks the transition to senior roles, it appears in more senior-security job postings than any other certification. Security+ typically stops being worth renewing once the CISSP is active.
Which should I take first, Security+ or CISSP?
Security+ first, by design. Beyond the CISSP’s experience requirement, its questions assume management judgment, "what should the security leader do first", that is genuinely hard to answer well without years in the field. Passing the CISSP exam without the experience makes you an "Associate of ISC2," a holding status until your years accumulate; it is an option, but rarely the best use of early-career study time.
Does C3RT cover both the Security+ and the CISSP?
C3RT is building apps for both the Security+ and the CISSP. Both will be available on iOS and Mac.
The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) (Security+) is administered by CompTIA. The ISC2 CISSP (CISSP) is administered by ISC2. C3RT is not affiliated with either organisation. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.