Knowing exactly how the Security+ exam is built lets you study efficiently and walk in without surprises. Here's the complete breakdown of the SY0-701 exam format, its five domains, and what you need to pass.
Part of our complete CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 guide.
Quick answer: SY0-701 has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, mixing multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs). You need a scaled score of 750 out of 900 to pass. Questions come from five weighted domains, with Security Operations (28%) the largest.
Exam format at a glance
| Detail | SY0-701 |
|---|---|
| Exam code | SY0-701 |
| Questions | Up to 90 |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Question types | Multiple-choice + performance-based (PBQs) |
| Passing score | 750 / 900 (scaled) |
| Validity | 3 years (renewable via CEUs) |
You have roughly one minute per question, so pace matters.
The five domains (and their weights)
Questions are drawn from five domains, and they are not weighted equally:
- Security Operations — 28% (the largest): monitoring, incident response, vulnerability management, identity and access, automation.
- Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations — 22%: malware, social engineering, attack types, and defenses.
- Security Program Management & Oversight — 20%: risk, governance, compliance, and policies.
- Security Architecture — 18%: secure design, network segmentation, cloud, zero trust.
- General Security Concepts — 12%: the CIA triad, control types, cryptography basics.
Study takeaway: Domains 4, 2, and 5 together make up 70% of the exam. Weight your study time toward them rather than spreading it evenly. Our how to pass Security+ guide shows exactly how.
Performance-based questions (PBQs)
PBQs are hands-on, scenario-style tasks (configuring, sorting, interpreting) rather than multiple choice — and they often appear near the start of the exam, which can catch first-timers off guard. Practicing PBQs beforehand is essential; see Security+ practice & PBQ prep.
Understanding the 750 passing score
The passing score is 750 on a 100–900 scale. Because CompTIA uses scaled scoring, 750 does not mean "75% correct" — questions carry different weights, and PBQs can weigh more. The practical guidance: don't aim for the minimum. If you're consistently scoring 85%+ on realistic practice exams across every domain, you're in strong shape.
Eligibility and prerequisites
There are no mandatory prerequisites, but CompTIA recommends Network+ and about two years of IT experience with a security focus. Beginners without that background can still pass with a longer study runway.
Ready to book?
Once you're consistently above the passing line in practice, secure your voucher — we offer the lowest-priced full-validity (12-month) Security+ voucher, and it comes with a free online mock exam so you can confirm readiness under real conditions.
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Next, build your plan with how to pass the Security+ SY0-701 exam.
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