If you're seeing both SY0-601 and SY0-701 while researching Security+, here's the clear answer: SY0-701 is the only active version, and it's the one to study. This guide explains what changed and why it matters for your preparation.
Part of our complete CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 guide.
Quick answer: SY0-701 launched in November 2023 and replaced SY0-601, which retired in July 2024. The exam dropped from six domains to five, shifted weight toward Security Operations and governance, and added modern content like cloud security, zero trust, and automation.
SY0-701 is the only active version
The most important point: SY0-601 is retired, and SY0-701 is the only version you can take. Any study material or advice written for SY0-601 is outdated — it covers most of the concepts but leaves gaps in the newer content. Always study SY0-701 material.
What changed
Fewer domains, restructured. SY0-601 had six domains; SY0-701 has five. Implementation content was absorbed into Architecture and Operations, and "Governance, Risk & Compliance" became "Security Program Management & Oversight."
Weight shifted toward operations and governance. Security Operations grew to 28% (the largest domain), and Program Management sits at 20% — reflecting what security teams actually do day to day. See the full breakdown in our exam format & domains guide.
Modern content added. SY0-701 explicitly tests today's environment:
- Cloud and hybrid security — the shared responsibility model, cloud-native tools.
- Zero trust — now a named concept you must understand.
- Automation and orchestration — SOAR and scripting concepts.
Leaner objectives. SY0-701 trimmed a large share of older objectives, keeping the exam focused on what's relevant now.
Why this matters for your study
Using old SY0-601 resources leaves gaps in exactly the areas the new exam emphasizes — cloud, zero trust, and automation. To avoid that, study official SY0-701 materials built to the current objectives, like the CertMaster Study bundle or CertMaster Learn + Labs.
Ready for the current exam
Study current material, then book with a current, full-validity voucher — ours is the lowest-priced 12-month Security+ voucher, with a free online mock exam included.
→ Get the Security+ (SY0-701) voucher + free mock exam → Study the right version → best Security+ study materials
Bottom line
Don't waste time on SY0-601. Study SY0-701 material — with its focus on operations, governance, cloud, and zero trust — and book the current exam. For the full plan, see how to pass Security+ SY0-701.
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