Last updated: October 15, 2026. Dates in this guide come from CompTIA's published pages and may change, so always confirm on CompTIA's website before you book.
CompTIA Security+ is moving to a new version: SY0-801 (V8), the successor to SY0-701 (V7). If you are deciding which exam to take, how it differs from the old one, or how renewal works, this guide pulls everything into one place and points you to a deeper article on each topic.
Security+ V8 at a glance
- Exam code: SY0-801 (V8)
- Launch: on or around November 17, 2026, in English
- SY0-701 retirement: June 11, 2027 for English (August 13, 2027 for the Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai versions), according to CompTIA's Security+ V7 page
- Format: up to 90 questions, multiple-choice and performance-based, 90 minutes
- Passing score: 750 on a scale of 100 to 900
- Recommended experience: a security administrator with about two years of hands-on experience
- Certification validity: three years
The timeline that matters
Until V8 launches, SY0-701 is the only Security+ exam you can book. From launch until June 11, 2027, both versions are available in English. After that date, only SY0-801 remains. The certification itself is called "CompTIA Security+" whichever version you pass, so the practical question is simply which exam fits your test date. We break this down in Security+ SY0-701 or SY0-801: Which Exam Should You Take?
What is different in V8
The five-domain structure stays, but the weighting shifts and there is more emphasis on modern environments. The most visible change is artificial intelligence: V8 includes a dedicated objective on AI-related threats and vulnerabilities, adds large language models to the attack surface topics, and covers AI in security automation.
| Domain | SY0-701 | SY0-801 |
|---|---|---|
| General Security Concepts | 12% | 16% |
| Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations / Attacks | 22% | 24% |
| Security Architecture | 18% | 19% |
| Security Operations | 28% | 27% |
| Security Program Management and Oversight | 20% | 14% |
Read the full comparison in SY0-701 vs SY0-801: What Changed, and our walkthrough of every domain in SY0-801 Exam Objectives Explained. If you want to understand the AI material in detail, see AI in Security+ SY0-801.
Why CompTIA released a new version
CompTIA lists Security+ versions with an estimated life of about three years, and its objectives are built from subject matter expert workshops and industry surveys. The exam is also accredited under ISO 17024, which calls for regular reviews. Add the growing role of AI in both attacks and defense, and a refresh was expected. We cover the reasoning in Why CompTIA Released Security+ V8.
Renewal and continuing education
Security+ stays valid for three years from the date you pass, whichever version you took. The standard renewal route is 50 continuing education units (CEUs) plus the CE fee, and passing a higher-level CompTIA certification also renews it. A Security+ earned on SY0-701 does not expire early because V8 exists. The details, and what is different when you hold a V7 versus a V8 certification, are in Security+ Renewal and CE: SY0-701 vs SY0-801. For the full CEU walkthrough, see our Security+ renewal guide.
How to prepare
- Use CompTIA's official SY0-801 objectives as your checklist.
- Spend the most time on Security Operations and on Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks, which together carry just over half of the exam.
- Practice scenarios and performance-based tasks, not just definitions.
- Build hands-on skills with labs.
- Use authorized study materials only.
Our SY0-801 study plan turns this into a week-by-week schedule. When you are ready for official training, practice and labs, browse our CompTIA Security+ SY0-801 (V8) collection.
Frequently asked questions
When does Security+ SY0-801 launch?
CompTIA lists a launch date of November 17, 2026, described as "on or around," so check CompTIA for the final date.
When does SY0-701 retire?
June 11, 2027 for the English exam, according to CompTIA's Security+ V7 page.
Is SY0-801 harder than SY0-701?
CompTIA keeps the same format and passing score. The new AI content and a heavier emphasis on operations and scenarios mean memorizing definitions alone is less likely to be enough.
Does my SY0-701 Security+ expire when V8 launches?
No. Security+ is valid for three years from the date you pass, regardless of version.
Which language will SY0-801 be offered in?
CompTIA's V8 page lists English at launch.
Written by an instructor who holds Security+, CySA+, PenTest+ and SecurityX and has delivered online IT security training for over 20 years. CertInstructor is an Authorized CompTIA Partner.
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