The CompTIA Security+ certification stands as a globally recognized benchmark for foundational cybersecurity expertise. Earning this coveted credential validates your ability to prevent, detect, and respond to security threats across diverse IT landscapes. It’s the gold standard for aspiring security professionals and a valuable asset for established IT professionals seeking to solidify their security knowledge.
In July 2023, CompTIA began a new era for the Security+ program with the introduction of exam version SY0-701, succeeding the well-established SY0-601. This update reflects the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, incorporating the latest trends, technologies, and threats impacting the field today.
This blog post explores the comprehensive comparison of the SY0-601 and SY0-701 versions of the CompTIA Security+ exam. We’ll understand the key differences in their content, exam structure, and overall focus, empowering you to make an informed decision as you chart your cybersecurity career path. Whether you’re a seasoned professional seeking to upgrade your knowledge or a newcomer eager to take the first step in your security journey, this comparative analysis will equip you with the insights needed to choose the right exam for your goals and aspirations.
So, buckle up and prepare to navigate the exciting world of CompTIA Security+!
Overview of Previous CompTIA Security+ SY0-601
CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that confirms basic abilities in carrying out essential security tasks and serves as a starting point for a career in IT security. It’s the first security certification you should earn if you’re entering this field. It gives you the foundational knowledge needed for any job in cybersecurity and prepares you for more advanced roles.
This certification helps you develop practical problem-solving skills for security. Here’s what it covers:
- Evaluating the security of a company’s computer setup and applying the right security solutions.
- Securing mixed environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT (Internet of Things).
- Working while considering relevant laws, policies, and principles of governance, risk, and compliance.
- Identifying, analyzing, and responding to security events and incidents.
The SY0-601 exam checks if you have the knowledge and skills to assess a company’s security setup and implement the right security measures. This exam covers overseeing mixed environments, and making sure you follow relevant laws and policies.
Knowledge Area:
To take this exam, first, you need to have CompTIA Network+ and two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security. Second, you should have practical, hands-on experience in information security. Lastly, you need to have a wide understanding of security concepts.
Exam Details:
- Number of questions: Maximum of 90
- Types of questions: Multiple-choice and performance-based
- Length of test: 90 minutes
- Passing score: 750 (on a scale of 100–900)
- Language: English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Portuguese
Overview of New CompTIA Security+ SY0-701:
The new CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is the latest and best in cybersecurity, covering essential skills for dealing with current threats, automation, zero trust, IoT, risk, and more. Once you’re certified, you’ll have the core skills needed for the job, and employers will take notice. The Security+ exam ensures you have the knowledge and skills to:
- Evaluate a company’s security setup and suggest and implement the right security solutions.
- Secure mixed environments, including cloud, mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), and operational technology.
- Work while considering relevant regulations and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance.
- Recognize, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents.
The CompTIA Security+ certification exam checks if you can successfully assess an enterprise’s security setup, recommend and implement security measures, secure various environments, and operate while considering laws and policies.
Knowledge Area:
Suggested qualifications include at least 2 years of IT administration experience with a security focus, practical hands-on knowledge of technical information security, and a comprehensive understanding of security concepts.
Additionally, having CompTIA Network+ certification and two years of experience in a security/systems administrator role is recommended.
Exam Details:
- Number of questions: Maximum of 90
- Types of questions: Multiple-choice and performance-based
- Length of test: 90 minutes
- Language: English, with Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish to follow
CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 versus SY0-701: Domain Comparison
The new CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) tackles the most recent trends and techniques in cybersecurity. It focuses on essential technical skills in risk assessment, incident response, forensics, enterprise networks, hybrid/cloud operations, and security controls to ensure optimal performance on the job.
The update includes 20% of exam objectives, highlighting:
Current Trends: Emphasizing the latest developments in threats, attacks, vulnerabilities, automation, zero trust, risk, IoT, OT, and cloud environments. It also gives importance to communication, reporting, and teamwork skills.
Hybrid Environments: Providing the latest techniques for cybersecurity professionals dealing with hybrid environments, whether in the cloud or on-premises. Cybersecurity professionals are expected to be familiar with both worlds.
Now, let’s explore the distinctions between the 601 and 701 exam domains.
| CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) Exam Domains | CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam Domains |
| Attacks, Threats and Vulnerabilities (24%) Architecture and Design (21%) Implementation (25%) Operations and Incident Response (16%) Governance, Risk and Compliance (14%) | General Security Concepts (12%) Threats, Vulnerabilities and Mitigations (22%) Security Architecture (18%) Security Operations (28%) Security Program Management and Oversight (20%) |
SY0-701 and SY0-601 have the same number of exam domains, but SY0-701 has fewer objectives (28 compared to 35). This reduction is due to a more focused job role in an advancing industry. Some exam domains and objectives were re-ordered and re-named for instructional design improvements. Additionally, CompTIA consistently reviews exam content, updating questions to ensure relevance and maintain exam integrity.
Domain Functioning in Job Sectors:
The evolution of CompTIA Security+ aligns with the dynamic nature of the cybersecurity field. The changes in exam domains reflect the ongoing developments in the industry. The following table outlines the reasons behind updating the CompTIA Security+ exam domains and how they correspond to job requirements.
| Exam Domain | Description | How It Applies to IT Jobs |
| General Security Concepts | Involves different security controls, basic security ideas, the significance of change management procedures, and the utilization of cryptographic solutions. | Grasping the terms and fundamental concepts of cybersecurity is crucial for those working in the field. It establishes a shared language for communication among cybersecurity professionals. |
| Threats, Vulnerabilities and Mitigations | Involves understanding threat actors and their motivations, threat vectors, attack surfaces, various vulnerabilities, and techniques to reduce or prevent harm. | For cybersecurity professionals, being mindful of potential threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities is crucial for safeguarding networks. Mitigating these risks, or lessening their impact, is essential. Identifying and analyzing malicious activities is necessary to prevent data breaches, and implementing mitigation techniques is key to securing the enterprise. |
| Security Architecture | Covers the security consequences of diverse architecture models, strategies to safeguard data, principles for securing enterprise infrastructure, and the significance of resilience and recovery in security design. | For cybersecurity professionals, understanding various security architectures is vital because distinct approaches are required to secure them. This includes on-premises, cloud, and hybrid networks (combining on-premises and cloud). |
| Security Operations | Involves methods for security, understanding security alerts and monitoring using tools, managing vulnerabilities, recognizing the security impact of proper hardware, software, and data asset management, implementing identity and access management, and emphasizing the importance of automation, orchestration, and incident response activities. | Involves security methods, understanding security alerts and monitoring using tools, managing vulnerabilities, recognizing the security impact of proper hardware, software, and data asset management, implementing identity and access management, and emphasizing the importance of automation, orchestration, and incident response activities. |
| Security Program Management and Oversight | Covers aspects of strong security governance, the risk management process (including assessing and managing risks from third parties), various types and purposes of audits and assessments, practices for promoting security awareness, and elements contributing to effective security compliance. | Cybersecurity professionals have a duty to report and communicate their actions, including details about security incidents, the kinds of threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities they discover, and any trends they observe. Staying informed about the latest trends in effective security governance, including concepts related to managing risks from third parties, is crucial for cybersecurity professionals to assist organizations in achieving security compliance. |
Is Security+ 601 Harder Than 701?
Whether Security+ 601 is harder than 701 is a complex question with no straightforward answer. It depends on various factors like your background, learning style, and the specific aspects of each exam you find challenging. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide:
Exam Content:
- Domain Coverage: Both exams have five domains, but the content within them differs.
- SY0-601: Focused more on practical application with emphasis on hands-on skills like network troubleshooting and device configuration. Had a dedicated domain for “Implementation” covering topics like firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
- SY0-701: Emphasizes a broader, conceptual understanding of security concepts. Requires you to explain, compare, and contrast various elements. Introduces new areas like OT (Operational Technology) security and threat intelligence.
- Depth vs. Breadth: SY0-601 went deeper into specific topics, whereas SY0-701 covers a broader range of areas, albeit at a less granular level. This means some questions in 601 might feel technically harder, while 701 requires understanding a larger volume of information.
Difficulty:
SY0-701 is often perceived as more complex due to its focus on conceptual understanding and analytical skills. It challenges you to think critically and apply principles to different scenarios. While both exams require memorizing certain facts and figures, 701 has slightly less emphasis on rote memorization compared to 601. It’s less about recalling specific command lines and more about understanding the underlying concepts.
If you have strong hands-on technical experience, you might find the practical questions of 601 easier. Conversely, if you have a theoretical background in security concepts, 701 might be less challenging. Some people prefer in-depth dives into specific topics (favoring 601), while others prefer broader overviews with less technical minutia (favoring 701). Identifying your learning style can help gauge which exam might be more comfortable for you.
CompTIA Security+ Study Resources
For effective studying, it’s important to set up a learning-friendly environment. This involves reducing distractions, scheduling specific study times, and concentrating on the material. To reinforce what you’re learning, try various study techniques like taking notes, summarizing information, and discussing topics with classmates. When preparing for the CompTIA Security+ exam, make sure to use the official study guide and resources provided by the authorities. These methods are crucial for successful exam preparation.
1. CertMaster Learn for Security+ Training:
Make sure you’re fully prepared for your Security+ exam with the comprehensive online training provided exclusively by CompTIA. CertMaster Learn offers interactive and self-paced lessons, incorporating instructional content, assessments, videos, and performance-based questions. It’s designed to help you not only succeed in your certification exam but also your IT career. Gain confidence in your exam readiness by using CompTIA CertMaster Learn!
What’s included in CertMaster Learn for CompTIA Security+:
- Complete coverage of exam objectives focusing on job roles
- Over 40 hours of engaging content
- 16 lessons with interactive performance-based questions (PBQs)
- 160 practice questions with immediate feedback
- A final assessment with 90 questions to simulate the test experience
Exclusive CertMaster Learn features to enhance your learning and exam success:
- Countdown calendar to keep you on track
- Narrative instruction, images, videos, and games to keep you engaged
- Achievement badges, flashcards, and a personalized dashboard for progress tracking
- PBQs and practice questions to highlight what you’ve mastered and areas to revisit
2. CertMaster Labs for Security+ Training:
CertMaster Labs for Security+ offers learners a vital platform to acquire hands-on skills and enhance their understanding of the subject, preparing them for CertMaster Security+ Certification. With CertMaster Labs, you can focus on the practical aspects of Security+ exam objectives, reinforcing previous training by accessing real equipment and software environments.
3. CertMaster Practice for Security+:
CertMaster Practice is a tool that assesses your knowledge and aids in certification training. It assists you in acquiring knowledge and getting ready for your CompTIA exam. With a question-first design, real-time learning analytics, and content refreshers, CertMaster Practice reinforces and tests your understanding, closing any knowledge gaps you may have.
4. CompTIA Instructor-Led Training:
Enroll in instructor-led training to benefit from expert guidance and insights from someone with in-depth knowledge of the exam. Whether you prefer classroom or live online training, CompTIA provides top-notch, instructor-led training for both individuals and teams. If you’re new to the tech industry and seeking training, explore the following options.
Training for Individuals:
Choose CompTIA’s online instructor-led training to learn from highly qualified instructors. Receive hands-on instruction in a live online environment, guided by a certified CompTIA instructor.
CompTIA Custom Training:
Bring best-in-class, instructor-led training to your group or organization with CompTIA Custom Training. Ensure your team receives the IT certification training they need, led by highly qualified trainers with a proven success record.
Expert Corner
Choosing the right Security+ exam version, either SY0-601 or SY0-701, depends on your background, learning style, and career goals. If you have strong hands-on technical experience and prefer the practical application, the previous SY0-601 exam version focused on specific topics, like network troubleshooting and device configuration, and has a dedicated domain for “Implementation.”
On the other hand, if you have a theoretical background in security concepts and prefer a broader understanding, SY0-701 has the latest updates. It emphasizes conceptual understanding, and analytical skills, and covers new areas like OT security and threat intelligence.
Ultimately, the best way to choose is to consider your career goals. Remember that thorough preparation and dedication are key to success in the Security+ exam. Good luck!
FAQs: SY0-601 and SY0-701
1. Which Security+ exam should I take, SY0-601 or SY0-701?
This depends on your background, learning style, and career goals. See the above sections for guidance.
2. Which exam is harder?
They both have their challenges, but the difficulty is subjective. SY0-601 might feel technically harder due to in-depth topics, while SY0-701 might seem more demanding conceptually.
3. Is SY0-601 still valid?
SY0-601 is valid until July 31, 2024, but highly recommended to switch to SY0-701 for its updated content and relevance.
4. What are the differences in exam content?
SY0-601 focused more on practical applications with dedicated implementation topics, while SY0-701 emphasized broader understanding and new areas like OT security and threat intelligence.
5. Does it matter to employers which version I have?
No, employers generally care more that you have the Security+ certification itself, not the specific version.
6. Can I still take SY0-601 after July 31, 2024?
No, the exam will be retired after that date.
7. Is there any advantage to taking SY0-601 now?
If you already have study materials or completed training for SY0-601, taking it before the deadline might be an option. However, consider the updated content and relevance of SY0-701 for longer-term career benefits.
8. What are the new topics covered in SY0-701?
OT security, threat intelligence, automation, zero trust security, and risk analysis are some key additions.
9. Is there more memorization required in SY0-701?
There’s slightly more compared to SY0-601, but the focus is still on understanding concepts and applying them to different scenarios.
10. What are good resources for preparing for the Security+ exam?
Use CompTIA’s official exam objectives, study guides, practice exams, and recommended training materials. Many third-party books, video courses, and online communities offer valuable resources as well.
