CompTIA Security+ Passing Score: What You Need to Know

The CompTIA Security+ exam is a mandatory step to earn the prestigious CompTIA Security+ certification. But what exactly is the CompTIA Security+ passing score you need to achieve? In this article, we will reveal the official passing score for the CompTIA Security+ exam and provide you with effective strategies to help you pass with a high score.

What is the CompTIA Security+ passing score?

CompTIA Security+ passing score

The CompTIA Security+ passing score is 750 out of 900 points. This is the minimum score a candidate must achieve to pass the exam.

However, if you do not reach the minimum score of 750, you are allowed to retake the test. According to CompTIA, there is no limit on the number of times you can take the exam, but there are restrictions on how frequently you can retake it. After your first attempt, if you fail, you can retake the exam immediately. For each subsequent failure, you must wait at least 14 days before attempting the test again.

Why is the CompTIA Security+ passing score important?

Here are 3 reasons why the Comptia Security+ passing score is important:

Cybersecurity skills validation

The CompTIA Security+ passing score is important because it plays a key role in demonstrating a candidate’s proficiency in cybersecurity fundamentals. It shows that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to work in cybersecurity. Passing the Security+ exam is a significant achievement that can enhance your career prospects.

Career opportunities

Achieving the passing score opens the door to a world of cybersecurity opportunities. It qualifies you for various cybersecurity-related roles. Keep in mind that the Security+ certification is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense, making it a mandatory requirement for many government and military cybersecurity positions. Moreover, CompTIA Security+ is also a prerequisite for several major companies such as Northrop Grumman, Brotherhood Mutual, The Joint Commission, Nationwide, Agile Defense, etc.

Attractive salary

In addition, it’s worth noting that the CompTIA Security+ salary is approximately $80,000, which is quite substantial. Even at the entry-level, for roles such as a Help Desk Analyst, you can earn up to $60,000 a year.

What affects the CompTIA Security+ passing score?

Several factors can influence your ability to achieve the CompTIA Security+ passing score, with the most critical being exam format, question difficulty, and time management. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Exam format

The CompTIA Security+ exam includes both multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs test your hands-on ability to solve real-world scenarios and often take more time to complete, which can affect your overall performance if you’re not prepared.

Question difficulty

The exam uses a scaled scoring system, meaning not all questions carry the same weight. Some may be more difficult and contribute more to your final score. That’s why two candidates may answer a different number of questions correctly and still receive the same score.

Time management

You’ll have 90 minutes to answer up to 90 questions. If you spend too much time on one difficult PBQ, you risk rushing through easier questions later, which can lower your accuracy and final score.

How to get the CompTIA Security+ passing score?

How to get the CompTIA Security+ passing score?

Here are 5 detailed steps you can consider following to get the CompTIA Security+ passing score.

Step 1: Understand the exam objectives 

Understanding the exam objectives is very important because it helps you identify what topics you need to study. The new CompTIA Security+ exam provides an official objectives document outlining all domains, such as:

• General Security Concepts (12%)
• Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%)
• Security Architecture (18%)
• Security Operations (28%)
• Security Program Management and Oversight (20%)

Step 2: Study for two hours every single day

You need to commit to studying two hours every day, no exceptions. It might feel like a sacrifice, but this is the price of success. Turn off the TV, mute your notifications, wake up earlier, or use your lunch break—whatever works for your schedule.

Most certifications only demand this level of dedication for a short time, usually one to two months. 

Step 3: Combine theory, hands-on labs and practice exams daily

To truly prepare, mix up your daily study routine with these three essentials:

• Study theory – Read textbooks or watch online videos (many are available for free on YouTube).
• Do hands-on labs – As soon as you learn a topic like Port Security, jump into a lab and configure it yourself.
• Take practice exams – Don’t wait until the last minute to do this. Begin taking practice tests from Day 1. You can begin taking a free CompTIA Security+ practice test at Easy Prep. 

In the beginning, you’ll likely score low, and that’s perfectly okay. Think of practice exams as a diagnostic tool, not a judgment. They show you what to review, where your weak points are, and how you’re improving. Over time, as your skills improve, they become your readiness checks.

Step 4: Build your own cram guide

Instead of relying only on downloaded cheat sheets, create your own cram guide in Google Docs or Word. This might take time, but it’s one of the most powerful learning tools.

As you study, take notes on the most important concepts, configurations, definitions, and examples. Your guide might grow to 20–30 pages, and that’s fine—it’s still far more efficient than a 1,000-page textbook.

Review this guide every single day. By the time exam day arrives, you should be so familiar with it that you could rewrite it from memory.

Step 5: Raise every topic 

Each day, revisit one or two topics from your syllabus. Alternate between studying theory, doing hands-on practice, and taking practice exams. Don’t stop until every item on your list is rated 9 or 10 for both theory and labs.

At this point, you should be scoring consistently in the 90–95% range on your practice exams. That’s your green light – you’re ready for the real test.

FAQs

1. Is CompTIA Security+ hard to pass?

It depends on your background. If you have some basic IT knowledge or networking experience, Security+ is considered moderately challenging. The exam covers a broad range of topics like threats, vulnerabilities, cryptography, risk management, and network security. With focused study, hands-on labs, and practice tests, most people can pass within 1–2 months of preparation.

2. What is the CompTIA Security+ pass rate?

CompTIA does not officially publish the exact pass rate. However, industry estimates suggest the unofficial pass rate is around 70–80% for those who prepare thoroughly. The key to passing is understanding both conceptual knowledge and real-world application.

3. How many questions can I miss on the Security+ exam?

The exam is scored on a scale of 100 to 900, and you need at least a 750 to pass. There are 90 questions, but the number you can miss varies because each question may carry a different weight.

Conclusion

Understanding the CompTIA Security+ passing score is important because it gives you a clear goal to focus on in your study plan. By knowing what it takes to pass, you can structure your preparation more effectively and stay motivated throughout your learning journey.