CompTIA Security+ remains one of the most recognized entry-level cybersecurity certifications for IT professionals in the United States. The certification validates foundational skills in cybersecurity concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations, identity and access management, risk, and governance. For candidates preparing in 2026, however, an important change is approaching: the current CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 is expected to be followed by the next-generation Security+ V8, commonly referenced as SY0-801.
The current SY0-701 exam is still the active Security+ examination. CompTIA has published draft objectives for the next version, which means candidates need to understand what is confirmed, what is changing, and what remains subject to change before choosing their preparation path.
Important Notice: Details regarding the upcoming SY0-801 exam reflect official draft announcements and industry timelines. Until CompTIA completes its full rollout, objectives, scoring guidelines, and retirement dates remain subject to revision.
What Are the Key Differences Between CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 and SY0-801?
The biggest difference between SY0-701 and the upcoming V8 is the emphasis on newer cybersecurity technologies, modern attack techniques, and evolving defensive practices. SY0-701 covers five major areas: general security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations, and security program management and oversight.
The draft V8 objectives continue to use five domains but adjust their weighting and terminology. The draft places greater emphasis on general security concepts and threats while introducing newer topics such as artificial intelligence as both a potential attack surface and a defensive capability. Other emerging areas include deepfakes, prompt injection, passkeys, passwordless authentication, quishing, Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), Security Service Edge (SSE), and additional modern security frameworks.
| Feature | SY0-701 | SY0-801 / V8 (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Version | Security+ V7 | Security+ V8 |
| Status | Current active exam | Scheduled launch: Nov 17, 2026 |
| Questions | Up to 90 | Up to 90 (expected; mix of MCQs and PBQs) |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Passing Score | 750 / 900 | 750 / 900 (standard CompTIA scale benchmark) |
| Major Focus | Core cybersecurity + practical security operations | Modern security, AI threats, cloud architecture, and operations |
SY0-801 Domain Weight Breakdown
The draft V8 objectives show changes in the relative emphasis of the five Security+ domains. The current SY0-701 weighting is 12%, 22%, 18%, 28%, and 20%, while the V8 draft shifts those percentages:
| Security+ Exam Domain | SY0-701 Weightage | SY0-801 (New) Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| General Security Concepts | 12% | 16% |
| Threats, Vulnerabilities & Attacks/Mitigations | 22% | 24% |
| Security Architecture | 18% | 19% |
| Security Operations | 28% | 27% |
| Security Program Management & Oversight | 20% | 14% |
These changes show why candidates should avoid preparing for SY0-801 solely from older SY0-701 study guides. The underlying cybersecurity fundamentals remain relevant, but the exam objectives and domain priorities are being rebalanced.
What Is New in the Security+ V8 Syllabus?
Security+ V8 is designed around the cybersecurity environments professionals are increasingly expected to understand in modern organizations. Artificial intelligence is one of the most visible additions. The draft objectives address AI-related risks such as prompt injection, model poisoning, jailbreaking, hallucinations, and deepfakes. They also introduce AI from a defensive perspective, including AI-assisted security capabilities and agentic systems.
The architecture-related material also reflects the continued movement toward cloud and hybrid infrastructure. Candidates can expect greater familiarity with modern security technologies and approaches rather than focusing only on traditional network security. Topics in the draft material include CSPM, SSE, passkeys, passwordless authentication, and other technologies relevant to contemporary enterprise environments.
Security+ is not becoming an advanced specialist certification. Its purpose remains to establish broad cybersecurity knowledge that supports roles in security operations, infrastructure security, risk management, and related IT functions.
CompTIA Security+ V8 Release Date
One of the most-searched questions about the next Security+ version is the SY0-801 release date. Industry and official documentation indicate a scheduled launch date of November 17, 2026.
The current SY0-701 remains available during this transition period. Typically, CompTIA maintains an approximate six-month overlap period after a new release before retiring the previous exam. Candidates whose study plans extend into mid-2027 should monitor official CompTIA release channels before scheduling to ensure they choose the appropriate exam code.
Exam Format, Passing Score, and Cost
Questions and Exam Structure
The current SY0-701 exam has a maximum of 90 questions with a 90-minute limit. It includes multiple-choice questions along with Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) designed to evaluate practical, hands-on simulation skills. Official exam parameters for SY0-801 align with this standard 90-question, 90-minute format.
Preparation must go beyond memorizing definitions. Candidates need to practice interpreting scenarios, identifying security controls, analyzing vulnerabilities, and selecting appropriate responses to realistic security incidents.
Passing Score
The Security+ SY0-701 passing score is 750 on a scale of 100–900. CompTIA foundational certifications consistently maintain this 750/900 benchmark across versions, including the SY0-801 standard.
Exam Cost
Security+ exam pricing can change, and the final amount depends on the purchase channel, regional pricing, and applicable taxes or promotions. Current 2026 sources report a U.S. list price of approximately $439 for SY0-701. CompTIA typically maintains retail price parity across successive version codes within the same certification tier. Training materials, practice labs, and exam vouchers are sold separately.
How to Prepare for the CompTIA Security+ Exam?
Start with foundational areas: authentication, authorization, access control, cryptography, security architecture, network security, vulnerabilities, incident response, risk management, and governance.
Choosing the Right Training Path
Depending on your baseline technical experience, budget, and study timeline, choose one of three primary training paths:
- Official CompTIA CertMaster Ecosystem: CompTIA offers self-paced digital training directly mapped to exam objectives, including CertMaster Learn (interactive modules, videos, and flashcards), CertMaster Labs (live browser-based virtual machines for hands-on PBQ practice), and CertMaster Practice (adaptive knowledge assessments and timed practice exams).
- Instructor-Led Training & Bootcamps: Ideal for professionals needing structured accountability or fast-track preparation. Through Site Learning America, our CompTIA expert-led trainings cover the curriculum end-to-end, providing hands-on lab access, dedicated mentorship, and exam vouchers with retake assurance.
- Self-Paced Independent Study: A cost-effective route combining video course libraries (e.g., Professor Messer, Jason Dion, and Mike Meyers), comprehensive study guides (such as Sybex or McGraw Hill), and sandbox home-lab practice using tools like Wireshark, Nmap, and VirtualBox.
Version-Specific Preparation Strategy
- Preparing for SY0-701: Use established study materials, books, and courses specifically mapped to the SY0-701 blueprint. A wealth of vetted practice tests and video courses are already available.
- Planning for SY0-801: Wait for final published objectives and vetted curriculum from recognized authors and CompTIA partners before purchasing version-specific bundles.
A structured schedule combining dedicated video instruction, practical lab simulations, thorough practice questions, and scheduled review sessions delivers significantly higher pass rates than rote memorization.
Should You Take SY0-701 Now or Wait for SY0-801?
The choice depends on your timeline. SY0-701 is fully mature, active, and supported by extensive preparation material. If you can sit for the exam before SY0-701 retires in 2027, taking SY0-701 is recommended. Employers treat all active CompTIA Security+ certifications equally regardless of version number. If your study plan starts later in 2026 or extends past mid-2027, aligning directly with SY0-801 avoids redundant prep.
