Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It? DoD Requirements, Exam Prep and What to Pair It With

Security+ is probably the most talked-about entry-level cybersecurity certification in the US. Some people call it the key to a government security job. Others say it’s too basic to matter. If you’re deciding whether to spend weeks studying and pay for an exam, you want a straight answer.

Here it is: Security+ is worth it for a specific set of people, especially anyone targeting Department of Defense (DoD) and defense contractor jobs, and anyone early in a security career. This guide explains the DoD requirements, what the exam covers (including the new version launching in November 2026), how to prepare and what to pair it with so it actually turns into a job.

What Security+ is and who it’s for

CompTIA Security+ is a vendor-neutral certification covering core security skills: threats and attacks, security architecture, identity and access, security operations, incident response, and governance and risk. “Vendor-neutral” means you learn concepts that apply across products rather than one company’s tools.

CompTIA recommends having Network+ and about 2 years of experience in a security or systems administration role before taking it. That’s a recommendation, not a requirement, and many people pass with less experience and strong lab practice.

Job roles CompTIA associates with Security+ include security analyst, security engineer and systems administrator.

Security+ and DoD 8140 job requirements

This is the biggest reason Security+ is so popular.

The DoD sets qualification requirements for its cyber workforce in DoD Manual 8140.03, effective February 15, 2023. It replaced the older DoD 8570.01-M, the manual many job ads still mention by name. Under 8140, people in cyber work roles must be qualified for their role, and qualification can come through approved certifications along with other options such as training, education and experience, depending on the role and proficiency level.

CompTIA lists Security+ (V7) as approved for a long list of DoD 8140 work roles, including cyber defense analyst, incident responder, vulnerability analyst, security control assessor, system administrator, network operations specialist and information security manager.

What this means for you:

• DoD civilian and military cyber roles, and many defense contractor positions, often require an approved certification within a set time of hiring. Security+ is one of the most common ways to meet it.
• Job ads may say “8570 compliant,” “IAT Level II” or “8140 qualified.” Security+ is frequently the certification they mean.
• A certification doesn’t replace a security clearance. Many defense jobs require both, and clearances are sponsored by the employer.

If you’re a veteran or transitioning service member, our guide to tech careers for veterans covers how to use your experience and benefits.

Exam details: V7 now, V8 coming November 2026

Security+ is in the middle of a version change. Here’s how the 2 versions compare, based on CompTIA’s exam pages.

V7 domains: general security concepts (12%), threats, vulnerabilities and mitigations (22%), security architecture (18%), security operations (28%) and security program management and oversight (20%).

V8 domains: general security concepts (16%), threats, vulnerabilities and attacks (24%), security architecture (19%), security operations (27%) and security program management and oversight (14%). CompTIA highlights more coverage of AI-related risks, zero trust, cloud and hybrid environments, and AI-assisted security work. If zero trust is new to you, start with our explainer on zero trust security.

Which version should you take? If you’re already well into V7 study material, you can keep going: the English V7 exam is scheduled to stay available until June 2027. If you’re just starting in late 2026, check whether good V8 study materials are available yet. Both versions earn the same Security+ certification.

Is Security+ worth it for you?

Key takeaway: Security+ is a requirement-meeter and a fundamentals check, not a job guarantee. Its value is highest where it’s required, especially DoD and defense contractor work, and when you combine it with hands-on skills you can demonstrate in an interview.

What Security+ can lead to: pay and outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks security analysts as “information security analysts.” BLS reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $129,180 and projects 21% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average. That median covers all experience levels, so a first security job will usually pay less. Many people reach a security analyst role after starting in help desk, networking or systems administration. Our full roadmap on how to become a cybersecurity analyst walks through the steps.

How to prepare for the Security+ exam

1. Get the official exam objectives for the version you’ll take. Use them as your checklist.
2. Make sure your networking is solid. Ports, protocols, subnets, DNS and how traffic flows show up throughout the exam. Network+ material or equivalent study helps.
3. Pick one main course and one practice exam source. Too many resources slow you down.
4. Do hands-on labs. Set up a virtual lab with a Linux machine and a Windows machine, practice firewall rules, read logs and try basic tools in a legal practice environment.
5. Drill performance-based questions. They often appear at the start of the exam and can take time, so practice pacing.
6. Take timed practice exams and review every wrong answer against the objectives.
7. Schedule the exam at a test center or online, and plan around the V7 to V8 changeover.

Study time varies. People with IT experience often prepare in several weeks; beginners usually need longer.

What to pair Security+ with

Security+ proves you know the vocabulary. Employers also want proof you can do the work. Pair it with:

• Networking and Linux skills. These are the foundation of almost every security role.
• A home lab and portfolio. Write up what you build: a monitored network, log analysis, a vulnerability scan with remediation notes. See how to build a tech portfolio.
• A specialized next certification that matches your target role:
• Security operations and analysis: CompTIA CySA+
• Offensive security: PenTest+ or a hands-on practical exam; see how to become a penetration tester
• Cloud security: a cloud provider’s security or associate certification; see how to become a cloud engineer
• Management track later: ISACA or ISC2 credentials with experience requirements
• Framework knowledge. Familiarity with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework helps in governance and compliance roles.

For a broader view of which credential to stack next, see our IT certification decision map.

Renewal and cost

Security+ is valid for 3 years. You can renew by earning 50 continuing education units within that cycle and paying the CE fee, completing CompTIA’s CertMaster CE course for Security+, passing the newest version of the exam, or earning a qualifying higher-level CompTIA certification. Renewing Security+ also renews A+ and Network+ under CompTIA’s rules.

Exam voucher prices are listed on CompTIA’s store and vary by country, bundle and promotion, so check the current price before budgeting. Employers, the military, workforce programs and some schools may cover the cost.

Where to start

1. Pick your target role and read 10 local or remote job postings for it.
2. Check your networking basics. If they’re shaky, start there.
3. Choose your exam version based on your timeline and study materials.
4. Book a test date 8 to 12 weeks out to create a deadline.
5. Build 2 or 3 lab projects while you study and put them on your resume.

Conclusion

Security+ is worth it if you want a DoD or defense contractor role, are moving from IT support into security, or need a recognized proof of security fundamentals. It’s less useful for experienced security pros. Treat it as one piece of a plan: solid networking, hands-on labs, a portfolio and a specialized next step. Watch the V7 to V8 changeover in November 2026 and pick the version that fits your timeline.

Sources

• CompTIA Security+ certification overview — V7 and upcoming V8 versions and associated job roles
• CompTIA Security+ V7 exam details — SY0-701 format, domains, passing score, DoD 8140 roles and retirement dates
• CompTIA Security+ V8 exam details — SY0-801 launch date, format and domains
• DoD Manual 8140.03: Cyberspace Workforce Qualification and Management Program (PDF) — effective February 15, 2023; cancels DoD 8570.01-M
• CompTIA: Security+ renewal requirements — 50 CEUs over 3 years and renewal options
• BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Information Security Analysts — May 2025 median pay and 2025 to 2035 outlook