CompTIA · Cybersecurity foundation
Threats, access controls, secure infrastructure and the basics of running a security function.
Threats, access controls, secure infrastructure and the basics of running a security function.
Useful when support or junior security work asks you to explain why a control matters, recognise a suspicious event and escalate it clearly.
Get comfortable with IP networking, user permissions and Windows or Linux first. Otherwise you end up memorising controls for systems you do not yet understand.
Threats, access controls, secure infrastructure and the basics of running a security function.
Useful when support or junior security work asks you to explain why a control matters, recognise a suspicious event and escalate it clearly.
Get comfortable with IP networking, user permissions and Windows or Linux first. Otherwise you end up memorising controls for systems you do not yet understand.
Certification essentials
Check the vendor record and ongoing commitment alongside the career guidance.
V7 (SY0-701) launched on 7 November 2023 and retires in English on 11 June 2027, with Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai following on 13 August 2027. CompTIA has not published a successor version on this page, so sit SY0-701 and check for a V8 announcement before booking late in the window.
Source: CompTIA · Read 22 September 2026
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Renew every 3 years with 50 continuing education units (CEUs) and the CE programme fee, or an eligible exam or CertMaster CE course.
The CEU route costs US$150 in CE fees per 3-year cycle, not an annual fee. Passing the latest exam or an eligible higher CompTIA certification can renew without a separate CE fee; exam or course costs still apply. Check which lower certifications are covered.
Renewal policy checked 2026-09-28. Check the linked provider policy for current fees and eligibility.
UK storefront exam voucher only, quoted in GBP. Confirm VAT and the final booking total; training, retake assurance and renewal fees are separate. Vendor price checked 2026-09-24. Check the vendor record before booking.
Current vendor pricing source ↗Connect it to the work
See what the job involves and why this credential may support it.
Your next decision
Consider the work, the alternatives and your starting point.
Security+ supports entry-level security understanding but rarely lands roles on its own. Combined with networking fundamentals, a home lab, and a public project portfolio, it becomes a strong on-ramp into a SOC role.
Use Security+ to organise foundational security study. Pair it with an investigation or hardening exercise you can explain, and check whether a target vacancy requires this exact credential. Watch for: treating a knowledge credential as proof of incident-handling experience.
No single right path. These adjacent options reach similar roles.
Study resources
Choose the right mix for your goals and experience. Links below go to official and third-party resources.
Optional home projects
Ideas to explore after choosing a certification, using your own tools and keeping evidence of your work.
| Evidence | What to capture |
|---|---|
| Incident triage note | Show the inputs, scope and decisions behind this record. An unfamiliar location is not automatically labelled a confirmed compromise. |
| Control recommendations with reasons | Include the evidence supporting your conclusion. The response considers account access, user verification and evidence preservation. |
A fictional employee reports an unexpected MFA prompt. A helpdesk ticket, a sign-in record and a device inventory provide incomplete evidence.
View project guideWhat this is based on
Practitioner assessment checked against published external evidence.
Last reviewed: September 2026 · UK market · Confidence: indicative
Before you commit
