CompTIA Security+ Certification 2026 (SY0-701): Cost, Salary & Preparation
Quick Overview
- Certification (Zertifikat): CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
- Cost: Exam $392 (~€360) | Training €100–€2,000 (optional)
- Duration: 8–12 weeks preparation (at 8–12 hrs/week)
- Salary with Certification: +€7,000–€15,000 vs. non-certified
- Best Choice: Self-study with Professor Messer (free) + Jason Dion practice exams
Course Details
| Category (Kategorie) | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name (Prüfungsname) | SY0-701: CompTIA Security+ |
| Exam Cost (Prüfungskosten) | $392 (~€360) |
| Questions (Fragen) | Max. 90 (Multiple Choice + Performance-Based) |
| Passing Score (Bestehensgrenze) | 750/900 |
| Validity (Gültigkeit) | 3 years (CEU-based renewal) |
| Prerequisites (Voraussetzungen) | CompTIA Network+ recommended (not required) |
| Exam Languages (Prüfungssprachen) | EN, DE, JP, PT, ES |
Data verified 2026-05-06. Source: CompTIA Certification Dashboard.
Price Comparison — Prep Options
| Option | Price | Format | Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Messer (YouTube) | Free | Video | 120+ videos, full course |
| CompTIA Security+ Exam | $392 (€360) | Test Center / Online | Exam attempt |
| Jason Dion (Udemy) | €15–€20 | Video + Practice | 30 hrs course + 6 practice exams |
| CompTIA CertMaster Learn | $549 (€510) | CompTIA Platform | Official training + labs + practice |
| CompTIA CertMaster Learn + Exam | $949 (€880) | Bundle | Training + labs + exam voucher (Prüfungsgutschein) |
| Bootcamp (e.g. New Horizons) | €1,500–€2,000 | Live Online / On-Site | 5-day intensive course + materials |
Prices verified 2026-05-06. Udemy courses regularly on sale for €15–€20.
Salary After Certification
| Role (Rolle) | Without Security+ (Ohne) | With Security+ (Mit) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Support / Helpdesk L2 | €38,000 | €45,000 | +€7,000 |
| Junior Security Analyst | €45,000 | €55,000 | +€10,000 |
| SOC Analyst (Security Operations) | €52,000 | €64,000 | +€12,000 |
| Security Administrator | €58,000 | €73,000 | +€15,000 |
Data: kununu, Glassdoor, Hays IT Salary Report (2026). Salaries gross/year, Germany.
Decision Matrix
If you’re entering cybersecurity, Security+ is the gold standard for career change (Karrierewechsel). It is the only entry-level certification (Einstiegs-Zertifizierung) recognized by the US government (DoD 8570) and German employers alike. Total investment from €380.
If you want to minimize costs, choose Professor Messer (YouTube, free) + Jason Dion on Udemy (€15–€20 on sale) + exam fee (€360). Total: €380. The ROI is outstanding with a +€7,000–€15,000 salary increase.
If your employer pays, choose the CompTIA CertMaster Bundle (€880). Official labs, adaptive learning paths (Lernpfade), and exam voucher included. This significantly reduces the risk of a failed attempt (Fehlversuch).
AI Disclosure (KI-Offenlegung): This page was created with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor. Price and salary data come from publicly available sources and were verified on 2026-05-06. Last updated: 2026-05-06.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How hard is the CompTIA Security+ exam? The difficulty is moderate. The passing score is 750 out of 900 (approximately 83%). With 8-12 weeks of structured preparation (at 8-12 hrs/week), most candidates pass on their first attempt. The first-attempt pass rate is estimated at 70-75%. The most challenging part is the Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) — hands-on simulations rather than multiple choice. Source: SecuSpark Difficulty Assessment.
2. Can I pass Security+ without an IT background? Yes, but the effort is greater. CompTIA recommends two years of IT experience but does not require it. Career changers typically need 12-16 weeks of preparation. Recommended path: Professor Messer (YouTube, free) for theory + Jason Dion practice exams (Udemy, €15-20) + TryHackMe for hands-on labs.
3. Is Security+ recognized by employers in Germany? Yes, Security+ is one of the most widely recognized entry-level cybersecurity certifications internationally. It is approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD 8570/8140) and valued by German companies and government agencies alike. A Security+ certification can increase salary by €7,000–€15,000.
4. How long is the certification valid and how do I renew it? CompTIA Security+ is valid for three years. To renew, you need 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) — earned through courses, conference attendance, or earning a higher CompTIA certification. Alternatively, you can complete the CertMaster CE course.
5. Is the CertMaster Bundle worth it or is self-study enough? Self-study with Professor Messer (free) + Jason Dion (€15-20) + exam fee (€360) totals approximately €380 — the most budget-friendly option and absolutely sufficient for disciplined learners. The CertMaster Bundle (€880) is worth it when your employer pays, or if you want official labs and adaptive learning paths.
Sources
- CompTIA Security+ Official Certification Page — Exam details, SY0-701 objectives, DoD 8140 work role mapping
- SecuSpark: How Hard Is Security+? (2026) — Independent difficulty analysis with pass rates, PBQ tips, and study time estimates
- DSDT: Is CompTIA Security+ Worth It in 2026? — ROI analysis, salary impact, and career outlook
Related: Cybersecurity Analyst Jobs 2026, IT Project Manager Salary, AWS Solutions Architect Certification, PMP Certification 2026
Methodology
Comparison data based on:
- CompTIA Certification Dashboard (accessed 2026-05-06)
- Professor Messer (YouTube, 2025–2026)
- Udemy (Jason Dion) — course ratings & prices (2026)
- kununu Salary Check (n=250+ IT security roles in DE)
- Hays IT Salary Report (2026, IT Security category)
- r/CompTIA community experience reports (Erfahrungsberichte) (n=200+)
How we work
- Data researched directly from providers and official sources
- Prices updated regularly (as of 2026-03-09)
- Independent analysis — no paid placements
- Transparent methodology with source citations