All certifications / Compare / CC vs Security+
CC vs Security+: which should you take?
Which first?
Either order works. Start with CC if you are brand new and want an early win; go straight to Security+ if you already know basic networking and IT.
Who each one is for
CC (2026 outline): Complete beginners who want to test their interest in security before committing more study time.
Security+ (SY0-701): People ready to aim for a first security or security-aware IT job.
Key differences
- CC covers five domains at an introductory level; Security+ covers more topics in more depth and includes performance-based questions.
- Security+ appears far more often in job postings and is on the US DoD 8140 list for many roles.
- Studying for CC first makes Security+ noticeably easier, because much of the vocabulary carries over.
Side by side
| Item | CC | Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | ISC2 | CompTIA |
| Exam | 2026 outline | SY0-701 |
| Questions | 100–125 (CAT) | Up to 90 (multiple choice and PBQs) |
| Time | 120 minutes | 90 minutes |
| To pass | 700 out of 1000 | 750 on a 100–900 scale |
| Free study plan here | – | 16 weeks |
| Career tracks | Cybersecurity | Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Administration |
Exam domains
CC (2026 outline)
- Security principles 24%
- Security governance 17%
- Identity & access management concepts 20%
- Networking & cloud security concepts 22%
- Security operations & incident response 17%
Security+ (SY0-701)
- General security concepts 12%
- Threats, vulnerabilities & mitigations 22%
- Security architecture 18%
- Security operations 28%
- Program management & oversight 20%
Exam details come from each vendor's published objectives as recorded in the study plans; confirm them on the vendor's page before you book.
Study either one for free
Week-by-week lessons, quizzes, exam simulations and hands-on labs.
CC plan Security+ planWeek-by-week lessons, quizzes, exam simulations and hands-on labs.