Certification comparison
CompTIA Security+ vs CISSP
Compare cost, duration, difficulty, salary outlook, job market demand, and the profile each certification fits best.
| Category | Security+ | CISSP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $404 | $749 |
| Exam duration | 90 minutes | Adaptive up to 180 minutes |
| Number of questions | Up to 90 questions | 100 to 150 questions |
| Passing score | 750/900 | 700/1000 |
| Difficulty level | Beginner to intermediate | Advanced |
| Prerequisites | No formal prerequisite; Network+ or equivalent knowledge helps. | Requires relevant work experience for full certification status. |
| Validity period | 3 years | 3 years |
| Renewal requirements | Continuing education units or renewal path. | CPEs and annual maintenance fee. |
| Average salary | $104,000 | $162,000 |
| Job market demand | High for entry and early-career security roles. | Very high for senior analyst, engineer, architect, and leadership tracks. |
| Recommended for | Career changers and early-career candidates building security fundamentals. | Experienced security professionals moving into senior responsibility. |
Choose Security+ when
- You are new to security or making a career transition.
- You need a faster credential for analyst and support roles.
- You want a lower-cost entry point with broad recognition.
Choose CISSP when
- You already have serious security experience.
- You want to move toward senior analyst, engineering, architecture, or leadership roles.
- You need a credential that signals enterprise-level judgment.
Decision helper quiz
Answer a few questions and we will point you toward the better next certification for your current goal.
Question 1
How much hands-on security experience do you have?
Question 2
What is your near-term goal?
Question 3
Which study investment feels more realistic right now?
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Common questions
Is CISSP worth it after Security+?
Yes, once you have enough experience to make the domains meaningful. Security+ is a good launch credential. CISSP becomes valuable when you are ready for enterprise-level decisions.
Which certification gets jobs faster?
Security+ usually gets interviews faster for entry and early-career security roles. CISSP is stronger for senior roles and higher salary bands.
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