CISSP and Security+ are often compared but serve entirely different career stages. Security+ is an entry-level certification for those starting in cybersecurity, while CISSP is an expert-level credential for seasoned professionals with at least five years of experience.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| (ISC)² CISSP | CompTIA Security+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | (ISC)² | CompTIA |
| Exam Code | CISSP | SY0-701 |
| Level | Advanced / Expert | Entry-level |
| Cost | $749 | $404 |
| Duration | 240 min | 90 min |
| Questions | 125–175 (CAT format) | Up to 90 |
| Passing Score | 700/1000 | 750/900 |
| Renewal | 3 years | 3 years |
| Prerequisites | Five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains; one year waived with a relevant degree or approved credential | None required; CompTIA Network+ and two years of IT administration experience recommended |
| Avg Salary Range | $120,000–$170,000 | $65,000–$95,000 |
Focus Areas
(ISC)² CISSP
Security and risk management, asset security, security architecture, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment, security operations, and software development security
CompTIA Security+
General security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, architecture, security operations, and security program management and oversight
Who Should Get Which?
Get (ISC)² CISSP if...
Experienced security professionals with five or more years in the field who are targeting senior roles like security manager, security architect, or CISO
Get CompTIA Security+ if...
IT professionals entering cybersecurity, junior security analysts, or anyone who needs a recognized baseline security certification without an experience requirement
Recommended Order
Get Security+ first, gain several years of hands-on security experience, then pursue CISSP. CISSP requires five years of experience to become fully certified, and its content assumes deep familiarity with security concepts that Security+ introduces.
Study Tips
Do not attempt CISSP until you have real-world security experience. Security+ can be passed with dedicated study alone, but CISSP questions require you to apply judgment built from years of practice. For CISSP, focus on understanding why rather than what, and always choose the answer that best manages risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between (ISC)² CISSP and CompTIA Security+?
CISSP and Security+ are often compared but serve entirely different career stages. Security+ is an entry-level certification for those starting in cybersecurity, while CISSP is an expert-level credential for seasoned professionals with at least five years of experience.
Should I get (ISC)² CISSP or CompTIA Security+ first?
Get Security+ first, gain several years of hands-on security experience, then pursue CISSP. CISSP requires five years of experience to become fully certified, and its content assumes deep familiarity with security concepts that Security+ introduces.
Who should get (ISC)² CISSP?
Experienced security professionals with five or more years in the field who are targeting senior roles like security manager, security architect, or CISO
Who should get CompTIA Security+?
IT professionals entering cybersecurity, junior security analysts, or anyone who needs a recognized baseline security certification without an experience requirement
Test Your Knowledge
Already studying? Try our free tools:
- Security+ Practice Quiz — 300 questions mapped to SY0-701 domains
- CVSS Calculator — Practice scoring vulnerabilities
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