SY0-601 to SY0-701 - Big Changes to the Security+ Exam

The CompTIA Security+ is CompTIA’s most popular cybersecurity certification. It is globally recognized and used by hiring managers to ensure that candidates possess the knowledge of basic cybersecurity concepts.

The Security+ is updated every three years. Each iteration of the exam is labelled according to its series number. For example, previous versions of the exam were labelled as SY0-301, SY0-401, and SY0-501. CompTIA updates the exam to keep the materials current with the latest cyber security trends. The latest update brings the Security+ exam to version SY0-701.

With each update, CompTIA changes exam objectives, requirements, and adjusts the concepts and technologies tested on the exam. For example, the SY0-601 saw the introduction of the internet of things (IoT) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM).

Introduction of the SY0-701 version of the CompTIA Security+ Exam

The SY0-601 version of the exam was introduced November 12^th 2020 and is set to retire on July 1^st 2024. It will be replaced by the SY0-701 version of the exam, which is scheduled to be introduced July 31^st of 2023.

This exam will introduce new concepts to remain current with today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape. The test is expected to focus more on practical skills and include additional performance-based-questions to test candidate’s knowledge of specific commands and cybersecurity tools.

Differences between the SY0-601 and SY0-701 Security+ Exam

We’ve broken out the differences between the two exams below:

Exam Codes	SY0-601	SY0-701
Launch Date	November 12, 2020	November 1, 2023
Exam Description	The CompTIA Security+ certification exam will verify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions; monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT; operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance; identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents.	The CompTIA Security+ certification exam will certify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to: • Assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions. • Monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and Internet of Things (IoT). • Operate with an awareness of applicable regulations and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance. • Identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents.
Number of Questions	Maximum of 90 questions	Maximum of 90 questions
Type of Questions	Multiple choice and performance-based	Multiple choice and performance-based
Length of Test	90 minutes	90 minutes
Passing Score	750 (on a scale of 100-900)	750 (on a scale of 100-900)
Required Experience	No experience is required to take the exam	No experience is required to take the exam
Languages	English, Japanese	English, Japanese
Retirement	July 31st, 2024	November 1^st, 2026
Testing Provider	Pearson VUE Testing Centers Online Testing	Pearson VUE Testing Centers Online Testing
Exam Price	CompTIA Store Price $392 USD Cyberkraft Price $345 USD	CompTIA Store Price $392 USD Cyberkraft Price $345 USD
Self-Paced Video Training Price	$398 USD (Includes the Official CompTIA Learn+Labs Environment, priced at $764)	$398 USD (Includes the Official CompTIA Learn+Labs Environment, priced at $764)
Instructor Led Training Cost	$2,170 USD ($392 exam fee included)	$2,170 USD ($392 exam fee included)

The focus of the exam is expected to change significantly in the new version. The SY0-601 exam had introduced new exam domains, to include “Operations and Incident Response”. “Implementation” and “Operations and Incident Response”. “Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities” was also expanded to include more attack trends.

The new version of the exam is expected to address more concepts relating to artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain technologies. More importantly, the SY0-701 version is expected to be much more difficult than the 601 version. The number of concepts and their complexity is expected to increase as CompTIA seeks to secure their spot as the dominant certification training body.

CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Exam Domains	CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Exam Domains
Attacks, Threats and Vulnerabilities (24%) Architecture and Design (21%) Implementation (25%) Operations and Incident Response (16%) Governance, Risk and Compliance (14%)	General Security Concepts (12%) Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%) Security Architecture (18%) Security Operations (28%) Security Program Management and Oversight (20%)
SY0-601 Exam Objectives	SY0-701 Exam Objectives

Why is the change to the SY0-701 exam important?

So what this means is that Security+ hopefuls will have until July 31st, 2024 to pass the SY0-601 exam. So, now is the time to seek quality training that will help you ace the exam on your first attempt. You don’t want to be in a situation where you’ve studied for the 601 but have run out of time to take the exam. Plus, the SY0-701 exam is expected to be much tougher than the 601 version.

Cyberkraft Security+ Live Classes

If you haven’t found the time to study on your own, you might want to consider an instructor-led class. Our Security+ Bootcamp will teach you everything you need to ace the exam and earn your Security+ with 40 hours of live instructor-led training. You are guaranteed to pass with our bootcamp or we’ll pay for your second exam attempt with our Second Shot Guarantee!

Cyberkraft Self-Paced Security+ Training

If you’re interested in training at your own pace, our self-paced video course includes the official CompTIA Learn+Labs Environment as well as 30 hours of high definition video lessons. You’ll also be able to work with real-world security tools with over 30 custom built lab exercises. Plus, we provide you with six full exams and 12 quizzes so you can be fully prepared for test day.

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