For most people, CompTIA Security+ is the best first cybersecurity certification, because it covers the core security topics and CompTIA recommends experience for it but doesn't require any. If you're brand new to IT, start one step earlier with A+ or Network+ so Security+ has something to build on. If you already have a year of security work, ISC2's SSCP is another option.
Which entry-level certifications should I compare?
- Certification: A+
Body: CompTIA
Experience: None required
Exam basics: Two exams, Core 1 and Core 2, in any order
Best if you: Are new to IT - Certification: Network+
Body: CompTIA
Experience: Recommended A+ and 9 to 12 months as a junior network administrator
Exam basics: Up to 90 questions, 90 minutes, 720 to pass
Best if you: Know basic IT and want networking - Certification: Security+
Body: CompTIA
Experience: Recommended Network+ and 2 years in a security or systems administrator role
Exam basics: Up to 90 questions, 90 minutes, 750 to pass
Best if you: Want the standard first security cert - Certification: SSCP
Body: ISC2
Experience: 1 year of work in one or more of the 7 SSCP domains to certify
Exam basics: ISC2 exam across 7 domains
Best if you: Already do hands-on security work
Why do most people start with Security+?
It's broad, it's well known and you can sit it without meeting an experience rule. The current exam, SY0-701, covers general security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations and program management.
CompTIA also lists DoD 8140 work roles for Security+, such as cyber defense analyst and system administrator. If you're aiming at DoD work, read our DoD 8570 and 8140 guide and confirm the exact requirement with your employer.
One timing note. CompTIA says Security+ V8 (SY0-801) launches on or around November 17, 2026, and the English V7 exam retires June 11, 2027. If you're starting now, V7 is still a fine target.
Should I get A+ or Network+ before Security+?
If you've never worked in IT, yes. Security+ assumes you know how networks, operating systems and devices work. A+ covers hardware, operating systems and support. Network+ covers how networks are built and run, and CompTIA recommends A+ plus some junior network admin time before it.
Already working in help desk or systems administration? You can usually go straight to Security+.
When does SSCP make more sense?
It makes sense once you already have security experience. ISC2 requires one year of work in one or more of the seven SSCP domains to certify. If you pass without it, you can become an Associate of ISC2 and have up to two years to earn the experience.
Is cybersecurity a good career to get into?
The government data is encouraging. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says information security analysts earned a median of $129,180 in May 2025. BLS projects employment in that job to grow 21 percent from 2025 to 2035, which it calls much faster than average. BLS also notes that employers may prefer candidates who hold a certification.
That's a median for one job title across the whole country. Your pay depends on your role, location and experience.
How can Accumentum help you pick and earn your first certification?
Start with our cybersecurity training page or the CompTIA training page. The Security+ course page says most students finish in 4 to 8 weeks part-time. We also teach A+, Network+ and SSCP.
Not sure where you fit? CareerSync® is our advisor-supported plan that maps your experience and target role to a certification sequence. You can also take the free Security+ Exam Readiness Score, a 20-question Accumentum practice check, not official CompTIA questions.
Security+ is on the PathPay 12-Month Program with the exam voucher included. PathPay® is a payment plan, not a loan or insurance. If you have Army CA or Air Force COOL, see our funding page first. PathPass® practice banks start at $19 a month, with a free preview and no dumps.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Security+ with no experience?
Yes. CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years of security or systems administration experience, but it doesn't require them to sit the exam.
Is Security+ or SSCP better for beginners?
Security+ for most beginners. SSCP requires one year of security work to certify, while Security+ has no experience requirement.
Should I take A+ before Security+?
If you're new to IT, A+ or Network+ first will make Security+ easier. If you already work in IT support or administration, you can usually skip ahead.
How much do information security analysts make?
BLS reports a median of $129,180 in May 2025 for information security analysts. Pay varies by role, location and experience.
Should I wait for Security+ V8?
No need if you're starting now. V8 launches on or around November 17, 2026, and the English V7 exam stays available until June 11, 2027.
Sources
Official facts checked Sep 28, 2026.
- CompTIA, Security+ overview: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/security/
- CompTIA, Security+ V7 exam details: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/security/v7/
- CompTIA, Network+: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/network/
- CompTIA, A+: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/a/
- ISC2, SSCP: https://www.isc2.org/certifications/sscp
- ISC2, Member Policies (Associate time frames): https://www.isc2.org/policies-procedures/member-policies
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
Accumentum facts come from the live course pages, /cybersecurity-certification-training-courses/, /careersync/, /exam-readiness-score/, /pathpay/subscription/, /funding/ and /pathpass/ on accumentum.net.
