CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is the cybersecurity certification that hiring managers recognize. It opens doors that A+ and Network+ don't — penetration testing firms, government agencies, and enterprise security teams all list it as a baseline requirement. If you've passed Network+ or have networking experience, Security+ is the natural next step. This page covers the study materials worth your time.
Quick Comparison
| Resource | Best For | Format | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapple & Seidl Sybex Kit | Comprehensive | Book + practice tests | ~$50–60 | ⭐ Top Pick |
| Dion Training Practice Exams | Exam Ready | Online practice tests | ~$30–40 | Best for test prep |
| Professor Messer | Budget | Free video course | Free | Best free option |
CompTIA Security+ Certification Kit: Exam SY0-701
by Mike Chapple & David Seidl · Sybex Study Guide Series, 7th Edition · Covers current SY0-701 exam
Mike Chapple and David Seidl are two of the most trusted names in Security+ prep — Chapple holds numerous security certifications and has been writing CompTIA study guides for over a decade. This Sybex kit is the 7th edition, fully updated for the current SY0-701 exam objectives. It's a complete package: the study guide itself plus practice test access, making it the closest thing to a one-stop resource for the exam.
- Covers all SY0-701 exam domains — threats, vulnerabilities, cryptography, identity management, architecture, and operations
- Written by Mike Chapple & David Seidl — two of the most respected Security+ authors
- 7th edition fully updated for the current SY0-701 exam objectives
- Part of the trusted Sybex Certification Kit series — includes study guide and practice tests
- Covers performance-based questions (PBQs) — the scenario-based questions that trip up many test-takers
- Clear explanations of complex topics like PKI, cryptographic algorithms, and zero trust architecture
- Highly trusted authors with deep Security+ experience
- Complete kit — study guide plus practice test access
- Thorough coverage of all SY0-701 domains
- Strong on performance-based questions
- Dense material — Security+ covers a lot of ground
- Best paired with additional practice exams for full readiness
Dion Training Security+ Practice Exams
by Jason Dion · The most exam-realistic practice tests available for Security+
Security+ is harder than most people expect — not because the concepts are impossibly complex, but because the exam tests applied judgment rather than raw memorization. A question won't just ask what a firewall is; it'll describe a scenario and ask which control is most appropriate. Dion Training's practice exams are built around exactly this kind of scenario-based question, and they're consistently cited by Security+ passers as the closest to the real exam in both wording and difficulty.
- Scenario-based questions mirror the real SY0-701 exam format closely
- Covers all Security+ domains — threats, architecture, implementation, operations, governance
- Includes performance-based question (PBQ) practice — the most challenging question type on the exam
- Detailed explanations for every answer, including why distractors are wrong
- Performance tracking helps identify which domains need more attention
Flag and skip performance-based questions (PBQs) on your first pass — they appear at the start of the exam and can eat time. Answer all the multiple choice questions first, then return to PBQs with your remaining time. This alone improves scores for many candidates.
Professor Messer Free Security+ Course
by Professor Messer · Complete free video course covering all SY0-701 objectives
Professor Messer's Security+ course is one of the most widely used free resources for any CompTIA certification. His SY0-701 videos cover the full exam objectives in a structured, clear format. For Security+, the video format is especially useful — seeing concepts like PKI chains, network diagrams, and attack methodologies explained visually makes them easier to retain than reading alone. If you're on a tight budget or want to preview the material before committing to a paid resource, start here.
- 100% free — no credit card or subscription required
- Covers all SY0-701 objectives in structured, clearly explained videos
- Updated for the current Security+ exam version
- Visual format is particularly well-suited to security concepts like cryptography and network architecture
- Study notes available separately if you prefer printable summaries
Which Should You Use?
The Winning Combination
For most Security+ candidates, the fastest path to passing looks like this:
Aim for consistent 80%+ on practice tests before booking. Security+ rewards methodical preparation — the scenario-based questions require understanding, not just memorization.
Free Networking Foundation Guides
Security+ assumes solid networking knowledge. These free guides cover the concepts that underpin much of the security content on the exam: