What if I fail Security+?

Failing security can mean different things: failing a certification exam (like Security+) allows retakes with a waiting period, while failing a security clearance investigation (for government/contractor roles) might halt employment, but you often get chances to reapply after a year or address issues, with federal roles potentially requiring a re-investigation. The key is to understand why you failed (exam knowledge vs. conduct/eligibility) and address it directly through more study for exams or honesty and legal help for clearances.

What happens if you fail the security exam?

Fortunately, candidates can take the Security+ exam as many times as they wish. After failing the first attempt, there is no waiting period before the second attempt. However, candidates must wait at least 14 calendar days from their last attempt for the third attempt or any subsequent attempts.

What happens if I fail my security clearance?

If you are a current federal employee, losing your security clearance is the easiest way to lose your federal career entirely. And for those who are applying to the federal service, having several public trust clearance disqualifiers on your record can torpedo even the most promising CV.

How many people fail Security+?

The pass rate for the CompTIA Security+ exam is about 85%. So, it's important that you study properly, go through practice exams, and seek additional resources such as study guides and online courses to increase your chances of passing the exam.

Is IT hard to pass the security exam?

Security+ Is Challenging Without Experience: The CompTIA Security+ exam is moderately challenging, especially for those without prior IT security experience. Expect Diverse Questions on Core Topics: It includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions covering network security, risk management, and cryptography.

FAILED the CompTIA Security+ Exam: How to Avoid Failing AGAIN

Why is security so low paid?

The security company has to comply and/or undercut its competitors in order to stay in business. And if the employee doesn't like the pay, the security company can easily find other personnel who will be happy to take what's on offer.

What is a passing score on Security+?

What is the Security+ passing score? A passing score is 750 out of 900 possible points.

How many times can you retake Security+?

You can take the Security+ exam as many times as needed because CompTIA sets no cap on attempts. The rules focus on timing and fees: no wait between the first and second attempt, then a 14-day wait before the third and each later attempt, with full payment required each time.

Is Security+ a big deal?

While passing the Security+ exam alone won't guarantee a job, it remains one of, if not the, most widely recognized entry-level certification in this field. It's DoD 8570/8140 compliant, vendor neutral, and aligns with the expectations of roles in both government and private sector.

What disqualifies security clearance?

Security clearance disqualifiers center on demonstrating trustworthiness, so issues like drug involvement, significant financial problems, criminal conduct, dishonesty (especially on applications), and undue foreign influence are major red flags, with ongoing illegal drug use or lying often being automatic denials, while past issues need mitigating context. The core concern is identifying vulnerabilities (like debt or addiction) that could make someone susceptible to coercion or blackmail, as well as assessing loyalty to the U.S. 

What are red flags for security clearance?

The most common security clearance disqualifiers include: Not a U.S. Citizen. Not loyal to the U.S. / foreign influence. Illegal drug use/involvement.

How far back do they check for security clearance?

The SF-86 form requests information back 7 years for employment and residence; however, to comply with the investigative standards, 10 years is required.

Is security easy to pass?

The difficulty of the CompTIA Security+ material depends on your background. If you're new to IT and cyber security, expect the material to be challenging. It dives into cyber security concepts and builds upon foundational IT and networking skills.

Which is the 3 toughest exam in the world?

The three toughest exams globally often cited for their extreme difficulty, low pass rates, and high stakes are China's Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam) for its sheer scale and competitiveness, India's UPSC Civil Services Exam for its life-altering potential and minuscule selection, and India's IIT-JEE Advanced (Joint Entrance Exam) for its rigorous engineering entrance criteria, alongside prestigious UK fellowships like the All Souls Prize Exam, with difficulty varying by individual and goals. 

Can you only get 40% on a resit?

If you are being given an opportunity to resit an assessment or partially repeat a year, marks for those assessment attempts are usually capped at 40% for undergraduate modules and at 50% for postgraduate modules. This is noted on your results letter as Capped under Next attempt.

How much is a security exam?

Exam voucher price

The CompTIA Security+ exam (SY0-701) costs $425 USD when purchased directly from CompTIA's official store as of July 2025. This price applies to North America, though pricing may vary by region.

Is a Security+ cert good enough to get a job?

Yes, CompTIA Security+ is very good for getting an entry-level IT or cybersecurity job, often serving as a baseline credential that gets you past HR, though it's best as a starting point to build experience and move to specialized roles, especially in the competitive cybersecurity field where it's highly valued by employers and essential for many federal jobs. While it proves foundational knowledge, practical skills and other certs (like CCNA, eJPT) help land specific cyber roles. 

How long is Security+ good for?

Wondering how long CompTIA Security+ is good for? Three years and renewal is simple. Learn more about how to keep your certification current.

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

Yes, making $200,000 a year in cybersecurity is achievable, especially in senior roles like CISO, Security Architect, or Lead Software Security Engineer, or with specialized skills in high-demand areas, though it's less common and typically requires significant experience, certifications, and potentially strategic career moves like moving into sales engineering or management. Entry-level to mid-level roles usually start lower, but a clear career path with continuous learning can lead to six-figure incomes and beyond, with some tech giants even offering $200k+ for early-career security engineers. 

What is the 80 20 rule in cyber security?

The 80/20 rule in cybersecurity, or the Pareto Principle, suggests that 80% of security risks come from 20% of causes, prompting focus on high-impact areas like user training (phishing) or critical vulnerabilities for maximum risk reduction with limited resources. While effective for prioritizing, some argue it's outdated as modern, sophisticated threats demand a 100% coverage mindset for all digital assets, especially with AI and IoT. The principle helps identify critical controls, but ignoring the other 20% can leave significant gaps, so it's used as a guide for prioritization, not neglect.
 

What's the highest paid security guard?

The highest-paid security guards are typically Executive Protection Agents (Bodyguards) for VIPs/CEOs, Private Security Contractors (PSCs) in high-risk/overseas zones, and Nuclear Security Officers, with top earners in these fields potentially making $150,000 to over $200,000+ annually, especially with experience and specialized skills like military backgrounds. Roles in Federal Government Contracts, Cybersecurity, and specialized Maritime Security also offer very high earning potential, often exceeding six figures with bonuses and overseas pay.
 

What if I fail Security+?

If you fail the exam on your first attempt, you may retake it without any restrictions. If you fail the exam on your second or any subsequent attempt, you must wait at least 14 calendar days before trying again.

What jobs can I get with CompTIA Security+?

With a CompTIA Security+ certification, you qualify for many entry-level to intermediate cybersecurity roles like Security Analyst, Systems/Network Administrator, Help Desk Analyst, and IT Support, with options for growth into specialized areas like Incident Response, Vulnerability Management, or Cyber Engineering, though many truly entry-level roles might start in broader IT before specializing. Common job titles include Information Security Analyst, Security Specialist, IT Technician, and Cybersecurity Analyst, often found on job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter. 

What is 675 on a scale of 900?

But don't assume this means you need to get 75% of the questions right (675 is 75% of 900, after all).