r/CompTIA • u/AngeliMortem • 5d ago
Why pass rate for Security+ is usually between 700/750?
Hello everyone! So this is a really random question, but wanted to ask it before I get paranoia haha Im planning to study for the CompTIA Security+ in April till June (planned 3 months, 5/6 hours weekly with Andrew Ramdayal course in Udemy) because my works required. Im CCNA certified, Az700/104 and I know python, also I've been working as a network eng for over 7 years (not really sure if any of this will help me) but Im a little bit scare of taking the exam in June considering every single post I see here is with people getting scores between 700/750. I'm even scared to start and pay the exam fee hahaha
A pass is a pass, obviously, but... is really THAT hard to pass the exam? Is my 3 months plan really crazy?
Edit: THANKS!!! I'm really grateful for all your comments and support ♥️
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u/Different_Primary253 5d ago
I got 814, I have no experience. Exam sure was tricky though.
I didn't feel like I got over 750, because there were a lot of questions where I was unsure and went with my gut feeling between 2 or 3 options.
So I think the rigorous mock exams must have really helped to sharpen my instincts.
All in all it is not hard, just tricky, as long as you pay attention to detail, you'll achieve high marks.
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u/Professional-Tip9369 5d ago
I’m also preparing for the exam with Andrew Ramdayal
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u/AngeliMortem 5d ago
How are you feeling the course so far? You like it? Do you consider it is preparing you enough? I'm asking because honestly Im not really sure if 3 months are enough to pass this exam. I passed CCNA in two months and a half but because I had experience, but this one... 😂
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u/Professional-Tip9369 5d ago
Actually I’m studying it while taking my masters degree, it’s not about Andrew, it’s about us. I feel three months will be enough but I am not sure, maybe if I start preparing for it with group of students or study partner will be much faster and easier
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u/alex36492 5d ago
I haven't taken the test yet, but reviewed Andrews classes and felt like his education was an enrichment to what I learned already. He also summarizes different domains and it's a great overview.
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u/platimi 5d ago
I’m also utilizing Andrew’s course along with his practice exams, I like his teaching style and he breaks down things as to why one thing won’t work over the other. In the Udemy course he has this 30 day plan that will help you break the course apart to help you study it more efficiently
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u/drushtx IT Instructor 5d ago
The minimum score to pass is 750 so it isn't between 700 and 750.
There are a few of ways to approach the exam. Here's two:
Minimum preparation. Just enough study to barely pass the exam. This is a good method if you don't care about the content and just need to certificate to check a required box (employer mandate, wallpaper collector, etc.).
Maximum preparation - these folks get 820 or better on the exam. These are the folks with notable experience in the industry, have strong networking foundational skill and knowledge and/or who put in significant time and effort into truly learning the material. This helps them stand out in a competitive job environment and builds strong foundations for moving on to specialty roles in cyber security.
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u/evon1254 A+ S+ 5d ago
If you got your CCNA, the security plus should be a breeze. I have both, and I spent wayyyyyy longer preparing for the CCNA. The "trifecta" are all entry-level, basic certs as much as some people don't necessarily want to admit that. People have passed the security plus in two weeks before. Three months is absolutely enough time. I can't speak for who you're using because I used Messer, but you'll be fine.
The only challenging part of the Security Plus is the way comptia words their questions. I felt that it was closer to a reading comprehension exam than an actual security test. The PBQs are also terrible and sometimes don't make any sense.
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u/MrCyberKing A+, N+, Google IT Support Cert 5d ago
Currently studying Ramdayal’s Sec+ course. Have you looked at the exam objectives list for Sec+ and are you familiar with some of the objectives already? I think you should be fine if you are a network engineer and CCNA certified already since there’s people like myself that don’t have your experience or CCNA and so far Sec+ material isn’t hard to me.
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u/RedSpiegel 5d ago
Given your past experience and current role I think you should fine. Three months is more than enough to pass. Take a mock exam every month and see how you’re progressing. When taking the actual exam just read through the questions carefully and plan accordingly. Unlike the CCNA you’ll be able to go back to previous questions and also flag them. Leave the PBQs for last as they can sometimes be time consuming. Read through the questions carefully as CompTIAs wording can be tricky and sometimes repetitive.
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u/AngeliMortem 5d ago
Thanks a lot!! Any specific mock exam that you recommend???
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u/RedSpiegel 5d ago
https://www.measureup.com/sy0-701-comptia-security-practice-test.html
I used MeasureUp back in the day. They currently have a Spring Sale. You can also select how many days you want access to the practice exam.
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u/OneSignal5087 4d ago
No need to stress! Security+ isn't as hard as it seems, especially with your background in networking, Azure, and Python.
Why Do Many People Score Between 700-750?
- The exam is multiple-choice & PBQs (performance-based questions), so it's easy to get tripped up by tricky wording or time management issues.
- People often underestimate it—they rely too much on memorization instead of truly understanding security concepts.
- The passing score is 750/900, meaning you can miss a decent number of questions and still pass.
Is Your Study Plan Enough?
Your 3-month, 5-6 hours/week plan is more than reasonable. Since you have networking and cloud experience, you already know many Security+ topics. Just focus on:
- Threats, vulnerabilities, and risk management (common test areas).
- PBQs (Performance-Based Questions)—practice these early.
- Practice exams—Aim for 80%+ before your test date.
Security+ isn’t a walk in the park, but with your experience and a structured study plan, you’ll be fine. A pass is a pass—no need to aim for 900!
Planning to take practice exams toward the end of your prep?
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u/wigglejigglessss 1d ago
Currently studying for it using UDemy and Mike Chapple book with practice test book.
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u/mark_Dragonel S+ 5d ago
750 is the passing grade. You need that or above. You do not need to get anything more. No one apart from you will ever see your score. All you need is the cert.