Overview#
Security+ is the most widely recognized entry-level security certification and a common baseline requirement (including DoD 8570/8140 roles). The current exam is SY0-701, which covers general security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations, and governance/risk/compliance. It’s the natural next step after A+ and a strong foundation before specializing into cloud or blue-team work.
Status: Earned
Recommended Resources#
Professor Messer — SY0-701 Security+ Training Course#
The definitive free video course for Security+. Concise, objective-by-objective coverage that many people pass on exclusively.
- Type: Video course
- Cost: Free (optional paid study group, notes, and practice exams)
- Link: professormesser.com/security-plus/sy0-701
Darril Gibson — Get Certified Get Ahead (SY0-701)#
The classic Security+ study guide, praised for its clear explanations and end-of-chapter practice questions. Excellent primary text or reinforcement.
- Type: Book
- Cost: Paid
- Link: getcertifiedgetahead.com
Jason Dion — Security+ Course & Practice Exams#
Popular Udemy video course paired with well-regarded practice exams. The practice tests in particular are a reliable readiness check.
- Type: Video course + practice exams
- Cost: Paid
- Link: diontraining.com
CompTIA CertMaster Learn#
Official adaptive courseware mapped directly to the SY0-701 objectives — the vendor’s own baseline content.
- Type: Official courseware
- Cost: Paid
- Link: comptia.org/en-us/certifications/security
ExamCompass — Free Security+ Practice Tests#
Free, objective-organized practice questions — a low-friction way to drill weak areas between study sessions.
- Type: Practice questions
- Cost: Free
- Link: examcompass.com