Security+ vs CISSP
Quick comparison table
| Attribute | CompTIA Security+ | ISC2 CISSP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee (2026) | $399 USD | $749 USD |
| Annual maintenance | None (recertify every 3 years via CEUs) | $135/year |
| Experience required | None | 5 years across 2+ of 8 ISC2 domains (4 years with relevant degree or other ISC2 cert) |
| Exam format | 90 questions, 90 minutes, multiple choice + performance-based | 100–150 adaptive questions, up to 3 hours |
| Pass rate | ~80% (CompTIA reported) | Not publicly disclosed; estimated 50–60% on first attempt |
| Prep time (typical) | 80–160 hours over 2–4 months | 200–300 hours over 4–6 months |
| Domains covered | 5 (Threats, Architecture, Implementation, Operations, Governance) | 8 (Security & Risk Management, Asset Security, Architecture, Communications, IAM, Assessment, Operations, Software Development) |
| Median salary (2024 ISC2 study) | $86,000 USD | $147,000 USD |
| DoD 8140 baseline | Yes — IAT Level II baseline | Yes — IAT Level III, IAM Level II/III, IASAE Level I/II baseline |
| Best for | Entry-level analysts, sysadmins moving to security, career changers, federal/DoD roles | Senior practitioners moving to management, security architects, established IC's claiming a credential |
When Security+ is the right choice
Security+ is the right cert if any of these describe you:
- You have less than 5 years of paid security experience.
- You're applying for entry-level SOC, GRC, or vulnerability management roles.
- You need DoD 8140 IAT Level II compliance (federal contractor work).
- You're a sysadmin, network engineer, or developer pivoting into security.
- You have a tight budget and need the highest-leverage cert per dollar.
Roughly 70% of US entry-level cybersecurity job descriptions name Security+ explicitly or accept it as equivalent to other foundational certs. It is the default recommendation from every cybersecurity career-coaching service, every hiring-manager survey, and every government baseline list.
When CISSP is the right choice
CISSP is the right cert if any of these describe you:
- You have 4–5+ years of paid security experience and want a senior credential.
- You're moving from senior IC into security management or architecture.
- You're targeting a CISO trajectory — see our CISO career roadmap.
- You work in regulated industries (banking, healthcare, defense) where CISSP is implicit table stakes.
- You're competing for executive-level recruitment where the credential signals seriousness.
CISSP is over-credentialed for entry-level work and cannot replace experience. The exam tests breadth, not depth; passing it without the underlying years signals "studied for the test" to most experienced hiring managers.
Alternatives worth considering
The Security+/CISSP framing is the dominant comparison but not the only one:
- ISC2 CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) — the free entry-level cert from ISC2. Less recognized than Security+ but a useful resume signal at zero cost. See our entry-level certifications guide.
- ISACA CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) — direct CISSP alternative for governance-leaning candidates. Required experience similar to CISSP. Often preferred for compliance and risk-management roles.
- EC-Council CCISO (Certified Chief Information Security Officer) — the executive successor to CISSP. Targets sitting and aspiring CISOs. See our CISSP, CISM, and CCISO study guide for the full senior-cert comparison.
- CompTIA CySA+ — the natural Security+ follow-up for SOC/blue-team specialization. Valuable mid-career signal between Security+ and CISSP.
The recommended sequence
For most cybersecurity careers, the optimal cert sequence is:
- Year 0–1: CompTIA Security+ (foundation)
- Year 1–3: One specialization cert — CySA+ for blue team, OSCP for red team, AWS/Azure/GCP Security Specialty for cloud
- Year 4–6: CISSP (senior practitioner) OR CISM (governance) OR both
- Year 8+: CCISO if pursuing the executive track
Most cybersecurity professionals accumulate 4–6 active certifications across a 15-year career. The cost compounds; budget $1,500–$3,000/year for continuing education, recertifications, and maintenance fees once you have 3+ certs.
Practice the strategic context with CISO Game
Studying for Security+ or CISSP is academic; understanding which certifications your team needs is strategic. Play CISO Game free to run a 5-year security program where every hire decision factors in cert coverage. The simulator forces you to choose between hiring a CISSP-credentialed senior analyst (high salary, high impact) or two Security+ juniors with deeper raw capacity — exactly the tradeoff real CISOs make.
Related guides
- Entry-level cybersecurity certificationsISC2 CC, Security+, Google Cert — pick your first cert by goal.
- CISSP, CISM, and CCISO study guideThe senior-cert comparison and how to study each.
- How to start a career in cybersecurityThe full first-job guide for 2026.
- 2026 CISO Career RoadmapHow CISSP fits into the path to security leadership.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Security+ and CISSP?
Security+ is an entry-level certification covering foundational cybersecurity concepts; it has no experience requirement and costs $399. CISSP is a senior practitioner certification requiring 5 years of paid security experience across two of eight ISC2 domains, costs $749, and targets security managers and architects. Most people earn Security+ first, then CISSP after their first management role.
Should I get Security+ or CISSP first?
Get Security+ first — almost always. CISSP requires 5 years of paid security experience to become certified (you can pass the exam earlier and become an Associate of ISC2, but the full CISSP takes time to earn). Security+ has no prerequisites and is the cert most entry-level US job descriptions name. CISSP is the right next cert when you're moving into a senior IC or first-line manager role.
How much does Security+ vs CISSP cost?
CompTIA Security+ exam fee is $399 in 2026; ISC2 CISSP is $749. Total cost including study materials and test-prep: budget $600–$900 for Security+ and $1,200–$2,000 for CISSP. CISSP also carries an annual maintenance fee of $135 to maintain the credential.
Which certification pays more — Security+ or CISSP?
CISSP commands a substantially larger salary premium. ISC2's 2024 Workforce Study reported median total compensation of $147,000 for CISSP holders versus roughly $86,000 for Security+ holders. The difference reflects role seniority, not the credential itself — CISSP holders are typically managers or senior architects.
Is Security+ enough to get a cybersecurity job?
Yes — Security+ alone is sufficient for most entry-level US cybersecurity roles, especially SOC Analyst Tier 1, junior GRC analyst, and Tier 1 vulnerability management positions. DoD 8140 baseline-certification requirements are satisfied by Security+. Most candidates earning Security+ alongside hands-on lab portfolios land their first role within 6–12 months of certification.
Can I take CISSP without 5 years of experience?
Yes — you can sit and pass the CISSP exam without the experience requirement and you'll become an Associate of ISC2. You then have 6 years to accumulate the 5 years of paid security experience to convert to full CISSP. Many candidates use this path to get the exam done while still building experience.