CompTIA Security+: Is It Still Relevant in 2026 or Has the Market Moved On?

Anyone researching is Security+ still relevant 2026 eventually runs into the same question: what does Security+ actually demand? CompTIA's current Security+ exam is SY0-701, launched on November 7, 2023. It is a single-exam certification priced at $425, capped at maximum of 90 questions, timed at 90 minutes, and scored on a 100–900 scale with 750 required to pass.

Is Security+ still relevant in 2026?

Yes. Security+ remains one of the most widely recognized entry-to-intermediate security certifications. Its relevance in 2026 is supported by several factors: DoD 8570/8140 still lists Security+ as an approved baseline certification for IAT Level II and IAM Level I roles; the BLS projects 28.5% growth in information security analyst roles from 2024 to 2034; and Security+ continues to appear as a required or preferred qualification in security analyst, administrator, and contractor job postings across industries.

What has changed

SY0-701 updated the exam in 2023 to include more coverage of cloud security, zero trust, automation, and modern threat landscapes. The credential is actively maintained and aligned with current industry practice — not a legacy certification tied to outdated technology stacks.

What Security+ does not cover

Security+ does not go deep into cloud-specific platforms, advanced penetration testing, or senior architecture decisions. It is a broad foundation, not a specialization. As the market has matured, Security+ has remained the foundational layer while more specialized credentials have grown alongside it — not replaced it.

What should you do with this information next?

Our CompTIA Security+ study guide covers all five SY0-701 domains. Available at securitypluscertprep.com/guide.

SimpuTech's Security+ AI tutor can build a personalized study plan. Try it at SimpuTech.com.