CompTIA Security+ Retake Policy: What to Do If You Fail

Anyone researching Security+ retake policy 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.

CompTIA's retake policy

CompTIA allows candidates to retake an exam after a failed attempt. For the first retake, there is no mandatory waiting period. After a second failure, CompTIA requires candidates to wait 14 calendar days before attempting again. This waiting period applies to each subsequent attempt after the second failure.

Each retake requires a new exam voucher at the standard price of $425. That is why many candidates benefit from scheduling only when their practice exam scores consistently reach the passing zone — spending $850 or more on retakes is avoidable with adequate preparation.

What to do between attempts

CompTIA's score report shows domain-level performance. Use it to identify your weakest areas. Do not re-study everything equally — focus time on the domains where your performance was lowest, weighted against how much they contribute to the exam (Security Operations at 28%, Threats at 22%).

What should you do with this information next?

Our CompTIA Security+ study guide covers all five SY0-701 domains with domain-weighted practice questions. Available at securitypluscertprep.com/guide.

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