Introduction
If you’ve spent any time in cybersecurity forums lately, you’ve probably seen the same question surface over and over: is Security+ worth it? It’s a fair thing to ask. With the exam voucher running hundreds of dollars and the threat landscape shifting faster than ever, you need to know your investment will actually pay off. The great news? In 2027, the answer is still a confident yes — though with a few caveats worth knowing upfront. Let’s get into it.
What We Evaluated
To give you a genuinely useful answer, we examined four key factors: the total cost of earning the cert, the time commitment involved, the real-world job outcomes for Security+ holders, and how it compares to other certifications on the market. We also drew on community feedback from working IT pros [4] and expert analysis from cybersecurity training specialists [3] to keep things grounded in what’s actually happening in the field — not just theory.
Time & Cost Breakdown
Let’s talk numbers. The Security+ exam voucher runs around $425 [1], which is genuinely reasonable for a vendor-neutral cert that opens this many doors. Add in study materials — a solid prep course, practice exams, and maybe a textbook — and your total investment lands somewhere between $500 and $700. On the time side, most candidates put in 60–100 hours of study over 4–8 weeks, depending on their existing IT background. Already holding a CompTIA A+ or Network+? You’ll likely land on the lower end of that range. A structured, affordable prep course can cut your study time significantly and give your pass rate a real boost.
What You Get
Security+ covers a solid foundation across the core cybersecurity domains: threats and vulnerabilities, network security, identity management, cryptography, incident response, and governance and compliance. These topics map directly to real-world SOC analyst tasks, making the cert highly relevant for blue team roles from day one. It’s also DoD 8570/8140 compliant, which means it’s required for many U.S. government and defense contractor positions — a fact that significantly boosts its value in the job market. University-level courses can help you build the theoretical depth behind each domain before you sit the exam.
Real-World Value
Here’s where it gets exciting. Security+ holders are landing roles like SOC Analyst, IT Security Specialist, Systems Administrator, and Junior Penetration Tester, with average salaries ranging from $65,000 to $90,000+ depending on location and experience [2]. The demand is real and growing — cybersecurity job postings continue to outpace qualified candidates, and employers increasingly list Security+ as a preferred or required credential [3]. When you stack that salary upside against a $500–$700 upfront cost, the math looks pretty compelling.
Who It’s Worth It For
Security+ is a strong choice if you’re an IT professional pivoting into cybersecurity, a recent grad eager to validate your skills, or someone targeting government or defense sector roles. It’s also a smart stepping stone if you’re planning to pursue more advanced certs down the road — like CISSP or CEH [1]. Hands-on, project-based learning alongside your cert prep can help you build the practical skills employers actually want to see.
→ Browse courses on Skillshare
Who Should Skip It
If you already bring 3+ years of hands-on cybersecurity experience and you’re targeting senior roles, you’ll likely get more mileage from jumping straight to CISSP, CISM, or a specialized cert like OSCP for red team work. Security+ also loses its impact if you’re in a non-technical role with no plans to move into security operations. And here’s the honest truth — as one candid reviewer put it, the cert alone won’t get you hired [1]. You still need practical skills and real-world experience to back it up.
Verdict
For the vast majority of people asking is Security+ worth it in 2027 — yes, absolutely [2]. It’s affordable, widely recognized, DoD-compliant, and opens doors to genuinely well-paying entry-level and mid-level cybersecurity roles. Just treat it as a launchpad, not a destination. Pair the cert with hands-on labs, a home SOC project, or a structured career development plan, and you’ll be in great shape. Professional development courses with LinkedIn integration can also help you put your new skills in front of recruiters right away.
→ Browse courses on LinkedIn Learning
Alternatives
If Security+ doesn’t feel like the right fit, there are solid alternatives worth exploring:
- CompTIA CySA+ — A step up from Security+, focused on threat detection and SOC analysis
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) — A great pick for those leaning toward red team and penetration testing
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate — A beginner-friendly, lower-cost option to test the waters
- CISSP — The gold standard for experienced security professionals (5+ years required)
For a structured pathway through multiple cybersecurity topics and cert prep, university-backed short courses are a great way to explore your options before committing to a full exam.
→ Browse courses on FutureLearn
FAQ
How long does Security+ last? The cert is valid for 3 years. You can renew it through CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program or by passing a higher-level exam.
Do I need experience before taking Security+? CompTIA recommends at least 2 years of IT experience with a security focus, but many self-taught beginners pass it with dedicated study.
Is Security+ recognized internationally? Yes — it’s a globally recognized, vendor-neutral certification respected by employers worldwide.
What jobs can I get with Security+ alone? Common entry-level roles include SOC Analyst Tier 1, Help Desk with a security focus, IT Auditor, and Junior Security Analyst [2].
What should I study after Security+? A popular next step is CySA+ for blue team depth, or CEH/eJPT if offensive security and red team work is where you’re headed.
Next, read:
Cybersecurity Certification Cost 2026: Security+, CISSP, CEH & OSCP Compared
Career Change to Cybersecurity in 2026: Certs, SOC Roles & Salary Roadmap
CompTIA Security+ vs Google Cybersecurity Certificate: Which Should You Take First?
Security+ to CISSP: $0–$150K Cybersecurity Career Roadmap 2026