CompTIA Security+ is the default entry / HR-screen cert. CISSP is the default experienced practitioner cert. Taking CISSP first with no IT background is how people burn $750 and six months.
If you are starting: Security+ practice · how to pass Security+. If you already have years in security: CISSP practice.
Head-to-head
| Security+ SY0-701 | CISSP | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Core / intermediate | Professional / CBK breadth |
| Experience required to certify | None | 5 years (or Associate of ISC2 after passing) |
| Length | ~90 questions, 90 minutes | 100–150 CAT items, up to 3 hours |
| Cost (typical) | ~$425 exam + training | ~$749 exam + membership |
| Job posts | DoD 8140, SOC 1, helpdesk-to-security | Architect, manager, senior consultant |
| Study time | 4–8 weeks | 3–6 months |
Take Security+ first if you…
- Need a cert this quarter to pass a résumé filter
- Have not run IAM, logging, or incident process in production
- Are coming from helpdesk, networking, or a non-security degree
CompTIA path: A+ → Network+ → Security+.
Take CISSP (or CISSP next) if you…
- Can already map controls to risk, architecture, and operations
- See CISSP on senior job descriptions you actually qualify for
- Are willing to study manager-level “best” answers, not just port numbers
ISC2 path · CISSP vs CISM · CISSP tips.
Can you skip Security+ and go CISSP?
Yes if you already work in security (or overlapping IT security) and can document years. No if CISSP would be your first security exam. ISC2 will let you sit the test; the CBK will not be kind.
A common strong path: Security+ → SOC/admin job → CySA+ or vendor cert → CISSP.
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