Hello everyone, I took the Security+ exam for the first version over 20 years ago and will be taking version v7 in 2025, so I have a good understanding of the changes and exam structure to provide useful advice to everyone.
CompTIA Security+ is the most widely recognized foundational security certification for those starting a career in information security. If you are looking to learn and take the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam in Vietnam, this article compiles everything you need to know in one place: what this certification is, which study path to follow, what materials to use for preparation, where to take the exam, and how much it costs — updated for 2026.
This article was compiled by a team holding the full stack of CompTIA security certifications (Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, SecurityX) and directly training Security+ for large enterprises in Vietnam.
What is CompTIA Security+?
Security+ is a foundational security certification issued by CompTIA, demonstrating your core skills in risk assessment, system defense, incident response, and compliance. It is vendor-neutral (not tied to Microsoft, Cisco, or AWS specifically), so the knowledge is applicable in most enterprise environments.
The current version is SY0-701, released in November 2023. CompTIA typically retires an exam version after about three years, so SY0-701 is likely valid until late 2026 – mid-2027. This means now is the right time to study for SY0-701: the content will be relevant long enough for you to prepare and take the exam comfortably.
The certification is valid for 3 years, after which it can be renewed through CompTIA's Continuing Education program.
Why you should get Security+ (especially in Vietnam)
- A ticket into the industry: For newcomers, Security+ is the first certification to have on an information security CV. Many job postings for SOC, IT security, and system administration roles in Vietnam consider this a clear advantage.
- Internationally recognized: Security+ meets ISO 17024 standards and is included in the DoD 8140/8570 catalog of the U.S. Department of Defense — useful if you are targeting foreign companies or working remotely.
- Foundation for higher certifications: After completing Security+, you will have a solid foundation to pursue CySA+ (focused on defense/SOC) or PenTest+ (focused on offensive security).
For more details on career value and salary, see the article: Is Security+ worth studying in Vietnam?
What does the SY0-701 exam cover?
The exam covers 5 knowledge domains:
- General Security Concepts — 12%
- Threats, Vulnerabilities & Mitigations — 22%
- Security Architecture — 18%
- Security Operations — 28%
- Security Program Management & Oversight — 20%
Key exam information:
- Maximum 90 questions, 90 minutes duration.
- Passing score 750/900.
- Includes performance-based questions (PBQ) simulating real-world operations — not just multiple-choice. This section causes many to lose points, so hands-on practice is essential. See the article What are Security+ PBQs and how to prepare for them.
Security+ study roadmap for beginners
There are three paths, depending on your time and budget:
- Completely self-study — cheapest but prone to losing focus, lacking hands-on practice (labs), and without progress evaluation.
- Self-study with structured materials — using textbooks + practice tests + PBQs to stick closely to the exam. Suitable for those with an IT background.
- Guided course — following a standard objective-based curriculum, with official labs and support, shortening study time and increasing the likelihood of passing on the first attempt.
If you don't know where to start, our CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 course adheres 100% to the exam objectives, includes official labs, and offers Vietnamese support — currently at a 50% discount: → View Security+ SY0-701 course (50% off)
Detailed weekly self-study roadmap: see the article Security+ self-study roadmap from scratch.
What materials to use for exam preparation
Three types of materials determine whether you pass or fail:
- Objective-aligned textbook — to understand correctly and sufficiently, avoiding unnecessary study.
- Topic-based practice tests + full mock exams — to gauge readiness. Principle: only schedule the exam when consistently scoring above ~80% on mock exams.
- PBQ bank — to avoid being unfamiliar with the practical section.
We package all three types in our comprehensive Security+ exam preparation kit: → View SY0-701 exam preparation kit
Note: avoid "dumps" that copy exam questions directly — this violates CompTIA policy and can lead to certification revocation. Read the article "Security+ Dumps": The Truth to understand why.
How to take the Security+ exam in Vietnam
You take the exam through Pearson VUE — CompTIA's official testing partner — in two forms:
- At a testing center (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and some other locations).
- Online OnVUE at home with a remote proctor — a practical option if you are in a province far from a testing center.
The steps are: purchase a voucher → register for a Pearson VUE account → schedule the exam (choose a center or OnVUE) → take the exam → receive results immediately after completion.
Detailed costs and registration process: see the article Security+ exam costs & registration in Vietnam 2026.
Exam costs and retakes
The official voucher price directly from CompTIA has increased to approximately $439 as of June 1, 2026. Important: CompTIA does not offer free retakes — each exam attempt requires a full voucher. If you fail, you must pay again from scratch.
Therefore, there are two voucher options:
- Voucher + free retake — if you fail the first time, you can retake the exam without additional cost. This is a cheaper "insurance" compared to buying a whole new voucher. → Security+ Voucher + free retake
- Standard voucher — if you are confident of passing on the first try or just need a good-priced exam slot. → Security+ SY0-701 Voucher
Where to start
- No background, want a solid foundation: start with a guided course.
- Have an IT background, prefer self-study: get the comprehensive exam preparation kit and practice until you pass the mock exams.
- Finished preparation, ready to take the exam: choose the voucher + retake option to be safe, or the standard voucher.
Frequently asked questions
What language is the Security+ SY0-701 exam in? In practice, Vietnamese candidates usually take the exam in English. Our materials and courses closely follow the terminology used in the exam.
Can I take the exam if I'm not in Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City? Yes — choose the online OnVUE option to take it from home.
Do vouchers have an expiration date? Yes, usually around 12 months from issuance — so purchase when you have a clear study plan.
Should I study Security+ or CEH first? For most beginners, Security+ first is logical. See the comparison article Security+ vs CEH.
You can refer to study materials at VuaDump