Security+ vs CISSP: Which Cybersecurity Cert Should You Get?

Security+ vs CISSP: Two Different Career Stages

CompTIA Security+ and CISSP are both respected cybersecurity certifications, but they target very different career stages. Security+ is an entry-level credential designed for IT professionals moving into security roles. CISSP is an expert-level certification that validates 5+ years of security experience across eight specialized domains.

Choosing between them is less about personal preference and more about where you are in your career. This guide breaks down both certifications so you can make the right call for your situation.

Side-by-Side Comparison

• Prerequisites: Security+ has no formal prerequisites (CompTIA recommends Network+ and 2 years of IT experience). CISSP requires 5 years of paid work experience in at least 2 of 8 security domains.
• Exam length: Security+ is 90 questions in 90 minutes. CISSP is an adaptive exam with 125-175 questions in 4 hours (CAT format).
• Passing score: Security+ requires 750/900. CISSP uses a scaled scoring model where you must demonstrate competency across all domains; the minimum passing score is 700 on a 1,000-point scale.
• Cost: Security+ exam costs $404 USD. CISSP costs $699 USD.
• Renewal: Security+ requires 50 CEUs every 3 years. CISSP requires 120 CPEs every 3 years plus an annual maintenance fee.
• Issuing body: CompTIA issues Security+. (ISC)2 issues CISSP.
• Vendor neutrality: Both are vendor-neutral.
• DoD recognition: Security+ meets DoD 8570 IAT Level II requirements. CISSP meets IAM Level III requirements.

Who Should Get Security+ First?

Security+ is the right starting point for most people entering cybersecurity. Here are the clearest signals that Security+ is your next move:

• You have fewer than 3 years of dedicated security work experience
• You are transitioning from general IT (help desk, networking, sysadmin) into a security role
• You are working toward a DoD contractor position that requires IAT Level II compliance
• You want a broad foundation in cryptography, network security, identity and access management, risk management, and incident response before specializing
• You cannot yet meet CISSP's experience requirements

Security+ opens doors to roles like SOC Analyst, IT Security Analyst, Security Engineer, and Systems Administrator with a security focus. See our detailed prep guide: how to pass the CompTIA Security+ exam in 2026.

Who Should Go Straight to CISSP?

CISSP makes sense as a direct target if you already have substantial security experience and are ready to move into senior or management-track roles. Consider going straight to CISSP if:

• You already have 5+ years in security roles covering multiple domains (e.g., security architecture, access control, cryptography, operations)
• You are targeting a CISO, Security Director, or Security Manager title
• Your employer is specifically requiring CISSP for a promotion or contract
• You have already held roles in security risk management, security engineering, or security architecture

One important note: if you pass the CISSP exam but do not yet have 5 years of experience, you become an "Associate of (ISC)2" until you accumulate the required experience. This can still be a useful credential while you build your experience base. Our full CISSP prep breakdown is here: how to pass the CISSP exam in 2026.

Salary Comparison: What Each Cert Is Worth

The salary difference between Security+ and CISSP holders is significant and reflects the experience gap between the two certifications.

• Security+ certified professionals: Average salaries range from $65,000 to $90,000 depending on role, location, and additional experience. Common roles include SOC Analyst, Security Administrator, and Junior Security Engineer.
• CISSP certified professionals: Average salaries range from $110,000 to $160,000. Common roles include Security Manager, Security Architect, CISO, and Senior Security Engineer.

The salary jump from Security+ to CISSP levels is substantial, but it reflects years of accumulated experience, not just passing an exam. The CISSP is a signal of senior competency, not just knowledge.

The Common Career Path: Security+ First, Then CISSP

Most cybersecurity professionals follow this trajectory: earn Security+ to land their first dedicated security role, spend several years across different security functions, then pursue CISSP to validate that experience and unlock senior opportunities.

The gap between Security+ and CISSP is typically 5-7 years. That is not dead time. Those years build the cross-domain experience that CISSP actually requires. The exam itself tests how you think about security at an architectural and managerial level, which only comes with real-world experience.

Some professionals add intermediate certifications during this period: CEH, OSCP, CISM, or cloud security certifications like AWS Security Specialty. These fill in specific skill gaps and keep you competitive while building toward CISSP.

Can You Skip Security+ and Go Straight to CISSP?

Yes, Security+ is not a prerequisite for CISSP. If you meet the experience requirements and feel ready, you can register directly. Security+ does, however, build a useful conceptual foundation for CISSP's domain content, particularly for candidates who lack formal security education. The Security+ curriculum overlaps heavily with CISSP Domains 3 (Security Architecture), 4 (Communication and Network Security), and 5 (Identity and Access Management).

For candidates who have been working in hands-on security roles for years, Security+ adds little new knowledge. For candidates who transitioned into security from general IT without a structured security background, Security+ provides a solid conceptual map before tackling CISSP's broader scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you self-study for CISSP?

Yes. Most successful CISSP candidates self-study. The standard resources are the (ISC)2 Official Study Guide, Destination CISSP by Rob Witcher, and Prabh Nair's "Coffee Shots" video series. The key is understanding concepts deeply, not memorizing answers, because the CISSP CAT format rewards judgment over recall.

Is CISSP the hardest IT certification?

CISSP consistently ranks among the most challenging IT certifications due to its breadth, the experience requirement, and the CAT exam format that adapts to your demonstrated knowledge level. It is not impossible to pass, but it requires serious preparation and genuine security experience.

Does Security+ expire?

Yes. CompTIA Security+ is valid for 3 years. Renewal requires 50 continuing education units (CEUs), which can be earned through training, attending conferences, or passing a higher-level CompTIA exam like CySA+ or CASP+.