CompTIA Security+ (CompTIA) and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (ISC2) cover different bodies of knowledge. Here's how they compare side by side — and how to pick the one that fits your role.
Read the full guide: ISC2 CC vs CompTIA Security+: Which Entry-Level Security Certification First →
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| SY0-701CompTIA Security+ | ISC2 CCISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Intermediate | Entry |
| Exam length | 1h 30m | 2h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~90 | ~100 |
| Pass mark | 83% | 70% |
| In a sentence | The baseline cybersecurity certification — five domains, 750/900 to pass. | ISC2's entry-level cybersecurity certification - no experience required, five domains, 700/1000 to pass. |
| Free practice | 163 sample questions | 49 sample questions |
Exam parameters are compiled from each vendor's official exam guide. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and fees on the official CompTIA and ISC2 site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with CompTIA or ISC2.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| SY0-701facts as of November 2026 | ISC2 CCfacts as of October 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Exam fee: $439 (US list price; verify on comptia.org) Retake: Full exam fee (no wait for the 2nd attempt; 14 days from the 3rd) Renewal — CE fee: $150 per 3-year cycle with 50 CEUs |
Exam fee: $199 in most regions (EUR 191.04 in ISC2's EMEA list, GBP 161.19 in the UK; verify on isc2.org) Retake: Full fee per attempt (30-day wait after the first fail, 60 after the second, 90 after later ones; max 4 attempts in 12 months) Reschedule / cancel: $50 / $100 Annual Maintenance Fee: $50 every year (CC-only holders), plus 45 CPE credits per 3-year cycle |
| Study time | commonly reported 60–100 hours for candidates with some IT background (CompTIA publishes no official figure) | 15-30 minutes a day plus a couple of hours at weekends (ISC2's own advice; it publishes no total-hours figure) |
| Renewal | valid for 3 years; renew with 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) plus the CE fee, by passing the latest Security+ exam, or by earning a higher-level CompTIA certification | valid for a three-year cycle: earn 45 CPE credits per cycle, all Group A (ISC2 suggests 15 a year), and pay the US$50 Annual Maintenance Fee every year - the certification then renews automatically, with no re-exam |
| Entry requirement | No prerequisites — anyone can buy a voucher and schedule the exam. | No prerequisites - no cybersecurity work experience or degree is required; ISC2 recommends basic IT knowledge. |
| Body of knowledge | the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam objectives | the ISC2 CC exam outline |
| Full fact pages | SY0-701 cost · format · eligibility | ISC2 CC cost · format · eligibility |
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SY0-701 (CompTIA Security+) is a CompTIA intermediate credential, while ISC2 CC (ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity) comes from ISC2 (entry). They cover different bodies of knowledge, so the choice depends on the role you're aiming for rather than difficulty alone.
The SY0-701 exam runs about 1h 30m with ~90 questions; the ISC2 CC exam runs about 2h 0m with ~100 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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