How to Pass the SY0-701 Security+ in 2026: A Crowdsourced Study Blueprint
The Data: 12 Pass Reports Analysed
We compiled 12 first-hand accounts from people who passed the SY0-701 in 2025-2026. The consensus difficulty was 6/10 — a noticeable step up from entry-level certs like the AZ-900 or CLF-C02, but very achievable with structured preparation.
Most passers studied for 6-8 weeks at 1-3 hours per day. A handful of career-changers spent longer, but the 6-8 week window was the sweet spot for people who already had some IT exposure.
The #1 Resource: Professor Messer Free YouTube Course
An overwhelming 10 out of 12 passers (83%) used Professor Messer's free SY0-701 YouTube course as their primary study resource. This is an extraordinary level of consensus — no other Security+ resource comes close.
Beyond the video course, Messer also offers study groups, course notes, and practice exams. The free content alone was enough for the majority of passers, making the Security+ one of the most affordable certifications to prepare for.
Paid Resources That Complement Messer
Jason Dion's Udemy course was the second most popular resource (5/12 passers). It is a well-structured paid alternative that many used alongside Messer for a different perspective on the same material.
Dion's practice exams were specifically called out by 3 out of 12 passers as the best way to gauge readiness. ExamCompass free practice tests (3/12) were recommended as a solid no-cost alternative for drilling individual domains.
Exam Strategy: PBQs, Ports, and Booking Early
The most repeated exam-day tip was to skip Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) on the first pass. PBQs appear at the start of the exam and can eat up precious time. Flag them and circle back after finishing the multiple-choice questions.
Several passers stressed memorising common ports and protocols from Day 1 — these appear in multiple domains and earn easy points across the exam. Booking your exam date early was also a recurring theme: having a fixed deadline creates urgency and prevents study drift.
Build Your Study Plan
The winning formula from 12 passers: start with Professor Messer for comprehensive coverage, layer in Jason Dion for reinforcement, then hammer practice exams in the final two weeks. Memorise ports and protocols throughout.
See the full crowdsourced blueprint with all resources, ratings, and study plans at readroo.st/blueprints/security-plus-sy0-701.
Full Study Blueprint
See the complete crowdsourced blueprint with all 1 study plan for CompTIA Security+ — resources, ratings, and tips from people who passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to pass the Security+ SY0-701?
Based on 12 pass reports, most people studied for 6-8 weeks at 1-3 hours per day. Prior IT experience can shorten this timeline.
What is the best free resource for Security+ SY0-701?
Professor Messer's free YouTube course was used by 83% of passers (10/12) — the single most recommended resource by a wide margin.
How hard is the Security+ SY0-701 exam?
Rated 6/10 difficulty. Harder than fundamentals certs but very achievable with 6-8 weeks of focused study and practice exams.
Should I skip the PBQs on Security+?
Yes — multiple passers recommend flagging PBQs on the first pass and returning to them after completing the multiple-choice questions to manage your time effectively.
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