Obtaining the CompTIA Security+ certification is an important step for starting and advancing an IT security career. However, properly preparing for the Security+ exam requires a significant time commitment. Many factors influence how long someone needs to study, including previous IT experience and knowledge. By creating an organized study plan, you can prepare efficiently while avoiding burnout.
How much experience do I need before taking Security+?
The CompTIA Security+ exam covers a broad range of IT security topics, requiring both knowledge and practical skills. If you have little or no experience working in IT security roles, you will likely need more extensive preparation than someone with years of hands-on experience.
CompTIA recommends Security+ candidates have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus. If you are new to the field, consider gaining more work experience before tackling the certification. Spending time in a help desk, systems administration or related role will provide the background knowledge needed for Security+.
Entry-level security experience helps
Even if you are new to cybersecurity, some IT work experience can help lay the foundation for Security+ preparation. Working in a related IT role helps you understand essential networking and operating system concepts that Security+ covers. If you have worked in IT support, network administration or a similar position, you may be able to prepare for the exam in less time.
Veteran IT professionals can move quickly
With five or more years of deep experience as a network administrator, systems administrator or security professional, you may be able to pass Security+ with just a few weeks of focused study. The exam covers core skills you use daily, so you can review the major topics without as much new learning.
How long should I study if I have no IT experience?
For someone with no prior IT work experience, properly preparing for the Security+ exam will take several months of consistent study. You will need to learn foundational networking and IT concepts before diving into the security-specific content.
If you are new to IT, set aside 4-6 months to study for the Security+ exam. This gives you enough time to cover the material methodically and thoroughly without feeling rushed. Avoid the temptation to cut your preparation time short—the broad nature of the exam requires establishing knowledge across many areas.
Study principle concepts first
The core networking protocols like TCP/IP, OSI model and wireless technologies provide the foundation for much of the Security+ exam. Study these networking fundamentals diligently, as they connect to many later topics. Taking detailed notes as you cover each principle concept will help you retain the material.
Understand attacks, threats and vulnerabilities
After establishing a networking foundation, learn the basics of security threats, attacks and system vulnerabilities. Study various types of malware, hacking techniques like phishing and social engineering, and how attackers exploit weaknesses. The exam covers how to harden systems and defend against common attacks.
Hands-on practice is essential
Reading alone is not enough—you must practice IT security hands-on as you study for Security+. This can include building home labs, using cyber ranges and virtual machines to apply your knowledge. As a beginner, hands-on exercises teach you key skills needed to pass the performance-based exam questions.
How long to study with some IT experience?
If you have worked in IT support or a related role for a year or two, plan for 2-4 months of Security+ study. You can move through foundational topics faster and focus study time on new security concepts. Allow plenty of time for hands-on skills work as you prepare.
Understand what you already know
Review the Security+ exam objectives and identify areas you already have experience with. For example, your help desk role may have provided solid experience with access control methods, remote access and OS security settings. Identify knowledge gaps to focus study time efficiently.
Fortify weaker domains
You may find your practical IT experience did not cover certain Security+ domains in depth. Common weak areas for support professionals are cloud security, risk management, cryptography and compliance/governance. Allot more study time for your weaker domains.
Practice, practice, practice
Supplement book and video learning by practicing new Security+ skills. Work through labs focused on scanning, hardening, monitoring systems. Hands-on exercises reinforce knowledge and improve troubleshooting speed.
How long should I study with 5+ years IT experience?
With five or more years working directly in IT security, you may need as little as one month of study for Security+. Your deep experience means you can rapidly review concepts you apply regularly and focus on any less familiar topics.
Know what to skip
Avoid wasting study time reviewing basic concepts you already mastered through years of hands-on work. For example, an experienced network admin can skip general network topology and routing chapters, focusing only on new information.
Drill weak domains
Identify knowledge gaps the exam covers that your career hasn’t focused on. For example, you may rarely work with cloud environments, virtualization, or compliance regulations. Use practice tests to reveal weak domains.
Keep skills sharp with labs
Running through skills-based labs helps seasoned professionals refresh less-used abilities like log analysis and forensics. Labs also improve speed and accuracy when troubleshooting and responding to security incidents.
How many hours a week should I study?
Along with your total study timeline, consider how many hours to study each week. Burnout is common if you study Security+ every waking moment. In general, aim to study 20-30 hours each week over your preparation period.
Avoid cramming
Cramming by studying 8+ hours a day every day can lead to poor retention and exhaustion. Spread study hours out over the week to allow absorption. Study 2-4 hours on weeknights, and 6-8 hours on weekend days.
Consistency breeds results
Steady and consistent progress serves most learners better than intense cram bursts. Study several hours 6-7 days per week instead of 10+ hours just on weekends. Consistent effort leads to mastery over time.
Listen to your mind/body
If you feel mental fatigue during study sessions, take a break. Everyone learns differently, so adapt your weekly schedule based on your needs. Stay alert to fatigue signals to avoid burnout.
Specific strategies to prepare efficiently
Along with your study timeline, implement strategies to use time wisely and accelerate learning:
Take practice exams
Taking practice Security+ exams reveals weak areas to focus on. Tests expose what material requires more drilling, helping guide efficient use of remaining study time.
Hands-on practice
Reading alone wastes opportunity to build skills for the performance-based questions. Schedule regular hands-on practice working through labs and exercises.
Watch Domain-specific instructional videos
Quality video training broadens understanding faster than solitary book study. Seek videos focused on each exam domain you need more help with.
Study Groups
Joining online Security+ study groups provides community support and motivation. Teaching others strengthens your own knowledge.
Read Exam Reviews
Reading detailed reviews from those who passed Security+ reveals what topics are emphasized on the actual exam compared to study material.
How long should I study the day before the exam?
Limit study sessions the day before your exam date. Last minute cramming leads to mental overload and stress that can hamper performance.
Light review, not new material
Briefly reread outlines and memory aids to reinforce facts. Do not learn entirely new material you haven’t covered in prior weeks of study.
Practice tests for confidence
Take practice exam questions to reinforce knowledge. Quick tests remind you of how much you know, increasing confidence.
Relax your mind
Spend free time relaxing to clear your mind. Go for a walk, listen to music or meditate. Overstudying right before the exam causes mental fatigue.
Early bedtime
Get to bed early before exam day to be well-rested. Being tired greatly lowers concentration and recall.
Conclusion
Preparing for the Security+ exam requires significant commitment. Time investment depends largely on your existing IT and security experience level. To be fully prepared, most candidates need 2-6 months of study across a range of resources—books, videos, practice tests and hands-on labs. Avoid exhaustion by pacing study sessions consistently across weeks, rather than cramming at the end. With organized preparation, you can approach your exam date ready for success.