CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 (V7) Exam Objectives
This page translates the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 (V7) Exam Objectives into clear, practical language. You’ll see what each domain covers, typical task themes, and a focused study plan that turns objectives into drills, PBQs, and exam-day confidence.
Last updated: November 9, 2025. Always verify against the official CompTIA blueprint before your exam.
TL;DR: The Security+ SY0-701 Exam Objectives span foundational security concepts, threat and vulnerability management, security architecture, operations/incident response, and governance/risk/compliance. Treat the objective list like a checklist: review, lab, quiz, and reinforce with PBQs.
Table of Contents
- What Is Covered on CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 (V7)?
- Objective-By-Objective Breakdown (with examples)
- Why CompTIA Security+ After CompTIA A+?
- Study Plan: How to Master the SY0-701 Objectives
- Free Checklist & Next Steps
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Covered on CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 (V7)?
Security+ validates core, job-ready security skills for modern environments. Expect scenario-driven questions and PBQs that test your ability to:
- Identify and analyze threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities
- Design and implement secure architectures and controls
- Operate and respond: monitoring, detection, and incident handling
- Apply governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) practices
- Use security tools safely and effectively
Note
Wording below is learner-friendly. Map your prep to the official SY0-701 (V7) objectives before test day.
Objective-By-Objective Breakdown (with examples)
1) General Security Concepts
Build a strong foundation so later topics “click.”- CIA triad, risk vs. threat vs. vulnerability, likelihood/impact
- Security controls: preventive, detective, corrective, compensating
- Authentication, authorization, accounting; identity basics and MFA
- Cryptography fundamentals: hashing, symmetric/asymmetric, certificates, PKI basics
- Secure protocols and when to use them (HTTPS, SFTP, SSH, TLS)
2) Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations
Recognize patterns and pick the right countermeasure.- Common attacks: phishing, BEC, password attacks, malware families, web app flaws (injection/XSS/CSRF)
- Vulnerability management: scanning, prioritization, remediation workflows, exceptions/compensating controls
- Secure coding and supply chain risks: SAST/DAST basics, SBOM awareness
- Cloud & container risks: misconfigurations, exposed services, insecure APIs
- Threat intel types: OSINT, commercial, ISACs; using feeds responsibly
3) Security Architecture
Design layered defenses that reduce risk.- Network segmentation, zero trust concepts, least privilege
- Secure placement: firewalls, IDS/IPS, WAF, VPN, proxies, NAC
- Endpoint/security baselines: hardening, EDR, application control
- Identity & access: SSO, federation basics, conditional access, RBAC/ABAC models
- Data security: classification, DLP at rest/in transit/in use, key management awareness
4) Security Operations
Run day-to-day security with visibility and discipline.- Logging/monitoring: SIEM basics, alert tuning, baselining behavior
- Incident response process: prep → detect → contain → eradicate → recover → lessons learned
- Forensics awareness: chain of custody, volatile vs. non-volatile data priorities
- Email, web, and endpoint protections; scanning and patching cycles
- Business continuity & disaster recovery touchpoints with operations
5) Governance, Risk, and Compliance
Align security with business and legal requirements.- Policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines differences
- Risk management lifecycle, qualitative/quantitative methods
- Privacy principles and common regulations awareness (e.g., GDPR concepts)
- Third-party risk: contracts, due diligence, SLAs, audits/assessments
- Security awareness training and culture building
Why Security+ After A+?
A+ builds device, OS, and troubleshooting fundamentals; Security+ layers in risk thinking, secure design, and incident response. Many learners progress A+ → Security+ to align with helpdesk, junior admin, or SOC Tier 1 roles.
Study Plan: How to Master the SY0-701 Objectives
- Map objectives to practice Turn each objective into 1–2 actionable drills (e.g., read a SIEM log and identify the control type involved).
- Learn the “why” behind controls Tie each mitigation to the threat it reduces. If you can articulate the why, distractors won’t fool you.
- Drill terminology + ports/protocol use cases Use spaced repetition for crypto, auth methods, attack names, and protocol fit-for-purpose.
- Practice incident response flows Run tabletop scenarios: detect → contain → eradicate → recover → lessons learned. Document artifacts and decisions.
- Finish with PBQs and timed exams Simulate exam conditions and review rationales. Target weak domains with focused sets.
