Security+ Prep › SY0-801 vs SY0-701
SY0-801 vs SY0-701: what changes and which one to study
CompTIA is replacing the Security+ exam. SY0-801, the eighth version (V8), launches on 17 November 2026. The current exam, SY0-701 (V7), does not disappear that day: in English it stays available until 11 June 2027. For about seven months you can book either one. Here is what stays the same, what moves, and how to choose.
Key dates
17 Nov 2026 · SY0-801 launches.
11 Jun 2027 · SY0-701 retires in English.
In between, both versions can be booked in English.
Which exam can you book?
| Your exam date | Versions available in English |
|---|---|
| Before 17 Nov 2026 | SY0-701 only |
| 17 Nov 2026 to 11 Jun 2027 | SY0-701 or SY0-801 |
| After 11 Jun 2027 | SY0-801 only |
These are CompTIA's dates as of October 2026. Release dates have moved before, so check the official Security+ page before you book, and check the exam code on your booking confirmation.
The format does not change
Both versions use the same exam shape:
- A maximum of 90 questions, multiple choice and performance-based.
- 90 minutes.
- A scaled score from 100 to 900, with 750 needed to pass.
Performance-based tasks ask you to do something rather than pick an answer, for example put steps in order, match items, or sort them into categories. Both versions have them, so practise them whichever exam you book.
Domain weights, side by side
Both exams have five domains with the same numbers. What changes is how much of the exam each one is worth.
| Domain | SY0-701 | SY0-801 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. General Security Concepts | 12% | 16% | +4 |
| 2. Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks* | 22% | 24% | +2 |
| 3. Security Architecture | 18% | 19% | +1 |
| 4. Security Operations | 28% | 27% | −1 |
| 5. Security Program Management and Oversight | 20% | 14% | −6 |
* Called Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations in SY0-701.
What the numbers mean
- Domain 5 shrinks the most. Security Program Management and Oversight drops from 20% to 14%. On a full 90-question exam, six points is roughly five fewer questions on governance, risk and compliance.
- Domain 1 grows the most. General Security Concepts goes from 12% to 16%, roughly three or four more questions on security concepts and controls, change management and cryptographic solutions.
- Domain 2 is renamed and grows a little. Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations becomes Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks, and its share goes from 22% to 24%. The SY0-801 objectives also add an objective on threats and vulnerabilities associated with artificial intelligence (2.6).
- Domains 3 and 4 barely move. Security Architecture goes from 18% to 19% and Security Operations from 28% to 27%. Security Operations is the largest domain in both versions, so it deserves the most study time either way.
Question counts are approximate: the weights describe shares of the exam, and a real exam can have fewer than 90 questions.
If your exam is before 17 November 2026
Only SY0-701 exists, so study SY0-701. The news about V8 does not change your plan. The five domains keep their numbers and four of them keep their names, so most of what you learn carries over if you ever need the new version.
If your exam is between 17 November 2026 and 11 June 2027
You choose the version when you book. Both lead to the same CompTIA Security+ certification, so pick the one that fits your preparation:
- You have studied SY0-701 for a while and can sit well before June 2027: finishing on SY0-701 is a reasonable choice. Leave a margin: if you need a retake after 11 June 2027, it has to be SY0-801.
- You are starting now: study SY0-801. It is the version that stays, and no retirement date can cut off a retake.
- You are not sure yet: start with the domains that change least. Security Architecture and Security Operations make up 46% of either exam. Decide before you book.
If your exam is after 11 June 2027
SY0-701 is no longer offered in English, so study SY0-801.
Which one should you study?
The short rule: study the version on your booking. If you have not booked yet, choose SY0-801, unless you are well into SY0-701 preparation and can sit with time to spare before 11 June 2027. Whichever you choose, spend your time the way that version weights its domains.
How Security+ Prep handles both
Security+ Prep has a version switch. Pick SY0-801 or SY0-701, and the domains, the weights, the full mock and your readiness follow that version. Every question is original, written against CompTIA's published SY0-801 objectives and tagged to the objective it covers. The questions are not real exam questions.
Questions
When does SY0-801 launch?
On 17 November 2026, according to CompTIA as of October 2026.
When does SY0-701 retire?
The English SY0-701 exam is available until 11 June 2027.
Did the passing score change?
No. Both versions are scored from 100 to 900 with 750 needed to pass, and both allow up to 90 questions in 90 minutes.
Study the version you booked
Free to start: domain 1 in full, daily questions, your mistakes list and readiness. One lifetime pass, bought once, for all five domains, the performance-based tasks and the full mock.