DoD 8570 Approved 3-Year Validity
CompTIA Security+ Certification (SY0-701)
The universal cybersecurity baseline credential — required for US government and DoD roles, recognised by virtually every enterprise employer, and the most widely held entry-level security certification in the world.
CompTIA Security+ has been the entry-level cybersecurity standard for 23 years. For US government, DoD contractor, and healthcare security roles, it is not preferred — it is required.
What You Will Learn
CompTIA Security+ covers the full breadth of entry-level cybersecurity knowledge — from network security architecture to threat identification, cryptography, identity management, and risk assessment. Unlike the Google Cybersecurity certificate, which emphasises hands-on tool practice, Security+ is theory-heavy and exam-validated. The two credentials complement each other strongly: Google cert for hands-on tool confidence, Security+ for universally recognised proof of knowledge.
- Identify and analyse security threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors
- Apply security architecture principles — network segmentation, defence in depth, zero trust
- Implement cryptography — symmetric, asymmetric, hashing, PKI
- Manage identity and access — MFA, SSO, role-based access control
- Understand cloud security fundamentals and virtualisation risks
- Apply security governance — frameworks, policies, risk management, compliance
- Respond to security incidents following established procedures
- Understand wireless, mobile, and IoT security considerations
Who This Certification Is For
Security+ is the right next step after the Google Cybersecurity certificate for anyone targeting enterprise, government, healthcare, or defence sector cybersecurity roles. For US government and DoD contractor positions specifically, it is a hard requirement — not a preference. The 30% exam discount included with the Google Cybersecurity certificate makes pursuing both credentials together the most cost-effective pathway into professional cybersecurity.
✅ Strengths
- Universal employer recognition — 23 years of credibility
- DoD 8570 approved — required for government security roles
- Proctored exam — stronger signal than completion certificates
- 30% discount available via Google Cybersecurity cert
- Recognised globally across 147 countries
❌ Limitations
- ~$404 exam fee — significant investment
- Theory-heavy — limited hands-on tool coverage in preparation
- 3-year validity requires ongoing renewal commitment
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Data note: salary, job-market and cost figures on this page are rounded estimates drawn from US Bureau of Labor Statistics data and the provider’s own published information at the time of writing. They change often, so confirm current numbers on the provider’s website before you decide. Our rating is our own editorial assessment; see our Editorial Policy for how we review courses.
