CompTIA Security+Study Plan

CompTIA Security+
Study Plan:
8-Week Timeline

Follow our proven 8-week study plan to pass CompTIA Security+ SY0-701. Includes daily schedules, practice tests, and study tips for working professionals and students.

January 3, 20258 min read

Security+ SY0-701 Exam Overview

SY0-701
exam Code
90 minutes
duration
90 questions max
questions
750/900
passing Score
$370 USD
cost
3 years
validity

🎯 Why This 8-Week Plan Works

  • Structured domain-by-domain approach
  • Balances theory with hands-on practice
  • Flexible for working professionals
  • Includes performance-based question prep

8-Week Detailed Study Schedule

Week 1

Threats, Attacks & Vulnerabilities

Foundation of cybersecurity threats and attack vectors

📚 12-15 hours
50-75 questions

Exam Domains

  • 1.1 Social Engineering
  • 1.2 Malware Types
  • 1.3 Attack Indicators
  • 1.4 Network Attacks

Key Topics to Master

PhishingMalware analysisIndicators of compromiseNetwork scanning

Week 2

Architecture & Design

Secure network architecture and design principles

📚 12-15 hours
50-75 questions

Exam Domains

  • 2.1 Enterprise Security
  • 2.2 Virtualization
  • 2.3 Secure Staging
  • 2.4 Embedded Systems

Key Topics to Master

Defense in depthVirtualization securitySecure codingIoT security

Week 3

Implementation (Part 1)

Security controls and implementation fundamentals

📚 15-18 hours
75-100 questions

Exam Domains

  • 3.1 Secure Protocols
  • 3.2 Host Security
  • 3.3 Secure Network Design

Key Topics to Master

TLS/SSLEndpoint protectionNetwork segmentationVPN configuration

Week 4

Implementation (Part 2)

Advanced implementation and wireless security

📚 15-18 hours
75-100 questions

Exam Domains

  • 3.4 Wireless Security
  • 3.5 Mobile Device Management
  • 3.6 Application Security

Key Topics to Master

WiFi securityMDM solutionsApplication testingCode review

Week 5

Operations & Incident Response (Part 1)

Security operations and monitoring fundamentals

📚 15-18 hours
75-100 questions

Exam Domains

  • 4.1 Security Tools
  • 4.2 Incident Response
  • 4.3 Investigations

Key Topics to Master

SIEM toolsIncident handlingDigital forensicsLog analysis

Week 6

Operations & Incident Response (Part 2)

Advanced operations and business continuity

📚 15-18 hours
75-100 questions

Exam Domains

  • 4.4 Business Continuity
  • 4.5 Disaster Recovery
  • 4.6 Data Security

Key Topics to Master

BCP/DRPBackup strategiesData classificationPrivacy controls

Week 7

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Risk management and compliance frameworks

📚 12-15 hours
50-75 questions

Exam Domains

  • 5.1 Risk Management
  • 5.2 Policies & Procedures
  • 5.3 Compliance
  • 5.4 Frameworks

Key Topics to Master

Risk assessmentSecurity policiesRegulatory complianceSecurity frameworks
🏁 Final Sprint

Week 8

Final Review & Practice Exams

Intensive practice and weak area remediation

📚 20-25 hours
200+ questions

Exam Domains

  • Full Domain Review
  • Timed Practice Exams
  • Performance-Based Questions

Key Topics to Master

Simulated examsPBQ practiceTime managementFinal preparations

📋 Daily Study Routine Recommendation

Weekdays (2-3 hours)

  • • 60 minutes: Video content or reading
  • • 45 minutes: Hands-on labs/practice
  • • 30 minutes: Practice questions
  • • 15 minutes: Review and note-taking

Weekends (3-4 hours)

  • • 90 minutes: Deep dive on complex topics
  • • 60 minutes: Practice exam simulation
  • • 45 minutes: Review weak areas
  • • 30 minutes: Week summary and planning

Pro Tips for Success

🎯 Study Effectively

  • Focus on understanding, not memorization
  • Create mind maps for complex topics
  • Practice with acronyms and mnemonics
  • Join Security+ study groups and forums

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping performance-based question practice
  • Only studying from one source
  • Rushing through practice explanations
  • Neglecting hands-on experience

Security+ Practice with Zertly

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📊 Track Your Progress

  • • Target 75%+ on practice exams consistently
  • • Complete 500+ practice questions minimum
  • • Master all 5 Security+ domains
  • • Practice PBQs until comfortable

*Progress targets are guidelines informed by anonymized internal learner performance data and CompTIA exam-objective weightings.

Ready to Start Your Security+ Journey?

Follow this proven 8-week study plan used by professionals who've successfully passed Security+ SY0-701 using structured preparation and comprehensive practice.