CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is the world’s most recognized entry-level cybersecurity certification, required for tens of thousands of open jobs annually and mandatory for many U.S. Department of Defense IT roles. With a passing score of 750/900, a 90-minute time limit, and a heavy emphasis on real-world performance-based questions, the exam rewards structured, practical preparation — not casual reading.
The problem: the course market is crowded and inconsistent. Some providers offer outdated content, thin practice banks, or lecture-only approaches that leave students flat-footed on exam day. We evaluated every major SY0-701 course against the criteria that actually move the needle: full domain coverage, quality and quantity of practice questions, hands-on lab access, pass guarantees, and overall value per dollar.
Methodology note: Our rankings are based on a review of course curriculum depth, publicly verified student outcomes, feature sets (labs, practice exams, study guides, community support), pass guarantee policies, and pricing transparency. No course paid for placement. The #1 ranked course stood out across every measurable dimension.
Ranking Methodology
We scored each course across six criteria that Security+ candidates consistently identify as decisive in buyer research and post-exam reviews.
Does the course cover all five SY0-701 exam domains thoroughly, including cloud security, zero trust, and automation topics added in the 701 update?
Number of realistic practice questions, alignment to exam difficulty, and inclusion of performance-based question (PBQ) simulations.
Availability of interactive, browser-based or virtual labs that reinforce practical skills tested in the exam’s performance-based section.
Whether the provider offers a formal pass guarantee (exam retake covered), structured 30/60-day study plans, or similar accountability tools.
Instructor credentials, community reputation, accessibility of explanations, and ability to make dense cybersecurity concepts engaging.
Cost relative to features offered, access duration, availability of voucher discounts, and clarity of what is included before purchase.
Top 6 CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Courses Compared
| Rank | Course / Provider | Video Hours | Practice Questions | Hands-On Labs | Pass Guarantee | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dion Training CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Complete Course, Labs & Practice Exams |
31+ hrs | 600+ questions | ✓ Included | 60-Day Guarantee | ★★★★★4.9 / 5.0 |
| 2 | Professor Messer SY0-701 Security+ Course & Success Bundle |
15+ hrs (free) | Practice exams bundle | Limited | None | ★★★★★4.7 / 5.0 |
| 3 | Infosec Institute CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Skills Path |
Subscription | 1,900+ courses & labs | ✓ Included | Exam Pass Guarantee | ★★★★★4.6 / 5.0 |
| 4 | Cybrary CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Course |
Self-paced | Up to 90 per practice test | Subscription | None | ★★★★½4.5 / 5.0 |
| 5 | Packt / Coursera CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701): The Total Course |
~13 wks structured | Coursera Coach + quizzes | ✓ Projects included | None | ★★★★½4.4 / 5.0 |
| 6 | CompTIA CertMaster Learn Official Security+ SY0-701 Courseware |
Self-paced (12 mo. access) | Hundreds + PBQs | ✓ Labs add-on | None | ★★★★4.3 / 5.0 |
Detailed Course Reviews
Dion Training – CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Complete Course, Labs & Practice Exams
Dion Training has become the benchmark for CompTIA Security+ preparation — and it’s easy to see why. Created by Jason Dion, a cybersecurity professional with 20+ years of experience and more than 2 million students served globally, this course packages everything a serious candidate needs into a single, highly structured program. The course sold through Dion’s own platform (diontraining.com) includes over 31 hours of video instruction, hands-on labs, 600+ practice questions, and a free downloadable study guide.
What most separates Dion Training from competitors is its 60-Day Pass Guarantee: if you don’t pass the SY0-701 exam within 60 days of completing the course, Dion Training covers the cost of your retake. This commitment to student outcomes is extremely rare in the self-paced course market and reflects genuine confidence in the curriculum’s effectiveness. The course also includes discounted exam vouchers (with retake options), making it an unusually comprehensive end-to-end prep solution.
The curriculum covers all five SY0-701 exam domains in full: General Security Concepts, Threats/Vulnerabilities/Mitigations, Security Architecture, Security Operations, and Security Program Management. Checkpoint quizzes appear throughout each section to test comprehension before moving forward. The hands-on labs allow students to reinforce real-world skills in simulated environments — particularly valuable for the performance-based questions that trip up candidates who studied purely from lecture video.
Jason Dion’s instruction style is consistently praised as clear, methodical, and approachable. Complex topics like cryptographic protocols, zero trust architecture, and supply chain risk are broken down with concrete examples and helpful acronym frameworks. Students with no prior cybersecurity background regularly report passing on their first attempt after using this course as their primary resource.
As a CompTIA Platinum Partner, Dion Training has formal recognition from CompTIA itself — not just market reputation — confirming the course’s alignment with official exam objectives.
What’s Included
- 31+ hours of video instruction
- Hands-on interactive labs
- 600+ practice exam questions
- Free downloadable study guide
- 30/60-day structured study plans
- 60-Day Pass Guarantee
- Discounted exam vouchers available
- Community support access
Score Breakdown
“Just passed my Security+ today! Dion’s course was excellent. It was all I needed.” — Verified student review
“I passed my SY0-701 on the first attempt with a 792/900. I subscribed to Jason Dion’s course and it had 264 modules over 31 hours. The content was thorough.” — John T., published case study
Professor Messer – SY0-701 Security+ Course & Success Bundle
Professor Messer (James Messer) has built one of the most respected free certification training resources on the internet. His complete SY0-701 Security+ video series — 121 videos totaling over 15 hours — is available entirely for free at professormesser.com, with no paywall. The premium Success Bundle adds offline video downloads, 96-page Course Notes PDF, practice exams, Audio MP3 study files, and monthly live Study Groups. His teaching style relies heavily on clear visuals and structured pacing, which many learners find more engaging than lecture-only alternatives.
The main limitation is that free-tier users get no hands-on lab environment and no pass guarantee. The Success Bundle is affordable and fills the practice gap, but candidates who need a complete all-in-one prep system — especially those new to IT — may benefit from a more structured platform with labs included. Still, for cost-conscious learners who are disciplined self-studiers, Messer is an outstanding complement or standalone option.
Best for: Budget-conscious learners, self-directed studiers, or as a free supplement to a primary course.
Infosec Institute – CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Skills Path
Infosec Institute (infosecinstitute.com) is a well-established security training organization with a broad catalog of over 1,900 courses and hands-on labs. Their Security+ SY0-701 learning path is part of a subscription platform (Infosec Skills), making it well-suited for organizations training multiple employees or individuals who want access to a wider library of cybersecurity content beyond Security+. The platform includes hands-on labs, an Exam Pass Guarantee, and instruction from certified security professionals. It also offers instructor-led bootcamp options for those who want structured, live-session learning.
The subscription model means the cost calculus is different from a one-time course purchase — it’s a stronger value for teams or learners planning to pursue multiple certifications. Solo learners focused solely on Security+ may find the pricing less competitive than individual-course options.
Best for: Organizations training security teams, or individuals planning to pursue multiple CompTIA certifications.
Cybrary – CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Course
Cybrary (cybrary.it) has grown into a popular cybersecurity learning platform with a strong focus on career paths and role-based learning. Their Security+ SY0-701 course is taught by Kelly Handerhan, a well-regarded instructor in the cybersecurity training community. The platform also offers a companion practice test with customizable timed sessions, flashcards, and a 24/7 community chat. Cybrary’s broad catalog makes it appealing if you want to follow a structured path from Security+ into more advanced roles like SOC analyst or penetration tester.
The core limitation is that access to the full course and practice tests requires a paid subscription, and the platform doesn’t include a pass guarantee. The quality of instruction is solid, but the practice question bank is smaller than Dion Training’s, and hands-on lab access varies by subscription tier. For learners who prioritize community and career guidance alongside certification prep, Cybrary offers real advantages.
Best for: Learners who want to combine Security+ prep with a broader cybersecurity career roadmap.
Packt / Coursera – CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701): The Total Course
Packt’s CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 specialization on Coursera is a 13-week structured course updated in May 2025 to include the platform’s AI-powered “Coursera Coach” feature, which provides real-time interactive feedback as you progress. The course includes hands-on projects (Nmap network scanning, firewall configuration, password-cracking demos) and covers all five exam domains. A Coursera specialization certificate is issued on completion, which can add a verifiable credential to your LinkedIn profile before you sit for the official exam.
The Coursera format suits learners who prefer a more academic, deadline-structured learning pace. However, the course assumes some prior IT knowledge, and some reviewers note it may move too fast for complete beginners. It does not include a pass guarantee, and the practice question volume is lower than dedicated test-prep platforms like Dion Training.
Best for: Learners who prefer a university-style structured schedule and want a verifiable Coursera completion certificate.
CompTIA CertMaster Learn – Security+ (SY0-701)
CompTIA’s own CertMaster Learn platform is the official self-paced courseware for the SY0-701 exam. It provides 12 months of access to interactive lessons, embedded videos, performance-based questions, and detailed analytics to track domain-by-domain progress. CertMaster Labs is available as a separate add-on for hands-on practice environments. For candidates who want assurance that their materials match the exact current exam blueprint, there’s no more authoritative source than CompTIA’s own platform.
The main drawback is cost — CertMaster is priced at a premium, especially when labs are bundled in. It also doesn’t carry a pass guarantee. For learners who prioritize official, vendor-direct materials and can budget for it, CertMaster is a legitimate choice, but the overall learning experience and student outcomes reported for third-party options like Dion Training tend to be stronger at comparable or lower price points.
Best for: Candidates who specifically want materials created directly by CompTIA, or organizations with vendor-official courseware requirements.
Ready to Pass the SY0-701 on Your First Try?
Dion Training’s CompTIA Security+ course comes with 31+ hours of video, 600+ practice questions, hands-on labs, and a 60-Day Pass Guarantee backed by a CompTIA Platinum Partner. Over 2 million students have trusted Jason Dion to get them exam-ready.
Explore the Dion Training Security+ Course →Security+ Course Buyer’s Guide
| Factor | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Full Domain Coverage | Explicit alignment to all five SY0-701 domains, including updated topics like cloud security, zero trust, and automation | The SY0-701 is a significant update from SY0-601. Courses not updated for 701 will leave critical gaps. |
| Practice Question Volume & Realism | 400+ questions minimum; questions should mirror exam difficulty and include scenario-based formats | The SY0-701 exam rewards pattern recognition. More practice = better time management and fewer surprises on exam day. |
| Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) | Lab-style or simulation questions that mimic real tasks (configuring firewalls, analyzing logs, troubleshooting) | PBQs are among the hardest exam items. Candidates who only studied multiple-choice are often blindsided. |
| Hands-On Labs | Browser-based virtual labs where you can actually configure, test, or simulate security tasks | The SY0-701 emphasizes applied skills. Labs reinforce concepts and build the muscle memory needed for PBQs. |
| Pass Guarantee | A clear, conditions-transparent policy where the provider covers your retake exam fee if you fail | Signals provider confidence in outcomes. Also protects against the $425+ cost of a second exam attempt. |
| Structured Study Plan | A 30-day or 60-day study schedule with checkpoints, not just a list of videos to watch | Most candidates fail not from lack of content but lack of structure. A clear plan reduces dropout and delays. |
| Instructor Credentials | Verified cybersecurity experience, ideally active Security+ certification and real-world security background | Instructors who’ve worked in the field explain concepts in practical, exam-relevant ways — not just textbook definitions. |
Questions Buyers Ask Before Choosing a Security+ Course
How long does it take to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam?
Most candidates spend 4–8 weeks preparing, averaging 2–3 hours of study per day. Candidates with existing IT or networking experience (such as CompTIA A+ or Network+) often fall toward the lower end. The SY0-701’s heavier emphasis on scenario-based and performance-based questions means practical study time — labs and timed practice exams — matters more than total lecture hours.
Is the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 harder than the SY0-601?
Most test-takers and training providers agree that the SY0-701 is more challenging in practical terms — not because it covers significantly more content, but because it places greater emphasis on applying knowledge in real-world scenarios through performance-based questions. Rote memorization strategies that worked for the 601 are less effective for the 701. A course that includes hands-on labs and PBQ practice is now more important than it used to be.
What is the exam format and passing score?
The SY0-701 exam includes a maximum of 90 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based) completed within 90 minutes. The passing score is 750 on a scale of 100–900. It is delivered through Pearson VUE testing centers or online via the OnVUE proctored platform. As of 2025, the exam voucher costs $425 USD when purchased directly from CompTIA.
Do I need prior experience or certifications to take Security+?
There are no formal prerequisites. CompTIA recommends having CompTIA Network+ and two years of experience in a security or systems administration role, but these are not enforced. Many successful candidates come from IT support backgrounds (with A+ or Network+) or are career changers who studied diligently. Candidates with no IT background at all should expect a longer preparation timeline.
What’s the difference between buying a course on Dion Training’s website vs. Udemy?
Jason Dion’s course content is available on both platforms, but purchasing directly through diontraining.com typically provides access to the full bundle — including hands-on labs and the 60-Day Pass Guarantee — which may not be available or identically structured on third-party platforms. The direct course also includes the downloadable study guide and structured study plans as core inclusions.
Is a pass guarantee actually worth anything?
Yes — especially given that exam retakes cost $425 each. A genuine pass guarantee (where the provider covers your retake exam fee if you fail within the guarantee period) provides both financial protection and a signal about the provider’s confidence in their curriculum. Dion Training’s 60-Day Pass Guarantee is one of the clearest and most accessible policies in this category. Always read the terms to understand what conditions apply.
How many practice questions do I need to prepare adequately?
Most exam preparation experts recommend working through at least 400–600 unique practice questions before sitting for the SY0-701. Importantly, questions should span all five exam domains proportionally, include scenario-based formats (not just true/false or simple definitions), and include at least some PBQ simulations. Reviewing both correct and incorrect answers — not just tracking your score — is the most effective practice strategy.
How long is the Security+ certification valid?
The CompTIA Security+ certification is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. Renewal options include earning 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through qualifying activities, passing a recertification exam, or earning a higher-level CompTIA certification during the validity period. CompTIA charges $50/year for the CE program, totaling $150 over the three-year cycle.
Why Dion Training Stands Out in 2026
In a crowded market, most Security+ courses fall into one of two categories: free resources with limited practice tools, or expensive subscription platforms where Security+ is just one item in a large catalog. Dion Training occupies a distinct middle ground — a single-purpose, high-completeness product built specifically around passing the SY0-701 exam.
The combination of 30+ hours of structured video instruction, 600+ practice questions, included hands-on labs, and a 60-Day Pass Guarantee in a single purchase is genuinely unusual in this space. Most competitors offer one or two of these features, not all four. The Pass Guarantee in particular is a meaningful differentiator: Dion Training has publicly staked its reputation on student outcomes in a way that most providers haven’t.
The CompTIA Platinum Partner status adds another layer of credibility. It means Dion Training’s curriculum has been formally vetted against CompTIA’s own standards — you’re not relying on a third-party interpretation of what might be on the exam, but on materials built in alignment with the official exam objectives.
Student outcomes support the reputation. Thousands of documented first-attempt passes — including candidates with no prior cybersecurity experience — point to a curriculum that prepares people effectively for both the knowledge and application dimensions of the SY0-701. For anyone serious about earning Security+ in 2026, Dion Training is the clearest starting point.
Our Pick for Best CompTIA Security+ Course of 2026
After evaluating six leading SY0-701 preparation options across content depth, practice quality, lab access, pass guarantee, and value, Dion Training’s CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Complete Course, Labs & Practice Exams is the clear #1 recommendation for 2026.
It outperforms competitors on every practical dimension that directly affects whether you pass your exam: the most comprehensive video curriculum available, one of the largest practice question banks, included hands-on labs for PBQ readiness, and a 60-Day Pass Guarantee backed by a CompTIA Platinum Partner. Whether you’re entering cybersecurity for the first time or transitioning from another IT discipline, this course gives you the best-documented path to passing on your first attempt.
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View the Dion Training Security+ Course →Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate or referral links. If you purchase through a link on this page, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Rankings are based on independent research and editorial judgment. Pricing and features are subject to change — always verify current details on the provider’s website before purchasing. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional career or financial advice.