CISSP vs CompTIA Security+
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
(ISC)²
CISSP
CISSP
Gold-standard senior security certification covering 8 domains including risk management, architecture, and cryptography.
Full guide →CompTIA
CompTIA Security+
SY0-701
Entry-level cybersecurity certification covering core security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and incident response.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | CISSP | CompTIA Security+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $749 USD | ✓$404 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$22,000/yr | +$8,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 240 min | 90 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | (ISC)² | CompTIA |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Beginner |
CISSP — Prerequisites
5 years paid work experience in 2+ of 8 CISSP domains
CompTIA Security+ — Prerequisites
None required, CompTIA Network+ recommended
Get CISSP if…
- •You're aiming for senior or management roles in security
- •You want a +$22,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from (ISC)²
Get CompTIA Security+ if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$8,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from CompTIA
Best CISSP courses
udemy
CISSP Complete Course
by Top-rated instructor
One-time purchase, lifetime access
View on Udemy →Best CompTIA Security+ courses
udemy
CompTIA Security+ Complete Course
by Top-rated instructor
One-time purchase, lifetime access
View on Udemy →Frequently asked questions
Is CISSP harder than CompTIA Security+?
CISSP is harder — rated advanced vs beginner.
Which pays more — CISSP or CompTIA Security+?
CISSP has an average salary uplift of +$22,000/yr, while CompTIA Security+ has +$8,000/yr. CISSP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CISSP or CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CISSP.