CompTIA Security+ vs CompTIA AI+
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
CompTIA
CompTIA Security+
SY0-701
Entry-level cybersecurity certification covering core security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and incident response.
Full guide →CompTIA
CompTIA AI+
AI-900
Vendor-neutral AI certification covering AI concepts, machine learning, data science, and responsible AI practices.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA AI+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $404 USD | ✓$219 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$14,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 165 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | CompTIA | CompTIA |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
CompTIA Security+ — Prerequisites
None required, CompTIA Network+ recommended
CompTIA AI+ — Prerequisites
CompTIA A+ or equivalent IT experience recommended
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
Get CompTIA AI+ if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$14,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from CompTIA
Best CompTIA Security+ courses
Best CompTIA AI+ courses
Frequently asked questions
Is CompTIA Security+ harder than CompTIA AI+?
CompTIA AI+ is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — CompTIA Security+ or CompTIA AI+?
CompTIA Security+ has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while CompTIA AI+ has +$14,000/yr. CompTIA AI+ has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CompTIA Security+ or CompTIA AI+?
CompTIA Security+ is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CompTIA AI+.