CompTIA Security+
Entry-level cybersecurity certification covering core security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and incident response.
Full guide →PMI-ACP
PMI's agile certification covering Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe — ideal for PMs transitioning to agile delivery.
Full guide →CompTIA Security+ vs PMI-ACP
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CompTIA Security+ | PMI-ACP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$404 USD | $495 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$15,000/yr |
| Passing score | 750/1000 | 70/1000 |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 180 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | CompTIA | PMI |
| Difficulty |
CompTIA Security+
None required, CompTIA Network+ recommended
PMI-ACP
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile education
- You're entering IT security and need a globally recognised, vendor-neutral credential
- You want a potential +$8,000/yr salary uplift
- You prefer credentials that work across vendors, not tied to one platform
- You have PM experience and want to formalise agile or multi-methodology skills
- You want a potential +$15,000/yr salary uplift
- You manage delivery across Scrum, Kanban, Lean, or SAFe environments
CompTIA Security+ and PMI-ACP lead to entirely different careers — cybersecurity vs project management. The right choice depends on which field aligns with your current job or target role. If you want both eventually, start with CompTIA Security+ — it's the quicker win at the beginner level.
Best CompTIA Security+ courses
Best PMI-ACP courses
Is CompTIA Security+ harder than PMI-ACP?
PMI-ACP is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — CompTIA Security+ or PMI-ACP?
CompTIA Security+ has an average salary uplift of +$8,000/yr, while PMI-ACP has +$15,000/yr. PMI-ACP has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CompTIA Security+ or PMI-ACP?
CompTIA Security+ is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward PMI-ACP.
Can I get both CompTIA Security+ and PMI-ACP?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CompTIA Security+ and PMI-ACP complement each other, covering cybersecurity and project management respectively. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — CompTIA Security+ or PMI-ACP?
Both are worth it in 2026. CompTIA Security+ offers a +$8,000/yr average salary uplift; PMI-ACP offers +$15,000/yr. PMI-ACP has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.