CompTIA Security+ vs PMI-ACP
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 →PMI
PMI-ACP
PMI-ACP
PMI's agile certification covering Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, and SAFe — ideal for PMs transitioning to agile delivery.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | CompTIA Security+ | PMI-ACP |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | ✓$404 USD | $495 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$8,000/yr | ✓+$15,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 90 min | 180 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | CompTIA | PMI |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
CompTIA Security+ — Prerequisites
None required, CompTIA Network+ recommended
PMI-ACP — Prerequisites
2,000 hours general project experience + 1,500 hours agile experience + 21 hours agile education
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 PMI-ACP if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$15,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from PMI
Best CompTIA Security+ courses
Best PMI-ACP courses
Frequently asked questions
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.