Security+ exam format, scoring and retakes

The count varies by form; CompTIA publishes only the maximum. It does not split the total into scored and unscored items either, so any page that quotes an exact scored count is guessing. Answer every item with the same care.

The 750 sits on a scale that starts at 100, so it is not a percentage, and nobody outside CompTIA knows how many correct answers it takes. The cut is the same on both editions.

Two consequences. First, you cannot convert a practice-test percentage into a predicted score. Second, the weight of each question is not published either, so never leave a simulation blank: an unanswered item cannot earn anything.

No pass rate is published, so any figure you see elsewhere is an estimate. What makes it hard is easier to name:

• Breadth. Five domains, from cryptography to vendor contracts; the largest is Security Operations (28% in SY0-701).
• Scenario wording. Many items describe a situation and ask for the BEST or FIRST action, so two options can both be correct in general.
• Simulations under time pressure. One clock covers everything, simulations included.

The study guide lists the confusions per domain.

Between the SY0-801 launch and the SY0-701 retirement both codes are open; the expected launch date and the retirement dates are in the edition rows of the table, and SY0-801 starts in fewer languages. The format, length and pass mark do not change between editions; the objectives and their weights do (side by side). If you search for "latest version", the answer depends on the date you read this: compare it with those dates.

For online (OnVUE) exams, CompTIA says the score appears as soon as you finish; the Results row has the full timing. A fail means a new voucher at full price, with no cap on attempts; only the third and later attempts need a waiting gap, and the retake rows above give the exact rule.

Retaking at once is allowed, but every attempt costs a full voucher, so put time into your weakest domains before you book again. Prepaying a retake is covered on registration.