CompTIA Security+ V7 vs V8
Security+ SY0-701 or SY0-801: which exam should you sit?
CompTIA has confirmed the next version of Security+. Here are the dates that matter, what changes between the two exams, and how to decide which one to book.
Last reviewed: October 2026
What are the key dates?
These are CompTIA's own dates, from its Security+ V7 and V8 pages.
| Security+ V7 (SY0-701) | Security+ V8 (SY0-801) | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | 7 November 2023 | Expected on or around 17 November 2026 |
| Retirement | 11 June 2027 (English); 13 August 2027 (Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai) | Estimated three years after launch |
| Languages | English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai | English |
| Format | Up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, multiple-choice and performance-based | Up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, multiple-choice and performance-based |
| Passing score | 750 on a scale of 100 to 900 | 750 on a scale of 100 to 900 |
From launch until 11 June 2027 both exams are on offer in English, so for about seven months you can choose. CompTIA words the SY0-801 launch as expected, not final, so check its Security+ V8 page before you book around that date.
What changes in SY0-801?
The exam keeps the same five domains, the same length and the same pass mark. What moves is the weighting, set out in CompTIA's SY0-801 exam objectives (document version 2.0) against the SY0-701 objectives.
| Domain | SY0-701 | SY0-801 |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 General Security Concepts | 12% | 16% |
| 2.0 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks | 22% | 24% |
| 3.0 Security Architecture | 18% | 19% |
| 4.0 Security Operations | 28% | 27% |
| 5.0 Security Program Management and Oversight | 20% | 14% |
The biggest shift is away from governance: Security Program Management and Oversight drops from 20% to 14%, and that weight moves into general concepts and threats. Security Operations is still the largest domain on both exams.
The new content is about artificial intelligence. SY0-801 adds objective 2.6, "Summarize threats and vulnerabilities associated with artificial intelligence (AI) usage", with examples such as prompt injection, poisoning, model manipulation, jailbreaking and hallucinations. Large language models also appear as an attack surface under objective 2.4, and objective 4.6 on automation and orchestration now lists AI capabilities such as agentic AI, chatbots and AI-augmented baselines. If AI security is a career direction for you, CompTIA's dedicated certification for it is SecAI+.
When should you buy your voucher?
When you are ready to book. A voucher is valid for 12 months from issue, and the version on sale today is SY0-701, so if you are buying now, plan to sit SY0-701, and any retake, within those 12 months and before it retires on 11 June 2027.
If you are planning to sit SY0-801, buy your voucher closer to your exam date, once it has launched. Our Security+ voucher page has the current options.
Which should you sit?
Most people can decide in one line.
- Sitting before 17 November 2026? SY0-701.
It is the only version you can book until SY0-801 launches.
- Already studying from SY0-701 material? SY0-701, before 11 June 2027.
Your course, practice tests and notes match the exam you will sit. Switching versions mid-study means re-weighting your preparation for no gain: the certification is the same Security+ credential, valid for three years either way.
- Starting from scratch after launch? SY0-801.
Study the current objectives from day one, once SY0-801 study material is available, and you will not be racing a retirement date.
- Sitting in Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish or Thai? SY0-701.
SY0-801 launches in English. SY0-701 stays available in those languages until 13 August 2027.
Sitting Security+ in Australia
Nothing about the version change is specific to Australia. Both exams are delivered by Pearson VUE, at test centres or online through OnVUE, and SY0-801 launches in English, so Australian candidates can sit either version from launch. What changes for you is only which objectives you study.
If you are buying in Australia, Mindset Cyber is a CompTIA Authorised Partner and sells the official Security+ voucher in Australian dollars with a GST tax invoice, emailed within 24 hours. To check where you stand before you book, work through our free Security+ practice test or the six-week study plan, and see the SY0-701 exam format guide for what to expect on the day.
Frequently asked questions
When does Security+ SY0-801 launch?
CompTIA says Security+ V8, exam SY0-801, is expected to launch on or around 17 November 2026, in English. Until then SY0-701 is the only version you can book.
When does Security+ SY0-701 retire?
The English SY0-701 exam retires on 11 June 2027. The Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai versions retire on 13 August 2027. Until those dates you can book SY0-701 even after SY0-801 launches.
What is new in SY0-801?
The five domains keep their names but change weight: General Security Concepts rises from 12% to 16%, Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks from 22% to 24% and Security Architecture from 18% to 19%, while Security Operations moves from 28% to 27% and Security Program Management and Oversight drops from 20% to 14%. There is a new objective, 2.6, on threats and vulnerabilities associated with artificial intelligence (AI) usage.
Should I wait for SY0-801?
Only if you are starting from scratch and can wait for SY0-801 study material. If you are already studying from SY0-701 material, sit SY0-701 before it retires on 11 June 2027. It is the same Security+ certification, valid for three years either way.
Buy your Security+ voucher
Ready to sit SY0-701? We resell the official CompTIA voucher with a GST tax invoice and 24-hour email delivery, valid for 12 months and redeemable at any Pearson VUE centre or online via OnVUE.
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Security+ voucher
Mindset Cyber's official Security+ voucher is A$599 + GST (A$658.90 inc. GST), delivered by email within 24 hours with a GST tax invoice.
View Security+ → Most popularVoucher + Retake Assurance
Security+ + retake
Mindset Cyber bundles the Security+ voucher with a second attempt for A$799 + GST (A$878.90 inc. GST).
View options →Comparing certifications instead? See SecAI+ vs Security+ or Security+ vs ISO 27001 Lead Implementer.