What is the best free resource for CompTIA Security+ practice questions?
Professor Messer provides free study notes for Security+, Network+, and A+, and his paid practice exams are priced at $15 to $25. While not entirely free, this represents the best value in the CompTIA prep market. The questions accurately reflect CompTIA's scenario-based style and are maintained for current exam versions.
CompTIA certifications occupy a foundational position in the IT workforce. Security+, Network+, and A+ together represent the most widely pursued entry-level and mid-level certifications in the United States IT labor market. Because these exams are so widely taken, the practice question ecosystem is enormous — and the variation in quality is dramatic.
This guide evaluates practice question resources for the three core CompTIA certifications, explains what makes questions educational versus merely familiar, and clarifies the specific risks that brain dump culture poses for CompTIA candidates.
"The mistake most Security+ candidates make is treating it like a vocabulary test. CompTIA writes scenario questions — you need to know not just what a concept is, but when to apply it and why one control is more appropriate than another in a given situation." — Jason Dion, CompTIA certification instructor, in his SY0-701 course introduction
How CompTIA Designs Its Exams
CompTIA exams follow a consistent structure that candidates should understand before selecting a question bank:
Multiple choice and performance-based questions (PBQs). A+ and Network+ exams include a mix of traditional multiple choice questions and performance-based questions that require interactive tasks — configuring a firewall, reading a network diagram, interpreting log output. Security+ exams are increasingly PBQ-heavy.
Scenario emphasis. CompTIA deliberately writes questions that present real-world IT scenarios. The question is not "What does ARP stand for?" but rather "A workstation cannot reach the default gateway. The following command output is displayed. What is the most likely cause?" This scenario orientation means that memorizing definitions provides much less value than understanding how systems behave.
Regular objective updates. CompTIA releases new exam versions on a roughly three-year cycle. Security+ moved from SY0-601 to SY0-701. A+ moved from 220-1101/1102 to 220-1201/1202. Any practice question bank tied to an older objective version is preparation for an exam that no longer exists.
Confirming that your practice question bank matches the current exam version is the single most important quality check before purchasing or using any resource.
Professor Messer
Professor Messer provides free study notes and paid practice exams for A+, Network+, and Security+. His practice questions are written by someone who has studied CompTIA exam objectives in depth and understands the scenario-based question style.
The practice exams are priced affordably — typically $15 to $20 for a bundle — and are updated for current exam versions. Professor Messer's questions are widely considered the most accurate representation of actual CompTIA question style available outside the official CompTIA store.
For candidates on tight budgets preparing for A+, Network+, or Security+, Professor Messer's combination of free study notes and paid practice exams represents the best value proposition in this market.
Strengths: Accurate CompTIA style, current exam version coverage, affordable, strong community Weaknesses: Lower total question volume than some commercial platforms
CompTIA Official Practice Tests
CompTIA sells official practice tests through its CertMaster platform. CertMaster Practice provides question-by-question adaptive practice with detailed rationales. CertMaster Learn is the full course experience, and CertMaster Labs provides hands-on environments for PBQ preparation.
The official questions are written by CompTIA's exam development team. The style, difficulty, and topic weighting are accurate because they come from the same source as the actual exam questions. CertMaster Practice typically includes 100 questions per exam objective domain, making it more comprehensive than it might initially appear.
CertMaster is expensive — approximately $119 per exam for CertMaster Practice alone, and more for the combined learning packages. For candidates who cannot afford the official tools, alternatives like Professor Messer and Darril Gibson's books with end-of-chapter questions provide comparable preparation.
Strengths: Official source, accurate difficulty and style, domain-weighted practice Weaknesses: Expensive; subscription periods expire; CertMaster interface is not universally praised
Jason Dion (Udemy)
Jason Dion is among the most prolific CompTIA content creators on Udemy. His practice exam courses for A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, and CASP+ are consistently highly rated and frequently discounted.
Dion's questions are generally well-written with clear explanations. They tend to be slightly harder than the actual CompTIA exams, which most candidates find helpful. His Security+ SY0-701 practice exams have received particularly strong reviews from candidates who have compared them to the actual exam.
Strengths: Large question volume, detailed explanations, multiple exam tracks, competitive pricing during sales Weaknesses: A small percentage of questions have been noted as outdated or ambiguously worded; Udemy's interface is not optimized for exam simulation
Darril Gibson Books
Darril Gibson has authored the CompTIA official study guide series as well as independent preparation books for multiple CompTIA certifications. Each chapter of his books ends with practice questions, and standalone practice test books are available for A+ and Security+.
Book-based practice questions have a different character than digital question banks. They are less gamified, which encourages more deliberate reading. The explanations are book-format, meaning more thorough than a one-paragraph rationale but less hyperlinked than digital resources.
Gibson's questions accurately reflect CompTIA's objective weighting and scenario style. For candidates who learn well from print materials or prefer to study away from screens, his practice test books remain a strong option.
Strengths: Well-written, accurate objective coverage, physical or Kindle format Weaknesses: Not updated as quickly after objective version changes; no adaptive features or performance analytics
Whizlabs CompTIA
Whizlabs provides practice questions for A+, Network+, and Security+. The quality is adequate for foundational coverage but generally considered a step below Professor Messer and Jason Dion for scenario-based question depth.
Whizlabs CompTIA questions work reasonably well for candidates who need additional volume after exhausting their primary resource. They should not be the sole preparation tool for Security+ given that exam's increasing reliance on complex PBQ scenarios.
The A+ Exam: Hardware Questions and PBQ Simulation
The A+ exam is notable for its performance-based questions that require candidates to perform simulated tasks in a virtual environment. These tasks include:
Installing or configuring hardware in a simulated PC
Interpreting wireless network diagrams
Analyzing command-line output
Walking through troubleshooting workflows
Most practice question banks handle the multiple-choice component well but are limited in their ability to simulate PBQs. CompTIA's CertMaster Labs is the only product that provides a genuine PBQ simulation environment. Candidates preparing for A+ should include some hands-on practice with actual hardware or virtual machines, not just question banks.
Security+ SY0-701 Specific Guidance
The current Security+ version (SY0-701) has shifted emphasis toward:
Zero trust architecture concepts
Cloud security models (SASE, CASB)
Threat intelligence operations
Identity and access management in hybrid environments
Incident response procedures
Question banks written for SY0-601 will cover much of this material but will not accurately reflect the current weighting or the specific terminology changes. Before purchasing any Security+ question bank, confirm the version explicitly.
The exam pass rate for Security+ hovers around 70 to 75 percent for first attempts based on CompTIA reported data. This is higher than many candidates expect, which suggests the exam is approachable for well-prepared candidates — but also that significant numbers of under-prepared candidates take it.
Comparison Summary
| Resource | A+ | Network+ | Security+ | PBQ Support | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Messer | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Limited | $15-$25 |
| CompTIA CertMaster | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Full | $119+ |
| Jason Dion (Udemy) | Good | Good | Excellent | Limited | $12-$20 |
| Darril Gibson Books | Good | Good | Good | None | $25-$40 |
| Whizlabs | Adequate | Adequate | Adequate | None | $20-$35 |
Avoiding Dumps for CompTIA Exams
CompTIA has a robust exam security program and investigates candidates who appear to have accessed leaked materials. CompTIA has revoked certifications and imposed multi-year bans in documented cases.
Beyond the ethical and security risk, CompTIA exams are particularly vulnerable to outdated dump material because objective versions change on a predictable schedule. Dumps for SY0-601 contain real questions from a retired exam version. Memorizing them prepares you for an exam that no longer exists.
The practical case for legitimate preparation is straightforward: CompTIA certifications are a foundation for IT careers. Candidates who genuinely understood the Security+ material when they passed will be more effective in security roles than those who memorized their way to a certificate.
See also: How to Interpret Your Practice Test Score: What 65% Actually Means, When to Start Practice Tests in Your Study Plan
CompTIA certification pricing and practice test ROI
| Certification | Current exam code | Fee | Recommended practice budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ | FC0-U61 | $134 | $15-$30 |
| CompTIA A+ Core 1 + Core 2 | 220-1101 + 220-1102 | $506 total | $30-$60 |
| CompTIA Network+ | N10-009 | $369 | $25-$50 |
| CompTIA Security+ | SY0-701 | $404 | $25-$60 |
| CompTIA CySA+ | CS0-003 | $404 | $30-$60 |
| CompTIA PenTest+ | PT0-002 | $404 | $30-$60 |
| CompTIA CASP+ | CAS-004 | $509 | $40-$80 |
| CompTIA Linux+ | XK0-005 | $369 | $30-$60 |
| CompTIA Cloud+ | CV0-003 | $369 | $30-$60 |
| CompTIA Server+ | SK0-005 | $369 | $30-$60 |
CompTIA offers a CertMaster bundle that includes the exam voucher plus a retake voucher plus study materials at a modestly discounted combined price. For candidates with any uncertainty about their preparation, the CertMaster bundle is frequently the lowest total-cost approach.
CompTIA Continuing Education (CE) and renewal costs
CompTIA certifications at the stackable and professional tiers (A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, CASP+, Linux+, Cloud+, Server+) expire after three years. Renewal happens via the Continuing Education (CE) program rather than retaking the exam.
| Renewal mechanism | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CertMaster CE annual fee | $50-$150/year | Required for all professional-tier certs |
| Retake the exam | Full exam fee | Only needed if no CE activities completed |
| Stack a higher cert | N/A | Passing Security+ renews Network+ and A+ |
| CE activities (college courses, conferences, CEUs) | Varies | 30-75 CEUs required over 3 years |
| Professional development activities | Varies | Published CompTIA list of approved activities |
Candidates pursuing multiple CompTIA certs benefit most from the stacking model. Passing CASP+ automatically renews Security+, Network+, and A+ simultaneously, avoiding three separate renewal cycles.
"CompTIA's stackable certification model is one of the most candidate-friendly renewal structures in the industry. A candidate who progresses from A+ to Security+ to CASP+ over a three-year period never needs to pay CE fees or attend external activities to maintain the earlier certs - the higher cert renews them automatically. The math favors candidates who continue advancing rather than plateauing." - the Kalenux Team, synthesizing published CompTIA CE policies.
Performance-based questions: the differentiator
CompTIA exams include Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) that simulate hands-on tasks: matching terms to definitions via drag-and-drop, configuring firewall rules in a simulated interface, analyzing packet captures, or completing a subnet calculation with a blank form. PBQs are typically weighted higher than multiple-choice questions and account for a significant portion of total score.
Security+ PBQs - typically 3-5 on the exam; topics include log analysis, incident classification, cryptography protocol selection.
Network+ PBQs - 3-5; topics include subnet calculation, routing table interpretation, cable pinout identification.
A+ Core 1 PBQs - 3-5; topics include hardware installation ordering, network troubleshooting steps.
A+ Core 2 PBQs - 3-5; topics include malware remediation sequencing, Windows command-line troubleshooting.
CySA+ PBQs - 3-5; topics include log correlation, incident response steps, vulnerability prioritization.
Most practice test platforms under-represent PBQ depth. CompTIA CertMaster Practice (official) has the most realistic PBQ simulation; third-party providers generally have weaker PBQ coverage. Candidates who score well on multiple-choice questions but poorly on CertMaster PBQs should spend additional preparation on hands-on activities rather than more question drilling.
Practice test provider quality tiers for CompTIA
| Provider | Price tier | Quality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Messer practice test bundles | $15-$25 | High | Budget-conscious Security+, Network+, A+ |
| Jason Dion (Udemy) | $12-$20 | Very high | All CompTIA; frequent sales |
| CompTIA CertMaster Practice (official) | $119+ | Highest | Candidates who want vendor-aligned preparation |
| Pocket Prep app | $19/month | High | Mobile practice; daily drilling |
| Darril Gibson books + practice | $25-$40 | High | Security+ specifically |
| Boson ExSim-Max for CompTIA | $99 | Very high | High-stakes candidates willing to pay premium |
| TestOut Exam Simulators | $30-$50 | High | Academic institutions using TestOut curriculum |
| Crucial Exams | Free-$10 | Variable | Supplementary practice |
| ExamTopics | Free | Ethically questionable | Not recommended as primary source |
CompTIA role salaries and certification impact
| Role | Seniority | US salary range (2024-2025) [1] | Relevant CompTIA certs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Help Desk Technician | Entry | $40,000-$60,000 | A+ |
| Desktop Support Specialist | Entry | $50,000-$75,000 | A+, Network+ |
| Network Administrator | Mid | $75,000-$105,000 | Network+, Security+ |
| Security Analyst (SOC Tier 1) | Entry-Mid | $65,000-$95,000 | Security+, CySA+ |
| Security Analyst (SOC Tier 2) | Mid | $85,000-$120,000 | Security+, CySA+, GCIH |
| Penetration Tester (Junior) | Mid | $80,000-$115,000 | PenTest+, OSCP |
| Security Engineer | Senior | $110,000-$160,000 | Security+, CASP+, CISSP |
| Senior Security Engineer | Senior | $140,000-$195,000 | CASP+, CISSP, CCSP |
CompTIA Security+ is a DoD 8570 IAT Level II baseline certification, which makes it a near-prerequisite for many government contractor positions. The federal and defense sector accounts for roughly one-third of Security+ demand in the US market.
References
[1] Robert Half. (2024). 2024 Technology Salary Guide. https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/salary-guide/technology
CompTIA. (2024). Continuing Education (CE) Program Handbook. https://www.comptia.org/continuing-education
Department of Defense. (2024). DoD 8570.01-M Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program. Cybersecurity baseline certification requirements for federal and defense contractor positions.
Payscale. (2024). CompTIA Security+ Certification Salary Data. https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=CompTIA_Security%2B
Credly. (2024). CompTIA Badge Analytics: Market Demand for Security+, Network+, and A+. https://info.credly.com/research
CompTIA. (2024). CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam objectives. https://www.comptia.org/certifications/security
CompTIA. (2024). CompTIA CertMaster Learn and Practice. https://www.comptia.org/training/certmaster
Professor Messer. (2024). CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ study materials. https://www.professormesser.com/
Gibson, D. (2023). CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-701 Study Guide. YCDA, LLC.
Dion, J. (2024). CompTIA practice exam courses. Udemy. https://www.udemy.com/user/jason-dion/
CompTIA. (2024). Exam retake policy and candidate handbook. https://www.comptia.org/testing/testing-policies-procedures
Dunlosky, J., et al. (2013). Improving students' learning with effective learning techniques. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4-58.
Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257-285.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free resource for CompTIA Security+ practice questions?
Professor Messer provides free study notes for Security+, Network+, and A+, and his paid practice exams are priced at \(15 to \)25. While not entirely free, this represents the best value in the CompTIA prep market. The questions accurately reflect CompTIA's scenario-based style and are maintained for current exam versions.
Is CompTIA CertMaster worth the cost?
CertMaster provides the most accurate style calibration since it is produced by CompTIA itself. Whether the $119+ cost is justified depends on your study budget and how important official calibration is to you. For candidates who are close to their exam date and want the most accurate simulation possible, it is worth considering. For candidates with more preparation time, Professor Messer and Udemy alternatives provide comparable learning value at lower cost.
How do I prepare for CompTIA A+ performance-based questions?
Performance-based questions require hands-on familiarity with hardware installation, command-line tools, and network configuration tasks. Standard multiple-choice question banks cannot fully prepare you for PBQs. Use CompTIA CertMaster Labs for guided simulation, and supplement with actual hands-on practice on physical hardware or virtual machines running Windows and Linux.
My Security+ practice test scores are high but I am nervous about the real exam. What should I do?
High practice scores do not guarantee exam success if the scores came from over-familiar questions. Switch to a different question bank for your final preparation week to check whether your knowledge transfers. Take at least one timed full-length simulation under exam conditions. If your scores remain consistent with a different resource, your preparation is likely solid.
Which exam version of Security+ should I be preparing for?
As of 2024, the current version is SY0-701. Confirm this on the CompTIA website before purchasing any practice materials, as SY0-601 practice questions are for a retired exam version with different objective weighting. Studying outdated objectives wastes time on content that will not appear and may miss topics that will.