CompTIA Security+ in South Africa — Is It Worth It in 2025?
November 12, 2026
CompTIA Security+ in South Africa — Is It Worth It in 2025?
CompTIA Security+ is the most recognised entry-level cybersecurity certification globally. But is it valued by South African employers — and is it the right starting point for your career? Here’s the honest answer.
What Is CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is a vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification that covers the core knowledge required for any entry-level security role. It’s widely accepted by South African and international employers and is often listed as a minimum requirement in security job ads.
It is internationally accredited and approved by the US Department of Defense — which gives it credibility beyond just the private sector.
What Does Security+ Cover?
- Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities
- Network security architecture and implementation
- Identity and access management
- Cryptography and PKI
- Risk management and compliance
- Incident response and digital forensics basics
- Cloud and virtualisation security
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
| Exam code | SY0-701 |
| Number of questions | Up to 90 |
| Exam duration | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 750 out of 900 |
| Recommended experience | CompTIA A+ or Network+ first |
| Validity | 3 years (renewable) |
| Exam fee (approximate, ZAR) | R6,000 – R8,000 |
Is It Worth It in South Africa?
✓ Pros
- Recognised by most SA employers
- Good entry into banking and corporate security
- Globally portable — works for remote/international roles
- Vendor-neutral (not tied to Microsoft, Cisco, etc.)
- Clear pathway to CySA+, CASP+ and beyond
✗ Cons
- Exam fee is significant (R6k–R8k)
- Doesn’t guarantee a job on its own
- Less practical/hands-on than OSCP
- Requires renewal every 3 years
Bottom line: Yes, CompTIA Security+ is worth getting in South Africa. It’s the most recognised entry-level security credential by SA employers and is the logical next step after CompTIA A+ or Network+. Pair it with practical experience and it opens doors to your first security role.
What Comes After Security+?
- CompTIA CySA+ — threat detection and analysis
- Cisco CyberOps Associate — SOC analyst specialisation
- Microsoft SC-200 — Microsoft security ecosystem
- CEH — ethical hacking and penetration testing
Train for CompTIA Security+ at School of IT
Live 1-on-1 online training. No campus, no fixed schedule. Start anytime.
Get an Instant Quote