Security+ vs CC
CompTIA Security+ and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity compared with live job-market data: demand, salary, difficulty, and cost — updated weekly.
The short answer
Security+ leads on market demand (6,171 vs 0 US job postings) and Security+also leads on average salary ($92,000). CC is the more accessible starting point at 1/5 difficulty versus 2/5 for Security+.
Side-by-Side Data
| Security+ | CC | |
|---|---|---|
| Job Postings | 6,171leads | 0 |
| Market Share | 0.10% | 0.00% |
| Demand Trend | Declining | Stable |
| Avg Salary | $92,000leads | $65,000 |
| Difficulty (1-5) | 2 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Exam Cost | $425 | Free (exam + training) |
| Study Time | 30-50 hours | 15-30 hours |
Job counts and market share from live US job postings, updated weekly. Want a different matchup? Use theinteractive comparison tool.
Security+
CompTIA Security+
Vendor-neutral entry-level security certification covering threats, vulnerabilities, architecture, and security operations. The 90-minute SY0-701 exam has up to 90 questions and requires 750/900 to pass. DoD 8570 approved for IAT Level II positions.
CC
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity
Free entry-level cybersecurity certification from ISC2. Covers security principles, network security, access controls, security operations, and incident response. The 2-hour exam has 100 questions. No experience required - designed as a career launchpad.
Security+ vs CC: FAQ
Which pays more, Security+ or CC?+
Security+ is associated with the higher average salary: about $92,000 vs $65,000 for CC, based on current US job market data.
Which is more in demand, Security+ or CC?+
Security+ currently appears in 6,171 US job postings versus 0 for CC. Data updates weekly from live job listings.
Is Security+ harder than CC?+
Generally yes: we rate Security+ 2/5 difficulty versus 1/5 for CC, reflecting exam depth and experience requirements.
Should I get both Security+ and CC?+
Many professionals eventually hold both, but sequencing matters. A common path is starting with CC (1/5 difficulty) and progressing to Security+. Compare requirements on each certification's detail page before committing.