CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is the entry-level security certification that most IT departments recognize. The exam was overhauled with the SY0-701 objectives in late 2023, dropping some legacy topics and adding zero trust architecture, cloud security, and updated threat analysis. If you are using study materials for the old SY0-601, stop. The exams are different enough that older books will leave gaps.
These books are all written for the current SY0-701 exam and verified as available.
Last reviewed: March 2026. All links and availability verified.
CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: Exam SY0-701, 9th Edition
Mike Chapple and David Seidl’s Sybex study guide is the industry standard for Security+ preparation. The ninth edition covers all five SY0-701 domains: general security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations, and security program management. Includes 500+ practice questions, an online test bank, and digital flashcards. Rated 4.7 stars.
This is the book most people use as their primary study resource, and for good reason. The writing is clear, the practice questions are realistic, and the coverage is comprehensive without being overwhelming.
- Authors: Mike Chapple, David Seidl
- Published: November 2023 (Sybex/Wiley, 9th Edition)
- Rating: 4.7 stars
- Best for: Primary study guide, comprehensive coverage
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
CompTIA Security+ Certification Kit: Exam SY0-701
Same authors as above. This bundle includes both the Study Guide and a separate Practice Tests book, plus a 10% CompTIA exam voucher discount. If you plan to buy both the study guide and practice tests anyway, the kit saves money and gets you the exam discount.
- Authors: Mike Chapple, David Seidl
- Published: 2023 (Sybex/Wiley)
- Includes: Study Guide + Practice Tests + 10% exam voucher
- Best for: Best value if you want everything in one purchase
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-701
Darril Gibson’s “Get Certified Get Ahead” series has helped thousands pass on the first attempt. The SY0-701 edition (674 pages), co-authored with Joe Shelley, is known for clear explanations paired with real-world examples. The writing style is more conversational than the Sybex guide, which some readers prefer. Rated 4.6 stars.
If the Sybex guide feels too dense, try this one. It covers the same material but takes a different approach to explaining it.
- Authors: Joe Shelley, Darril Gibson
- Published: October 2023
- Pages: 674
- Rating: 4.6 stars
- Best for: Readers who prefer conversational explanations
- Amazon: Buy on Amazon
Free supplemental resource: Professor Messer
Not a book, but worth mentioning because nearly everyone who passes Security+ uses it alongside their study guide. Professor Messer (James Messer) publishes a free YouTube video series covering every SY0-701 objective. His paid success bundle includes course notes, practice exams, and monthly study groups. Pair it with either the Sybex guide or Gibson’s book for the strongest preparation.
Which approach works best?
| Study style | Recommended combo |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive reader | Sybex Study Guide + Professor Messer videos |
| Prefer conversational style | Get Certified Get Ahead + Professor Messer videos |
| Maximum practice | Sybex Certification Kit (study guide + practice tests) |
| Budget option | Get Certified Get Ahead + Professor Messer free videos |
The SY0-701 exam has 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit. The passing score is 750 out of 900. Most people who fail report running out of time on the performance-based questions, so practice exams with time limits are essential regardless of which book you choose.
