On CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam day, arrive at least 15 minutes early with two valid, unexpired IDs whose names exactly match your registration, complete check-in, and then work through a maximum of 90 questions in 90 minutes — a mix of multiple-choice items and hands-on performance-based questions (PBQs). You need a scaled score of 750 on a 100–900 scale to pass, and you'll get your result at the end of the session.
Lock in the logistics a few days out. Confirm your appointment date and time, whether you're testing in person at a Pearson VUE test center or online via OnVUE remote proctoring, and exactly which two IDs you'll present. CompTIA's content, length, and price are identical for in-person and online delivery, so choose whichever environment you'll be most comfortable in.
CompTIA requires two original, valid (unexpired) IDs: a primary ID that is government-issued and shows your name and a recent recognizable photo (passport, driver's license, military ID, national/state ID card), and a secondary ID that shows at least your name and signature, or your name and a recent photo. The first and last name on both IDs must match the name you registered with exactly — no exceptions.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment so you have time for sign-in. Check-in verifies your identity, captures a digital photo and signature, and stores your belongings before you're escorted to a workstation. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late you may be refused admission and still owe the exam fee, so build in a buffer.
OnVUE delivers the same exam from your home or office under live remote supervision. You'll need a private, quiet room, a clear desk, a working webcam and microphone, and a stable internet connection. Check-in means a system check, photos of your face and ID, and a webcam pan of your room so the proctor can confirm the space is clear. Note that the online ID policy differs slightly from the in-person one — review CompTIA's OnVUE ID policy before you book.
You'll face a maximum of 90 questions that mix standard multiple-choice items with performance-based questions. PBQs ask you to complete a task in a simulated interface — configure a setting, analyze command output, or identify issues in a network diagram — rather than just pick a letter. PBQs often appear at the start of the exam. You'll have an on-screen timer and can flag items to review before you submit.
Ninety questions in ninety minutes works out to roughly a minute each, but PBQs take much longer than multiple-choice items. A reliable strategy is to flag a stubborn PBQ and move on, clear the quick multiple-choice questions to bank those points, then return to the simulations with your remaining time. Keep an eye on the timer without letting it rattle you.
When you submit, you'll receive your score report — your pass/fail result, a scaled score, and feedback by exam domain — at the end of the session, and it's also available through your CompTIA account. If you don't pass, CompTIA's retake policy lets you retake immediately on a second attempt; from the third attempt onward you must wait at least 14 calendar days between tries. Once you've passed, you can't retake the same exam code without CompTIA's written consent. Security+ is valid for three years and is renewed through continuing education.
- CompTIA Security+ exam details - CompTIA Candidate ID Policy - CompTIA Certification Retake Policy
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