Last updated: May 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson, OnlineCourseing editor. See our review methodology.
CompTIA Security+ is the entry-level security certification most employers recognize, and it’s often the first cert that gets a resume past HR filters for security and IT roles. The current exam is SY0-701 (the SY0-601 and older SY0-501 versions are retired or retiring), so the single most important thing when choosing a course is that it targets SY0-701. Here’s the training that actually prepares you, ranked on merit.
QUICK VERDICT
Bottom line: For most people, a Jason Dion SY0-701 course on Udemy paired with his practice exams is the best-value path to passing. If you want a free option, Professor Messer’s SY0-701 videos are the community favorite. For a broader, job-focused program, a Coursera cybersecurity certificate builds skills around the cert.
- Best paid course: Jason Dion SY0-701 (Udemy) + practice exams
- Best free option: Professor Messer SY0-701 video course
- Must-check: the course targets SY0-701, not retired SY0-601/501
Browse Security+ SY0-701 Courses on Udemy →
First: How CompTIA Security+ Works
Before you spend money on the wrong online course, read this.
I've taken hundreds of online courses and certs. Get my honest Tuesday picks — plus reader-only deal alerts.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- Current exam: SY0-701. Always confirm a course targets this version — security content dates fast and an older-objective course will teach to a retired blueprint.
- Format: up to 90 questions (multiple-choice plus performance-based), 90 minutes.
- Cost: a single voucher runs around $400 (USD); CompTIA also sells bundles with study materials and a retake.
- Prerequisites: none required, though CompTIA recommends Network+ and a couple of years of IT experience. Many people pass it as their first or second cert.
A good course does two things: covers the full SY0-701 objectives, and drills you with performance-based questions (PBQs) and full-length practice exams — which is where most of the difficulty actually lives.
1. Jason Dion (Udemy) — Best Paid Course
Jason Dion’s Security+ courses are consistently among the most popular SY0-701 options on Udemy, and his separate practice-exam packs are widely used as the final readiness check before exam day. The combination — course plus practice exams — is the most common “passed on the first try” recipe you’ll see in study communities.
- Best for: a structured, affordable, SY0-701-current path with strong practice material
- Pair with: his practice exams — treat anything under ~85% as “not ready yet”
- Trade-off: self-paced video; you supply the discipline
See Security+ Courses on Udemy →
2. Professor Messer — Best Free Option
Professor Messer’s SY0-701 video series is free, complete, and a genuine community favorite. If budget is the constraint, start here — many people pass using his videos plus a paid practice-exam pack. The trade-off is no built-in graded path or certificate of completion; you provide the structure.
3. Coursera — Best for a Structured Format
Coursera has a dedicated CompTIA Security+ Certification Preparation Specialization built for the SY0-701 objectives — a good fit if you prefer Coursera’s structured, graded format over self-paced video, or want it bundled into a Coursera Plus subscription. If you’re newer to IT entirely, a broader cybersecurity certificate (Google or IBM) builds foundational skills first.
Explore Cybersecurity on Coursera →
How to Choose
- Confirm SY0-701. Non-negotiable — an older-objective course teaches to a retired exam.
- Budget for practice exams. PBQs and full-length tests are what separate a pass from a fail; build them into your plan.
- Pick free vs paid by learning style. Professor Messer (free) if you’re self-directed; a Udemy course if you want a tighter structure.
- Don’t skip hands-on. Security+ is broad; relate each objective to something you can actually do or configure.
Security+ Training Compared
| Option | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Dion (Udemy) + practice exams | Best-value structured prep | $ (frequent sales) |
| Professor Messer | Free, self-directed learners | Free |
| Coursera cybersecurity certificate | Broader skills / career-switchers | $$ (subscription) |
Start Your Security+ Prep on Udemy →
Frequently Asked Questions
Which CompTIA Security+ exam is current?
SY0-701 is the current version. SY0-601 has been retiring and SY0-501 is long retired, so always choose a course built for SY0-701.
What is the best Security+ course?
For paid, structured prep, a Jason Dion SY0-701 course on Udemy plus his practice exams is the best-value pick. For free, Professor Messer’s SY0-701 video series is the community favorite.
How much does the Security+ exam cost?
A single voucher is around $400 in the US. CompTIA also sells bundles that include study materials and a retake, which can be worth it if you’re not confident.
How long does it take to prepare for Security+?
Most candidates study for roughly 6–10 weeks part-time, combining a video course with practice exams. Consistent practice-test scores above ~85% are a good readiness signal.
Is Security+ worth it?
For entry-level security and IT roles, yes — it’s one of the most widely requested certifications and is approved for several U.S. government baseline security requirements.
Related guide: Ready to go hands-on with offensive security? See our best ethical hacking courses.