Study guides
Overviews of each exam: what it covers, how it's weighted, and how to study for it effectively.
CISSP study guide
Eight domains, the CAT format, and how to think like a manager.
CompTIASecurity+ study guide
Five domains, performance-based questions, and a 6-week plan.
ISACACISM study guide
Governance-first thinking and how to answer "BEST" and "FIRST" questions.
CiscoCCNA study guide
Subnetting, switching, routing, and the six exam domains.
ISC2ISC2 CC study guide
Entry-level, no experience needed, new 2026 domains.
CompTIANetwork+ study guide
Networking fundamentals and troubleshooting.
CompTIACySA+ study guide
SOC analyst skills and the new CS0-004.
CompTIAPenTest+ study guide
Authorized testing, scoping, and reporting.
EC-CouncilCEH study guide
Ethical hacking methodology across nine domains.
ISACACISA study guide
IT audit, assurance, and controls.
ISC2CCSP study guide
Cloud security architecture and operations.
Which certification is right for you?
These certifications target different career stages and specialties. Security+ and CCNA have no formal prerequisites. CISSP and CISM both require years of verified experience, though you can pass either exam before you have it.
| Security+ | CISSP | CISM | CCNA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Entry-level analysts, admins, DoD 8140 roles | Experienced practitioners, architects, managers | Security managers and aspiring CISOs | Network admins and engineers, NOC roles |
| Required experience | None (2 years IT/security recommended) | 5 years in 2 of 8 domains (1-year waiver available) | 5 years in security, incl. 3 years in security management | None (about 1 year with Cisco gear recommended) |
| Exam format | Up to 90 questions, 90 min, includes performance-based items | CAT, 100–150 questions, 3 hours | 150 questions, 4 hours | 200-301, 120 minutes, multiple choice plus simulations |
| Passing score | 750 (scale 100–900) | 700 (scale 0–1000) | 450 (scale 200–800) | Not published by Cisco |
| Exam fee (US) | About $425–$439 | $749 | $575 member / $760 non-member | $300 |
| Renewal | 50 CEUs every 3 years + about $50/year fee | 120 CPEs every 3 years + $135/year fee | 120 CPEs every 3 years (20/year min) + $45–$85/year fee | Every 3 years: 30 CE credits or pass a qualifying exam |
Fees and requirements were checked in October 2026 against official and widely cited sources. They change regularly, so confirm with CompTIA, ISC2, ISACA, or Cisco before you register.