If you're getting out and pointed at cybersecurity, CompTIA Security+ is the certification you'll hear about first. It isn't the hardest cert, and it won't land you a job by itself. What it does is check a box that a lot of employers, especially federal and defense employers, require before they'll look at you. This guide covers what it is, why it's usually the right first move, and how to get the exam paid for so your GI Bill stays untouched.
Why Security+ is usually first
On Cyber Wingman's certification roadmap, Security+ is a high-priority cert with a typical prep time of 3 to 4 months. It is a baseline certification for Department of Defense cybersecurity roles under DoD 8140, which replaced the older DoD 8570. A lot of federal contractors list it as a hard requirement. If you're aiming at a government or defense-adjacent role, a missing Security+ can screen you out before a person ever reads your resume.
It's also broad. It touches network security, access control, threats and incident response, which is useful whether you end up in a SOC, in GRC or in engineering.
Get the exam paid for, not your GI Bill
Security+ is one of the certs Cyber Wingman's guide tells you not to spend GI Bill benefits on. The exam voucher costs a few hundred dollars at retail (check CompTIA's store for today's price), and two programs can cover it if you qualify:
- VetsInTech: runs sponsored Security+ cohorts that include training and an exam voucher, for veterans, military spouses and transitioning service members. Cohorts are often limited to one state or region, so check their events page for one you're eligible for.
- Onward to Opportunity (O2O): Syracuse University's IVMF program, with Security+ among its courses. It covers one certification exam once you finish the coursework, if you're transitioning off active duty or you're an unemployed veteran or military spouse. Employed veterans can still take the training. Details are on the O2O program page.
Save your GI Bill for expensive training where no free route exists.
A realistic plan
- Weeks 1–2: map what you already know. If you held a comms, IT or intelligence job in the service, a lot of the networking material will be familiar.
- Weeks 3–10: work through one structured course and do hands-on labs alongside it. Reading alone is the most common way people fail.
- Weeks 11–14: take practice exams until you're scoring comfortably, then schedule the real one.
Your Cyber Wingman roadmap breaks this into weekly steps and tracks your labs, so you can see your progress instead of guessing.
What CareerOneStop says about Security+
From CareerOneStop
CompTIA Security+
Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
CompTIA Security+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves competency in system security, network infrastructure, access control and organizational security.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required?
- No
- More than two years of work experience required?
- No
- Oral or Written Exam Required?
- Yes
- Renewal Required?
- Every 3 Year(s)
- Renew through Continuing Educational Units(CEU)?
- Yes
- Renew through Re-Examination?
- Yes
Where it leads
Security+ is a common entry requirement for information security analyst roles. Here is the U.S. national picture for that occupation:
From CareerOneStop
Information Security Analysts
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
National annual wages (2025)
| 10th pct | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | 90th pct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,090 | $97,810 | $129,180 | $163,500 | $199,850 |
Bright Outlook: Bright · Rapid Growth
Employment 2024: 182,800 · Projected 2034: 234,900 · Change 29% · Annual openings 16,000
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Your next step
If you haven't yet, take the free 5-minute assessment. It builds your roadmap with Security+ in the right place for the role you're aiming at.