Security+ V8

[MBA]

The semester starts next week. I will be using the Security+ Learn + Labs in lieu of Security Pro CertMaster (as it will be phased out by next July) and my students purchase the bundle withe voucher and take their exam at the end of Spring semester. I just found out that Security+ v8 will be released this November and the Security+ v7 exam will retire in Mid May 2027. So, I have two questions:

1. If my students purchase the SY0-701 exam voucher next week will they be able to apply to the SY0-801 exam when it is released next May?
2. Would you advice the students to take the SY0-701 or SY0-801 (assuming both are available in mid May)?

-MB

 

[BrianFord]

The semester starts next week. I will be using the Security+ Learn + Labs in lieu of Security Pro CertMaster (as it will be phased out by next July) and my students purchase the bundle withe voucher and take their exam at the end of Spring semester. I just found out that Security+ v8 will be released this November and the Security+ v7 exam will retire in Mid May 2027. So, I have two questions:

1. If my students purchase the SY0-701 exam voucher next week will they be able to apply to the SY0-801 exam when it is released next May?
2. Would you advice the students to take the SY0-701 or SY0-801 (assuming both are available in mid May)?

-MB

MBA,

So, as far as I know, there has been no firm date for either the release of SY0-801 or the retirement of SY0-701. The suggested timeframe for the release of SY0-801 is November 2026 (see https://www.comptia.org/en-us/resources/comptia-exam-objectives-under-development/) .

That said, when the exam objectives for any exam have been updated in the past, at most 10-15% of the topics change. When SY0-701 was released, again, in my opinion as an instructor, that was a big change. The SY0-801 exam objectives have been posted for review, and to me it doesn't look like a very great change. About your questions:

#1. No. Exam vouchers are exam-specific. If you buy an SY0-701 exam voucher, it is only good for the SY0-701 exam.

#2. What you learn studying for SY0-701 could apply to SY0-801, but I wouldn't recommend that strategy. I advise students to study for and take an exam. I recommend that your students take the SY0-701 exam.

Regards,

Brian

 

[MBA]

MBA,

So, as far as I know, there has been no firm date for either the release of SY0-801 or the retirement of SY0-701. The suggested timeframe for the release of SY0-801 is November 2026 (see https://www.comptia.org/en-us/resources/comptia-exam-objectives-under-development/) .

That said, when the exam objectives for any exam have been updated in the past, at most 10-15% of the topics change. When SY0-701 was released, again, in my opinion as an instructor, that was a big change. The SY0-801 exam objectives have been posted for review, and to me it doesn't look like a very great change. About your questions:

#1. No. Exam vouchers are exam-specific. If you buy an SY0-701 exam voucher, it is only good for the SY0-701 exam.

#2. What you learn studying for SY0-701 could apply to SY0-801, but I wouldn't recommend that strategy. I advise students to study for and take an exam. I recommend that your students take the SY0-701 exam.

Regards,

Brian

This is very helpful, Brian, and confirms my instinct. The dates were provided by my CompTIA rep, but I agree that they are probably not final.

Best,
-MB