ISC2 CC vs CompTIA Security+: Which Cybersecurity Cert Should You Get First?

If you’re stepping into cybersecurity for the first time, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) vs CompTIA Security+. Both are entry-level certifications with strong industry recognition, but they serve different purposes, audiences, and career stages. Making the wrong choice won’t ruin your career — but making the right choice can save you months of study time and hundreds of dollars. Let’s break this down so you can move forward with confidence.

What Is the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)?

The ISC2 CC is a relatively new entry-level certification launched by ISC2 — the same organization behind the prestigious CISSP. It’s designed specifically for people who are new to cybersecurity, including career changers, students, and IT professionals exploring a pivot into security roles.

Here’s what the exam looks like:

• Format: 100 multiple-choice questions, linear (non-adaptive)
• Time limit: 120 minutes
• Passing score: 700 out of 1000
• Prerequisites: None
• Cost: The exam voucher is frequently offered free through ISC2 promotions
• Validity: 3 years, with 45 CPE credits required for renewal

After passing, you’ll join ISC2 as a member — and for CC holders, that membership is free. That’s a meaningful benefit, giving you access to the ISC2 community, resources, and a credential that signals you’re serious about a career in cybersecurity.

What Is CompTIA Security+?

CompTIA Security+ (exam code SY0-701) is one of the most recognized entry-to-mid-level cybersecurity certifications in the world. It’s vendor-neutral, DoD 8570/8140 compliant, and widely requested by employers in both private and government sectors.

Key details for the current SY0-701 exam:

• Format: Up to 90 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based)
• Time limit: 90 minutes
• Passing score: 750 out of 900
• Prerequisites: None required, though CompTIA recommends CompTIA Network+ and two years of IT experience
• Cost: Approximately $392 USD for the exam voucher
• Validity: 3 years, with 50 CEUs required for renewal

Security+ is more technical in depth than the CC and includes performance-based questions (PBQs) that simulate real-world tasks — things like configuring firewall rules or analyzing logs. This makes it more demanding but also more directly tied to job-ready skills.

How Do the Domains Compare?

This is where the choice starts to get clearer. The ISC2 CC covers five domains that establish foundational cybersecurity knowledge:

1. Security Principles (26%) — CIA triad, governance, risk concepts, security controls
2. Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery & Incident Response (10%)
3. Access Controls Concepts (22%) — MFA, SSO, DAC, MAC, RBAC
4. Network Security (24%) — OSI model, firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS
5. Security Operations (18%) — Hardening, monitoring, patch management

CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 covers similar ground but goes deeper, adding threat intelligence, cloud security architecture, identity and access management at an applied level, cryptography implementation, and security program management concepts.

Think of the CC as building the foundation and Security+ as constructing the first floor on top of it.

Which One Should You Get First?

The honest answer depends on where you are right now. Here’s a practical framework:

Choose the ISC2 CC First If:

• You’re completely new to cybersecurity with no IT background
• You want to validate your interest in the field before committing to a deeper certification
• Budget is a concern — the CC exam is often available for free through ISC2
• You want the ISC2 brand name on your resume as a stepping stone to CISSP later
• You’re a student or recent graduate with limited hands-on experience

Choose CompTIA Security+ First If:

• You already have a year or more of IT experience (helpdesk, networking, sysadmin)
• You’re targeting government or DoD-adjacent roles that specifically require Security+
• You want a credential that’s immediately recognized by a wider range of employers
• You’re comfortable with technical concepts and want a more rigorous challenge

The Strategic Move: Do Both

Many cybersecurity professionals recommend earning the ISC2 CC first — especially while it’s often free — and then using that foundation to accelerate your Security+ preparation. The overlapping domains (network security, access control, security operations) mean your CC study time directly benefits your Security+ exam readiness. It’s not wasted effort; it’s compounding investment.

Test Your Knowledge

Here’s a question in the style of the ISC2 CC exam to check your understanding of a core concept:

A company wants to ensure that users only have access to the resources they need to perform their specific job functions — nothing more. Which security principle does this describe?

• A. Defense in Depth
• B. Separation of Duties
• C. Principle of Least Privilege
• D. Zero Trust Architecture

Answer: C — Principle of Least Privilege. This principle limits user access rights to only what is strictly necessary for their role. It reduces the attack surface by ensuring that if an account is compromised, the damage is limited. Both the ISC2 CC and Security+ exams test this concept heavily in the context of access control models.

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