The short answer
Take Security+ (SY0-801) first if you are new to security or want a broad foundation. Take SecAI+ (CY0-001) when you already have security experience and your work involves AI systems. CompTIA lists Security+, CySA+, PenTest+ or equivalent as recommended certifications for SecAI+. Take both only if you have a reason for each.
At a glance
| SY0-801 (Security+ V8) | CY0-001 (SecAI+ V1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Broad foundation | Specialist, built on security experience |
| Audience | Security administrator, two years of hands-on experience recommended | 3 to 4 years in IT and 2+ years of hands-on cybersecurity recommended |
| Coverage | Five domains across all of security | Four domains on AI in cybersecurity |
| Questions | Maximum of 90 | Maximum of 60 |
| Question types | Multiple-choice and performance-based | Multiple-choice and performance-based |
| Time | 90 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Passing score | 750 on 100 to 900 | 600 on 100 to 900 |
| Languages | English | English and Japanese |
| Status | Expected on or around November 17, 2026 | Launched February 17, 2026 |
| Required prerequisite | None listed | None stated; Security+, CySA+, PenTest+ or equivalent recommended |
| Renewal | Three-year cycle; Security+ FAQ lists 50 CEUs | Three-year cycle; 15 CEUs listed |
Both pass marks are on a scaled score, not a percentage. They cannot be compared directly.
What each exam covers
SY0-801 has five domains: General Security Concepts (16%), Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks (24%), Security Architecture (19%), Security Operations (27%) and Security Program Management and Oversight (14%). See the SY0-801 overview.
CY0-001 has four: Basic AI concepts related to cybersecurity (17%), Securing AI systems (40%), AI-assisted security (24%) and AI governance, risk, and compliance (19%). See the CY0-001 overview.
Overlap and differences
The overlap is real but small. SY0-801 has a dedicated objective on AI risks (2.6), including prompt injection, jailbreaking and poisoning, and mentions AI in its automation objective. That gives you a first taste of the topic.
CY0-001 goes much further. Its largest domain, at 40%, is about securing AI systems themselves, and it adds AI-assisted security work and AI governance. It also assumes you already know the security basics that Security+ teaches: controls, identity, incident response, risk and governance.
The difference in direction matters most:
- Security+ asks, “Can you run security basics across an organization?”
- SecAI+ asks, “Can you secure and use AI in a security context?”
How to choose
Use these rules.
- You are new to security: SY0-801. SecAI+ would be a poor first step because it expects experience.
- You work in security and your employer adopts AI tools: consider CY0-001. If you hold a recognized equivalent of Security+, you may not need SY0-801.
- A job post names one of them: take that one.
- You are unsure: read the objectives of both. If the SecAI+ topics look unfamiliar even in outline, start with Security+.
If you do both, the order Security+ then SecAI+ is the natural one. CompTIA’s SecAI+ page recommends Security+ or an equivalent, so it fits the vendor’s own guidance.
Effort and cost to plan for
SecAI+ has fewer questions and a shorter time limit, but that does not make it easier. It expects deeper knowledge of one area. Security+ is wider, with more ground to cover. Plan study time for your own background, not for exam length. Exam fees differ and change, so we do not print them. See certification costs.
Renewal
Both credentials follow a three-year cycle with continuing education. CompTIA’s pages list 50 CEUs for Security+ and 15 for SecAI+. Higher-level CompTIA certifications are listed as one of the ways to earn renewal credit. Read the details on CompTIA’s pages before planning around that. More on SY0-801 renewal and retakes.
FAQ
Do I need Security+ before SecAI+?
CompTIA lists no required prerequisite for SecAI+, and it recommends Security+, CySA+, PenTest+ or equivalent.
Does Security+ cover AI?
It has a dedicated AI risks objective, but only as one part of a wide exam.
Which is harder?
They are hard in different ways. Security+ is broad. SecAI+ is narrower and assumes experience. Judge by your own background.
More guides for SY0-801
- SY0-801 Exam Format, Length and Scoring
- SY0-801 Study Plan: 4-Week and 8-Week Options
- SY0-801 Domains Explained With Examples
- SY0-801 Sample Questions With Explanations
- Is the Security+ SY0-801 Exam Hard?
- SY0-801 Prerequisites and Recommended Experience
- SY0-801 Cheat Sheet: Key Facts to Review
- SY0-801 vs CS0-004: Which Exam First?
- N10-009 vs SY0-801: Which First?
Next step
To start the foundation, read the SY0-801 exam overview or is SY0-801 worth it. When you are ready to practice, see the SY0-801 practice tests or the CY0-001 practice tests.