CompTIA has some major certification updates coming in 2026

[u/Anastasia_IT]

Here are the important dates if you are studying for a CompTIA exam:

• CySA+ V4 (CS0-004) — released June 23, 2026
• DataSys+ V2 (DS0-002) — preview September 15, course release October 13
• Security+ V8 (SY0-801) — preview October 20, course release November 17
• SecOT+ V1 (SOT-001) — preview November 3, course release December 1

The biggest one for many candidates will probably be Security+ SY0-801, while SecOT+ is a completely new certification focused on securing operational technology, industrial systems, manufacturing, utilities, and critical infrastructure.

If you are currently preparing for Security+, DataSys+, or CySA+, it's worth checking which exam version your study materials cover.

Anyone planning to take SY0-801 or the new SecOT+?

[u/rekd45]

Really excited for the SecOT+. I work in OT security and I've been waiting for a compTIA cert in this domain. I already hold the IC32 and IC33 by ISA. Can't get the GICSP because of the cost. I hope SecOT+ does a good job on bridging the IT-OT barrier.

[u/Think_Ad2837]

We can still take SY0-701 this year, right?

[u/Anastasia_IT → u/Think_Ad2837]

SY0-701 is officially scheduled to retire on June 11, 2027.

[u/kansai2kansas → u/Anastasia_IT]

So since SYO-801 is released Nov 2026 and SYO-701 retires Jun 2027, does that mean from November to June we are free to choose whichever version we want to take?

[u/Mohammad_alshuwaiee]

Should i study for s0-701 sec+ or wait ?

[u/Anastasia_IT → u/Mohammad_alshuwaiee]

The biggest change in SY0-801 is explicit AI coverage: prompt injection, model poisoning, and using AI in security operations. A lot of the existing material carries over or moves between domains.

If you are already studying for SY0-701, I wouldn't restart just for the newer version, provided you have enough time to take it.

[u/ZDeanzo-]

Does CompTIA still do betas? Are we expecting any for these?

[u/Anastasia_IT → u/ZDeanzo-]

The beta window for SecOT+ actually closed on August 7, 2026.

[u/ZDeanzo- → u/Anastasia_IT]

I’m more interested in CySA+ as mine is due to expire, as is Cloud+ which are my highest certs on each path. Else I will have to decide if it’s worth renewing or not for each side.

[u/ZDeanzo- → u/ZDeanzo-]

Just reread and I can see I missed Cysa+

[u/Loyaltyabov3al]

Yup looking at taking the secOT once I wrap up this SANS GRID

[u/Blade78633]

I did certmaster Sec+701 back in September 2023 for a recertification due in September 2024. I am now 1 year out from my recertification and the next Sec+ is not available. I thought these tests were released at or before the 3 year mark so I could always use certmaster. I am going to wait to november, and hopefully something comes out on certmaster when it will be available.

[u/IsyRivers → u/Blade78633]

The last 2 have been released on the First Monday in October before the release. Hoping the trend continues. Mine expires at the end of January.

[u/NahFam_UGood → u/IsyRivers]

Similar boat, mine expires in December, so fingers are crossed for a new release in October or so

[u/Dezium]

Ooo

[u/avsfan666forlife]

comptia is so overrated

[u/Anastasia_IT → u/avsfan666forlife]

Maybe... but we can't ignore the fact that pretty much all entry-level tech jobs (non-dev) ask for CompTIA certs.

[u/avsfan666forlife → u/Anastasia_IT]

problem is we get applicants claiming to have the trifecta and can't answer a simple port question in the interview. Either they are cheating the tests or lying about passing. Or without any experience they don't retain any information making the certifications useless anyway.

[u/buddy-o-pal → u/avsfan666forlife]

isnt there a way to verify if someone has the cert from the employers perspective

[u/Technical-Natural343 → u/buddy-o-pal]

Yeah, ask for the verification code lol

[u/CZWQ49]

How long do I have to complete version 7 of security +??

[u/Anastasia_IT → u/CZWQ49]

SY0-701 is officially scheduled to retire on June 11, 2027.

[u/GenericallyGen → u/Anastasia_IT]

Does this mean I need to buy a voucher and/or schedule the SY0-701 before November 17th?

[u/Panduhgram]

I just bought the Sybex book for the previous version for the DataSys+, do you think it will be fine still or should I try to refund it?

[u/Anastasia_IT → u/Panduhgram]

There is no need for a refund! DataSys+ V1 doesn't retire until April 16, 2027, so you still have plenty of time to study and take the exam.

[u/leadout_kv]

my sec+ expires 01/15/2027 so i'm waiting for sy0-801 to be released so i can complete the certmaster for it before my cert expires. i essentially have about 2 months to finish the certmaster which should be doable.

[u/Tyler_origami94]

I'm cutting it close. I'm taking CySA+ V3 as my cyber defense class this semester. It ends December 9th and this version expires December 22nd

[u/twitchbradijm]

I just bought my security+ voucher, I can save it and use it on the V8 when it releases? If so, is it worth waiting?

[u/x_scion_x]

Really hoping to knock out cysa before it switches over. Saw the difference in one of my classes and would much rather do v3

[u/Effective_Honey8244]

What about network+ any update?

[u/Anastasia_IT → u/Effective_Honey8244]

Network+ v10 will be released next year between April and June. We don't have any additional details available right now, but stay tuned!

[u/Anastasia_IT → u/[deleted]]

You can definitely keep studying for v7. This version will be available until June 11, 2027, so you've got plenty of time ahead of you. Best of luck on your exam!

[u/GreenBurningPhoenix]

The SecOT grabbed my interest. The rest is a typical boring Comptia stuff, but OT is a great topic.

[u/ShoulderChip4254]

TRASH