CompTIA Security+ vs Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) vs eJPT - Junior Penetration Tester
| Factor | ✅ CompTIA Security+ | Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) | eJPT - Junior Penetration Tester | Splunk Core Certified User | IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor | CompTIA | Microsoft | eLearnSecurity | Splunk | IBM |
| Level | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner |
| Exam Cost | $425 | $99 | $200 | $130 | $49/mo |
| Pass Rate | 83% | 80% | 70% | 72% | N/A |
| Avg Salary | $75K–$100K | $70K–$90K | $65K–$90K | $70K–$95K | $75K–$100K |
| Difficulty |
Easier
★★☆☆☆
|
Easier
★★☆☆☆
|
Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
| Best For | IT professionals entering cybersecurity, system admins wanting a security baseline, DoD contractors. | Business professionals, students, and IT beginners entering security or complian… | Aspiring penetration testers, security students, and IT professionals pivoting i… | IT professionals, SOC analysts, and data engineers starting with the Splunk plat… | Beginners entering cybersecurity or IT professionals transitioning from helpdesk… |
| Expiry | Typically 3 years — renewal at comptia.org | Check microsoft.com | Check elearnsecurity.com | Check splunk.com | Check coursera.org/ibm |
| Full Guide | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → |
Which Should You Choose?
The right certification depends on your current role, target employer, geography, and the specific skills gap you're trying to close. Here's a practical breakdown:
✅ Choose CompTIA Security+ if…
You're targeting roles at organisations that specifically require CompTIA credentials, or you're already working within the CompTIA ecosystem. The CompTIA Security+ carries the strongest recognition among CompTIA customers and partners, and its salary premium of $75K–$100K is well-documented in the job market.
Full Guide →Consider Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) if…
You're targeting organisations in the Microsoft ecosystem, or the Microsoft Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals (SC-900) is more commonly required in your target industry or geography. Salary data: $70K–$90K. Entry-level certification covering core security, compliance, and identity concepts across Microsoft…
Full Guide →Consider eJPT - Junior Penetration Tester if…
You're targeting organisations in the eLearnSecurity ecosystem, or the eJPT - Junior Penetration Tester is more commonly required in your target industry or geography. Salary data: $65K–$90K. Practical, beginner-friendly penetration testing certification. Validates real-world hacking skills …
Full Guide →Detailed Analysis — CompTIA Security+
Strengths
- ✓Issued by CompTIA — one of the most trusted credential authorities in Cybersecurity
- ✓Salary premium of $75K–$100K documented across multiple independent sources
- ✓Exam fee of $425 — strong ROI relative to salary gain
- ✓Global recognition at enterprise employers, government agencies, and consulting firms
- ✓Covers 5 core domains including: Threats, attacks & vulnerabilities, Architecture & design, Implementation
Considerations
- ◆Pass rate is approximately 83% — structured preparation is essential, not optional
- ◆Entry-level — pairs best with parallel practical experience
- ◆Renewal required — check current requirements at comptia.org
Made your decision? Start your preparation today.
CompTIA Security+ Full Guide → Study Roadmap → Salary Data →