CompTIA Security+ vs CySA+: Which Cybersecurity Cert Comes Next?

Security+ and CySA+: Two Different Career Stages

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) and CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) are both cybersecurity certifications from CompTIA, but they target different experience levels and career tracks. Security+ is an entry-level certification covering a broad range of security concepts. CySA+ is an intermediate certification focused specifically on threat detection, analysis, and response work done by security operations center (SOC) analysts.

If you are deciding which to pursue, the answer is almost always: Security+ first, CySA+ second. Security+ provides the foundational knowledge that CySA+ assumes you already have. But if you are a Security+ holder wondering whether CySA+ is worth your time and effort, the answer depends on your career target.

Where They Fit in the CompTIA Pathway

CompTIA positions its certifications in a clear progression:

• A+: Foundation IT skills
• Network+: Networking fundamentals
• Security+: Entry-level cybersecurity (DoD 8570 compliant)
• CySA+: Intermediate security analyst track
• CASP+: Advanced security practitioner and architect level

CySA+ is explicitly positioned as the next step after Security+ for candidates pursuing the analyst track rather than the engineering or management track. The CISSP and CASP+ serve different audiences: CASP+ for senior practitioners, CISSP for security management roles.

Security+ vs CySA+: Side-by-Side Comparison

• Level: Security+ is entry-level; CySA+ is intermediate
• Recommended experience: Security+ recommends 2 years of IT experience with a security focus; CySA+ recommends 3-4 years of hands-on security or IT experience
• Exam questions: Security+ has up to 90 questions (multiple choice and performance-based); CySA+ has up to 85 questions with a heavier emphasis on performance-based items
• Exam duration: Security+ is 90 minutes; CySA+ is 165 minutes
• Passing score: Security+ passes at 750 out of 900; CySA+ passes at 750 out of 900
• Cost: Both exams cost approximately $392
• Renewal: Both require 3 years / 50 CEUs to renew (Security+ CEUs renew both; CySA+ CEUs renew independently)
• DoD 8570: Security+ meets IAT Level II and IAM Level I; CySA+ meets CSSP Analyst and CSSP Incident Responder requirements
• Salary range: Security+ holders typically earn $65,000-$95,000 in entry-level security roles; CySA+ holders in SOC analyst roles typically earn $80,000-$120,000 depending on tier and geography

Security+: What It Covers and Who It Is For

Security+ covers a deliberately broad range of cybersecurity domains: threats and attacks, architecture and design, implementation of cryptography and PKI, identity and access management, operations and incident response, and governance, risk, and compliance. It is the widest-scope entry-level security certification available and the most recognized baseline for security roles in the US, including federal government positions covered by DoD 8570.

Security+ is the right choice for: candidates entering cybersecurity from IT or networking backgrounds, professionals pursuing federal government or defense contractor security roles, and anyone who wants a broadly recognized credential that does not require specialization in a single area yet.

For a full Security+ preparation strategy, see the Security+ study guide.

CySA+: What It Covers and Who It Is For

CySA+ (CS0-003) narrows the focus considerably. Rather than covering all security domains, it goes deep on threat detection and response: threat intelligence and threat hunting, vulnerability assessment and management, incident response procedures, digital forensics basics, SIEM tool usage, security monitoring, and behavioral analytics.

The CS0-003 update (released in 2023) increased emphasis on cloud security, automation, and software assurance, reflecting the reality of modern SOC environments. The exam includes more scenario-based and performance-based questions than Security+, requiring you to interpret log data, analyze SIEM alerts, and determine appropriate incident response actions rather than simply recalling definitions.

CySA+ is the right choice for: Security+ holders who want to move into a Tier 2 or Tier 3 SOC analyst role, professionals working in vulnerability management or incident response who want formal credential validation, and candidates targeting CSSP Analyst or CSSP Incident Responder roles under DoD 8570.

For a complete CySA+ study plan, see the CySA+ exam guide.

Can You Skip Security+ and Go Directly to CySA+?

Technically, yes. CompTIA does not enforce prerequisites: you can attempt CySA+ without holding Security+. Practically, however, the CySA+ exam assumes you have mastered Security+ content. Cryptography, PKI, identity and access management, and network security fundamentals are tested as background knowledge in CySA+, not as primary exam content. Candidates who skip Security+ typically need significantly more study time and struggle with questions that build on foundational concepts.

The only scenario where skipping Security+ makes sense is if you have extensive hands-on SOC experience and are confident that your practical knowledge already covers everything Security+ tests. Even then, most professionals find it worth holding Security+ for its DoD 8570 value and universal employer recognition.

Career Paths After CySA+

• CASP+ (CAS-004): For senior security practitioners and architects who want CompTIA's highest-level certification. More technically advanced than CySA+ with less focus on the analyst role specifically.
• CISSP: The management track for security professionals moving toward CISO, security director, or program management roles. Requires 5 years of paid experience in two CISSP domains.
• GCIA / GCIH (SANS/GIAC): For advanced intrusion analysis and incident handling specialization. More expensive but highly respected in the threat intelligence and incident response community.
• CEH (EC-Council): Ethical hacking track for analysts moving toward penetration testing or red team roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CySA+ worth it for Security+ holders?

Yes, if you are targeting analyst-track roles. CySA+ unlocks Tier 2 and Tier 3 SOC analyst positions, vulnerability management roles, and the CSSP-level DoD 8570 requirements that Security+ alone does not cover. Employers who staff 24/7 security operations centers treat CySA+ as a meaningful differentiator. If you are moving toward engineering, architecture, or management roles instead, CASP+ or CISSP may be a better next step.

How long does it take to study for CySA+ after Security+?

Most Security+ holders with 1-2 years of SOC experience report needing 60-100 hours of preparation for CySA+. Candidates with limited hands-on security experience may need 120-150 hours. The performance-based exam questions require more than memorization: you need to practice analyzing log data, interpreting vulnerability scan outputs, and walking through incident response decision trees.

Do Security+ CEUs count toward CySA+ renewal?

Both certifications are part of the CompTIA Continuing Education (CE) program. Earning higher-level certifications (such as CySA+) automatically renews lower-level ones (such as Security+). However, Security+ CEU activities do not automatically renew CySA+; the CySA+ renewal requires CEUs earned at the appropriate level or higher. Check the CompTIA CE program guidelines for current details.