⚡ Quick Answer
Security+ first, then CySA+. Security+ is the entry-level cybersecurity cert that most employers expect before anything else. CySA+ is the intermediate next step for professionals who want to specialize in threat detection, SOC work, and security analysis. If you don't have Security+ yet, that's your starting point. If you do, CySA+ is one of the most logical credentials to pursue next.
What each certification actually covers
Security+ and CySA+ are both CompTIA certifications on the same cybersecurity track, but they test different things at different depths. Security+ covers the broad fundamentals — it's a generalist credential that validates you know cybersecurity concepts across threats, architecture, operations, and governance. CySA+ goes deeper into the analyst role — threat hunting, SIEM analysis, vulnerability management, and incident response at a working level.
Entry Level · CompTIA
CompTIA Security+
Exam code
SY0-701
Format
Up to 90 questions (MCQ + performance-based)
Cost
~$404
Passing score
750 / 900
Prerequisite
None official — Network+ recommended
Renewal
Every 3 years (CEUs or re-exam)
DoD 8570
Yes — IAT Level II, IAM Level I
Intermediate · CompTIA
CompTIA CySA+
Exam code
CS0-003
Format
Up to 85 questions (MCQ + performance-based)
Cost
~$404
Passing score
750 / 900
Prerequisite
Security+ or 4 years IT/security experience (recommended)
Renewal
Every 3 years (CEUs or re-exam)
DoD 8570
Yes — IAT Level II, CSSP Analyst
Side-by-side comparison
| Category |
Security+ |
CySA+ |
| Level |
Entry level — first cybersecurity cert |
Intermediate — builds on Security+ foundation |
| Focus |
Broad security concepts — threats, architecture, governance, operations |
Security analyst skills — threat detection, SIEM, vulnerability management, IR |
| Difficulty |
Moderate — requires understanding concepts across many domains |
Harder — requires applied analyst thinking, not just knowledge recall |
| Cost |
~$404 |
~$404 (same price) |
| Best job roles |
Security analyst (entry), SOC Tier 1, IT security generalist |
SOC Tier 2/3 analyst, threat hunter, vulnerability analyst, IR analyst |
| Employer recognition |
Very high — near-universal baseline requirement |
High — valued for mid-level security analyst roles |
| Salary impact |
$60,000–$85,000 for entry security roles |
$75,000–$100,000+ for security analyst roles |
| Hands-on work |
Performance-based questions, but no lab requirement |
Performance-based questions simulate real analyst workflows |
What Security+ actually tests
Security+ SY0-701 covers five domains. The goal is to validate that you understand the full landscape of cybersecurity — you know what the major attack types are, how security architecture works, what cryptography does, how incident response is structured, and how governance and compliance fit in. You're not expected to be an expert in any single area; you're expected to be competent across all of them.
Security+ SY0-701 — Core Topics
Threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations (22%)
Security architecture (18%)
Security operations (28%)
Security program management and oversight (20%)
General security concepts (12%)
Security+ key skills tested
Recognize attack types and indicators of compromise
Apply appropriate security controls
Understand cryptography and PKI concepts
Follow incident response procedures
Interpret governance and compliance requirements
What CySA+ actually tests
CySA+ CS0-003 is organized around four domains that mirror the daily work of a security analyst: Security Operations (33%), Vulnerability Management (30%), Incident Response and Management (20%), and Reporting and Communication (17%). The exam expects you to actually analyze data — interpret SIEM output, triage alerts, read vulnerability scan results, and make prioritization decisions. It's a more applied exam than Security+.
CySA+ CS0-003 — Core Topics
Security operations and monitoring (33%)
Vulnerability management and scanning (30%)
Incident response and management (20%)
Reporting and communication (17%)
Threat intelligence and threat hunting
CySA+ key skills tested
Analyze SIEM alerts and log data
Prioritize vulnerabilities using CVSS and risk context
Execute and document incident response steps
Use threat intelligence feeds and IOCs
Write and interpret security reports
Which is harder?
CySA+ is harder. Security+ tests whether you know things; CySA+ tests whether you can do things. The performance-based questions on CySA+ simulate real analyst workflows — analyzing packet captures, interpreting SIEM dashboards, triaging vulnerability scan output. You're expected to apply security knowledge under realistic conditions, not just recall definitions.
💡 CySA+ in the CompTIA cybersecurity path
CompTIA positions CySA+ as the intermediate step between Security+ and CASP+. The full defensive security track goes: Security+ → CySA+ → CASP+. If your goal is to stay in the defensive/analyst side of cybersecurity rather than moving into offensive work (which would be PenTest+), CySA+ is the natural next credential after Security+.
Which should you get?
🆕
You don't have Security+ yet
Start with Security+ Security+ First
Security+ is the expected baseline. CySA+ assumes you already have that foundation. Don't skip the first step — Security+ is also more widely recognized in entry-level job postings.
✅
You have Security+ and work in a SOC or security role
CySA+ is a natural next step CySA+ Next
If you're already doing security analysis work, CySA+ validates those skills formally and opens doors to Tier 2/3 analyst roles that require demonstrated analyst proficiency beyond Security+.
🎯
You want to specialize in threat hunting or IR
CySA+ is directly aligned with those roles CySA+
CySA+ covers threat hunting, SIEM analysis, and incident response at the level those roles actually require. It's more relevant for analyst specialization than anything else in the CompTIA path.
🏛️
You're pursuing a DoD or government CSSP role
CySA+ unlocks CSSP Analyst positions CySA+
CySA+ satisfies DoD 8570 requirements for CSSP Analyst roles, which Security+ does not cover. If that's your target, CySA+ is the specific cert you need.
💼
You're applying for general IT security jobs
Security+ has broader coverage in job postings Security+
Security+ appears in far more job requirements than CySA+. For general IT security roles, Security+ gives you more immediate options. Add CySA+ once you're established in a security position.
Start with Security+ or level up with CySA+
Here's where to study for each:
🔐
Security+ Study Resources
Best study guide, practice exams, and the free Professor Messer course for SY0-701.
See Security+ Resources →
🕵️
CySA+ Overview
What CySA+ covers, who it's for, exam details, and how it fits into the CompTIA cybersecurity path after Security+.
Read CySA+ Overview →
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