Understanding the CySA+ Passing Score & How to Achieve It

You’ve been studying for the CompTIA CySA+ certification, tackling hundreds of practice questions, but one question still keeps you up at night: “What is the CySA+ passing score?” If you’re confused by the number 750 and unsure what it really means, you’re not alone. Many CompTIA CySA+ candidates have failed simply because they misunderstood how the scoring works. In this article, you’ll get a clear breakdown of what the CySA+ passing score truly represents, why it’s not as simple as “just get 75%,” and what it takes to confidently clear the 750 mark. 

What is the CompTIA CySA+ passing score?

CompTIA CySA+ passing score

The CySA+ passing score is 750 on a scale from 100 to 900. But many candidates don’t realize that this number doesn’t equate to 75% accuracy. Instead, the CySA+ exam uses a scaled and weighted scoring system, which varies slightly depending on the version of the exam you take.

How the CompTIA CySA+ exam scored

Here’s what you need to know about the CySA+ scoring system:

• Score range: 100 (minimum) to 900 (maximum)
• Required to pass: 750
• How it works: Questions are weighted differently. Harder questions carry more value than easier ones.
• Hidden twist: A few questions are experimental and do not count toward your score, but you won’t know which ones they are.

So while you may assume that passing means getting 75% of questions correct, the reality is that the specific questions you get right matter more than the quantity.

Why the CySA+ passing score matters

The passing score of 750 isn’t just a number to memorize; it should shape the way you prepare. Here’s why understanding this score makes a real difference:

• You know what to aim for: Instead of guessing, you have a clear benchmark. If your practice test scores are consistently above 80%, you’re likely on track to reach (or exceed) the 750 threshold.
• You won’t panic over tough questions: Some questions are harder and worth more. Others may not be scored at all. So don’t get discouraged mid-exam – scoring isn’t based on quantity alone.
• You can study smarter, not harder: Because each domain carries a different weight, you can focus your time on high-value areas like Security Operations and Vulnerability Management, which contribute the most to your final score.

Factors that impact the CySA+ passing score

Although 750 is the fixed passing score, your ability to reach it depends on several behind-the-scenes factors.

Domain weighting

Each section of the exam contributes a different percentage to your total score. According to the CySA+ exam objectives, each domain contributes a specific portion to your final score:

• Security Operations: 33%
• Vulnerability Management: 30%
• Incident Response & Management: 20%
• Reporting & Communication: 17%

By dedicating more prep time to high-weighted areas like Security Operations and Vulnerability Management, you increase your chances of accumulating enough points, even if you struggle in smaller domains.

Question difficulty and type

CySA+ features both traditional multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions (PBQs) that simulate real-world cybersecurity tasks. PBQs typically require deeper analysis and problem-solving, and they often contribute more significantly to your final score. Mastering these questions can be a decisive factor in pushing your scaled score beyond the 750 mark.

Time management

You’ll face up to 85 questions in 165 minutes, meaning time pressure is real. Balancing speed and accuracy, especially when tackling PBQs, is crucial. Rushing through high-value questions or spending too long on low-weighted ones can negatively impact your overall performance.

How to get a CompTIA CySA+ passing score?

How to get a CompTIA CySA+ passing score?

Getting a score of 750 or higher on the CompTIA CySA+ exam demands the right strategy, smart resources, and consistent practice. Here’s a practical, step-by-step approach to help you not just reach, but exceed the CySA+ passing score.

Aim higher than the bare minimum

Firstly, although 750 is the official CySA+ passing score, it’s not as simple as scoring 75%. Due to the scaled scoring model, some questions carry more weight than others, and a portion may not be scored at all.

Most successful test-takers report that scoring 80% or higher on practice exams correlates with passing the real test. So instead of targeting just 750, aim for a scaled score closer to 800 to ensure a comfortable margin.

Practice with reputable, varied study resources

No single resource can prepare you completely for CySA+, so diversify your study materials. Many successful candidates recommend combining:

• Video courses from instructors on YouTube
• Free CompTIA CySA+ practice tests
• CompTIA CySA+ study guides and practice questions
• AI-based quizzing tools for reinforcement and active recall

Using multiple perspectives helps you absorb complex concepts more effectively.

Build a hands-on lab environment

Knowledge alone isn’t enough because you need hands-on experience. Set up a home lab where you can practice with real-world tools like:

• SIEM solutions
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) platforms
• Threat-hunting frameworks
• Packet analyzers like Wireshark

These tools are commonly referenced in CySA+ exam scenarios, and working with them helps reinforce both conceptual knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Identify and strengthen weak areas

Don’t waste time reviewing topics you’ve already mastered. Instead, take diagnostic practice tests and review performance by domain. Focus your effort on the areas where your score is below 80%. Set a goal of reaching 85% accuracy in those weak domains before your actual exam. This ensures balanced performance across the board.

Simulate real exam conditions

Before test day, simulate at least two full-length CompTIA CySA+ practice tests under real test conditions, timed at 165 minutes, with a mix of question types. This builds the mental endurance and time management skills needed to succeed under pressure. Many test-takers say this is the best way to reduce anxiety and walk into the testing center with confidence.

Apply smart test-taking strategies

Last but not least, this tip is for the test day. The CySA+ exam is not just about what you know; it’s about how you apply it under pressure. Improve your test-taking by:

• Eliminating obviously incorrect answers first
• Flagging uncertain questions to revisit later
• Pacing yourself to ensure enough time for performance-based items
• Staying calm and focused, especially during long scenario-based questions

These strategies help you avoid careless mistakes and optimize your final score.

Final thoughts

The CySA+ passing score is 750, but aiming for the bare minimum can be risky. Due to scaled and weighted scoring, your best strategy is to prepare thoroughly, master each domain, and aim for 800 or higher in practice tests. Consistent effort and hands-on experience will help you reach and surpass that 750 mark with confidence.