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CySA+ vs CASP+: Pick the Best Cert for Your Future

Tina Tran
Tina Tran
Created at June 29, 2025

CySA+ vs CASP+ is a common dilemma for cybersecurity professionals looking to take the next big step in their careers. While both certifications are respected and offered by CompTIA, they serve very different goals. CySA+ is ideal for those focused on hands-on defense and threat analysis, while CASP+ is built for advanced experts designing enterprise-level security. In this guide, you’ll discover the key differences between the two, so you can choose the path that best aligns with your skills, goals, and future.

About the CompTIA CySA+

CompTIA CySA+

CompTIA CySA+

The CompTIA CySA+ certification is an intermediate-level credential that validates a professional’s ability to detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats. It focuses on behavioral analytics and the practical application of threat detection in real-world environments, especially within Security Operations Centers (SOCs).

CySA+ target audience

CySA+ is ideal for IT professionals with 3 to 4 years of hands-on experience in security roles. It’s designed for individuals in positions such as:

  • SOC Analyst
  • Threat Hunter
  • Vulnerability Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Specialist
  • IT professionals transitioning into cybersecurity

CySA+ domain coverage

The CySA+ exam objectives emphasize practical, hands-on skills that cybersecurity professionals need in day-to-day operations. Rather than testing just theory, the exam is built around real-world scenarios across four key domains:

  • Security Operations: Monitoring networks, using SIEM tools, and identifying suspicious activity.
  • Vulnerability Management: Scanning systems, analyzing risk, and prioritizing mitigation efforts.
  • Incident Response and Management: Detecting, responding to, and recovering from security incidents.
  • Reporting and Communication: Turning technical insights into clear, actionable reports for teams and stakeholders.

CySA+ exam details

  • Exam Code: CS0-003 (latest version)
  • Format: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
  • Duration: 165 minutes
  • Number of Questions: Up to 85
  • Passing Score: 750 out of 900
  • Delivery: Pearson VUE testing centers or online proctoring

About the CompTIA CASP+

CompTIA CASP+

CompTIA CASP+

The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) is an expert-level certification targeted at experienced cybersecurity professionals who design and implement complex security solutions across enterprise environments.

CASP+ domain coverage

Rather than focusing only on operations, CASP+ emphasizes strategic execution and high-level technical expertise across the following domains:

  • Security Architecture: Building scalable, secure architectures for hybrid and enterprise systems.
  • Security Operations: Overseeing enterprise-wide detection, response, and continuity planning.
  • Security Engineering and Cryptography: Applying advanced encryption and designing resilient security systems.
  • Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC): Aligning technical implementation with business risk, regulatory frameworks, and global standards.

CASP+ target audience

CASP+ is best suited for seasoned cybersecurity professionals with at least 5–10 years of experience in IT security. Ideal roles include:

  • Senior Security Engineer
  • Security Architect
  • Technical Lead
  • Cybersecurity Consultant
  • Infrastructure Security Engineer

It is particularly valuable for professionals who want to remain technically focused rather than move into management.

CASP+ exam details

  • Exam Code: CAS-004 (current version)
  • Format: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
  • Duration: 165 minutes
  • Number of Questions: Up to 90
  • Passing Score: Pass/fail only (no numerical score reported)
  • Delivery: Pearson VUE testing centers or online proctoring

CySA+ vs CASP+: Key differences

Since each certification leads to different job titles, skill sets, and salaries, it’s important to compare Cysa+ vs CASP+ carefully. Not sure which one suits you best? This side-by-side comparison will help you weigh your options.

Criteria CompTIA CySA+ CompTIA CASP+
Certification level Intermediate Advanced
Exam format 85 questions, multiple-choice & performance-based 90 questions, performance-based & multiple-choice
Exam fee ~$425 ~$592
Passing score 750/900 No score, just pass/ fail
Recommended prerequisites 4 years of practical experience as an Incident Response Analyst or SOC Analyst.
  • 10+ years of general IT administration experience, with at least 5 years in technical security roles
  • Prior certifications such as Security+, Network+, PenTest+
  • Or equivalent real-world experience
Skill focus
  • Threat detection using log analysis, traffic monitoring, and endpoint behavior.
  • SIEM analysis to identify suspicious patterns and automate alert responses.
  • Vulnerability management through scanning, prioritization, and mitigation.
  • Incident response (IR): detection, containment, eradication, and recovery.
  • Threat hunting using behavioral analytics and proactive defense techniques.
  • Enterprise security architecture across complex, hybrid environments.
  • Risk management and compliance are aligned with frameworks like NIST, GDPR, and ISO.
  • Advanced cryptography for securing data at rest, in transit, and during authentication.
  • Security engineering and integration of cloud, virtualization, and on-prem solutions.
  • Technical leadership in implementing policies and driving enterprise-wide security strategies.
Career impact Opens doors to analyst roles and SOC-level jobs Qualifies for enterprise-level, architect positions
Target roles SOC Analyst, Threat Hunter, Security Analyst Security Architect, Sr. Security Engineer, Consultant
Salary potential $56,000 ~ $122,000, with an average $81,585/year $85,000 ~ $163,000, with an average $135,940/year
Management responsibility Not required. Focuses on hands-on technical analysis and incident response. Required. Involves strategic thinking and understanding of enterprise-level security.
Recognition & compliance DoD 8570 compliant, vendor-neutral DoD 8570 & 8140 compliant, alternative to CISSP

FAQs

1. Should I get CySA+ or CASP+?

That depends on your career stage:

Choose CySA+ if you:

  • Are working in a SOC, incident response, or threat intelligence role.
  • Have hands-on security experience but aren’t yet at the architect or senior leadership level.
  • Want to build your credentials in security analysis, threat detection, and incident response.
  • Are considering CEH but prefer a defense-focused, cost-effective alternative.

Choose CASP+ if you:

  • Are a senior-level technical expert experienced in designing enterprise security solutions.
  • Already hold intermediate certifications like CySA+, Security+, or Network+.
  • Aim for roles such as security architect or senior technical consultant.
  • Prefer a hands-on technical cert over a management-focused one like CISSP.

2. Is CySA+ higher than CASP+?

No, CASP+ is considered a more advanced certification than CySA+. CASP+ is on the same tier as other expert-level credentials like CISSP, though with a stronger technical focus and less on management.

Final thoughts

CySA+ vs CASP+ is not just a choice between two certifications; it’s a decision about the direction of your cybersecurity career. CySA+ equips you with the practical skills needed for detection, response, and day-to-day defense. CASP+ is for seasoned professionals ready to architect enterprise-wide security solutions. Both paths offer value, recognition, and growth. The best certification is the one that matches your experience, ambition, and where you see yourself making the biggest impact.