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

Sarah Nguyen
Sarah Nguyen
Created at July 1, 2025

Choosing between CompTIA CySA+ vs Security+ can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey or planning your next move. Both certifications are respected, vendor-neutral, and stackable. However, they serve different career paths and skill levels. So, let’s dive deep into the Security+ vs CySA+ debate, highlighting the key differences, use cases, and career impacts to find out which certification, Security+ vs CySA+, is right for you.

About the CompTIA CySA+

CompTIA CySA+

CompTIA CySA+

The CompTIA CySA+ (CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst) is an intermediate-level certification that focuses on threat detection, response, and behavioral analytics. It validates the ability to proactively defend and continuously improve the security of an organization.

CySA+ objectives

CySA+ exam objectives cover 4 domains, including:

  • Domain 1: Security Operations (33%)
  • Domain 2: Vulnerability Management (30%)
  • Domain 3: Incident Response and Management (20%) 
  • Domain 4: Reporting and Communication (17%)

CySA+ exam details

  • Exam code: CS0-003
  • Duration: 165 minutes
  • Number of questions: Maximum of 85
  • Question format: Multiple choice and performance-based
  • Passing score: 750 (on a scale of 100–900)
  • Exam cost: $425 (may vary by region)
  • Recommended experience: 4+ years as an incident response analyst or SOC analyst

CySA+ targeted audience

The CySA+ is ideal for professionals in roles such as:

  • Security operations center (SOC) analysts
  • Threat hunters
  • Vulnerability analysts
  • Cybersecurity specialists

About the CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is widely considered the entry point into cybersecurity. It provides a foundational understanding of essential security principles, making it the most popular baseline certification for IT pros.

Security+ objectives

Security+ SY0-701 objectives cover 5 domains, including:

  • Domain 1: General Security Concepts (12%)
  • Domain 2: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations (22%)
  • Domain 3: Security Architecture (18%)
  • Domain 4: Security Operations (28%)
  • Domain 5: Security Program Management and Oversight (20%) 

Security+ exam details

  • Exam code: SY0-701
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Number of questions: Maximum of 90
  • Question format: Multiple choice and performance-based
  • Passing score: 750 (on a scale of 100–900)
  • Exam cost: $425 (may vary by region)
  • Recommended experience: 2+ years in IT administration with a focus on security

Security+ targeted audience

The CySA+ is ideal for professionals in roles such as:

  • Aspiring cybersecurity professionals
  • IT support technicians
  • Network and system administrators

CompTIA CySA+ vs Security+ key differences

CompTIA CySA+ vs Security+ key differences

CompTIA CySA+ vs Security+ key differences

Understanding the core differences between CompTIA Security+ vs CySA+ can help you pick the right cert for your current experience and long-term goals. Here’s a quick summary to get started:

Feature CompTIA Security+ CompTIA CySA+
Difficulty level Entry-level; ideal for beginners Intermediate; requires deeper technical knowledge
Focus area Fundamentals of cybersecurity, risk management, and network security Threat detection, behavioral analytics, and incident response
Hands-on emphasis Low; mostly theoretical High; includes real-world scenario simulations
Recommended experience Basic IT knowledge or A+/Network+ 3–4 years in cybersecurity or a SOC environment
Exam code & format SY0-701; 90 mins; ~90 questions (MCQs and PBQs) CS0-003; 165 mins; ~85 questions (MCQs and PBQs)
Common job roles IT Support, Help Desk, Junior Cybersecurity Analyst SOC Analyst, Threat Hunter, Vulnerability Analyst
Purpose of certification Validate foundational security knowledge Demonstrate mid-level technical ability in security analytics
Career path Leads to CySA+, PenTest+, CASP+ Leads to CASP+, CISSP
Renewal impact Renews only Security+ Also renews Security+ if both are held
Industry recognition DoD 8570-approved for entry-level government roles DoD 8570-approved and ISO/ANSI-accredited; globally respected
Salary range ~$60,000–$85,000/year (U.S. average) ~$91,000–$107,000/year (U.S. average)

FAQs

1. Is CySA+ more difficult than Security+?

Yes, most candidates find CySA+ more difficult than Security+ due to its:

  • Scenario-based questions requiring analytical thinking
  • Emphasis on behavioral analytics and security operations
  • Higher depth in security incident response and forensics

That said, CySA+ isn’t impossible. It’s just better suited for professionals with some security background.

2. Can I take CySA+ without Security+?

Technically, yes. However, Security+ helps build foundational knowledge that CySA+ assumes you already have. Skipping Security+ may be challenging unless you’ve worked in a security-focused role. Furthermore, employers often expect Security+ as a prerequisite or a complementary certification.

Final thoughts

So, which is better: CySA+ vs Security+? It depends on your current experience and future goals. Start with Security+ if you’re new to cybersecurity and want a solid foundation. Advance to CySA+ when you’re ready to specialize in detection, response, and behavioral analysis. Still unsure? Start with Security+ and build from there. It opens doors and sets you up for advanced credentials like CySA+, CASP+, or even CISSP.