CompTIA Security+ vs CySA+: Which Should You Take?
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CompTIA Security+ and CySA+ are both cybersecurity certifications — but they are not interchangeable. One is your entry point into the field. The other is your next step up. Here is how to decide which to take, and when.
Quick Comparison
| Security+ (SY0-701) | CySA+ (CS0-003) | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Entry-level | Intermediate |
| Experience recommended | 1-2 years | 3-4 years |
| Exam questions | 90 max | 85 max |
| Passing score | 750/900 | 750/900 |
| Exam cost | $404 | $404 |
| Average US salary | $85,000 | $95,000 |
| DoD 8570 approved | Yes (IAT Level II) | Yes (IAT Level III) |
| Renewal | 3 years | 3 years |
What Security+ Covers
Security+ focuses on foundational security knowledge: threats and attacks, network security, cryptography, identity management, risk management, and compliance. It is broad by design — the goal is to establish a baseline across all security domains.
It is the right certification if you are moving into cybersecurity for the first time or need DoD IAT Level II compliance.
What CySA+ Covers
CySA+ goes deeper into security operations and threat analysis. It focuses on behavioral analytics, threat intelligence, vulnerability management, incident response, and security architecture decisions. The emphasis is on applying security knowledge, not just knowing it.
It is the right certification if you are already working in security and want to move into analyst or senior roles.
Which Pays More?
CySA+ certified professionals earn approximately $10,000 more per year on average than Security+ holders in equivalent markets. This reflects the intermediate level of the certification and the more senior roles it qualifies for.
| Role | With Security+ | With CySA+ |
|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $85,000 | $95,000 |
| SOC Analyst | $82,000 | $92,000 |
| Threat Intelligence Analyst | — | $105,000 |
| Vulnerability Analyst | $80,000 | $95,000 |
Which Should You Take First?
Take Security+ first if:
- You are new to cybersecurity
- You have fewer than 2 years of IT experience
- You need DoD IAT Level II compliance
- You want a broad foundation before specializing
Take CySA+ first if:
- You already have 3+ years of security experience
- You hold Security+ and are ready for the next level
- You are targeting analyst or threat intelligence roles specifically
For most professionals, the answer is Security+ first, CySA+ within 12-18 months. The two certifications build directly on each other — Security+ gives you the vocabulary, CySA+ gives you the application.
Can You Skip Security+ and Go Straight to CySA+?
Yes — CySA+ has no mandatory prerequisites. But candidates without Security+ knowledge typically take significantly longer to prepare and have lower first-attempt pass rates. Security+ first is the efficient path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CySA+ harder than Security+?
Yes. CySA+ requires deeper analytical thinking and assumes working security knowledge. It is not dramatically harder, but it is more applied and less conceptual.
Does CySA+ replace Security+?
No. They serve different purposes. Many employers want both. CySA+ renews Security+ as part of CompTIA's CE program, but having both on your resume is stronger than either alone.
Which is better for government jobs?
Both are DoD 8570 approved. Security+ covers IAT Level II, CySA+ covers IAT Level III. For senior government roles, CySA+ is the stronger credential.
How long does it take to study for CySA+ after Security+?
With Security+ knowledge and 2+ years of experience: 6-10 weeks. Without Security+: 10-16 weeks.
Are both certifications vendor-neutral?
Yes. Both are CompTIA certifications — vendor-neutral, globally recognized, and not tied to any specific technology stack.
Ready to start with Security+? Divitrain's CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 course includes full video instruction, MeasureUp practice exams, and expert tutor support available 24/7.
