CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) and (ISC)² CISSP are both advanced security certifications but serve different professional profiles. SecurityX is designed for hands-on technical practitioners who want to remain in engineering roles, while CISSP is geared toward security leaders and managers who oversee programs and policies.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) | (ISC)² CISSP | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | CompTIA | (ISC)² |
| Exam Code | CAS-005 | CISSP |
| Level | Advanced / Expert | Advanced / Expert |
| Cost | $509 | $749 |
| Duration | 165 min | 240 min |
| Questions | Up to 90 | 125–175 (CAT format) |
| Passing Score | Pass/Fail (no scaled score) | 700/1000 |
| Renewal | 3 years | 3 years |
| Prerequisites | None required; minimum of ten years of IT administration experience including at least five years of hands-on technical security experience recommended | Five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains; one year waived with a relevant degree or approved credential |
| Avg Salary Range | $100,000–$145,000 | $120,000–$170,000 |
Focus Areas
CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+)
Enterprise security architecture and engineering, security operations and governance, cryptographic solutions including post-quantum, cloud and hybrid security, and applied research across advanced enterprise environments
(ISC)² CISSP
Security and risk management, asset security, security architecture, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment, security operations, and software development security
Who Should Get Which?
Get CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) if...
Senior security engineers, architects, or technical leads who want an advanced certification but prefer to stay hands-on rather than move into management, or DoD personnel who need an IAT Level III / IAM Level II certification
Get (ISC)² CISSP if...
Security professionals moving into management, those targeting CISO or security director roles, or anyone who wants the most globally recognized advanced security certification for career mobility
Recommended Order
Choose based on career path, not difficulty. If you want to remain technical, get SecurityX. If you are moving toward management or want broader recognition, get CISSP. CISSP has stronger global brand recognition and typically commands higher salaries, but SecurityX is highly valued in government and DoD roles.
Study Tips
SecurityX questions are scenario- and performance-based and expect you to implement solutions, while CISSP questions expect you to evaluate and recommend from a managerial perspective. For SecurityX, focus on enterprise architecture and engineering, governance, post-quantum cryptography, and hybrid-cloud security. For CISSP, always think about risk management and what is best for the organization overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) and (ISC)² CISSP?
CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) and (ISC)² CISSP are both advanced security certifications but serve different professional profiles. SecurityX is designed for hands-on technical practitioners who want to remain in engineering roles, while CISSP is geared toward security leaders and managers who oversee programs and policies.
Should I get CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) or (ISC)² CISSP first?
Choose based on career path, not difficulty. If you want to remain technical, get SecurityX. If you are moving toward management or want broader recognition, get CISSP. CISSP has stronger global brand recognition and typically commands higher salaries, but SecurityX is highly valued in government and DoD roles.
Who should get CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+)?
Senior security engineers, architects, or technical leads who want an advanced certification but prefer to stay hands-on rather than move into management, or DoD personnel who need an IAT Level III / IAM Level II certification
Who should get (ISC)² CISSP?
Security professionals moving into management, those targeting CISO or security director roles, or anyone who wants the most globally recognized advanced security certification for career mobility
Test Your Knowledge
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