CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) and CompTIA PenTest+ are both advanced CompTIA certifications but serve different security roles. SecurityX covers enterprise security architecture, engineering, governance, and hybrid-cloud security, while PenTest+ focuses specifically on penetration testing and vulnerability assessment techniques.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) | CompTIA PenTest+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | CompTIA | CompTIA |
| Exam Code | CAS-005 | PT0-003 |
| Level | Advanced / Expert | Intermediate |
| Cost | $509 | $404 |
| Duration | 165 min | 165 min |
| Questions | Up to 90 | Up to 85 |
| Passing Score | Pass/Fail (no scaled score) | 750/900 |
| 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 | None required; Security+ or Network+ and 3-4 years of hands-on penetration testing experience recommended |
| Avg Salary Range | $100,000–$145,000 | $85,000–$120,000 |
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
CompTIA PenTest+
Penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, planning and scoping engagements, exploiting vulnerabilities, and reporting findings
Who Should Get Which?
Get CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) if...
Senior security professionals in architecture, engineering, or leadership roles who need to validate enterprise-level security decision-making without moving into management
Get CompTIA PenTest+ if...
Security professionals specializing in offensive security, vulnerability assessment, or penetration testing who want to validate their technical testing skills
Recommended Order
Get PenTest+ first if you are on an offensive security path. Get SecurityX first if you are on a defensive or architecture path. They serve different career tracks rather than being sequential.
Study Tips
SecurityX questions are scenario- and performance-based and test your ability to analyze complex enterprise situations. PenTest+ is more tool-focused and tests practical pen testing methodology. Both have performance-based questions, but SecurityX scenarios are broader while PenTest+ scenarios are deeper in a narrow domain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) and CompTIA PenTest+?
CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) and CompTIA PenTest+ are both advanced CompTIA certifications but serve different security roles. SecurityX covers enterprise security architecture, engineering, governance, and hybrid-cloud security, while PenTest+ focuses specifically on penetration testing and vulnerability assessment techniques.
Should I get CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) or CompTIA PenTest+ first?
Get PenTest+ first if you are on an offensive security path. Get SecurityX first if you are on a defensive or architecture path. They serve different career tracks rather than being sequential.
Who should get CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+)?
Senior security professionals in architecture, engineering, or leadership roles who need to validate enterprise-level security decision-making without moving into management
Who should get CompTIA PenTest+?
Security professionals specializing in offensive security, vulnerability assessment, or penetration testing who want to validate their technical testing skills
Test Your Knowledge
Already studying? Try our free tools:
- Security+ Practice Quiz — 300 questions mapped to SY0-701 domains
- CVSS Calculator — Practice scoring vulnerabilities
Deep Dive Guides
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