Security+ covers broad foundational security knowledge, while CySA+ focuses specifically on security analytics and threat detection. Security+ is the starting point for most cybersecurity careers, and CySA+ builds on that foundation with deeper defensive and blue-team skills.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA CySA+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | CompTIA | CompTIA |
| Exam Code | SY0-701 | CS0-003 |
| Level | Entry-level | Intermediate |
| Cost | $404 | $404 |
| Duration | 90 min | 165 min |
| Questions | Up to 90 | Up to 85 |
| Passing Score | 750/900 | 750/900 |
| Renewal | 3 years | 3 years |
| Prerequisites | None required; CompTIA Network+ and two years of IT administration experience recommended | None required; Security+ or Network+ and 4 years of hands-on security analyst experience recommended |
| Avg Salary Range | $65,000–$95,000 | $80,000–$115,000 |
Focus Areas
CompTIA Security+
General security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, architecture, security operations, and security program management and oversight
CompTIA CySA+
Security analytics, intrusion detection, vulnerability management, and incident response using behavioral analytics and SIEM tools
Who Should Get Which?
Get CompTIA Security+ if...
IT professionals entering cybersecurity who need a vendor-neutral baseline certification, career changers, or anyone meeting DoD 8570 IAT Level II requirements
Get CompTIA CySA+ if...
Security analysts, SOC analysts, and threat intelligence professionals who already hold Security+ and want to validate hands-on defensive security and SIEM skills
Recommended Order
Get Security+ first. It establishes the foundational security vocabulary and concepts that CySA+ builds upon. Most job postings requiring CySA+ also expect Security+ as a baseline.
Study Tips
If you already hold Security+, focus your CySA+ study on hands-on SIEM tools, log analysis, and incident response procedures. Practice with tools like Splunk or Elastic SIEM. About 60% of CySA+ content extends Security+ topics, so leverage that overlap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA CySA+?
Security+ covers broad foundational security knowledge, while CySA+ focuses specifically on security analytics and threat detection. Security+ is the starting point for most cybersecurity careers, and CySA+ builds on that foundation with deeper defensive and blue-team skills.
Should I get CompTIA Security+ or CompTIA CySA+ first?
Get Security+ first. It establishes the foundational security vocabulary and concepts that CySA+ builds upon. Most job postings requiring CySA+ also expect Security+ as a baseline.
Who should get CompTIA Security+?
IT professionals entering cybersecurity who need a vendor-neutral baseline certification, career changers, or anyone meeting DoD 8570 IAT Level II requirements
Who should get CompTIA CySA+?
Security analysts, SOC analysts, and threat intelligence professionals who already hold Security+ and want to validate hands-on defensive security and SIEM 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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