CySA+ vs Security+: Which Certification Should You Choose?

The cybersecurity world is full of certifications, but few are as recognized and widely debated as CompTIA’s Security+ and CySA+. Both are vendor-neutral credentials designed to validate your expertise, but they serve very different purposes. 

While Security+ builds a broad foundation for entry-level professionals, CySA+ goes deeper, testing your ability to analyze threats, detect vulnerabilities, and respond to incidents.

If you’re standing at the crossroad of CySA+ vs Security+, you’re likely asking: which one should I pursue first? Which pays better? Which is harder? And how do they compare to other certifications like PenTest+ or CISSP?

This article gives you a complete CySA+ vs Security+ review, covering everything from salary expectations and exam difficulty to career paths and certification costs. By the end, you’ll know exactly which certification fits your career stage and long-term goals.

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What is CompTIA Security+?

CompTIA Security+ is often described as the launchpad into cybersecurity. It’s an entry-level certification designed to validate the essential skills required to perform core security functions. Unlike some certifications that focus on niche areas, Security+ covers a broad spectrum of topics, including network security, cryptography, identity and access management, risk management, and incident response.

This certification is especially popular among career switchers and IT professionals who want to step into cybersecurity roles. For example, a systems administrator looking to transition into security would find Security+ a valuable way to prove their capabilities. Employers recognize it as a baseline credential that demonstrates a candidate understands the fundamentals of securing networks, devices, and data.

Common job roles for Security+ holders include network or systems administrator, junior security analyst, incident responder, and even compliance-focused positions. Because of its wide applicability, Security+ serves as a versatile credential, whether you plan to pursue penetration testing, security operations, or compliance later on.

What is CompTIA CySA+?

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification is a step beyond Security+. While Security+ ensures you understand the fundamentals, CySA+ validates your ability to apply advanced analytics and behavioral monitoring to detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats.

CySA+ is designed for professionals who already have a foundation in IT or security and want to focus on defensive, blue team operations. It emphasizes skills such as vulnerability management, threat detection, security monitoring, and incident response. Unlike Security+, which is broad in scope, CySA+ dives deeper into practical applications of cybersecurity defense.

This certification is best suited for individuals with a few years of hands-on experience in IT or cybersecurity who want to specialize. Typical job roles include Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, Threat Intelligence Analyst, Vulnerability Analyst, and Security Engineer. Essentially, CySA+ positions you as someone who can turn raw data into actionable insights to defend against cyberattacks.

READ MORE: Remediation vs Mitigation in Cybersecurity: The 2025 Complete Guide

CySA+ vs Security+: Key Differences

At first glance, Security+ and CySA+ may look similar because both are CompTIA certifications and both are vendor-neutral. But when you look closely, the two serve very different purposes.

Level of Expertise

Security+ is considered entry-level in cybersecurity. It’s for those just starting out or transitioning into the field, offering a broad but foundational understanding. CySA+, on the other hand, is intermediate-level, requiring deeper knowledge of monitoring, detection, and response.

Exam Structure

• Security+ (SY0-701): 90 minutes, max of 90 questions, passing score 750/900.
  
• CySA+ (CS0-003): 165 minutes, max of 85 questions, passing score 750/900.

Content Focus

• Security+: General security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, architecture, operations, and governance.
  
• CySA+: Security operations, vulnerability management, incident response, and communication/reporting.

Experience Recommendations

• Security+: 2 years of IT administration with a security focus (recommended, not required).
  
• CySA+: 4 years of hands-on security experience, plus Security+ or Network+ as a prerequisite (recommended).

When comparing the two, think of Security+ as your on-ramp to cybersecurity and CySA+ as your next level specialization in analytics and defensive operations. This CySA+ vs Security+ review highlights a key takeaway: Security+ opens more doors at the entry level, while CySA+ signals to employers that you have advanced, hands-on security skills.

SEE ALSO: Compliance vs Security​: A Comprehensive Analysis

CySA+ vs Security+ Salary

Salary is often one of the first questions professionals ask when comparing certifications. The truth is, both Security+ and CySA+ can boost earning potential, but the figures vary depending on role, location, and experience.

Security+ Salary

Security+ holders typically start in entry- to mid-level roles such as security administrator, network administrator, or junior analyst. According to data from ZipRecruiter and Indeed, salaries usually fall between $70,000 and $100,000 per year in the U.S., with some entry-level roles starting lower but offering room for rapid growth.

CySA+ Salary

Because CySA+ is positioned at a higher skill level, professionals with this certification often move into roles that demand more responsibility, such as SOC Analyst, Threat Intelligence Analyst, or Security Engineer. Average salaries for CySA+ holders range from $90,000 to $110,000 per year, and in some cases, they can go higher when paired with additional certifications or years of experience.

Comparison

When comparing CySA+ vs Security+ salary, CySA+ tends to command a slightly higher average. However, Security+ has broader recognition, meaning it can qualify you for a wider range of jobs. In practice, many professionals pursue Security+ first to land a role, then add CySA+ later to specialize and increase their earning power.

This makes Security+ the gateway to more opportunities, while CySA+ is the accelerator for higher pay and specialized positions.

CySA+ vs Security+ Difficulty

When it comes to exam preparation, the difficulty of each certification depends largely on your background and experience.

Security+ Difficulty

Security+ is considered an entry-level exam, but that doesn’t make it “easy.” The challenge lies in its breadth; you’ll need to understand many domains such as threats, vulnerabilities, architecture, risk management, and compliance. While you don’t need to be an expert in every area, you must have a solid working knowledge across them all. On average, candidates spend 2–3 months preparing for the Security+ exam.

CySA+ Difficulty

CySA+ is generally seen as more advanced and technical. Instead of covering a broad range of topics at a surface level, it goes deeper into threat analysis, vulnerability management, and incident response. It’s hands-on in nature, requiring candidates to apply analytics to real-world defensive scenarios. Most learners invest 3–4 months of preparation, often with lab practice, to feel ready for the CySA+ exam.

Comparison

In short, Security+ tests your range, while CySA+ tests your depth. That’s why many professionals start with Security+ before attempting CySA+. To put it simply:

• Security+ is like learning the rules of the game.
  
• CySA+ is like stepping onto the field to play defense.

So, in terms of CySA+ vs Security+ difficulty, CySA+ is the tougher exam, but Security+ can feel overwhelming for beginners because of its wide coverage.

MORE: Endpoint Antivirus vs Endpoint Security: Key Updates in 2025

CySA+ vs PenTest+

While Security+ and CySA+ often get compared, another question many professionals ask is how CySA+ stacks up against PenTest+. Both are CompTIA certifications, but they represent opposite sides of cybersecurity.

CySA+: The Defensive Path

CySA+ focuses on blue team operations, defending systems, monitoring networks, analyzing threats, and responding to incidents. It equips you to work in Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and roles that require you to protect infrastructure.

PenTest+: The Offensive Path

PenTest+ is all about red team operations. Instead of defending, you’re on the attack, simulating hacks, probing systems for vulnerabilities, and helping organizations strengthen their defenses through ethical hacking.

Choosing Between Them

If your career goal is to analyze threats and stop attacks in progress, CySA+ is the right fit. If you want to actively test systems and exploit weaknesses like an ethical hacker, PenTest+ will align better with your ambitions.

In other words, the CySA+ vs PenTest+ decision boils down to whether you see yourself as the defender or the hacker. Many professionals eventually pursue both, but the order often depends on whether you start with a defensive or offensive mindset.

CySA+ vs CISSP

Although both CySA+ and CISSP are highly regarded, they target very different career stages and professional goals.

CySA+: The Analyst’s Certification

CySA+ is designed for mid-level practitioners who work hands-on with threat detection, vulnerability management, and incident response. It proves you have the skills to monitor and defend systems at the operational level. It’s often pursued after Security+ and Network+ as part of a technical career path.

CISSP: The Manager’s Certification

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a senior-level certification that emphasizes governance, policy, and management over technical execution. To even qualify, candidates usually need 5+ years of professional experience in at least two CISSP domains. CISSP holders often move into roles such as security manager, director, or CISO.

Comparison

• CySA+: Practical, hands-on, ideal for analysts and engineers.
  
• CISSP: Strategic, managerial, ideal for senior leaders.
  
• Salary Gap: CISSP professionals can command six-figure salaries well above $120k, while CySA+ salary averages closer to $95k–$110k.

In short, CySA+ vs CISSP is less of a competition and more of a career timeline. CySA+ builds your credibility as a technical defender, while CISSP validates your readiness to lead at the executive level.

ALSO: GSEC vs Security+: Which Is the Best Cybersecurity Certification in 2025?

CySA+ Exam Cost & Recertification

One of the practical factors to consider when choosing a certification is cost. The CySA+ exam cost is currently $404 USD, which is the same price as the Security+ exam. While the price may vary slightly depending on your location or whether you purchase a voucher through a training provider, the base fee is identical.

Both certifications are valid for three years from the date of passing. To maintain your credential, you’ll need to renew either by retaking the exam or earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

• Security+ requires 50 CEUs within three years.
  
• CySA+ requires 60 CEUs within three years.

Renewal activities can include attending industry events, completing higher-level certifications, publishing research, or taking approved courses. While the difference in CEU requirements isn’t huge, it reflects the fact that CySA+ is considered a more advanced credential, demanding ongoing professional development.

In short, when comparing Security+ and CySA+, the exam cost is the same, but CySA+ requires slightly more effort to maintain.

Which Certification Should You Choose?

Choosing between CySA+ vs Security+ comes down to where you are in your career and where you want to go.

If you’re new to cybersecurity, Security+ is the better starting point. It gives you a wide foundation, proves to employers that you understand the essentials, and qualifies you for a broad range of entry-level security jobs. Think of it as your doorway into the field.

If you already have a few years of IT or security experience and want to specialize in analytics and defense, then CySA+ is the smarter choice. It positions you for roles in threat detection, SOC operations, and vulnerability management, jobs that often come with higher responsibility and pay.

In fact, many professionals take both: Security+ first, then CySA+. This combination shows employers that you not only understand the fundamentals but also have the skills to monitor, detect, and respond to real threats.

Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your career goals. Do you want to keep your options broad and accessible? Start with Security+. Do you want to specialize as a defender and analyst? Aim for CySA+.

Conclusion

In the debate of CySA+ vs Security+, there’s no absolute winner, only the certification that fits your current stage and goals. Security+ is the go-to starting point, giving you a solid grounding in cybersecurity fundamentals and opening the door to a wide range of roles. CySA+, on the other hand, takes you deeper into the world of analytics, monitoring, and defense, preparing you for more specialized and often higher-paying positions.

If you’re just beginning your journey, start with Security+. Once you’ve gained experience and want to move into more advanced roles, add CySA+ to your portfolio. Together, they create a strong one-two punch that employers recognize and respect across the industry.

Cybersecurity careers are built step by step, and the right certification at the right time can accelerate your path. Whether you begin broad with Security+ or go deeper with CySA+, both certifications are valuable investments in your professional future.

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