IT certifications
CompTIA Security+ vs CySA+: Salary ROI, Difficulty & Career Path (2026)
Compare Security+ vs CySA+: foundational entry-level compliance vs mid-level SOC analyst threat detection, prerequisites, exam format, and ROI.
Data reviewed October 24, 2026
CompTIA Security+ and CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) represent two consecutive steps in the CompTIA cybersecurity certification pathway. While Security+ establishes foundational baseline security knowledge, CySA+ specializes in behavioral threat intelligence, SIEM log analysis, and incident response.
| Attribute | CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) | CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Price | $404 USD | $404 USD |
| Exam Duration | 90 Minutes (Up to 90 questions) | 165 Minutes (Up to 85 questions) |
| Passing Score | 750 (on 100–900 scale) | 750 (on 100–900 scale) |
| DoD 8140 Role | IAT Level II / IAM Level I | CSSP Analyst / Incident Responder |
| Median US Salary | $85,000 | $102,000 |
Target Audience & Experience Level
Security+ is designed for early-career professionals entering IT and cybersecurity, serving as the universal gold standard for DoD 8140/8570 baseline compliance. CySA+ targets intermediate defenders with 3 to 4 years of hands-on technical experience who actively analyze security alerts.
Exam Format & Technical Difficulty
Security+ (SY0-701) features up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions over 90 minutes. CySA+ (CS0-003) places heavy emphasis on analyzing actual firewall logs, packet captures (PCAP), and vulnerability scan outputs.
Salary ROI & Job Market Demand
Security+ appears in over 45,000 active US job postings (BLS and Indeed data) with median salaries of $78,000 to $92,000. CySA+ appears in roughly 12,000 specialized SOC Tier 2 postings with medians of $95,000 to $115,000.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I skip Security+ and take CySA+ directly?
- Generally no. Most employers and DoD contractor mandates specifically screen resumes for Security+ first before reviewing advanced credentials.
- Does passing CySA+ renew Security+?
- Yes. Under CompTIA Continuing Education rules, passing a higher-level exam like CySA+ automatically fully renews your Security+ for another 3 years.