CompTIA Security+ vs CompTIA CySA+

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By Certalyze Research Desk Automated Research & Source Audit
Reviewed by Certalyze Source Audit Updated 2025-04-10
Updated: 2025-04-10 Methodology

Security+ and CySA+ represent CompTIA's two-step path into cybersecurity, but knowing when to take each one — and whether to skip ahead — can save you months and thousands of dollars. We analyze real salary impact, job market demand, and the optimal timing between the two.

$95K
CompTIA Security+
$105K
CompTIA CySA+

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature CompTIA Security+CompTIA CySA+
Provider CompTIACompTIA
Level EntryIntermediate
Exam Cost $404$404
Avg Salary $95,000$105,000 ✓
Pass Rate 82% ✓75%
Study Hours 80h ✓100h
Difficulty 5/10 ✓6/10
Job Listings 38.0K ✓12.0K

For a deeper look at each certification, read our full CompTIA Security+ guide and CompTIA CySA+ guide. Also compare: GIAC GSEC vs CompTIA Security+: Which Security Certification?, CompTIA Network+ vs Security+: Which to Get First?.

Our Verdict

Security+ is the undisputed starting point — with 38K active job listings vs CySA+'s 12K, it remains the single most requested cybersecurity certification in the U.S. job market and is mandatory for DoD 8570 IAT Level II roles. At $95K average salary, it delivers exceptional ROI for just 80 hours of study. CySA+ is where you go next: it unlocks a $10K salary bump to $105K and positions you specifically for SOC analyst, threat intelligence, and vulnerability management roles — the fastest-growing segments in cybersecurity hiring. The strategic play is Security+ first, then 12-18 months of hands-on experience before tackling CySA+. Skipping Security+ is rarely worth it, since many employers use it as a hard filter regardless of your actual skill level.

Choose CompTIA Security+ if you...

  • Prefer a more accessible exam (82% pass rate)
  • Want broader job market demand (38.0K listings)
  • Prefer a less challenging exam path (5/10 difficulty)
  • Have limited study time (~80h vs ~100h)
Read full CompTIA Security+ guide →

Choose CompTIA CySA+ if you...

  • Want higher earning potential ($105K vs $95K avg)
  • Focus on CompTIA ecosystem and intermediate-level roles
Read full CompTIA CySA+ guide →

Can You Get Both?

Yes — and many professionals do. Since both CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA CySA+ are in the cybersecurity space, they complement each other well. Start with the CompTIA Security+ (lower barrier to entry) and add the other after 1-2 years of hands-on experience.

Combined study commitment: approximately 180h and $808 in exam fees.

These certs feature in career paths like Application Security Engineer and Cybersecurity Analyst.

Deep Dive Into Each Certification

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA · Entry · $95K avg

CompTIA CySA+

CompTIA · Intermediate · $105K avg

Explore more: Cybersecurity Certifications · All comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I skip Security+ and go straight to CySA+?
Almost never. Security+ appears in 38K job listings as a hard requirement — skipping it means automated HR systems will filter you out regardless of your skills. CySA+ study materials assume Security+ knowledge across network security, cryptography, and identity management. The only exception: if you already have equivalent experience (3+ years in security operations) and your target employer explicitly values CySA+ over Security+.
How long should I wait between Security+ and CySA+?
12-18 months is the sweet spot. This gives you enough hands-on experience with SIEM tools, log analysis, and incident response to make CySA+ preparation practical rather than theoretical. Professionals who rush CySA+ within 3-6 months of Security+ report significantly lower pass rates and find the scenario-based questions much harder without real-world context.
Is CySA+ worth it if I already have Security+?
Yes, if you're targeting SOC analyst, threat analyst, or vulnerability management roles. The $10K average salary increase ($95K to $105K) more than justifies the $404 exam fee and 100 hours of study. CySA+ also satisfies DoD 8570 CSSP Analyst requirements, opening federal contractor positions that Security+ alone cannot. If you're headed toward management or architecture instead, consider pivoting to CASP+ or CISSP rather than CySA+.
Security+ vs CySA+ for government jobs?
Both are approved under DoD 8570, but they satisfy different requirements. Security+ covers IAT Level II — the most common baseline requirement for government cybersecurity roles. CySA+ covers CSSP Analyst, which is required for dedicated security operations and analysis positions. For most government contractors, start with Security+ to clear the IAT Level II hurdle, then add CySA+ to qualify for specialized analyst billets that typically pay $10-15K more.

Related Career Paths

Application Security Engineer

Application security engineers protect software from vulnerabilities by integrating security practic...

$85K – $165K

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts protect organizations from cyber threats by monitoring systems, analyzing vul...

$65K – $140K

GRC (Governance, Risk & Compliance) Specialist

GRC specialists ensure organizations meet regulatory requirements, manage information security risks...

$70K – $160K

Data Sources & Transparency

  • Salary data — Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and job posting aggregates (US median)
  • Job listings — LinkedIn, Indeed, and Dice active postings (sampled quarterly)
  • Pass rates — Community-reported estimates from Reddit, TechExams, and certification forums
Last reviewed: 2025-04-10 Our Methodology Editorial Standards