CySA+ certification guide: Career benefits and exam prep

Ready to become the cybersecurity analyst your organization desperately needs? You're not alone in recognizing the critical importance of threat detection and incident response skills in protecting digital assets. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, organizations are scrambling to find skilled professionals who can analyze security events, detect potential threats and respond effectively to incidents.

The human factor remains one of the most crucial elements in cybersecurity defense. While automated tools and AI continue to evolve, nothing replaces the analytical thinking and investigative skills of a trained cybersecurity analyst. This is where the CompTIA CySA+ certification becomes your career game-changer.

A new generation of cybersecurity analysts is emerging to meet growing industry demands. These professionals utilize behavioral analytics tools to assess vulnerabilities, analyze evidence and develop response strategies. They work to identify methods and tactics criminals use before significant damage occurs.

Editor's note: Want to hear about the CySA+ certification directly from the source? Watch our CompTIA CySA+ certification (CS0-003) changes webinar with CompTIA.

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How to be a cybersecurity analyst 

Breaking into cybersecurity analysis requires more than just technical knowledge; it demands the right combination of skills, training and industry-recognized credentials. Traditional degree requirements are becoming less rigid as employers focus on practical skills and hands-on experience.

The most effective path combines comprehensive training with real-world application. Those who succeed in cybersecurity analyst roles typically demonstrate strong analytical thinking, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure when threats emerge.

CompTIA launched the first version of its Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification in February 2017. The certification evolved to meet baseline standards for required knowledge and skills in defining cybersecurity analyst duties and responsibilities. Regular updates ensure the certification stays current with emerging threats, methodologies and industry needs.

This comprehensive cybersecurity certification focuses on behavioral analytics to improve organizational security posture. Professionals learn to configure and use threat detection tools, perform data analysis and interpret results to identify vulnerabilities, threats and risks to organizations. The certification emphasizes compliance requirements and security frameworks that guide incident response procedures.

Why choose CySA+ certification: Your career advantage

Several compelling reasons make CySA+ an excellent choice for cybersecurity career advancement:

Getting CySA+ certified: Skills validation and career growth

The CySA+ certification exam requires no mandatory prerequisites. However, CompTIA recommends Network+, Security+ or equivalent knowledge as preparation. The certification demonstrates technical proficiency in specific security domains, including threat management, vulnerability management, incident response and compliance.

Those preparing for the exam strengthen behavioral analytics skills needed for effective vulnerability analysis and incident remediation. They learn to configure infrastructure and platforms to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability while following security policies, procedures and guidelines.

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification targets intermediate-level professionals in the security operations center environment. More focused than other certifications, it addresses specific cybersecurity analyst job market needs created by advances in the field.

What to expect from the CySA+ exam and preparation

Current exam details:

• Exam code CS0-003 
• Maximum of 85 multiple-choice and performance-based questions with 165 minutes to complete
• Covers four domains (see CySA+ exam domain breakdown) 
• Passing score: 750 (on a scale of 100-900)
• Current exam cost: Check CompTIA website for latest pricing

• Exam code CS0-002 retires on December 5th, 2023.  Exam code CS0-003 is effective on June 6, 2023. 

• This exam consists of a maximum of 85 multiple-choice and performance-based questions with 165 minutes to complete it. Topics include prevention, detection and opposing cybersecurity threats and, in particular, malware, and advanced persistent threats (APTs).  

• Passing score: 750 (on a scale of 100-900).  

• Price of exam: $425 USD

Comprehensive preparation resources are available online, including study materials that help you quickly assess current knowledge and identify areas needing focus. It's helpful to include interactive study scenarios that align with real-world situations you'll encounter in security analyst roles.

When you're ready for the CySA+ exam, buy the test through the CompTIA Marketplace and then schedule to take the exam through Pearson VUE. To ensure you'll pass the test, consider CySA+ training from approved CompTIA partners like Infosec, which includes the exam voucher and everything else you'll need to study for and pass the exam. Some boot camps, like Infosec's, also offer onsite exam proctoring when you attend an in-person boot camp. 

CySA+ salary and career outlook

As noted above, cybersecurity analysts earn competitive annual salaries (download our free Cybersecurity Salary Guide for more data), but the exact figures can vary quite a bit based on geographic location, industry sector and experience level. Certified professionals often command higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts and may have access to more senior positions.

Many professionals in these roles demonstrate strong technical skills that directly impact organizational security. Those with direct experience in security testing, auditing and familiarity with security policies and procedures often advance quickly in their careers.

The CySA+ job outlook for credential holders is excellent, as the job category has been specifically called out by the U.S. government as one of the fastest-growing roles. It can also be used to advance to important IT team leadership roles, making this certification valuable for long-term career growth. This certification often serves as a stepping stone to more specialized security roles and advanced certifications.

Earn your CySA+, guaranteed!

Get hands-on experience and live expert, instruction. Enroll now to claim your Exam Pass Guarantee!

Get Pricing

Your path forward in cybersecurity analysis

The competitive employment market for skilled cybersecurity professionals creates excellent opportunities for certified analysts. Employers value professionals who can demonstrate foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to defend against cyber threats and support business objectives.

Certifications like the CySA+ make you more marketable to employers by validating expertise in critical security domains. They demonstrate your commitment to professional development and staying current with industry best practices.

For more on CySA+, visit the Infosec CySA+ hub and watch our CySA+ webinar with CompTIA.