CySA+ vs Security+: Which cybersecurity certification should you choose?

Ready to level up your cybersecurity career but stuck between two powerful CompTIA certifications? Thousands of IT professionals face the CySA+ vs. Security+ decision every year — and for good reason. Both certifications pack serious career-boosting potential, but they'll take you down different paths. 

Here's the exciting part: there's no "wrong" choice here. Whether you're breaking into cybersecurity or ready to specialize in threat hunting, one of these certifications will accelerate your journey. Security+ opens doors to foundational security roles across every industry, while CySA+ transforms you into a specialized analyst who can detect and respond to sophisticated cyber threats.  

Let's dive into everything you need to know about these certifications — from exam challenges to salary potential — so you can confidently choose the path that aligns with your career ambitions. 

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Key differences between CySA+ and Security+ 

Focus areas of CySA+ vs. Security+ 

Think of Security+ as your comprehensive cybersecurity toolkit. This certification equips you with broad knowledge spanning threat identification, risk management, network security, cryptography and compliance. You're building a rock-solid foundation that applies everywhere in cybersecurity. 

CySA+ takes a laser-focused approach to security analysis. Where Security+ teaches you to recognize threats, CySA+ empowers you to hunt them down actively. You'll master behavioral analytics, real-time threat detection and incident response techniques that security operations centers desperately need. 

The CompTIA CySA+ vs. Security+ distinction becomes clear: Security+ builds your foundation; CySA+ sharpens your analytical edge. 

The CompTIA CySA+ certification is your key to cybersecurity analyst roles, explains James Stanger on this episode of Cyber Work Hacks. 

Core skills and knowledge 

Security+ validates your ability to secure entire infrastructures. You'll demonstrate competence in implementing access controls, understanding security frameworks and designing secure architectures. This certification proves you can think strategically about security across an organization. 

CySA+ elevates these fundamentals into advanced analytical capabilities. You'll become proficient in log analysis, forensic investigation and threat intelligence interpretation. The certification transforms you into someone who spots patterns others miss and makes critical decisions during security incidents. 

Certification exam difficulty 

Is CySA+ harder than Sec+? Most likely — and that's by design. Security+ comes before CySA+ on the CompTIA cybersecurity roadmap. The Security+ passing score is 750 out of 900, and the questions test broad concepts that entry-level professionals can master with dedication. 

CySA+ is designed to build on your Security+ knowledge and focuses on cybersecurity analysis, so in that sense, it’s “harder.” The CySA+ passing score is also 750, but the questions dive into complex technical scenarios requiring hands-on analytical thinking. However, you may have more experience in analysis, or the broad nature of Security+ may make it harder for you to remember all of the concepts. In that case, you may feel the Security+ certification is more difficult.  

Performance-based questions reveal the real difficulty gap. Security+ might ask you to configure basic firewall rules, while CySA+ challenges you to analyze complex log patterns and correlate multiple data sources to identify sophisticated attacks. 

Who should pursue CySA+ vs. Security+? 

Your current experience and career goals should drive this decision. Security+ makes perfect sense if you're transitioning from general IT into cybersecurity. Network administrators, system administrators and help desk professionals find Security+ provides that crucial stepping stone into security roles. 

CySA+ targets professionals already working in security who crave specialization. If you're a SOC analyst or junior security engineer or have 3–4 years of hands-on security experience, CySA+ will elevate your analytical capabilities and career prospects. 

The CySA+ prerequisites recommend 3–4 years of security experience, while Security+ recommends 1–2 years of IT admin experience with a security focus. 

Job opportunities after obtaining CySA+ vs. Security+ 

The Security+ certification unlocks an impressive array of opportunities. Security+ jobs include security administrator, network security specialist, junior penetration tester and compliance analyst positions. The certification's versatility means you'll find relevant openings across every industry sector. 

CySA+ positions you for specialized analytical roles with higher technical requirements. You'll qualify for security analyst, threat intelligence analyst, SOC analyst and incident response team positions. These focused roles often offer clearer advancement paths within security operations. 

Market demand tells an interesting story: Security+ appears in roughly 10 times more job postings, but its status as a baseline requirement for many roles likely causes this. CySA+ roles frequently offer higher starting salaries and more defined career trajectories. 

CySA+ vs. Security+: Exam preparation and study tips 

Preparing for Security+ means mastering fundamental concepts across multiple domains. Focus on understanding principles rather than memorizing details. The Security+ Boot Camp from Infosec provides structured learning with practical exercises that mirror real scenarios. 

CySA+ preparation may require a more targeted approach. Start with solid Security+ knowledge, then dive deep into practical analysis skills. Set up home labs for log analysis and threat hunting practice. Or dive into a CySA+ Boot Camp that simulates real SOC environments for hands-on learning. 

Does CySA+ renew Security+? Yes! Earning CySA+ automatically renews your Security+ certification, making it an attractive progression for current Security+ holders. 

Certification cost and return on investment 

Both exams cost $425 for an exam voucher, but the prices may change in the future. Study materials and potential on-demand or live training costs are also crucial to consider. If you fail the exam, you’ll have to pay for another attempt. However, training providers like Infosec provide an Exam Pass Guarantee, meaning that if you don’t pass your exam on the first attempt, you can get a second attempt for free.  

The CompTIA Security+ salary average in the U.S. is around $100,553, but it varies by quite a bit depending on factors like location, job title and experience. Long-term salary projections for your career can also vary quite a lot as there a many future roles you could pursue as you grow into your career.  

CySA+ salary average in the U.S. is around $117,245, reflecting specialized analytical expertise. The ROI is generally more as you transition from general security to specialized analyst positions. 

Which certification is more valuable for your career? 

Is CySA+ better than Security+? That depends entirely on your career vision. Security+ offers unmatched versatility and broader market appeal. It's your best bet for breaking into cybersecurity with maximum flexibility. 

CySA+ delivers higher specialization value and stronger earning potential in analytical roles. If you're already in security and passionate about threat detection and incident response, CySA+ provides direct advancement opportunities. 

Consider where you want to be in five years. Security+ keeps multiple paths open for exploration. CySA+ fast-tracks you toward lucrative specialized positions in security operations. 

Many successful professionals earn both — Security+ first for foundation, then CySA+ for specialization. This powerful combination maximizes opportunities across the cybersecurity spectrum. 

Conclusion: Which certification is right for you? 

Your perfect certification aligns with three factors: experience level, timeline and professional passion. 

Choose Security+ if you're new to cybersecurity or transitioning from general IT. You'll gain comprehensive knowledge qualifying you for numerous entry-level positions while keeping future specialization options open. 

Choose CySA+ if you already work in security and love analytical problem-solving. This path leads to higher-paying specialized roles in threat detection and incident response. 

If leadership is your goal, consider earning both. The combination demonstrates foundational expertise and specialized skills, making you more valuable across security functions. You could eventually earn a certification like the CISSP or CISM for leadership roles.  

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Frequently asked questions about CySA+ and Security+ 

Can I take CySA+ without Security+? 

Yes! CompTIA doesn't require Security+ before CySA+. However, CySA+ builds on foundational concepts that Security+ provides. With equivalent work experience or training, you can successfully pursue CySA+ directly. 

Can I switch between CySA+ and Security+ later in my career? 

Absolutely. Many professionals start with Security+ for broad knowledge, then add CySA+ for specialization. Both certifications maintain value throughout your career, supporting various role transitions. 

What are the prerequisites for the CySA+ and Security+ exams? 

Security+ has no formal prerequisites, though CompTIA recommends two years of IT experience with a security focus. CySA+ prerequisites recommend 3–4 years of hands-on experience in incident response or SOC work, plus Network+ and Security+ knowledge. 

Which certification should I pursue first if I'm new to cybersecurity? 

Start with Security+. The broad foundation helps you understand the entire security landscape before specializing. After gaining 1–2 years of practical experience, evaluate whether CySA+ aligns with your evolving career interests.