CompTIA CySA+

About the CompTIA CySA+

CySA+ is the detection-and-response cert. It sits between Security+ and CASP+ and targets the Tier 2 SOC analyst, threat hunter, and incident response practitioner. The exam leans hands-on with performance-based questions that ask you to read log entries, prioritize vulnerabilities, and write detection logic. It carries DoD 8140 approval for Cyber Defense Analyst and Cyber Defense Incident Responder work roles, which matters if federal contracts are in your future. I recommend it to SOC Analysts who have been in seat 12-24 months and want a signal that matches their growing skill.

Who should earn it

SOC Analysts moving from Tier 1 to Tier 2, vulnerability management specialists, and early-career threat hunters. A practical next step after Security+ for anyone staying on the detection side of security.

Exam details

Provider

CompTIA

Exam code

CS0-003

Questions

85

Duration

165 minutes

Passing score

750/900

Exam fee

$404 (verify with CompTIA)

Renewal

Every 3 years via CPE

Experience level

Mid

DoD 8570/8140

Approved

Prerequisites

CompTIA recommends Security+ or Network+ plus four years of hands-on experience. Not enforced but the PBQ sections will expose gaps.

Key domains

• Security Operations
• Vulnerability Management
• Incident Response and Management
• Reporting and Communication

Federal and DoD relevance

The CompTIA CySA+ is approved under DoD Directive 8570.01-M (now 8140), so cybersecurity roles supporting US Department of Defense information systems can use it to satisfy the baseline certification requirement for their IAT, IAM, or CSSP workforce category. That matters for federal contractors, cleared facilities, and agencies where 8140 compliance is a hiring gate.

Salary impact

CySA+ typically adds $8,000-$15,000 to a SOC Analyst's compensation and is the cert most commonly requested for Tier 2 roles at $95,000-$125,000. CompTIA 2024 data shows a 12% average salary lift over Security+ alone.

Most relevant roles