Security+ vs CySA+: Which Cybersecurity Certification is Right for You

Looking to break into cybersecurity or level up your analyst skills? The choice between CompTIA Security+ and CySA+ could shape your entire career trajectory.

Here's the short answer: If you're new to cybersecurity, start with Security+. If you already have security experience and want to specialize in threat detection, CySA+ is your next move.

Quick Comparison: Security+ vs CySA+ at a Glance

Security+ Overview

Security+ is your cybersecurity passport—the most widely recognized entry-level certification that covers everything you need to understand how security works.

Key Topics:

• Security controls and concepts (CIA triad, zero trust, cryptography)
• Threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations (malware, social engineering, attack vectors)
• Security architecture (infrastructure, data protection, resilience)
• Security operations (monitoring, incident response, forensics)
• Governance and risk management (compliance, policies, third-party risk)

Best For: IT professionals transitioning into cybersecurity, help desk technicians ready to specialize, or anyone wanting a solid foundation.

Career Roles: Security Administrator ($75k-$85k), Systems Administrator ($78k-$88k), Junior Security Analyst ($68k-$85k)

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CySA+ Overview

CySA+ is your detective's badge—proving you can actively hunt threats, analyze security events, and respond to incidents in real-time.

Key Topics:

• Security operations (SIEM tools, log analysis, packet capture, vulnerability scanning)
• Vulnerability management (assessment, prioritization, remediation strategies)
• Incident response (handling procedures, forensics, threat hunting)
• Reporting and communication (stakeholder updates, compliance reporting, metrics)

Best For: Security professionals with 3-4 years of experience ready to specialize, SOC analysts wanting validation, or network admins transitioning to blue team roles.

Career Roles: Cybersecurity Analyst ($92k-$107k), SOC Analyst ($90k-$110k), Threat Intelligence Analyst ($100k-$125k)

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Which Should You Choose?

As with all CompTIA certification exams, there are no mandatory prerequisites, so in theory, you can jump right into any of them right away. However, in our over twenty years of teaching these classes, we've learned that students are more likely to succeed if they take things one step at a time. The following are some guidelines on how to assess where to get started:

Choose Security+ If You:

✅ Have less than 2 years of security experience
✅ Are transitioning from general IT into cybersecurity
✅ Need DoD 8570 certification for government work
✅ Want maximum career flexibility
✅ Prefer a broad understanding before specializing

Choose CySA+ If You:

✅ Already have Security+ or 3+ years of security experience
✅ Want to specialize in SOC operations and threat detection
✅ Enjoy hands-on technical work with security tools
✅ Are ready for analyst and engineering roles

Should You Get Both?

The smart path: Start with Security+ (2-3 months study), work in security for 1-2 years, then add CySA+ (3-4 months study). Earning CySA+ automatically renews your Security+ for three years.

Can you skip Security+? Only if you have equivalent certifications (CCNA, SSCP) or 3+ years of hands-on security experience. Most employers still expect Security+ as the baseline.

Your Certification Path

The optimal path to earning Security+ and CySA+ certifications depends on your current career stage and goals.

For those new to cybersecurity, the recommended approach is to start with Security+ to build foundational knowledge, secure an entry-level security position, then pursue CySA+ within 18-24 months to advance into analyst roles. IT professionals transitioning into security should follow a similar progression, but can accelerate the timeline to 12-18 months by leveraging their existing technical background.

However, experienced security professionals already working in the field can take a different approach—pursuing CySA+ first to demonstrate specialized analysis skills for promotions or raises, then adding Security+ only if DoD 8570 compliance becomes necessary. This flexible framework allows professionals to strategically sequence their certifications based on their experience level, career objectives, and workplace requirements.

New to Cybersecurity (18-24 months):
Security+ → Entry-level security role → CySA+ → Analyst positions

IT Professional Transitioning (12-18 months):
Security+ → Security-focused role → CySA+ → Specialized analyst positions

Already in Security (3-6 months):
CySA+ → Leverage for raise/promotion → Add Security+ if needed for DoD compliance

Training with TrainACE

Live Bootcamps:

• In-Person or Virtual
• 5-day intensive courses with hands-on labs
• Expert instructors with real security experience
• Exam pass guarantee (retake free if you don't pass)
• Practice exams and study materials included

Bundle & Save:

• Security+ Bootcamp: $2,295 (includes exam voucher)
• CySA+ Bootcamp: $2,495 (includes exam voucher)

View Training Schedule → | Get Free Consultation →

FAQ

Is CySA+ harder than Security+?

Yes. CySA+ builds on Security+ concepts with complex, hands-on scenarios requiring log analysis and real-time decision-making. The performance-based questions are particularly challenging.

Can I skip Security+ and go straight to CySA+?

You can, but it's not recommended unless you have equivalent certifications or 3+ years of security experience. CySA+ assumes Security+ knowledge.

Which is better for getting hired?

Security+ appears in more job postings overall, but CySA+ wins for specialized analyst roles with higher salaries. Security+ opens more doors; CySA+ opens better doors.

What's the salary difference?

Security+ typically adds $10k-$15k versus non-certified IT roles. CySA+ adds another $8k-$15k on top, especially in analyst positions.

Will CySA+ renew my Security+?

Yes! Earning CySA+ automatically renews your Security+ for another three years—a major benefit of pursuing both.

Start Your Certification Journey Today

Both certifications are valuable investments in your cybersecurity career. Security+ opens doors and builds your foundation. CySA+ positions you for specialized, higher-paying analyst roles.

The best certification is the one you actually earn. With cybersecurity demand at an all-time high and starting salaries above $70k, there's never been a better time to get certified.

Next Steps with TrainACE

Free Consultation: Not sure which path is right? Talk to our certification advisors about your background and goals.
Book Your Free 15-Minute Consultation →

Explore Training:

• Security+ Training Courses →
• CySA+ Training Courses →

Questions? Call (301)-323 8608 | Email info@trainace.com

Last Updated: November 2025 | Exam details current as of publication