CySA+CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst+
Created per CertMap methodology · About the editorial team →
▾ Jump to …4 sections
Overview
What is CySA+?
The CySA+ positions itself as a hands-on analyst certification above Security+ and below CASP+, with focus on threat analysis, incident response and security operations. It is primarily relevant for SOC analysts and threat hunters who want to formally demonstrate their skills. Compared to Security+, it requires significantly more experience and shows stronger reference to real attack scenarios and their detection. Currently version CS0-003 is valid; successor version CS0-004 is expected in early 2026, the current version is expected to retire in June 2026. For exam planners, timing is therefore relevant.
Quick facts
Key details
Cost, prerequisites, exam & renewal
Cost over 5 years
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites. Recommended: Security+ or equivalent + 4 years hands-on experience.
Exam format
Max. 85 questions (multiple-choice + performance-based), 165 minutes, proctored via Pearson VUE. Pass score: 750/900.
Renewal & maintenance
Valid for 3 years. Renewal through 60 CEUs or higher-level CompTIA cert (stacking) or re-exam.
Classification
CertMap score and matching roles
Rating
Matching NICE roles
More certifications
More certifications
This page follows CertMap methodology: editorial content is curated by hand. Score, costs and NICE mapping are aggregated from official provider documents. Score methodology → · TCO methodology →
Transparency: CertMap is operated by Daniel Thomas Heessel, who is also managing director of Threat‑Informed, a company specialising in Threat‑Informed Defense. CertMap currently receives no commissions from certification providers, no affiliate links, no sponsored placements. Podcast and interview guests are not paid for appearances and receive no affiliate commissions.
From the knowledge base
View all articles →CISSP or CISM? Two Careers, One Decision
Both require five years of experience, both cost roughly the same at first glance. Yet CISSP and CISM lead to different professions. The comparison with the numbers that course providers don't show.
CISM or CISA? Two ISACA paths, one directional decision
Both come from ISACA, both require five years of experience, and both cost almost the same. The difference is not the price but the role: managing or auditing. The comparison with the numbers and the role mapping.
CC or Security+? The Free Entry Point and the Job-Market Classic
Both are entry-level certifications with no admission barrier, both cover the fundamentals of cybersecurity, and yet they stand for different strategies: one as a low-threshold, temporarily free start, the other as an established credential with weight in the job market. The comparison with the numbers and the opposing cost logic.
1:1 with the CISO
Need the full picture for your case?
Personal strategy instead of weeks of self-research. Vendor-independent, with auditable recommendations and transparent sources.