All certifications / Compare / CySA+ vs SC-200
CySA+ vs SC-200: which should you take?
Which first?
Either order works. Take the one your employer's tools match; SC-200 is the more direct fit in a Microsoft shop.
Who each one is for
CySA+ (CS0-004): Analysts who want a vendor-neutral credential that applies to any SIEM and toolset.
SC-200 (SC-200): Analysts in organizations that run Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender.
Key differences
- SC-200 expects you to write KQL queries and configure Microsoft security products; CySA+ tests analysis skills without a specific product.
- CySA+ covers vulnerability management and reporting in more depth.
- SC-200 is renewed yearly with a free online assessment; CySA+ renews every three years with continuing education.
Side by side
| Item | CySA+ | SC-200 |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | CompTIA | Microsoft |
| Exam | CS0-004 | SC-200 |
| Questions | Max 85 (multiple choice and PBQs) | Not published (Microsoft associate exams usually have about 40–60 questions, sometimes with case studies) |
| Time | 165 minutes | 100 minutes |
| To pass | 750 on a 100–900 scale | 700 on a 1–1000 scale |
| Free study plan here | – | – |
| Career tracks | Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Administration | Cybersecurity Administration |
Exam domains
CySA+ (CS0-004)
- Security operations 34%
- Vulnerability management 26%
- Incident response & management 24%
- Reporting & communication 16%
SC-200 (SC-200)
- Manage a security operations environment 41%
- Respond to security incidents 37%
- Perform threat hunting 22%
Exam details come from each vendor's published objectives as recorded in the study plans; confirm them on the vendor's page before you book.
Study either one for free
Week-by-week lessons, quizzes, exam simulations and hands-on labs.
CySA+ plan SC-200 planWeek-by-week lessons, quizzes, exam simulations and hands-on labs.