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Security+ vs CySA+: which should you take?

Security+ is the broad entry-level security certification; CySA+ is the next step for people doing analyst work: logs, alerts, vulnerability management and incident response.

Which first?

Take Security+ first. CySA+ assumes the concepts Security+ covers, and CompTIA recommends Security+ (or equivalent knowledge) first.

Who each one is for

Security+ (SY0-701): Anyone starting in security, or IT staff who need a recognized security baseline for a job or a government role.

CySA+ (CS0-004): People working, or about to work, in a SOC or security analyst role who want to prove hands-on analysis skills.

Key differences

Security+ covers every area of security at a basic level; CySA+ goes deep on detection, analysis and response.
CySA+ questions expect you to read log excerpts, scan results and command output and decide what to do.
Many employers use Security+ as a hiring filter; CySA+ shows you can do the analyst job itself.

Side by side

Security+ vs CySA+ exam facts
Item	Security+	CySA+
Vendor	CompTIA	CompTIA
Exam	SY0-701	CS0-004
Questions	Up to 90 (multiple choice and PBQs)	Max 85 (multiple choice and PBQs)
Time	90 minutes	165 minutes
To pass	750 on a 100–900 scale	750 on a 100–900 scale
Free study plan here	16 weeks	–
Career tracks	Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Administration	Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Administration

Exam domains

Security+ (SY0-701)

General security concepts 12%
Threats, vulnerabilities & mitigations 22%
Security architecture 18%
Security operations 28%
Program management & oversight 20%

CySA+ (CS0-004)

Security operations 34%
Vulnerability management 26%
Incident response & management 24%
Reporting & communication 16%

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.

Security+ plan CySA+ plan