CySA+
CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003)
CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) is the intermediate-level cybersecurity analyst certification covering security operations, threat intelligence, vulnerability management, incident response, and reporting. It bridges the gap between entry-level Security+ and advanced SecurityX, targeting SOC analysts, threat hunters, and incident responders in Tier 2/3 security operations roles. CySA+ meets DoD 8140 requirements for CSSP Analyst roles.
CySA+ Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) |
| Governing Body | CompTIA |
| Number of Questions | 85 |
| Time Limit | 165 minutes |
| Passing Score | 750/900 |
| Exam Fee | $392 USD |
| Category | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | CompTIA official website ↗ |
CySA+ Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Security Operations | 33% |
| Vulnerability Management | 30% |
| Incident Response and Management | 20% |
| Reporting and Communication | 17% |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the CompTIA content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Security Operations — SOC operations, threat intelligence feeds, SIEM correlation, threat hunting techniques
- ✓ Vulnerability Management — scanning methodologies, CVSS scoring, vulnerability prioritization, remediation tracking
- ✓ Incident Response & Management — incident lifecycle, digital forensics, chain of custody, malware analysis
- ✓ Reporting & Communication — vulnerability reports, executive summaries, metrics and KPIs, regulatory reporting
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CySA+
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CySA+ is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CySA+ format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
CySA+ Frequently Asked Questions
What does CySA+ stand for?
CySA+ stands for CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003). It is administered by CompTIA.
Who administers the CySA+?
The CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) (CySA+) is administered by CompTIA. For official information, visit the CompTIA website.
How many questions is the CySA+?
The CySA+ consists of 85 questions. Candidates are given 165 minutes to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CySA+?
The passing score for the CySA+ is 750/900, as set by CompTIA. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CySA+ exam cost?
The CySA+ exam fee is $392 USD. This fee is set by CompTIA and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
What is CVSS and why is it heavily tested on CySA+?
CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) is a standardized framework for rating vulnerability severity from 0.0 to 10.0. CySA+ tests CVSS because vulnerability prioritization is a core analyst skill — not all vulnerabilities are equal, and security teams must triage based on Base Score (exploitability, impact), Temporal Score (exploit maturity, remediation status), and Environmental Score (organizational context). CRITICAL (9.0–10.0), HIGH (7.0–8.9), MEDIUM (4.0–6.9), LOW (0.1–3.9).
What tools does CySA+ expect you to know?
CySA+ covers common security operations tools: vulnerability scanners (Nessus, Qualys, OpenVAS), SIEM platforms (Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel), threat intelligence platforms (MISP), network analysis (Wireshark, tcpdump), digital forensics (Autopsy, FTK), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and packet analysis. The exam tests tool selection and output interpretation rather than specific command syntax.
Is CySA+ harder than Security+?
Yes — CySA+ is harder than Security+. It requires deeper analytical thinking with scenario-based questions where you must analyze logs, network captures, and vulnerability scan output to identify threats and recommend responses. CompTIA recommends at least 4 years of hands-on security experience before taking CySA+. The 165-minute time limit (vs 90 minutes for Security+) reflects the added complexity.
What comes after CySA+ in the CompTIA path?
After CySA+, the CompTIA cybersecurity path continues with PenTest+ (penetration testing focus) or SecurityX/CASP+ (advanced practitioner). For management paths, CISSP (ISC2) or CISM (ISACA) are the next steps. Many CySA+ holders also pursue vendor-specific SOC certifications like Microsoft SC-200 (Security Operations Analyst) or Splunk certifications.
How difficult is the CompTIA CySA+ exam?
CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) is considered intermediate to advanced in difficulty, positioned between Security+ and SecurityX in the CompTIA path. The exam focuses on threat detection, analysis, and response using behavioral analytics and security tools. Most candidates with 3–4 years of security experience pass with 2–3 months of focused preparation.
What are the eligibility requirements for CompTIA CySA+?
There are no mandatory prerequisites. CompTIA recommends Network+ and Security+ certifications plus 3–4 years of hands-on information security experience before attempting CySA+. The credential is designed for security analysts who monitor, detect, and respond to threats.
How long should I study for CompTIA CySA+?
Most candidates prepare for 2–3 months using study guides, video courses, and extensive practice on log analysis, threat intelligence, vulnerability management, and incident response concepts. Mike Chapple and Jason Dion resources are widely used for CySA+ preparation.
What career value does CompTIA CySA+ provide?
CySA+ is valued for SOC analyst, cybersecurity analyst, and threat intelligence roles. It is DoD 8570 CSSP Analyst approved and is recognized in many government and defense contractor environments. Salaries for CySA+-credentialed analysts typically range from $65,000 to $95,000.
What is the CompTIA CySA+ retake policy?
No waiting period for the first retake; a 14-day wait applies after a second failure and all subsequent attempts. CompTIA's standard retake policy applies across all certification exams.
How long is CompTIA CySA+ valid?
CySA+ is valid for three years. It renews through the CompTIA CE program and automatically renews lower-level credentials (Security+) held during the same period.
What continuing education is required for CompTIA CySA+ renewal?
Renewal requires 60 CEUs over three years. Earning CompTIA SecurityX or PenTest+ during the CySA+ validity window also satisfies CySA+ renewal as part of CompTIA's stacked certification CE model.
How does CompTIA CySA+ compare to CompTIA PenTest+?
CySA+ is a blue-team (defensive) credential focused on monitoring networks, detecting threats, analyzing vulnerabilities, and responding to incidents. PenTest+ is a red-team (offensive) credential covering penetration testing planning, scoping, and exploitation techniques. Both sit at a similar level in the CompTIA path and address complementary sides of cybersecurity operations. Many security professionals pursue both for a full-spectrum perspective.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) (CySA+), a IT Certifications certification, administered by CompTIA. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by CompTIA. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the CompTIA official website ↗ .