SecurityX
CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005)
CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005, formerly CASP+) is the advanced expert-level cybersecurity certification for practitioners with 10+ years of IT experience and 5+ years of hands-on cybersecurity. Unlike other CompTIA certs, SecurityX is pass/fail with no numeric score — it validates the ability to make architectural security decisions, implement complex security solutions, and lead technical security responses in enterprise environments.
SecurityX Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) |
| Governing Body | CompTIA |
| Number of Questions | 90 |
| Time Limit | 165 minutes |
| Passing Score | Pass/Fail (no scaled score published) |
| Exam Fee | $494 USD |
| Category | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | CompTIA official website ↗ |
SecurityX Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Security Architecture | 29% |
| Security Operations | 30% |
| Security Engineering and Cryptography | 26% |
| Governance, Risk and Compliance | 15% |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the CompTIA content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Security Architecture — enterprise security design, hybrid cloud security, Zero Trust architecture, SASE
- ✓ Security Operations — advanced threat hunting, forensics, incident response leadership, SOAR integration
- ✓ Security Engineering & Cryptography — PKI design, advanced cryptographic implementations, HSMs, quantum cryptography
- ✓ Governance, Risk & Compliance — enterprise risk management, compliance frameworks, privacy by design, supply chain risk
How C3RT Helps You Pass the SecurityX
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the SecurityX is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real SecurityX 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.
SecurityX Frequently Asked Questions
What does SecurityX stand for?
SecurityX stands for CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005). It is administered by CompTIA.
Who administers the SecurityX?
The CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) (SecurityX) is administered by CompTIA. For official information, visit the CompTIA website.
How many questions is the SecurityX?
The SecurityX consists of 90 questions. Candidates are given 165 minutes to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the SecurityX?
The passing score for the SecurityX is Pass/Fail (no scaled score published), 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 SecurityX exam cost?
The SecurityX exam fee is $494 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.
Why is SecurityX pass/fail with no numeric score?
CompTIA designed SecurityX as a practitioner credential that demonstrates ability rather than knowledge recall — it is not a threshold-based knowledge test like Security+. The pass/fail format reflects the performance-based, scenario-driven nature of the exam, where candidates must analyze complex situations and recommend appropriate enterprise security solutions without a single "correct" answer.
What is the difference between CISSP and SecurityX?
Both are advanced cybersecurity credentials, but they differ in focus. CISSP (ISC2) is management-oriented, requiring 5 years of experience and testing 8 broad domains including governance, risk, and legal/compliance. SecurityX is more technically focused on security engineering, architecture, and operations, targeting practitioners who implement complex security solutions. CISSP is more recognized for CISO/management paths; SecurityX for technical expert roles.
Who should take SecurityX?
SecurityX targets senior security engineers, security architects, and technical leads with 10+ years of IT experience and 5+ years in cybersecurity. It is appropriate for professionals designing enterprise security architectures, leading incident response, evaluating advanced threats, or managing complex cryptographic implementations. It meets DoD 8140 requirements for IAT Level III and IASAE Level II/III roles.
Does SecurityX expire?
Yes — like all CompTIA certifications, SecurityX is valid for 3 years and requires renewal via CEUs or by passing a higher-level exam. CompTIA does not have a higher certification beyond SecurityX in the cybersecurity track, so holders renew by earning 75 CEUs over 3 years through activities like training, blogging, conferences, or passing other certifications.
How difficult is the CompTIA SecurityX exam (formerly CASP+)?
CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) is the most advanced CompTIA security certification and is considered expert-level in difficulty. It does not use a scaled score — it is pass/fail based on demonstrating expert-level performance. Most candidates need 5+ years of IT experience and 3–5 months of preparation. The exam emphasizes critical thinking and scenario-based analysis rather than memorization.
What are the eligibility requirements for CompTIA SecurityX?
There are no mandatory prerequisites, but CompTIA recommends ten or more years of IT administration experience, including at least five years of broad hands-on security experience. Security+ or CySA+ as a prior credential is also advised. SecurityX targets security architects, senior security engineers, and enterprise security managers.
How long should I study for CompTIA SecurityX?
Most candidates spend 4–6 months in preparation, reviewing advanced topics in enterprise security architecture, risk management, research, and integration. Official CompTIA study materials and scenario-based practice are essential, as the exam tests applied judgment rather than recall.
What career value does CompTIA SecurityX provide?
SecurityX is a DoD 8570 IAT Level III and IAM Level II compliant credential, positioning holders for senior security architect, principal engineer, and enterprise CISO-track roles. Salaries for SecurityX-certified professionals typically range from $90,000 to $150,000+. It is one of the few vendor-neutral expert-level certifications available.
What is the CompTIA SecurityX retake policy?
After a first failure, no waiting period is required. A 14-day wait applies after a second failure and for all subsequent attempts. Specific policies should be confirmed with CompTIA as they may update with exam version changes.
How long is CompTIA SecurityX valid?
SecurityX is valid for three years. It can be renewed through CompTIA's CE program with 75 CEUs, or by retaking the current exam. Holding SecurityX also renews lower-level CompTIA credentials (Security+, CySA+, PenTest+) held within the same CE period.
What continuing education is required for CompTIA SecurityX renewal?
Renewal requires 75 CEUs over three years. The high CEU count reflects the expert level of the credential and the expectation that SecurityX holders remain actively engaged in advanced security practice. A broad range of professional activities count toward CEUs.
How does CompTIA SecurityX compare to CISSP?
Both are expert-level security credentials, but they differ in focus. CISSP (from ISC2) requires five years of professional security experience and emphasizes security management principles across eight domains. CompTIA SecurityX is vendor-neutral, does not require documented experience, and focuses more on technical enterprise security engineering. Many senior security professionals hold both — CISSP for managerial credibility, SecurityX for technical depth recognition.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) (SecurityX), 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 ↗ .