Cybersecurity
CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003)
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
Quick facts
| Provider | CompTIA |
|---|---|
| Exam code | CS0-003 |
| Level | intermediate |
| Format | Multiple choice and performance-based questions |
| Questions | Maximum 85 questions |
| Duration | 2h 45m |
| Passing score | 750 / 900 |
| Exam fee | $404 |
| Validity | 3 years (continuing education) |
| Languages | EN, JA |
Overview
CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) sits one step above Security+ and focuses on security operations: threat detection, monitoring, incident response and vulnerability management. It is aimed at people working in or moving toward a Security Operations Centre (SOC).
It is more behavioural-analytics and operations focused than the broad foundations of Security+, with a heavier emphasis on interpreting data and responding to incidents.
Who it is for
- SOC analysts and aspiring blue-team staff
- People who already hold Security+ and want the next step
- Detection, monitoring and incident-response roles
Who it is not for
- Complete beginners — do Security+ first.
- Those targeting management (CISM/CISSP) rather than hands-on detection and response.
- Anyone who wants offensive/pentest focus (look at CEH or PenTest+).
Exam structure
| Security Operations | Monitoring, detection and analysis |
|---|---|
| Vulnerability Management | Identifying and prioritising weaknesses |
| Incident Response and Management | Responding to and recovering from incidents |
| Reporting and Communication | Communicating findings to stakeholders |
How the exam is weighted
- Security Operations 33%
- Vulnerability Management 30%
- Incident Response & Management 20%
- Reporting & Communication 17%
Realistic study time
- Security+ holder / SOC experience 50-70 hours over 8 weeks
- New to blue-team work 90-130 hours
Bars show relative effort, not a guarantee. Your time depends on background and study method.
What it really costs
| Exam voucher | ~US$404 |
|---|---|
| Retake | Full fee again |
| Study materials | US$0-250 |
| Renewal | CEUs over 3 years |
Fees change and vary by region. Confirm the current amount on the official site before you register.
Is it worth it?
Worth it for analysts targeting SOC and blue-team roles, as a logical step up from Security+. If you are aiming for management, CISM or CISSP will eventually matter more.
What to do next
CySA+ pairs with Security+ for a defensive-analyst profile; long term, CISSP or CISM opens senior roles. See the Cybersecurity Analyst career path.
FAQ
- Security+ or CySA+ first?
- Security+ first. It is broader and more foundational; CySA+ builds on it with a focus on security operations and analysis.
- Is CySA+ hands-on?
- Partly. It includes performance-based questions and emphasises interpreting security data, which suits people doing or moving toward SOC work.
- How long is it valid?
- Three years, renewable through CompTIA's continuing education programme. It also renews other CompTIA certifications.
Related exams
- CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)— CompTIA
- CISSP (ISC2)— ISC2