1. What Is Security+?
Security+ is the CompTIA entry-level credential in cybersecurity. It’s widely regarded and one of the first credentials that IT professionals get before applying to security roles like Network Administrator or Security Specialist.
This certification gives you strong foundational knowledge of cybersecurity concepts. Earning your Security+ credential means you’ve gained a solid understanding of topics such as threat management, security risk assessments, recovery plans, access control and organizational network security.
2. What Is CySA+?
CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) certification is an intermediate-level credential. The advanced cybersecurity training builds on what you learned with the Security+ credential, taking you further into behavior analytics with hands-on monitoring, defensive data analysis and threat countermeasures.
The certification shows you have the skills to prevent and combat the newest cyber threats. You’ll be at the front lines of defense across public and private organizations, using your training to maintain continuous security monitoring.
The CompTIA CySA+ credentialing exam doesn’t focus on security fundamentals. Instead, it’s designed to be hands-on, where you use your Security+ knowledge with your new CySA+ skills to test real-world scenarios. Performance-based questions are all about reaffirming your ability to analyze data and make defensive security decisions.
3. Key Differences: Security+ vs CySA+ Certification
| Security+ | CySA+ | |
| Training Level | Entry level | Intermediate |
| Certification Focus | Broad, foundational | Specialized |
| Exam Structure | 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions, 90 minutes | 85 multiple-choice, real-world scenarios and performance-based questions, 165 minutes |
| Skills Gained | Risk assessment, threat identification and network safety | Network design, real-time analysis, protocols and security plans |
| Possible Career Pathways | Security Specialist, Network Administrator | Cybersecurity Analyst, Cybersecurity Engineer |
4. What Jobs Does Each Certification Unlock?
Security+ and CySA+ are essential certifications in today’s cybersecurity space. Both credentials can lead to high-paying IT careers, but your focus and salary will depend on the role.
Security+ Career Roles
As a more entry-level credential, Security+ prepares you for foundational IT roles centered on security monitoring, risk management and access control. Here are some options to consider.
IT Security Specialist
In the IT Security Specialist role, you’ll monitor enterprise networks, secure employee and customer data, control access, develop protocols and conduct vulnerability tests.
- Average salary: $74,580
Information Assurance Technician
As an Information Assurance Technician, you would monitor system security, handle encryption algorithms, manage firewalls and prevent and respond to security breaches.
- Average salary: $93,781
IT Security Administrator
This IT professional focuses on security system networks and infrastructure. In this role, you’ll develop security policies, monitor network activity and design and deploy network security.
- Average salary: $76,536
CySA+ Career Roles
CySA+ certified IT professionals put defensive cyber strategies to work, along with designing robust systems to keep organizations safe. Consider these CySA+ options.
Cybersecurity Engineer
This role is all about designing systems with built-in security measures. In this role, you’ll take a proactive approach to cybersecurity, conduct penetration testing, configure and monitor firewalls and enforce best practices.
- Average salary: $107,415
Security Intelligence Analyst
As a Security Intelligence Analyst, you gather and analyze data to create actionable security insights. You’ll also develop security plans and risk assessments, monitor for threats and test proactive strategies.
- Average salary: $84,282
Cybersecurity Architect
Security Architects are responsible for designing security systems and security improvement strategies. You’ll also handle compliance monitoring, vulnerability assessments and threat analysis.
- Average salary: $111,052
Bottom Line: As a more advanced certification, CySA+ tends to bring slightly higher pay. While Security+ holders earn about $75,000–$95,000 annually, CySA+ certified professionals can see salaries averaging $85,000–$120,000. CySA+certification is also mentioned in job postings for security operations center (SOC) analysts, especially in Tiers 2, 3 and above.
5. Which One Should You Earn First?
If you’re new to cybersecurity, you’ll want to focus on Security+ certification first. That’s because foundational knowledge is critical for your success and gives a strong base you can build upon. Security+ is also aligned with entry-level security positions.
Consider pursuing the CySA+ credential once you’ve gained about 2 years of experience. This certification helps open the door for more advanced, real-time analysis roles.
Security+ is a good fit if:
- You have less than 2 years of experience in security.
- You’re transitioning from general IT roles.
CySA+ is a good fit if:
- You already have the Security+ credential.
- You want to specialize in cybersecurity or SOC operations.
- You have 3+ years of experience in security.
6. A Hidden Perk: CySA+ Renews Your Security+
Renewing your certifications helps you stay compliant and up to date with your skills. This is critical in many industries, especially fast-paced ones like cybersecurity.
The good news is that you won’t need to renew both credentials if you hold Security+ and CySA+. One CySA+ renewal every three years is all it takes. They’re both part of the CompTIA pathway, so any higher certification automatically renews all certifications below it.
Get Cybersecurity-Certified at MedCerts
Whether you’re new to cybersecurity or are leveling up, you can get nationally recognized credentials with MedCerts. Get started with Security+ or upskill with CySA+ and invest in your future with in-demand credentials.
