CompTIA CySA+ Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the CompTIA CySA+, eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$392
Provider
CompTIA
Validity
3 years
Available
Global
Education
No formal education requirement for most exams
Experience
Recommended experience varies by certification level
Specific Requirements
- No enforced prerequisites. CompTIA lets anyone buy a voucher and sit CySA+ without proving prior certification or experience.
- CompTIA recommends CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ or equivalent knowledge before attempting the exam.
- CompTIA recommends about four years of hands-on experience as a SOC analyst, incident response analyst, or vulnerability analyst.
- CompTIA advises against skipping Security+ unless you already have substantial cybersecurity experience, on the grounds that you need to understand how a network works and how to secure it before you can analyze it.
- Comfort with reading logs, packet captures, and scanner output matters more than any certificate you already hold, because the performance-based questions assume it.
Number of Questions
Maximum of 85 questions
Duration
165 minutes
Question Format
Multiple-choice questions, Performance-based questions covering tasks such as SIEM alert analysis, log and event review, indicator of compromise investigation, and vulnerability prioritization
Passing Requirement
750 on a scale of 100 to 900
How It Is Delivered
Computer-based at a Pearson VUE test centre or online through Pearson OnVUE remote proctoring. CompTIA charges the same voucher price for both.
Languages Offered
V4 (CS0-004): English, with French, Japanese, Spanish, and Portuguese listed by CompTIA as coming soon, V3 (CS0-003): English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish
Purchase an exam voucher from CompTIA or authorized reseller
Create a Pearson VUE account
Schedule your exam at a test center or online
Apply voucher code at checkout
- Two forms of ID (primary must be government-issued with photo)
- Exam voucher or confirmation number
- For online: private room, webcam, clear desk
What are the prerequisites for the CompTIA CySA+?
No enforced prerequisites. CompTIA lets anyone buy a voucher and sit CySA+ without proving prior certification or experience.. CompTIA recommends CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ or equivalent knowledge before attempting the exam.. CompTIA recommends about four years of hands-on experience as a SOC analyst, incident response analyst, or vulnerability analyst.. CompTIA advises against skipping Security+ unless you already have substantial cybersecurity experience, on the grounds that you need to understand how a network works and how to secure it before you can analyze it.. Comfort with reading logs, packet captures, and scanner output matters more than any certificate you already hold, because the performance-based questions assume it..
How much does the CompTIA CySA+ cost?
The CompTIA CySA+ exam costs $392. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the CompTIA CySA+?
Purchase an exam voucher from CompTIA or authorized reseller → Create a Pearson VUE account → Schedule your exam at a test center or online → Apply voucher code at checkout
What should I bring to the CompTIA CySA+?
Two forms of ID (primary must be government-issued with photo). Exam voucher or confirmation number. For online: private room, webcam, clear desk.
Ready to prepare for CompTIA CySA+?
Get the complete exam guide with study plan, tips, and practice questions.
View CompTIA CySA+ Guide