CompTIA CySA+
A defensive-security credential focused on analyzing security data, identifying suspicious activity, supporting incident response, and improving security operations.
Last verified: 2026-09-01
Overview
CompTIA CySA+ is an intermediate cybersecurity certification centered on defensive security operations. It validates skills in analyzing security telemetry, detecting malicious activity, managing vulnerabilities, responding to incidents, and communicating findings to technical and business stakeholders.
- Recommended experience
- CompTIA recommends Security+ level knowledge and about four years of hands-on experience in security operations, incident response, or related analyst work.
- Estimated study time
- 100–160 hours
- Target job roles
- Cybersecurity AnalystSOC AnalystIncident Response AnalystVulnerability AnalystThreat HunterSecurity Operations Analyst
Exam Details
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) V4 Exam
- Exam code
- CS0-004
- Number of exams
- 1
- Duration
- 165 minutes
- Question count
- Up to 85 multiple-choice and performance-based questions
- Delivery method
- Pearson VUE testing center or online proctored exam
- Price
- Pricing varies by country or region; verify current CompTIA pricing
Skills and Domains
Security Operations
34%Security telemetry, malicious activity analysis, threat intelligence, threat hunting, tooling, automation, and modern SOC operations.
Vulnerability Management
26%Assessment, scanning, prioritization, remediation, attack-surface management, and risk-based vulnerability decisions.
Incident Response and Management
24%Incident preparation, detection, analysis, containment, eradication, recovery, playbooks, and forensic fundamentals.
Reporting and Communication
16%Security reporting, metrics, stakeholder communication, escalation, post-incident review, and vulnerability reporting.
Study Resources
CompTIA CySA+ Certification
Official resourceDocumentation · Free
Official certification overview, current exam version, and registration information.
View resourceCompTIA Continuing Education Renewal Options
Official resourceDocumentation · Free
Official CompTIA renewal pathways and CE guidance.
View resourceRenewal
- Validity period
- 3 years
- Renewal method
- Renew through CompTIA Continuing Education, including eligible CE activities, higher-level certifications, or other approved options.
- Notes
- Current CompTIA guidance commonly requires 60 CEUs during the three-year CySA+ renewal cycle.
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Alternatives
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Specializations
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