Security+ vs CySA+: Which Should You Get First? (Decision Framework)

You've decided to get a CompTIA cert. Smart move.

But now you're stuck staring at two options: Security+ and CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst).

Both sound important. Both show up in job descriptions. And both cost a few hundred bucks and a bunch of study time.

So which one should you get first?

Here's the thing: the answer depends on where you are right now and where you're trying to go. Let's break it down so you can make the right call.

What's the Difference Between Security+ and CySA+?

Before we talk about which one to get first, let's clarify what each cert actually covers.

Security+ (SY0-701)

What it covers:

- Foundational cybersecurity concepts (CIA triad, threats, vulnerabilities)

- Network security basics (firewalls, VPNs, secure protocols)

- Security operations and monitoring

- Identity and access management

- Cryptography fundamentals

- Governance, risk, and compliance

- Incident response basics

Level: Entry-level / Foundational

Target audience: People breaking into cybersecurity, IT professionals pivoting to security, help desk techs moving up

What it proves: You understand the broad landscape of cybersecurity and can speak the language.

CySA+ (CS0-003)

What it covers:

- Threat and vulnerability management

- Security operations and monitoring (deeper than Security+)

- Incident response and forensics

- Log analysis and SIEM usage

- Threat intelligence and threat hunting

- Security architecture and tool configuration

- Compliance and assessment

Level: Intermediate / Analyst-focused

Target audience: SOC analysts, security analysts, threat hunters, incident responders

What it proves: You can actually do security work—analyze threats, investigate incidents, hunt for badness.

The Key Difference

Security+ is broad and foundational. It's the "I know what cybersecurity is and how it works" cert.

CySA+ is narrower and deeper. It's the "I can do the job of a security analyst" cert.

Think of Security+ as learning the rules of basketball. CySA+ is proving you can actually play the game.

Which One Do Employers Actually Want?

Let's look at what job postings say.

Security+ Job Requirements:

Entry-level roles that commonly list Security+:

- SOC Analyst Tier 1

- Junior Security Analyst

- IT Security Specialist

- Security Operations Center Technician

- Information Security Analyst (entry-level)

Government/DoD roles:

- Security+ is on the DoD 8570/8140 baseline (IAT Level II)

- Often a hard requirement for contracting roles

- Many government jobs won't even consider you without it

Reality: Security+ is the most commonly requested entry-level cert across the industry.

CySA+ Job Requirements:

Mid-level roles that commonly list CySA+:

- SOC Analyst Tier 2

- Security Analyst

- Threat Hunter (junior to mid)

- Incident Response Analyst

- Cyber Defense Analyst

Government/DoD roles:

- CySA+ is also on DoD 8570/8140 (CSSP Analyst)

- Accepted for some mid-level positions

Reality: CySA+ is seen as a step up from Security+. It's less common as a requirement for entry-level roles, but shows up more in Tier 2+ positions.

What The Numbers Say

Based on job board analysis (LinkedIn, Indeed, CyberSeek):

- ~60-70% of entry-level SOC roles list Security+ as required or preferred

- ~20-30% of entry-level SOC roles list CySA+ as required or preferred

- ~40-50% of mid-level analyst roles list CySA+ as required or preferred

Security+ has wider recognition. CySA+ signals more advanced skills.

Cost and Difficulty Comparison

Let's talk money and time investment.

Security+ (SY0-701)

Cost:

- Exam voucher: ~$392

- Study materials: $0-$100 (can be done free with Professor Messer + books)

- Total: ~$400-$500

Study time:

- Complete beginner: 2-3 months

- IT background: 1-2 months

- Security background: 3-6 weeks

Difficulty:

- Multiple choice + performance-based questions (PBQs)

- Pass rate: ~80-85% (most people pass on first try)

- Requires understanding concepts, not deep hands-on

Renewal: Every 3 years (CEUs or higher cert)

CySA+ (CS0-003)

Cost:

- Exam voucher: ~$392

- Study materials: $0-$150 (less free content available than Security+)

- Total: ~$400-$550

Study time:

- With Security+ background: 2-3 months

- Without Security+ background: 4-6 months

- Already working SOC: 1-2 months

Difficulty:

- Multiple choice + performance-based questions (more complex PBQs)

- Pass rate: ~70-75% (harder than Security+, but still doable)

- Requires hands-on experience with tools (SIEM, log analysis, etc.)

Renewal: Every 3 years (CEUs or higher cert)

The honest take: CySA+ is noticeably harder. Not impossible, but definitely a step up from Security+.

When to Get Security+ First

Get Security+ first if:

1. You're Brand New to Cybersecurity

If you don't have a security background, Security+ is the right starting point. It gives you the foundational knowledge everything else builds on.

Trying to jump straight to CySA+ is like learning calculus before algebra. You can do it, but it's way harder and you'll miss important fundamentals.

2. You're Targeting Entry-Level SOC Roles

If your goal is to land a Tier 1 SOC analyst job, Security+ is what most employers are looking for. CySA+ might be overkill for entry-level.

Get the cert that gets you hired, then level up later.

3. You Need DoD 8570/8140 Baseline

If you're going for government or defense contractor roles, Security+ is the baseline. Start there.

You can always get CySA+ later to qualify for higher-tier positions.

4. You Want the Fastest Path to Certification

Security+ is easier and faster to pass. If you need a cert now to get your foot in the door, Security+ is the move.

5. Budget Is Tight

Both certs cost about the same, but Security+ has more free study materials (Professor Messer, free practice exams, etc.). You can pass Security+ spending almost nothing on study materials.

When to Get CySA+ First (Or Skip Security+ Entirely)

Get CySA+ first if:

1. You Already Have Security Experience

If you've been working in a SOC, doing IT security, or handling security incidents, you might not need Security+. CySA+ could be a better use of your time.

Security+ would feel too basic and wouldn't add much value to your resume if you've already got experience.

2. You're Already Working as a SOC Analyst

If you're in a Tier 1 role and want to move to Tier 2, CySA+ makes more sense. It'll help you stand out for promotions and mid-level roles.

3. You Have a Strong Technical Background

If you're coming from a sysadmin, network admin, or IT support role with hands-on experience, you might be able to skip straight to CySA+.

You already know the basics—might as well go for the cert that proves deeper skills.

4. The Job You Want Specifically Asks for CySA+

If there's a specific job posting that lists CySA+ as a requirement (and doesn't mention Security+), go for what they're asking for.

5. You Want to Stand Out More

Security+ is common. A lot of people have it. CySA+ is less common and signals more advanced skills.

If you're competing in a tough job market, CySA+ might differentiate you better.

The "Both Eventually" Path (Most Common)

Real talk: most people end up getting both.

The typical progression:

1. Get Security+ first (entry ticket)

2. Land Tier 1 SOC or junior analyst role

3. Work for 1-2 years, build hands-on skills

4. Get CySA+ (or CISSP, CEH, etc.) to level up

5. Move into Tier 2/3 or specialized roles

This is the path most SOC analysts follow. Security+ gets you in the door, CySA+ (or another intermediate cert) helps you move up.

Why this works:

- Security+ is easier to pass without experience

- You get hired and start earning while learning on the job

- By the time you study for CySA+, you have real-world context

- CySA+ becomes way easier with actual SOC experience

Decision Framework: Which Should YOU Get First?

Use this flowchart logic:

Are you brand new to cybersecurity?

- Yes → Get Security+ first

- No → Continue

Do you have 1+ years of hands-on security experience?

- Yes → Consider CySA+ (or skip both and go for CISSP/advanced certs)

- No → Continue

Are you currently working in IT (help desk, sysadmin, network admin)?

- Yes → Get Security+ first, then transition to security role

- No → Continue

Do you already have Security+?

- Yes → Get CySA+ next

- No → Get Security+ first

Are you targeting government/DoD roles?

- Yes → Get Security+ first (baseline requirement)

- No → Continue

Do you have 6+ months to study before you need a job?

- Yes → Consider going straight for CySA+ if you have strong fundamentals

- No → Get Security+ (faster path to employment)

Default answer if unsure: Get Security+ first. It's the safer, more common path.

What About Getting Both at Once?

Some people ask: "Can I just study for both and knock them out back-to-back?"

Short answer: You can, but it's probably not the best use of time.

Why not:

- Security+ and CySA+ overlap a lot. You'll be studying redundant material.

- Better to get Security+, land a job, and study for CySA+ while working (and getting paid).

- CySA+ is easier when you have real SOC experience to reference.

When it makes sense:

- You're unemployed and have 4-6 months to dedicate full-time to studying

- You've already got strong fundamentals and just need the certs for resume

But for most people? Get Security+ first, get hired, then level up.

What Comes After Security+ and CySA+?

Once you've got both (or decided which one to prioritize), here's what typically comes next:

Advanced CompTIA certs:

- CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner) – Enterprise-level security

- PenTest+ – If you want to go offensive

Vendor-specific certs:

- GCIA (GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst)

- GCIH (GIAC Certified Incident Handler)

- Splunk Core Certified Power User

- Microsoft SC-200 (Security Operations Analyst)

Management/leadership certs:

- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) – Industry gold standard

- CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

Specialized certs:

- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) – If you want red team work

- OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) – Hardcore pentesting

The path depends on where you want to go: management, technical specialist, offensive security, etc.

How to Study for Each Cert

Quick study tips for both:

Security+ Study Plan:

1. Watch Professor Messer's free video series (complete walkthrough)

2. Read a study guide (Darril Gibson's "Get Certified Get Ahead" is solid)

3. Take practice exams (Dion Training, EpicDetect, CertMaster Practice)

4. Do hands-on labs (set up VMs, practice with tools)

5. Review PBQ scenarios (performance-based questions trip people up)

Timeline: 1-3 months depending on background

CySA+ Study Plan:

1. Get hands-on experience (you need to have used SIEMs, analyzed logs, etc.)

2. Watch training videos (Cybrary, Pluralsight, LinkedIn Learning)

3. Read the official CompTIA CySA+ study guide

4. Practice with real tools (Splunk, Wireshark, Snort, etc.)

5. Take practice exams (focus on scenario-based questions)

6. Do incident response labs (EpicDetect has practical SOC scenarios)

Timeline: 2-4 months with security background

Let's Be Real About ROI

Is the second cert worth it?

Security+ ROI:

- Opens doors to entry-level roles ($50k-$70k starting)

- Required for many government jobs

- Widely recognized across the industry

- ROI: Extremely high for entry-level

CySA+ ROI:

- Helps you stand out for mid-level roles ($70k-$95k)

- Less common than Security+ (differentiation)

- Shows hands-on analytical skills

- ROI: High if you're already working in security and want to level up

Getting both:

- Stacks credentials

- Shows commitment to growth

- Opens more doors

- ROI: Worth it over a 2-3 year period

The second cert pays for itself pretty quickly when you land a better job or get a raise.

TL;DR – Get Security+ First (Probably)

For 90% of people, Security+ should come first. It's foundational, widely recognized, easier to pass, and opens the most entry-level doors. Get it, land a SOC job, build hands-on experience, then get CySA+ to level up after 1-2 years. Only skip Security+ if you already have significant security experience—otherwise you're making the path harder than it needs to be.

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FAQs

Can I get CySA+ without Security+?

Yep, there's no prerequisite. But it's harder if you don't have the foundational knowledge Security+ covers. Most people do Security+ first.

Does CySA+ replace Security+ on my resume?

Sort of. If you have CySA+, you don't need Security+ on your resume (CySA+ implies you know that stuff). But having both doesn't hurt.

How long should I wait between certs?

Most people wait 1-2 years and get hands-on experience before going for CySA+. But if you're motivated, you could do both within 6-12 months.

Do both certs expire?

Yes, both need to be renewed every 3 years with continuing education credits (CEUs) or by passing a higher-level cert.

Which one is harder?

CySA+ is definitely harder. More technical, more scenario-based, requires hands-on experience to really understand the material.

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Sources & References:

- CompTIA Security+ Certification

- CompTIA CySA+ Certification

- DoD 8140 Approved Baseline Certifications

- CyberSeek Career Pathway

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> Security+ gets you in the door. CySA+ helps you move up. You'll probably end up with both eventually—so start with whichever one gets you closer to your immediate goal. And if you're not sure? Security+ first. It's the safer bet.

How EpicDetect Can Help

Whether you're studying for Security+ or CySA+, you need hands-on practice—not just theory.

For Security+:

We've got practice exams with procedural question generation (nearly infinite combinations), flashcards, and foundational security scenarios to help you understand the concepts in context.

For CySA+:

We've got real SOC analyst scenarios—triaging alerts, analyzing logs, investigating incidents, writing detection rules, working with SIEM data. This is exactly the hands-on experience CySA+ expects you to have.

Both certs are easier when you've actually done the work, not just read about it.

Check it out: EpicDetect Pricing — 7-day free trial, cancel anytime if it's not your thing.