What Is CompTIA CySA+ and Who Is It For?

CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) is an intermediate-level cybersecurity certification focused on threat detection, analysis, and response. The current exam is CS0-003. Unlike Security+ which covers broad security fundamentals, CySA+ specifically validates your ability to work as a security operations center (SOC) analyst.

CySA+ is designed for professionals with 3-4 years of IT security experience or equivalent knowledge. Ideal candidates include: SOC analysts, threat intelligence analysts, incident response specialists, vulnerability management analysts, and security engineers who want to formalize their detection and analysis skills.

The exam covers four domains: Security Operations (33%), Vulnerability Management (30%), Incident Response and Management (20%), and Reporting and Communication (17%). It emphasizes hands-on analysis skills like log analysis, SIEM tool usage, threat hunting, and indicator of compromise (IoC) identification. CySA+ holders earn a median salary of $80,000-$105,000 and the certification satisfies DoD 8570 CSSP Analyst requirements.