The CySA+ Certification Test
To achieve the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification, you must pass the CS0-003 exam. This exam contains a maximum of 90 questions and must be completed within 165 minutes. Upon finishing the exam and a brief, mandatory survey, candidates receive immediate results. CySA+ focuses on applying behavioral analytics to networks and devices to prevent, detect, and combat cybersecurity threats.
Passing Score: 750 (on a scale of 100–900)
Exam Objectives
- Security Operations - 33%
- Vulnerability Management - 30%
- Incident Response and Management - 20%
- Reporting and Communication - 17%
Price
- Normal Voucher: $392.00 (store.comptia.org)
- Student Discount: Check academic-store.comptia.org for discounted academic pricing.
Exam Administration
- In-Person Testing: Conducted at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers.
- Online Testing: Take the exam remotely via Pearson OnVUE, allowing more flexible scheduling and location.
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
Similar to other CompTIA exams, CySA+ (CS0-003) includes PBQs designed to assess practical security analysis skills in real-world scenarios. Possible tasks include:
- Analyzing threat intelligence data
- Performing risk evaluations
- Investigating log files and system events
- Suggesting remediation techniques
PBQs require hands-on problem solving, ensuring candidates can apply their knowledge to realistic cybersecurity situations.
Continuing Education (CE) Program
CySA+ is part of CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program. Once you earn CySA+, it remains valid for three years. You must renew before it expires by completing one of the following:
- Passing the Latest Exam Version (e.g., CS0-003 or newer)
- Earning a Higher-Level CompTIA Certification (e.g., PenTest+, CASP+)
- Meeting CE Requirements (e.g., earning CEUs through security-related training, webinars, or other sanctioned activities)
Exam Retake Policies
Each retake requires paying the standard exam fee. The policy is:
- First to Second Attempt: No waiting period.
- Third Attempt and Beyond: A 14-day waiting period from the previous attempt before retesting.
Study Methods
1. Video Courses & Tutorials
- Udemy: Offers budget-friendly courses; Jason Dion’s CySA+ course is one we recommend.
- YouTube: Look for free CS0-003 playlists covering the official objectives.
2. Practice Exams
- Use reputable free and paid practice tests to assess readiness and pinpoint weak areas.
3. Hands-On Labs
- Set up virtual networks or security-focused lab environments to practice analyzing logs, detecting threats, and performing incident response tasks.
4. CompTIA Official Resources
- Explore official CySA+ study guides, instructor-led training, and self-paced eLearning for comprehensive preparation.
5. Third-Party Books & Guides
- Publishers like Pearson, Sybex, or Mike Meyers provide in-depth study texts with detailed explanations and practice questions.
Combining theoretical study with robust, hands-on practice will significantly boost your chances of passing the CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) exam.