Is the CompTIA CySA+ Certification Worth It Today? Costs, Salary & FAQ
Cybersecurity threats are growing more sophisticated every day, and organisations need skilled professionals to detect, analyse, and respond to incidents. The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification is designed for exactly that purpose. If you’re considering this credential, this blog will help you decide whether it’s worth your time and investment in 2025.
What is CompTIA CySA+ Certification?
CompTIA CySA+ (exam code CS0-003) is an intermediate-level cybersecurity certification that validates your ability to:
- Detect and analyse indicators of malicious activity
- Perform incident response and vulnerability management
- Use tools like SIEM, EDR, and threat intelligence platforms
- Communicate findings effectively to stakeholders
It’s vendor-neutral and recognised globally, making it applicable across multiple platforms and industries.
Exam details:
- Version: CS0-003 (launched June 2023)
- Questions: Up to 85 (multiple-choice + performance-based)
- Duration: 165 minutes
- Passing score: 750 (scale 100–900)
- Languages: English, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish
- Recommended experience: Network+, Security+, or 4 years in SOC/incident response roles
Why is CySA+ so popular?
- High demand for cybersecurity analysts
Cybersecurity job openings exceeded 450,000 in the past year, and demand is projected to grow by 33% through 2033. - Hands-on, practical focus
Unlike management-focused certifications, CySA+ emphasises real-world skills like threat hunting, vulnerability prioritisation, and incident response. - Compliance and recognition
CySA+ is approved under DoD 8140 and widely recognised by employers globally.
Is CompTIA CySA+ Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely. CySA+ remains one of the most valuable mid-level cybersecurity certifications because:
- It bridges the gap between Security+ and advanced certs like CASP+ or CISSP
- It’s ideal for SOC analysts, threat hunters, and vulnerability analysts
- It validates skills that are critical for defending against modern attacks, including cloud and hybrid environments
Pros of CySA+ Certification
- Career advancement: Opens doors to roles like SOC Analyst, Incident Response Analyst, Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Vendor-neutral: Skills apply across multiple platforms
- Global recognition: Trusted by employers worldwide
- Compliance-ready: Meets government and defence requirements (DoD 8140)
Cons of CySA+ Certification
- Cost: Exam voucher costs around USD $425 (AUD $650 approx.), with bundles up to USD $1,100 if you include training and labs.
- Difficulty: Performance-based questions require hands-on knowledge; passing score is 750/900.
- Continuous learning: Cybersecurity evolves rapidly; certification is valid for 3 years and requires renewal.
Cost in Australia
- Exam voucher: AUD $650–$739 (via Pearson VUE or authorised resellers)
- Bundles with training: AUD $1,000–$1,500 (includes CertMaster Learn, Labs, Practice)
- Boot camps: AUD $3,000–$4,500 for intensive instructor-led programs
Salary Potential
CySA+ certified professionals in Australia typically earn:
- Entry-level SOC Analyst: $75K–$90K
- Mid-level Cybersecurity Analyst: $95K–$120K
- Threat Hunter / Incident Response roles: $120K+ with experience
Key Topics Covered in CySA+
- Security Operations (33%): SIEM, log analysis, threat hunting
- Vulnerability Management (30%): Scanning, prioritisation, remediation
- Incident Response (20%): Attack frameworks, containment, recovery
- Reporting & Communication (17%): Metrics, escalation, stakeholder reporting
Where to Begin
- Check prerequisites: Security+ or equivalent experience recommended
- Choose a study path:
- Self-study with CompTIA CertMaster Learn
- Instructor-led boot camps for accelerated prep
- Practice hands-on labs: SIEM tools, vulnerability scanners, packet analysis
- Schedule exam via Pearson VUE (online or test centre)
Is CySA+ Enough to Get a Job?
It’s a strong credibility signal, but employers also expect hands-on experience. Combine CySA+ with practical projects or SOC internships for best results.
FAQs
Is CySA+ hard?
Yes, due to performance-based questions and broad domain coverage. Preparation with labs and practice exams is essential.
Is it stressful?
Time pressure (165 minutes) and scenario-based tasks can be challenging reduce stress by practising under exam conditions.
How many fail?
CompTIA doesn’t publish failure rates, but retakes are allowed after 24 hours.
The Future of Cybersecurity Jobs in Australia
Demand for SOC analysts, threat hunters, and vulnerability analysts is rising as organisations adopt cloud security and zero trust frameworks. CySA+ aligns perfectly with these trends, making it a future-proof investment.