What is CompTIA Analyst+?
CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) validates a professional’s ability to proactively defend and continuously monitor systems, networks, and applications. The exam emphasizes identifying, analyzing, and responding to threats using behavioral analytics, vulnerability management, and threat intelligence.
Candidates are tested on configuring and using threat detection tools, performing data analysis to identify vulnerabilities, interpreting results, and suggesting corrective actions to enhance security posture. The latest version of the exam, CS0-003, aligns with current cybersecurity practices and real-world scenarios, making it ideal for IT professionals aiming to strengthen their threat detection and incident response skills.
Who should take the CompTIA Analyst+ Exam?
CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) targets IT professionals ready to move from foundational security skills to intermediate cybersecurity operations.
Typical candidates include:
- Security analysts, SOC analysts, and vulnerability analysts
- Threat intelligence analysts and incident responders
- Network or systems administrators looking to specialize in cybersecurity
Experience level: generally 3–4 years of hands-on information security or IT administration with a focus on security.
Prerequisites and recommendations
- Official prerequisites: None.
- Recommended skills and background:
- Familiarity with SIEM tools, intrusion detection, and log analysis
- CompTIA Security+ or equivalent knowledge
- 3–4 years of experience in information security or systems administration
Exam objectives and domains of CompTIA Analyst+ Exam
- Threat and Vulnerability Management – 22%
- Software and Systems Security – 18%
- Security Operations and Monitoring – 25%
- Incident Response – 22%
- Compliance and Assessment – 13%
Objective details by domain
Threat and Vulnerability Management
- Perform threat intelligence and vulnerability management activities
- Conduct reconnaissance and scanning
- Analyze attack indicators and exploit data
Software and Systems Security
- Apply security solutions across cloud, mobile, and on-premises systems
- Manage secure software development and deployment
- Implement security controls for enterprise environments
Security Operations and Monitoring
- Monitor network and system logs
- Utilize SIEM tools and dashboards
- Apply behavioral analytics to detect anomalies and potential compromises
Incident Response
- Execute incident response procedures
- Analyze potential indicators of compromise
- Coordinate recovery and communication plans
Compliance and Assessment
- Ensure regulatory and legal requirements are met
- Apply security policies, standards, and frameworks (NIST, ISO, etc.)
- Perform risk assessments and recommend mitigations
What changed in this version
The CySA+ CS0-003 update (current exam) differs from CS0-002 in several ways:
- Weight shift: Greater emphasis on continuous monitoring and automation.
- Added: Cloud-native security controls, zero-trust principles, and threat-hunting tactics.
- Expanded: Incident response with forensics and advanced analytics.
- Reduced: Legacy system hardening topics.
Registration and scheduling for CompTIA Analyst+ Exam
- Register via Pearson VUE.
- Choose online proctored or test-center delivery
- Schedule up to 24 hours in advance
- Exam code: CS0-003
Pricing and vouchers
- Standard price: about USD $392 (regional prices vary).
- Academic discounts: Available for students through the CompTIA Academic Store.
- Military discounts: Offered via the DoD’s MyCAA or GI Bill.
- Volume or corporate vouchers: Available through CompTIA partners.
Policies you should know
- Must show valid, government-issued ID
- Can reschedule up to 24 hours before the test
- Retake policy: no waiting after first failure; 14-day wait for subsequent attempts
- Exam length: up to 165 minutes, max 85 questions
Scoring and results
- Score range: 100–900
- Passing score: 750
- Question types: multiple choice and performance-based simulations
- Immediate on-screen result; detailed score report emailed shortly after
- Partial credit: may be awarded for some performance-based questions
Exam day and test experience
- On-site testing: Check in 30 minutes early; lockers provided for personal items.
- Online proctored: Room scan and continuous webcam monitoring.
- Bring only approved ID.
- Breaks: none scheduled; unscheduled breaks eat into exam time.
- Tips: flag hard questions, manage time by aiming for one minute per multiple-choice question.
Study plan and resources
For beginners (10–12 weeks)
- Weeks 1–2: Review basic network and security fundamentals
- Weeks 3–5: Deep dive into each domain with the CompTIA CySA+ Study Guide
- Weeks 6–8: Complete labs and SIEM practice
- Weeks 9–10: Take full-length practice exams and focus on weak areas
- Final weeks: Quick reviews and timed simulations
For experienced candidates (4–6 weeks)
- Week 1: Map existing knowledge to exam objectives
- Weeks 2–4: Focused practice on unfamiliar areas and performance-based questions
- Weeks 5–6: Multiple full mock exams and domain refresh
Suggested resources for CompTIA Analyst+ Preparation:
- Practice tests from reputable providers and SIEM hands-on labs
- Official CompTIA CySA+ Study Guide and Labs
- CompTIA CertMaster Learn and CertMaster Labs
Certification validity and renewal of CompTIA Analyst+
Valid for three years from the exam date
Renewal options:
- Complete the CompTIA CertMaster CE course
- Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through training, webinars, or other CompTIA activities
- Pass the latest version of the CySA+ or a higher-level certification (e.g., CASP+)
Career outcomes for CompTIA Analyst+
Holders of CySA+ commonly work as:
- Security or SOC analyst
- Threat hunter or vulnerability analyst
- Incident responder or cybersecurity specialist
Typical salary range: USD $80,000 – $115,000 depending on region and experience (based on U.S. BLS and PayScale data). Many employers use CySA+ to meet DoD 8570/8140 requirements.
| Job Role | Primary Focus | Typical U.S. Salary Range (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst / SOC Analyst | Continuous monitoring, incident detection, log analysis | $80,000 – $105,000 |
| Threat Intelligence Analyst | Researches emerging threats, creates threat intel reports | $85,000 – $115,000 |
| Vulnerability Analyst | Scans and prioritizes vulnerabilities, recommends fixes | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| Incident Responder | Leads containment, eradication, and recovery after breaches | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist / Engineer | Designs and implements defense tools and policies | $95,000 – $125,000 |
| Network Security Administrator | Secures and maintains network infrastructure | $75,000 – $100,000 |
Related or next-step certifications after CompTIA Analyst+
- CompTIA PenTest+ for penetration testing and offensive security
- CompTIA CASP+ for advanced enterprise security architecture
- CISSP or CISM for management-level credentials
How this exam compares to similar certifications
- vs CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): CySA+ focuses on defense and monitoring, while CEH emphasizes offensive tactics.
- vs SSCP (ISC²): CySA+ is more operations-focused, with heavier emphasis on behavioral analytics and incident response.
Ready to conquer the CySA+ (CS0-003) exam?
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Access the latest PDF questions here: CS0-003 PDF Dumps and pass CompTIA Analyst+ exam on your first attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long should I study for CySA+?
Beginners may need up to 12 weeks, while experienced security professionals might be ready in 4–6 weeks.
Are there performance-based questions in CompTIA Analyst+ exam?
Yes. Expect practical scenarios such as analyzing SIEM logs or applying incident response steps.
Can I renew CySA+ by earning higher certifications?
Yes. Passing advanced certifications like CASP+ or CISSP can automatically renew your CySA+.
Is CompTIA Analyst+ exam approved for DoD 8570 roles?
Yes. It meets several baseline cybersecurity requirements for government and defense positions.
