Cybersecurity

CompTIA A+ vs Security+ vs CySA+: Which One Should You Get First?

April 4, 2026

You’ve decided cybersecurity is the move. You’ve done enough research to know that CompTIA certifications are the industry standard. But now you’re staring at three different exams and wondering which one to take first, whether you need all three, and what the actual difference is between them.

Let’s clear it up.

The Three Certifications at a Glance

CompTIA A+ is foundational IT. It covers hardware, software, networking basics, mobile devices, troubleshooting, and operating systems. Think of it as proof that you understand how computers and networks actually work.

CompTIA Security+ is the entry point to cybersecurity specifically. It covers threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations, incident response, and governance. It’s the most widely recognized cybersecurity certification in the world and is approved by the U.S. Department of Defense for information assurance roles.

CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) goes deeper into threat detection, analysis, and response. It focuses on behavioral analytics, security monitoring, incident response, and vulnerability management. It’s the step between entry level and mid level cybersecurity work.

The Right Order (And Why It Matters)

A+ first. Then Security+. Then CySA+.

This isn’t arbitrary. Each certification builds on the one before it.

Why A+ comes first: Cybersecurity doesn’t exist in a vacuum. You can’t secure systems you don’t understand. A+ teaches you how computers, networks, and operating systems work at a fundamental level. Without this knowledge, Security+ concepts won’t make sense. You’d be memorizing terms without understanding what they mean in practice.

People who skip A+ and go straight to Security+ often struggle. They can pass the exam through memorization, but they can’t troubleshoot real problems because they don’t understand the underlying systems. Employers notice the difference quickly.

Why Security+ comes second: Once you understand IT fundamentals, Security+ teaches you how to protect them. Threat assessment, network security, identity management, cryptography, risk management. This is where you learn to think like a security professional. It’s also the certification that opens the most doors immediately. Many entry level cybersecurity job postings list Security+ as a requirement.

Why CySA+ comes last: CySA+ assumes you know both IT fundamentals and security concepts. It takes you deeper into the analyst role: monitoring security systems, detecting threats, investigating incidents, and recommending remediation. It’s the certification that separates “I understand security” from “I can actively defend a network.”

What Each Exam Looks Like

CompTIA A+ (Two Exams: Core 1 and Core 2)

Exam codes: 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2) Questions: Up to 90 per exam (mix of multiple choice and performance based) Time: 90 minutes per exam Passing score: 675/900 (Core 1) and 700/900 (Core 2) Cost: $358 per exam ($716 total)

What to expect: Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, and mobile devices. Core 2 covers operating systems, security basics, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. The performance based questions require you to solve problems in simulated environments, not just pick answers from a list.

Study time: 2 to 4 months at 10 to 15 hours per week

CompTIA Security+

Exam code: SY0-701 Questions: Up to 90 (multiple choice and performance based) Time: 90 minutes Passing score: 750/900 Cost: $392

What to expect: The exam tests your ability to assess security posture, recommend solutions, monitor and secure hybrid environments, operate with awareness of applicable regulations, and identify and respond to security incidents. The performance based questions are more complex than A+ and may involve analyzing logs, configuring security settings, or designing a security solution.

Study time: 2 to 3 months at 10 to 15 hours per week (assuming A+ knowledge)

CompTIA CySA+

Exam code: CS0-003 Questions: Up to 85 (multiple choice and performance based) Time: 165 minutes Passing score: 750/900 Cost: $392

What to expect: CySA+ goes deep on security analytics. You’ll be tested on threat and vulnerability management, software and systems security, security operations and monitoring, and incident response. The performance based questions often involve analyzing logs, interpreting data from security tools, and recommending actions based on what you find.

Study time: 2 to 3 months at 10 to 15 hours per week (assuming Security+ knowledge)

Do You Need All Three?

For maximum employability: yes.

Here’s why. Each certification qualifies you for a different tier of roles:

A+ alone qualifies you for help desk, IT support, and technical support roles. These aren’t cybersecurity jobs, but they’re a way into IT if that’s where you need to start.

A+ plus Security+ qualifies you for entry level cybersecurity roles: security analyst, SOC analyst (tier 1), IT security specialist, and many government/DoD positions. This is where most people start their cybersecurity career.

A+ plus Security+ plus CySA+ qualifies you for mid level roles: cybersecurity analyst, SOC analyst (tier 2), incident response analyst, threat intelligence analyst, and vulnerability assessment analyst. This combination tells employers you have both breadth and depth.

The salary difference is real:

• A+ only (IT support): $40,000 to $55,000
• A+ plus Security+ (entry cybersecurity): $73,000 to $85,000
• All three (mid level cybersecurity): $85,000 to $120,000

Those numbers are based on BLS data and CyberSeek salary estimates for the respective roles.

The Total Investment

If you earn all three certifications individually through self study:

• Exam fees: $716 (A+) + $392 (Security+) + $392 (CySA+) = $1,500 in exam fees alone
• Study materials: $200 to $500 for books, practice exams, and lab access
• Time: 6 to 10 months of self study
• Total cost: $1,700 to $2,000 (just materials and exams, not counting your time)

That’s the DIY route. It works if you’re disciplined and already have some IT background. But it has no structure, no mentorship, no career support, and no guarantee you’ll actually finish.

Structured programs bundle all three certifications into a single curriculum with exam prep, hands on labs, mentorship, and career support built in. Millersville University’s IT & Cybersecurity Fundamentals program covers A+, Security+, and CySA+ in 19 weeks. It’s mastery based (you prove the skill before advancing), fully online, self paced, and includes a university credential from the Lombardo College of Business. GI Bill eligible, no tech background required.

The structured route costs more upfront but produces higher completion rates and faster career outcomes. When the entry level salary is $73,000+, the math works quickly.

Common Questions

Can I skip A+ if I already work in IT? Maybe. If you’ve been doing hands on IT work for a few years and genuinely understand networking, operating systems, and troubleshooting, you might be able to start with Security+. But be honest with yourself. If there are gaps in your foundational knowledge, they’ll show up in Security+ and especially in CySA+.

How long do the certifications last? CompTIA certifications are valid for three years. You can renew by earning continuing education credits or passing the next level exam. CySA+ automatically renews Security+.

Are CompTIA certifications recognized internationally? Yes. CompTIA is an international organization and its certifications are recognized worldwide. Security+ is ISO 17024 accredited and approved by the U.S. Department of Defense under Directive 8140 (formerly 8570).

What’s the pass rate? CompTIA doesn’t publish official pass rates, but industry estimates put Security+ first attempt pass rates around 50% to 60% for self study candidates. Structured programs with dedicated exam prep typically report higher pass rates.

The Bottom Line

A+, then Security+, then CySA+. In that order. Each one builds on the last. Together, they qualify you for entry to mid level cybersecurity roles starting at $73,000 and climbing past $120,000 with experience.

The certification path is clear. The job market is wide open. The only variable is whether you’ll commit to doing the work.

Want to earn all three certifications in one program?

Book Your Free Career Call to learn about Millersville University’s 19 week cybersecurity program that covers A+, Security+, and CySA+ with hands on labs and mentorship.

Or Take the Free Foundations Assessment to see if you’re ready to start.

Sources: CompTIA official exam objectives and pricing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CyberSeek career pathway data