CompTIA CySA+
Mid-level analyst certification focused on threat detection, security operations, and incident response.
Full guide →CompTIA PenTest+
Hands-on penetration testing certification covering planning, scoping, vulnerability scanning, and reporting.
Full guide →CompTIA CySA+ vs CompTIA PenTest+
Which certification is right for your career?
Full comparison
| Category | CompTIA CySA+ | CompTIA PenTest+ |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $404 USD | $404 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | +$12,000/yr | ✓+$14,000/yr |
| Passing score | 750/1000 | 750/1000 |
| Exam duration | 165 min | 165 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | CompTIA | CompTIA |
| Difficulty |
CompTIA CySA+
Security+ or equivalent experience, 3-4 years IT security experience
CompTIA PenTest+
Network+, Security+, or 3-4 years hands-on experience
- You have 2–4 years in security and want to specialise your role
- You want a potential +$12,000/yr salary uplift
- You want to work in defence — SOC analysis, threat detection, or incident response
- You have 2–4 years in security and want to specialise your role
- You want a potential +$14,000/yr salary uplift
- You're drawn to offensive security, ethical hacking, or red-team work
CompTIA CySA+ is the more flexible choice — it's vendor-neutral and recognised across industries. CompTIA PenTest+ is the better pick if you're already committed to CompTIA and want a credential that maps directly to that platform. Both are at the intermediate level, so your career direction is the deciding factor.
Best CompTIA CySA+ courses
Best CompTIA PenTest+ courses
Is CompTIA CySA+ harder than CompTIA PenTest+?
Both CompTIA CySA+ and CompTIA PenTest+ are rated intermediate difficulty.
Which pays more — CompTIA CySA+ or CompTIA PenTest+?
CompTIA CySA+ has an average salary uplift of +$12,000/yr, while CompTIA PenTest+ has +$14,000/yr. CompTIA PenTest+ has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CompTIA CySA+ or CompTIA PenTest+?
CompTIA CySA+ is the better starting point — it's rated intermediate and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CompTIA PenTest+.
Can I get both CompTIA CySA+ and CompTIA PenTest+?
Yes — many professionals hold both. CompTIA CySA+ and CompTIA PenTest+ complement each other within cybersecurity. Holding both signals broader expertise and typically commands a higher salary than either cert alone.
Which is worth it in 2026 — CompTIA CySA+ or CompTIA PenTest+?
Both are worth it in 2026. CompTIA CySA+ offers a +$12,000/yr average salary uplift; CompTIA PenTest+ offers +$14,000/yr. CompTIA PenTest+ has the higher salary ceiling — making it the stronger ROI if you can only choose one.