CompTIA CySA+ vs Professional Scrum Master I
Which certification is right for your career? Here's the full breakdown.
CompTIA
CompTIA CySA+
CS0-003
Mid-level analyst certification focused on threat detection, security operations, and incident response.
Full guide →Scrum.org
Professional Scrum Master I
PSM I
Validates knowledge of the Scrum framework and ability to apply it in real-world agile environments as a Scrum Master.
Full guide →Side-by-side comparison
| Category | CompTIA CySA+ | Professional Scrum Master I |
|---|---|---|
| Exam cost | $404 USD | ✓$200 USD |
| Avg salary uplift | ✓+$12,000/yr | +$9,000/yr |
| Exam duration | 165 min | 60 min |
| Renewal period | Every 3 years | Every 3 years |
| Issued by | CompTIA | Scrum.org |
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner |
CompTIA CySA+ — Prerequisites
Security+ or equivalent experience, 3-4 years IT security experience
Professional Scrum Master I — Prerequisites
None required
Get CompTIA CySA+ if…
- •You have 2–3 years of IT experience and want to specialise
- •You want a +$12,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from CompTIA
Get Professional Scrum Master I if…
- •You're entering cybersecurity and need a recognised entry point
- •You want a +$9,000/yr salary boost
- •You prefer credentials from Scrum.org
Best CompTIA CySA+ courses
Best Professional Scrum Master I courses
Frequently asked questions
Is CompTIA CySA+ harder than Professional Scrum Master I?
CompTIA CySA+ is harder — rated intermediate vs beginner.
Which pays more — CompTIA CySA+ or Professional Scrum Master I?
CompTIA CySA+ has an average salary uplift of +$12,000/yr, while Professional Scrum Master I has +$9,000/yr. CompTIA CySA+ has the higher salary impact.
Which should I get first — CompTIA CySA+ or Professional Scrum Master I?
Professional Scrum Master I is the better starting point — it's rated beginner and costs less. Use it as a stepping stone toward CompTIA CySA+.