The CASP+ is CompTIA’s end-game cybersecurity certificate. Often seen as the more technical equivalent of the CISSP, the CASP+ is for experienced IT professionals looking to push their security expertise to the next level.
What is CompTIA CASP+?
CASP+ is CompTIA’s highest-level cybersecurity certification. It’s designed for IT professionals who want to prove their ability to implement solutions across complex enterprise environments. Unlike management-focused certifications, CASP+ is a technical, hands-on certification that validates advanced competency in risk management, enterprise security operations, architecture, and enterprise security integration.
- Experience Level: Advanced
- Certificate Focus: Security Architecture, Engineering, and Operations.
- Exam Voucher Pricing: $509 USD (varies depending on your location)
- Training Pricing: Varies
CompTIA CASP+ Exam Details
- Exam code: CAS-004
- Questions: Maximum of 90
- Time limit: 165 minutes
- Passing score: Determined by CompTIA
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Format: Multiple choice and performance-based questions
CompTIA recommends at least 10 years of general IT administration experience, with at least 5 years of hands-on technical security experience.
CompTIA CASP+ Exam Cost
The standard price for the CompTIA CASP+ exam is $509 USD. However, costs may vary depending on your location and available discounts.
Who Should Pursue CompTIA CASP+?
- Security Architects
- Senior Security Engineers
- SOC Managers
- Information Assurance Program Managers
- Cybersecurity Risk Managers
CompTIA CASP+ Certification Benefits
- Validates expert-level cybersecurity skills
- Demonstrates ability to tackle complex security challenges
- Can lead to significant salary increases
- Opens doors to senior-level security positions
- Provides a vendor-neutral perspective on advanced security concepts
CompTIA CASP+ Exam Objectives
The exam covers five main domain areas:
- Security Architecture (29%)
- Security Operations (30%)
- Security Engineering and Cryptography (26%)
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance (15%)
How to Study for CompTIA CASP+
There aren’t many quality free resources for preparing for the CASP+. The more advanced a certificate is, the less the abundance of free training material. You’ll likely have to pay for training, popular options being:
- Official CompTIA CASP+ Study Guide: Start with the source for comprehensive coverage.
- Advanced Online Courses: Platforms like Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning offer in-depth CASP+ courses
CompTIA CASP+ Salary Expectations
CASP+ certified professionals often command high salaries due to their advanced skills. While salaries vary based on location, experience, and specific role, many CASP+ holders report salaries well over $100,000 per year. Some senior positions can reach $150,000 or more.
The CASP+ isn't as common on job postings as the CISSP. However, it's still a top-ten certificate in terms of value on a resume.
How Hard is CompTIA CASP+?
CASP+ is considered one of the most challenging CompTIA certifications. It requires not only deep technical knowledge but also the ability to apply that knowledge to complex, enterprise-level scenarios.
Factors affecting difficulty:
- Breadth and depth of cybersecurity knowledge required
- Complex, scenario-based questions
- Need for both technical and business acumen
- Rapidly evolving nature of advanced security concepts
CASP+ and the Cybersecurity Career Path
CASP+ sits at the pinnacle of CompTIA’s cybersecurity certification pathway. It’s designed for professionals who have moved beyond entry and mid-level roles and are looking to validate their expert-level skills.
For many, CASP+ serves as an alternative or complement to other advanced certifications like CISSP. While CISSP focuses more on management and policy, CASP+ maintains a strong technical focus, making it ideal for those who want to remain hands-on in senior roles.
Conclusion
Whether you’re aiming to climb the corporate ladder, transition into a senior security role, or simply validate your expert-level skills, CASP+ offers a rigorous and rewarding path forward.
Off the Record
If you’re at the point where you need an advanced certificate, the CISSP will almost always be a better choice unless you have a specific need for the CASP+. The CISSP is simply more known and acknowledged by HR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does CASP+ compare to CISSP?
While both are advanced certifications, CASP+ is more technically focused, whereas CISSP has a stronger emphasis on management and policy aspects of security.
Q: Can I take the CASP+ exam online?
Yes, CompTIA offers both in-person and online proctored exams for CySA+.
Q: Will CASP+ certification help me get a job?
While no certification guarantees a job, CASP+ is highly regarded in the industry and can improve your prospects for senior security roles.