CompTIA CySA+ vs PenTest+
Blue team vs red team: Compare CompTIA CySA+ (defensive security) and PenTest+ (offensive security) certifications.
CompTIA CySA+
CompTIA
CompTIA PenTest+
CompTIA
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | CompTIA CySA+ | CompTIA PenTest+ |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | CompTIA | CompTIA |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Exam Duration | 165 minutes | 165 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $392 USD | $392 USD |
| Exam Format | Multiple choice, performance-based | Multiple choice, performance-based |
| Prerequisites | Network+, Security+, or 4 years experience | Network+, Security+, or 3-4 years experience |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 3 years |
| Ideal For | SOC analysts, threat hunters, security analysts | Penetration testers, ethical hackers, red teamers |
| Salary Range | $75,000 - $110,000 | $80,000 - $130,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
CompTIA CySA+ Focus Areas
- Threat Detection
- SIEM
- Incident Response
- Vulnerability Management
- Security Operations
CompTIA PenTest+ Focus Areas
- Penetration Testing
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Exploitation
- Reporting
- Scoping
Our Recommendation
CySA+ is blue team (defense), PenTest+ is red team (offense). Choose based on your interest.
Choose CompTIA CySA+
Choose CySA+ if you want to detect and respond to threats (SOC/defense).
Choose CompTIA PenTest+
Choose PenTest+ if you want to find vulnerabilities and exploit systems (offense).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CompTIA CySA+ or CompTIA PenTest+?
CySA+ is blue team (defense), PenTest+ is red team (offense). Choose based on your interest.
What are the salary differences between CompTIA CySA+?
CompTIA CySA+ typically offers salaries around $75,000 - $110,000, while CompTIA PenTest+ offers $80,000 - $130,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose CySA+ if you want to detect and respond to threats (SOC/defense). Choose PenTest+ if you want to find vulnerabilities and exploit systems (offense).
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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