πŸ” CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

🧩 2. Certification Level and Type

  • Level: Intermediate

  • Type: Technical (Threat Detection / IR / Blue Team)

πŸ“œ 3. Purpose and Goals

  • What skills does it certify?
    Continuous security monitoring, log and alert analysis, incident response, threat detection, SIEM operations, and vulnerability management

  • Target roles or profiles:
    SOC Analyst (Tier I/II), Incident Responder, Blue Team Technician, Detection & Response Analyst

  • Practical applications:
    Responding to alerts, reviewing SIEM logs, handling incidents, conducting basic forensic triage, and implementing mitigations

πŸŽ“ 4. Prerequisites

  • Recommended prior certifications:
    CompTIA Security+, Network+, or equivalent experience

  • Suggested experience:
    2–3 years in cybersecurity or IT security operations

  • Required technical knowledge:
    TCP/IP, log formats, Linux/Windows CLI, SIEM usage, MITRE ATT&CK basics

πŸ“š 5. Content and Curriculum

  • Key domains/modules:

    1. Security Operations

    2. Vulnerability Management

    3. Incident Response and Management

    4. Security Architecture and Tool Sets

  • Technologies/tools:
    SIEM platforms (Splunk, QRadar), vulnerability scanners (Nessus, OpenVAS), packet analyzers (Wireshark), Sysmon, scripting basics

  • Framework mapping:
    NIST SP 800-61 (IR), NIST CSF, MITRE ATT&CK, NICE Framework (PR-DE/RS)

πŸ§ͺ 6. Learning Approach

  • Style: Mixed (theory + performance-based questions)

  • Labs/environments: Available via CertMaster Labs, TryHackMe, HTB Academy, CyberDefenders

  • Materials:

    • CompTIA Study Guides (Sybex, Jason Dion, Mike Chapple)

    • CompTIA CertMaster Learn

    • Practice tests (Whizlabs, ExamCompass)

  • Recommended platforms: TryHackMe (β€œSOC Level 1”), Hack The Box, CyberDefenders

πŸ“ 7. Exam Format and Details

  • Exam code: CS0-003 (current version)

  • Mode: Online or in-person (Pearson VUE)

  • Duration: 165 minutes

  • Questions: Max 85 (multiple choice + performance-based)

  • Languages: English, Japanese

  • Passing score: 750 / 900

  • Retake policy: No wait after 1st attempt

  • Certification validity: 3 years

πŸ’° 8. Estimated Cost

  • Exam fee: $392 USD

  • Training cost: $50–$800 USD depending on course provider

  • Renewal cost: Submit 60 CEUs or renew via CertMaster CE (subscription)

🌍 9. Industry Recognition

  • Demand/popularity: Widely accepted in entry/intermediate SOC and IR roles; DoD 8570 compliant

  • Organizations that value it: MSSPs, healthcare, finance, government SOCs

  • Comparison:

    • Broader and more practical than Security+

    • Less forensic-focused than GCFE or GCFR

    • More SIEM/IR focused than generalist GSEC

πŸ’Ό 10. Career Opportunities

  • Job roles:
    SOC Analyst, Incident Responder, Threat Detection Analyst, Cybersecurity Technician

  • Suggested paths:
    β†’ Security+ β†’ CySA+ β†’ GCIH / GCFR / SC-200
    β†’ CySA+ + MCFE = well-rounded Blue + Forensics foundation

πŸ’΅ 11. Average Salary

  • USA: $75,000–$95,000/year

  • Europe: €45,000–€70,000/year

  • Salary impact: Solid boost for entry to mid-level analysts

  • (Sources: CompTIA, PayScale, LinkedIn Jobs)

πŸ“… 12. Renewal and Maintenance

  • Validity: 3 years

  • Renewal options:

    • Submit 60 CEUs

    • Retake exam

    • Complete CertMaster CE pathway

🧭 13. Final Recommendations

  • Ideal for:
    Analysts transitioning into security operations, IR, or Blue Team roles with real-world log analysis and response skills

  • When to pursue:
    After Security+ or Network+, or after 1–2 years in SOC environments

  • Tips:
    Focus on log interpretation and SIEM use cases. Study MITRE ATT&CK patterns. Practice writing IR playbooks and understanding indicators of compromise (IOCs).