Exam Overview

The CS0-004 CySA+ exam is the current exam for the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) credential and follows CompTIA’s published objectives for CS0-004.

• Exam Code: CS0-004
• Level: Professional CompTIA certification exam
• Duration: 165 minutes. Available languages: English.
• Passing Score: 750 on a scale of 100–900.
• Unscored Content: CompTIA may include unscored questions for research purposes; the number is not officially disclosed by the certification provider.

Exam Structure

The CS0-004 CySA+ exam contains a maximum of 85 questions and measures the weighted domains in the official CySA+ syllabus.

• Question Types: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
• Number of Questions: Maximum of 85.
• Hands-On Questions: Performance-based questions are included when specified in the official exam details; the exact number is not officially disclosed by the certification provider.

Exam Policies

Before completing CySA+ exam registration, review the CompTIA Candidate Agreement, testing policies, identification rules, Pearson VUE requirements, and appointment confirmation.

• Rescheduling: Change the appointment through the Pearson VUE account at least 24 hours before the scheduled time. A late change can forfeit the exam fee.
• Cancellation: Cancel through Pearson VUE at least 24 hours before the appointment. Missing the deadline or appointment normally forfeits the voucher or payment.
• Retake Policy: There is no waiting period between the first and second attempts. After a second or later failure, wait at least 14 calendar days before another attempt.
• Retake Fee: Each retake requires a new voucher or payment of the current CySA+ exam fee unless the original purchase explicitly includes retake protection.

Certification Validity and Renewal Options

Passing the CS0-004 CySA+ exam earns the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) credential.

• Validity: The CySA+ certification is valid for three years.
• Renewal Options: Renew by earning 60 CEUs, completing approved renewal activities, passing the latest exam, or earning an eligible higher-level certification.

Exam Fee

• Base CySA+ exam fee: CompTIA uses regional pricing. The current CySA+ exam fee is displayed in the CompTIA Marketplace and during registration. This is the main component of the CySA+ certification cost.
• Taxes: VAT, GST, or other local taxes may apply and can change the final CySA+ certification cost.
• Example (India): Review the INR price and applicable tax shown during CySA+ exam registration because CompTIA does not publish one universal tax-inclusive amount.

Prerequisites

Formal Prerequisites: CompTIA does not require another certification before candidates can schedule this exam.

• CompTIA recommends Network+ and Security+ knowledge plus about four years of hands-on experience as a SOC analyst, vulnerability analyst, or equivalent.
• Preparation should combine the current official CySA+ syllabus, approved learning resources, and hands-on practice appropriate to the target role.
• Verify the exam code before studying or purchasing a voucher because older versions can contain different objectives, weightings, and technologies.

Exam Topics

The official CySA+ syllabus contains the following weighted domains and preparation focus:

• Security Operations – 34%: architecture, log analysis, threat intelligence, detection, hunting, analytics, and security tooling.
• Vulnerability Management – 26%: scanning, validation, prioritization, remediation, attack-surface management, and exposure reporting.
• Incident Response and Management – 24%: preparation, detection, analysis, containment, eradication, recovery, forensics, and lessons learned.
• Reporting and Communication – 16%: metrics, reports, stakeholder communication, compliance evidence, and actionable recommendations.
• Integrated Skills Focus – The CS0-004 CySA+ exam requires candidates to connect decisions across all weighted domains rather than study each objective in isolation.
• Current Blueprint Focus – Review every task statement, acronym, and technology list in the official CySA+ syllabus before scheduling.

Intended Audience

The CS0-004 CySA+ exam is intended for professionals and learners whose work or goals align with its current objectives, including:

• SOC Analysts
• Cybersecurity Analysts
• Threat Hunters
• Vulnerability Analysts
• Incident Responders
• Security Engineers
• Blue-Team Professionals

Career Opportunities

Knowledge represented by the CS0-004 CySA+ exam supports development toward roles such as:

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• SOC Analyst
• Threat Hunter
• Vulnerability Management Analyst
• Incident Response Analyst
• Security Operations Engineer

Average Salary (Approximate)

CompTIA does not publish salary ranges for CySA+ holders. The following reputable employment-market estimates use closely related roles. Salaries vary by experience, employer, location, job role, and industry.

• United States: Approximately USD 90,000–150,000 per year for Cybersecurity Analysts (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• India: Approximately INR 600,000–1,800,000 per year for Cybersecurity Analysts (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• United Kingdom: Approximately GBP 42,000–75,000 per year for Cybersecurity Analysts (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• UAE: Approximately AED 120,000–270,000 per year for Cybersecurity Analysts (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).

Exam Delivery Options

During CySA+ exam registration, candidates can select an available Pearson VUE testing center or an online-proctored appointment when offered for the exam and location.

• Pearson VUE Test Center – Take the exam in person at an authorized testing center, subject to local appointment availability.
• Online Proctored Exam (OnVUE) – Take the exam remotely under live supervision when CompTIA and Pearson VUE make that option available.
• Online Exam Rules: Run the system test, use a private testing area and supported computer, present accepted identification, remove prohibited materials, and follow the proctor’s instructions.
• Test Center Rules: Arrive as directed, present accepted identification, store prohibited items, complete admission procedures, and follow the candidate agreement and center rules.

Exam Registration

Follow these steps to complete CySA+ exam registration:

• Visit the official Pearson VUE CompTIA portal and sign in with the CompTIA account used for certification records.
• Select the CS0-004 CySA+ exam, then choose an available test-center or online-proctored delivery option.
• Choose the language, location, date, and time, then verify the legal name, identification rules, and appointment policies.
• Pay the displayed CySA+ exam fee or apply an eligible voucher, confirm the booking, and retain the confirmation email.

After Passing the Exam

After passing the CS0-004 CySA+ exam, retain the score report and review the certification record in the CompTIA account.

• Passing the CS0-004 CySA+ exam earns the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) credential.
• Use the CompTIA certification account to review credential status, expiration information, digital badges, transcripts, and Continuing Education requirements.
• Follow the current renewal rules for the credential and keep professional contact details current so important certification notices are received.

Why the CS0-004 CySA+ exam Is Worth It

• Validates skills against the current CompTIA-published objectives
• Demonstrates vendor-neutral technical capability
• Uses role-relevant, scenario-based assessment methods
• Creates a recognized foundation for career growth and continuing development