CASP+CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
Advanced vendor-neutral security for practitioners, not managers
Details last reviewed January 2026. Fees and exam formats change — always confirm on the official page.
About this certification
CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+; current exam CAS-005) is the highest-level CompTIA security certification, targeting senior security engineers and architects. Unlike CISSP which is management-focused, CASP+ validates hands-on technical skills — enterprise security architecture, risk management, cryptography, and advanced threat analysis.
MyCertPath verdict
CompTIA's expert-tier credential for senior security engineers and architects — and one of CompTIA's only DoD 8570 IAT Level III qualifiers alongside CISSP. Worth pursuing when moving from hands-on into architecture, governance, or technical leadership. As of 2025 the credential is branded SecurityX (exam CAS-005); CASP+ as a name is retired.
What it actually tests
Up to 90 questions in 165 minutes, including multiple PBQs that simulate architecture-level decisions — selecting controls for a multi-cloud environment, designing a zero-trust rollout, evaluating cryptographic choices for a specific compliance regime. The exam expects genuine breadth across enterprise security topics.
Common traps
Things candidates underestimate or get wrong on this exam.
- Studying for CAS-004. That exam is retired; CAS-005 / SecurityX is the current version.
- Approaching it as 'Security+ with more questions.' SecurityX is genuinely architecture-level.
- Skipping governance and risk. The non-technical domains carry significant weight.
What you'll validate
- ✓Enterprise security architecture
- ✓Risk and vulnerability assessment
- ✓Cryptographic techniques
- ✓Security operations and incident response
- ✓Integration of enterprise security
- ✓Research and collaboration
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +DoD 8570/8140 approved at IAT Level III and IAM Level II
- +Vendor-neutral technical credential
- +Validates architecture skills CISSP doesn't
Disadvantages
- −Less name recognition than CISSP in non-government sectors
- −Niche — targeted at technical practitioners only
Who it's for
Best for
- →Senior security engineers wanting a technical (not management) cert
- →Government/DoD contractors needing IAT Level III
- →Those who want CISSP-level recognition in technical roles
Not ideal for
- ×Security managers (use CISSP or CISM)
- ×Entry or mid-level security professionals
Career paths this unlocks
CASP+: quick answers
- How much does the CASP+ exam cost?
- The listed exam fee is $484 (USD). Fees vary by region and change over time — confirm on the official page before you buy.
- How long does it take to prepare for CASP+?
- We estimate roughly 200 hours of study for most candidates; your time depends on prior experience.
- How long is the CASP+ exam?
- The exam is 165 minutes with about 90 questions.
- How long is the CASP+ credential valid?
- 3 years. 60 CEUs every 3 years
Study Resources
Contains affiliate linksTop picks for CASP+
Register for the exam
Official vouchers — watch for bundle discounts and CompTIA CertMaster bundles
More places to study
Self-paced video courses from independent instructors
Courses and certificates from universities and companies
Practice tests and hands-on labs for IT certifications
Printed and Kindle exam guides
Subscription video courses
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Jobs for CASP+ holders
Pay depends on role, location, and experience more than on any single credential. Check current postings below for real ranges in your market.
LinkedIn Jobs
Posted in the last 7 days
Indeed
Dice (tech roles)
Tech-focused job board
CyberSeek (cyber only)
NIST-backed supply/demand tool
Job links open external sites. Search results are live and not curated by MyCertPath.
Quick Facts
- Exam Cost
- $484
- Exam Duration
- 165 minutes
- Questions
- ~90
- Passing Score
- Pass/Fail (no numerical score)
- Exam Format
- Multiple Choice + Performance
- Study Time
- ~200 hours
- Validity
- 3 years
- Salary Impact
- Strong (editorial rating)
- Last Reviewed
- January 2026
Prerequisites
- !Security+ and 10+ years of IT administration experience
- !5+ years of hands-on security experience
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