Is the CompTIA CYSA+ Worth It? Cost, Comparison, Benefits
There are numerous types of certifications that are often recommended by professionals for individuals who have just started their career in the field of IT. But often these recommendations are then questioned by a statement whether this certification is worth their time and energy or not? For all the logical assumptions involved in the interpretation of the statement, there is one thing to consider only, which is how you see this certification advancing your career in the upcoming future?
This article is dedicated to unearthing the reasons and other critical points regarding the CompTIA CYSA+ certification, whether it is worth your time or not. First of all, this is a senior or expert level CompTIA cybersecurity analyst certification that is highly recommended by the professionals. Not only can it land you a decent job in the IT sector but also sharpen your current cybersecurity skills and practices.
Required experience for CompTIA CYSA+
CompTIA CYSA+ is an analyst level job or certification that involves the professional to take a closer look among various IT-based perspectives such as networking, asset management, performing penetration testing to unearth the potential nodes of the breach, and vice versa. Many certifications that you will come around in your career will require some experience level from you, but this certification is exempted from this rule.
This certification doesn’t imply any restrictions. So, anybody can take the exam regardless of the current level of experience or professional skills in the IT sector. Although CompTIA recommends that you do have at least 3-4 year hands-on experience with various IT related fields such as network implementation, working with multiple security systems, and or indulging yourself deep into the cyber-security world. Although those professionals who have passed the CompTIA+ or Security+ certifications are recommended the most to take part in this specific type of certification.
Exam costs? Is it over-priced?
One of the most significant concerns for the professionals who are indulging themselves in an exam or specific certification is the cost of the examination, so is CompTIA CYSA+ overpriced? The answer here would be no; it is not overpriced not even in the slightest. Currently, the price of the certification is somewhat in between the $350-360 which is way more cheaper than any other intermediate level certifications you can get your hands on.
Some of the higher-level certifications even cost more than $600 which is not a pleasant sight for some beginner level candidates or people still struggling with their current jobs. But continuing with this specific type, of course, will open other dimensions and portals of success and will sharpen your skills to the ultimate level.
How does it compare to the Pentest+ and other similar exams?
As you might have grabbed a glimpse of description from the title that CompTIA CYSA+ is an analyst level certification that involves certain measures of communication, connecting chords with different IT sections and performing asset management and deployment of relevant standards as well.
Now you must be wondering that how it best compliments or mix with other similar cybersecurity certifications or examinations. For instance, if we take into account the Pentest+ certification that is involved with the penetration testing applications and related services is mixed with the CompTIA CYSA+ certification to bridge the gap of knowledge and skills that are covered within the CompTIA Security+ certification.
Both Pentest+ and CompTIA CYSA+ certifications are different but provides with a broadened view of the IT-based systems and the knowledge of IT analysis and penetration testing combined into one.
Although the two certifications can be offered either at similar or later intervals but both of these can't be the same. Both are without any doubt are offered by the CompTIA, but the level of technique and skills provided to the professionals are entirely different here. The CompTIA CYSA+ deals with the defensive techniques and skills that can be implemented to render a particular IT-based system safe from the known attackers and illicit hackers.
On the other hand, Penetration testing is more focused on the attack based narrative in which specific systems are consistently attacked within a controlled environment and their vulnerabilities are then unearthed.
Similarly, if you want to compare the CompTIA CYSA+ with the CEH or certified ethical hacker certification, then you will still be at complete odds. The CompTIA CYSA+ is more affordable and focused on a specific knowledge than the CEH certification. Even the exams for these two certifications are at full odds with each other as the level of complexity and difficulty is way higher with CEH then it ever will be with CompTIA CYSA+ certification.
Benefits of CompTIA CYSA+
There are various known benefits of the CompTIA CYSA+ certification, but some of them include the following;
Threat management
If you were to take part in this particular examination, then you will get a hands-on experience of using various specific tools and techniques which can be used for threat management and identification applications. You can analyze the result of multiple IT based tests that you have applied to implement the recommended level of response.
Vulnerability management
Apart from learning various responses that can be implemented following particular levels of threats, you will also learn the potential skills required to determine the potential nodes of vulnerabilities. When certain vulnerabilities are detected, then you can implement the security measures following which those particular vulnerabilities can be eradicated.
Security architecture development
You will learn various beneficial skills, such as the development and the deployment of security-based architecture. To take away many privileges such as unauthorized access from illicit cybercriminals and attackers. Implementation of various firewalls will help you to keep multiple cybercriminals and hackers at bay from entering into the secured networks.
CYSA+ boot camp is a dedicated preparation body that is approached by various IT professionals or candidates looking forward to acquiring the CompTIA CYSA+ certification. Although it is recommended to join online boot camps rather than the physical boot camps, it will offer more convenience and agile interaction of the candidates with the fundamental aspects of the certification.