CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner

The CASP+ exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions, including performance-based and multiple-choice, assessing your understanding of security architecture, security operations, security engineering, governance, risk and compliance. You have 165 minutes to complete the exam.

The CASP+ exam is challenging, especially for those without substantial experience in the relevant domains. It's an advanced professional certification, and CompTIA recommends candidates have at least 10 years of experience in IT administration, including at least 5 years of hands-on technical security experience.

You can take the CASP+ exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or online through Pearson VUE's OnVUE service. Registration and scheduling details are available on the CompTIA website. If taking the exam in person, proper identification is required. Find more information on the Pearson VUE CompTIA page.

The Infosec CASP+ Boot Camp has onsite proctoring of the exam.

The CASP+ certification costs $494. Find up-to-date pricing for CompTIA exams on the CompTIA website.

Success on the CASP+ exam requires thorough preparation and familiarity with the objectives. It's beneficial to have substantial real-world experience and to use study materials, guides and practice exams specifically tailored to the CASP+ certification. Training programs and/or a CompTIA CASP+ Boot Camp help prepare you for success.

To pass the CASP+ exam, you need to get 80% of the no more than 90 questions correct. Your score is a pass or fail, with no scaled score. CompTIA provides a report of areas you get wrong but will not tell you your score.

The CASP+ certification is valid for three years. You will need to renew the certification by meeting continuing education requirements or passing the latest version of the exam.

To renew your CASP+ certification, you need to earn 75 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. You can acquire these through attending conferences, completing relevant courses or earning additional certifications.

The CompTIA website provides a detailed list of activities and opportunities for earning CPE credits, as well as information about the renewal fee, which is required to maintain the certification. Read Infosec’s article, Maintaining your CASP+ certification: Renewal requirements and CEUs for more.

CASP+ is considered more difficult for those who are less technically inclined, as it emphasizes more hands-on skills and the integration of complex security solutions than CISSP roles. However, CISSP might be considered more challenging for those without a broad understanding of the many domains of information security, including the managerial and policy-related aspects.

The CASP+ certification is a testament to your advanced-level skills in enterprise security, risk management and the integration of security solutions. Typical job titles for CASP+ certified individuals include:

• Enterprise security architect

• Security operations manager

• Information security manager

• Security engineer

• Security consultant

• Information assurance analyst

Explore our CASP+ certification job titles and career outlook article to discover common CASP+ job positions, salary prospects and tips for resumes and interviews.

The value of the CASP+ certification depends on your career trajectory and goals in cybersecurity. CASP+ is an industry-recognized credential that can enhance your qualifications in a highly competitive field.

The CASP+ is aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8140, which mandates specific certifications for certain cybersecurity roles within the department. If you're aiming for a senior-level position in cybersecurity, particularly within the DoD ecosystem, CASP+ can be a vital asset.

CASP+ certification holders are typically experienced professionals working in high-level security roles. The average CASP+ salary is around $92,000. However, specific roles that require this certification can potentially pay more. Here are some salary estimates for popular CASP+ job positions, as found in various sources:

• Enterprise security architect: $135,000

• Security operations manager: $77,000

• Information security manager: $115,000

• Security engineer: $110,000

• Security consultant: $105,000

These figures are averages, and actual salaries may vary based on location, experience and other factors.

CASP+ is one of CompTIA's specialized certifications aimed at professionals with substantial experience in the field. The exact number of CASP+ designation holders is not publicly disclosed, but according to CompTIA, more than 2.5 million people have a CompTIA certification.

CASP+ certification is often sought after in high-level cybersecurity-related job listings. General job boards like Monster, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed and others enable you to search by keywords like "CASP+" or related job titles.

There are also cybersecurity-specific job boards, such as ClearedJobs and infosec-jobs.com. Another great way to find openings is by joining local and national cybersecurity groups — such as ISSA or Women in Cybersecurity — joining local meetups or engaging in other cybersecurity forums and websites.

To prepare for your job interview, check out our Top 10 CASP+ Interview Questions article and download our free ebook of cybersecurity interview tips: How to stand out, get hired and advance your career.