Is it CompTIA CASP+ worth it in 2025? Costs, salary & FAQ

What is the CompTIA CASP+ Certification?

CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner) was CompTIA’s advanced, hands-on cybersecurity certification for experienced technical practitioners (security architects and senior security engineers). In December 2024, CompTIA updated and rebranded CASP+ to SecurityX (V5, exam CAS-005) with refreshed objectives and domains aligned to current practice across cloud, on-prem and hybrid environments.

SecurityX validates your ability to design, build and implement secure solutions across complex enterprise environments, support resilient operations, and address governance, risk and compliance. It continues the CASP+ focus on practitioner-level skills rather than management-only content.

Exam at a glance (SecurityX / CAS-005):

• Version & Code: V5, CAS-005 (launched 17 December 2024)
• Format: Up to 90 questions, a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs)
• Time: 165 minutes
• Scoring: Pass/Fail (no scaled score disclosed)
• Languages: English (others TBA)
• Recommended experience: ~10 years general IT with 5 years hands-on security (or equivalent knowledge pathway via CompTIA Security+/CySA+/Cloud+/PenTest+)
• PBQs: SecurityX includes both simulation and full virtual-environment PBQs, assessing real-world tasks; partial credit may apply.

Why is the CASP+ / SecurityX Certification so popular?

1. Hands-on, practitioner focus. SecurityX is designed for senior security engineers and security architects responsible for building and hardening enterprise-scale solutions—ideal for practitioners who prefer technical depth over managerial frameworks alone.
2. Modern coverage. The V5 update expands domains like cloud security, zero trust, IaC/automation, and advanced cryptography, reflecting what practitioners use daily.
3. Global vendor credibility. CompTIA’s expert-level credential sits atop a well-known pathway (Security+, CySA+, PenTest+ → SecurityX), making it recognisable across employers and markets.

Is the CASP+ / SecurityX Certification worth it today?

Short answer: Yes—if you’re an experienced practitioner aiming at senior, architecture-led roles. The certification aligns strongly with in-demand job tasks (cloud and hybrid security, automation, incident response, GRC integration). It also maps to advanced roles highlighted by CompTIA (e.g., security architect, senior security engineer, SOC manager, security control assessor).

Industry data reinforces the demand for advanced cybersecurity and networking capability. The (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2024 reports a global workforce gap of ~4.8 million professionals and an increasingly challenging threat landscape—evidence that validated senior skills remain valuable. In parallel, Cisco’s Global Networking Trends underscores the shift to converged network–security platforms and AI-enabled operations, which elevate the importance of senior engineers who can design secure, automated, multicloud networks—the very territory SecurityX covers.

Pros of CASP+ / SecurityX Certification

1) Job availability

The persistent skills shortage and growing complexity of hybrid/cloud environments create strong demand for advanced practitioners. The (ISC)² 2024 data shows workforce growth has stalled while the gap has expanded, heightening risk exposure and the need for senior capability. Fortinet’s 2024 global survey (which includes Australia and NZ in its sample) similarly finds boards are more focused on cybersecurity and organisations are prioritising training and certifications to close gaps.

2) CASP+ / SecurityX salary potential

CompTIA positions SecurityX as a pathway to higher compensation via senior technical roles such as security architect and senior security engineer—roles that typically command premium pay relative to entry- and mid-level jobs.

3) Global recognition

SecurityX is an expert-level CompTIA certification with ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation heritage from CASP+, and it’s known globally across employers and industries—useful if you work with multinational teams or plan a future move.

4) Career pathways

SecurityX sits at the apex of CompTIA’s cybersecurity track (Security+ → CySA+ / PenTest+ → SecurityX) and maps to advanced practitioner roles aligned to frameworks like NICE/DoD 8140—handy when you’re targeting architecture, engineering or SOC leadership positions.

Cons of CASP+ / SecurityX Certification

1) Cost considerations (including the exam fee in Australia)

CompTIA sells SecurityX exam vouchers and bundles via its regionalised online store, with pricing shown in your local currency at checkout (Australian residents select Australia in the store). Prices vary by region and may change, and CompTIA offers bundle discounts/financing that can reduce overall cost. Always check the store for the latest Australian pricing and promotions.

Tip: If you’re budget-conscious, compare the exam-only voucher against CompTIA bundles (e.g., Learn + Labs + Voucher + Retake) to decide what delivers best value for how you prefer to learn and prepare.

2) Evolving industry demands

Cloud, zero trust, automation, and AI continue to transform the work. Cisco forecasts rapid convergence of networking + security and broad adoption of AI-enabled operations—skills SecurityX covers, but you’ll still need to upskill continuously after the exam.

3) Certification difficulty

SecurityX is not entry-level. CompTIA recommends around 10 years in IT, 5 years hands-on security, and assesses via PBQs in virtual/simulated environments during a 165-minute sitting—demanding strong time management and deep experience.

Where to begin to get your CASP+ / SecurityX Certification

1. Review official objectives on the SecurityX page to scope your study plan by domain weights and outcomes.
2. Build a blended plan: self-study + labs + practice, or instructor-led training if you prefer guided preparation. (CompTIA bundles can combine CertMaster Learn/Labs/Practice with a voucher/retake.)
3. Practise PBQs. Read CompTIA’s PBQ guidance to understand simulation vs. full virtual items and strategies for partial credit.
4. Plan renewal early via CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) Program (see next section).

Logitrain note: Our advanced cybersecurity training course is designed to help experienced practitioners prepare specifically for the SecurityX (formerly CASP+) exam domains and PBQs with Australian schedules and support. (Course delivery information is provided by Logitrain.)

Key topics covered in CASP+ / SecurityX

SecurityX V5 domains (with typical weightings):

• Security engineering (31%) – automation and scripting (PowerShell/Bash/Python), IaC, SOAR, vulnerability management (SCAP/CVE/CVSS), advanced cryptography (PQC, homomorphic encryption) and applied crypto for data at rest/in transit/in use.
• Security architecture (27%) – zero trust, SASE/SD-WAN, micro-segmentation, CASB, cloud data security, CI/CD, container and serverless security.
• Governance, risk & compliance (20%) – frameworks (NIST CSF, COBIT, ISO/IEC 27000), threat modelling (MITRE ATT&CK/STRIDE), asset/config management, data governance.
• Security operations (22%) – SIEM/UEBA, threat hunting (OSINT, ISACs, STIX/TAXII, YARA/Sigma), incident response and malware analysis.

Renewal and validity

CompTIA expert-level certifications (including CASP+/SecurityX) are typically valid for three years and can be renewed through CE activities (e.g., training, higher-level certs, teaching, publishing, work experience) by earning the required CEUs within your cycle.

FAQ — Straight answers for Australian learners

Is a CASP+ / SecurityX enough to get a job?

It’s an advanced credential that strengthens your case for senior technical roles, but employers still expect relevant experience, evidence of hands-on work (projects, incident response, architecture designs), and soft skills. SecurityX maps directly to senior roles (e.g., security architect, senior security engineer, SOC manager), making it a strong differentiator when paired with experience.

Is CASP+ / SecurityX worth it in Australia?

Yes—Australia faces the same talent pressures highlighted globally by (ISC)² and major vendors. As organisations converge networking and security and scale cloud, there’s strong appetite for architecture and engineering capability validated by SecurityX.

Does having a CASP+ / SecurityX certification pay well?

CompTIA positions SecurityX as a pathway to higher salary via advanced practitioner roles. Actual pay depends on role, sector and location; use local market data to benchmark titles like Security Architect and Senior Security Engineer.

Is the CASP+ / SecurityX exam very difficult?

It is challenging: 165 minutes, up to 90 items, including virtual PBQs that cannot be skipped and test real-world troubleshooting. CompTIA recommends significant experience before sitting.

Is the certification stressful?

Any long exam with PBQs can feel intense. Knowing the PBQ flow (simulation vs. virtual, skip rules, partial credit) and practising time management lowers stress on the day.

How many people fail CASP+ / SecurityX?

CompTIA does not publish pass or fail rates for any exam. Avoid unofficial pass-rate figures and focus on aligning your study to the official objectives and PBQ practice.

What’s the exam cost/fee in Australia?

CompTIA’s regional store displays the current Australian price in AUD at checkout (vouchers are region- and currency-restricted). Pricing can change, and bundle options may reduce overall cost; check the store when you’re ready to book.

The future of networking (and security) jobs in Australia

Networking and security are converging. Cisco reports a strong two-year outlook for integrated multicloud networking + security platforms and AI-enabled automation—skills that sit squarely in the SecurityX toolbox (e.g., zero trust, SD-WAN/SASE, IaC, automation). Meanwhile, (ISC)² data highlights a deepening skills gap and rising risk exposure, which increases demand for senior talent that can architect resilient, automated, compliant environments.

Bottom line for Australia: If you can demonstrate SecurityX-level capability and real-world outcomes (e.g., reference architectures, hardening standards, incident retros), you’ll be well-placed as organisations double down on secure digital infrastructure.