So, you’re gearing up to earn your cybersecurity analyst certification—awesome choice.The CompTIA CySA+ exam is a globally recognized credential that proves you have the intermediate-level cybersecurity skills to detect, analyze, and respond to security threats.
It’s a key step for anyone serious about a cybersecurity career and sits right between the CompTIA certification levels of CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA CASP+ certifications.
But before you dive into study mode, there’s one question nearly every test-taker asks: What score do I need to pass the CySA+ exam—and how is it calculated?
Understanding the CompTIA CySA+ passing score 2025 is critical for your preparation strategy, helping you study smarter, not harder.
Many people misunderstand how CompTIA scores exams. Don’t worry—this guide breaks it all down clearly and simply. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect (and what that “750” really means).
Start your CySA+ journey today with Prepsaret’s trusted study materials and realistic CySA+ practice test—your smartest path to a passing score.
What Is the CompTIA CySA+ Passing Score?
To pass the CompTIA CySA+ exam, you’ll need a minimum score to pass CompTIA CySA+ of 750 on a scale of 100 to 900. Sounds straightforward, right? Well, there’s a bit more to it.
CompTIA uses a CompTIA scoring method known as scaled scoring to make sure the exam is fair, no matter which version you take.
Because not every test form is identical—some questions may be slightly harder or easier—scaled scoring ensures your final score reflects your actual performance level, not the luck of the draw.
This means the number of questions you must get right to pass can vary slightly from one test-taker to another. One person might need to answer a few more questions correctly than another depending on their specific exam version.
How the CompTIA CySA+ Exam Is Scored
The CySA+ isn’t scored the same way as your average classroom test. Instead of simply counting correct answers, how the CompTIA CySA+ exam is scored depends on a CompTIA CySA+ grading system that converts your raw results into a standardized score.
This ensures fairness and consistency across all exam versions.
Let’s unpack what that really means.
Scaled Score vs. Raw Score Explained
Your raw score is the total number of questions you answer correctly. If you get 70 out of 85 questions right, that’s your raw score.
But your scaled score—the one you actually see on your exam report—is a converted number that accounts for the varying difficulty of each question set.
Scaled score vs raw score is important to understand because CompTIA’s exam performance scale adjusts results to maintain fairness.
Think of it like grading on a curve. For example, if you and a friend both score 70 correct answers, but your version had harder questions, your scaled score might be 760 while your friend’s could be 740. That’s the power of scaling—it levels the playing field.
Learn more: CompTIA CySA+ Exam Objectives
CySA+ Exam Grading Breakdown
CompTIA doesn’t reveal its exact scoring algorithm, but here’s what we do know: The CySA+ exam includes both multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs).
Performance-based questions typically carry more weight because they test real-world problem-solving, not just theoretical knowledge.
Unanswered questions automatically count as incorrect, so it’s always better to make an educated guess rather than skip.
Also, keep in mind that some questions on your test are unscored beta items, which contribute to the CySA+ beta exam score dataset.
These trial questions don’t affect your score—they’re used by CompTIA to test new content for future versions of the exam. You won’t know which ones they are, though, so treat every question like it counts.
How Many Questions Do You Need to Pass the CompTIA CySA+?
The CompTIA CySA+ exam format usually contains up to 85 questions, and you have 165 minutes to complete it.
Because the CySA+ passing marks is 750 out of 900, you’ll likely need to answer around 80–85% of the questions correctly to pass. The exact number depends on factors like:
- The overall difficulty of your exam version
- How many performance-based versus multiple-choice questions you get
- The number of unscored beta questions included
So while there’s no fixed number of “correct answers” needed, aiming for consistent accuracy across all question types will keep you safely above the passing threshold.
This answers the common question of how many questions to pass CompTIA CySA+ and what is the passing score for CompTIA CySA+.
CySA+ Exam Format and Grading System
Understanding how the CompTIA CySA+ grading system and exam structure works can make all the difference between passing and missing the mark.
This isn’t just a multiple-choice quiz—it’s a deep dive into how well you can think, analyze, and respond like a true cybersecurity pro.
The CompTIA CySA+ exam format (CS0-003) is scored on a CompTIA CySA+ scoring scale of 100 to 900, and you’ll need at least 750 points to pass.
CompTIA uses a CompTIA scoring method, meaning your raw score (how many questions you got right) is adjusted based on question difficulty. So don’t panic if some questions feel tougher than others—it’s all part of the process.
Related blog post: CompTIA CySA+ (cs0-003) Certification Guide
CySA+ Beta Exam Score Insights
Before the full version of the CySA+ exam is released, CompTIA runs something called a beta exam. Think of it as a test run for the test itself. Beta exam takers get early access to the new version, helping CompTIA gather data on which questions are too easy, too hard, or just right.
But here’s the catch—beta takers don’t get their scores immediately. CompTIA uses their results to set the scoring standards for everyone else. Once those standards are established, beta exam results are scaled to the same CompTIA CySA+ scoring scale as the final version.
So if you ever take a beta version, patience is key. Your results might take a few months, but you’ll have helped shape the future version of the exam—and that’s pretty cool.
CySA+ Passing Score Percentage and Pass Rate
Now for the question on everyone’s mind: What CySA+ passing score percentage do you need to pass the exam?
Here’s the deal—CompTIA doesn’t publicly release CySA+ exam score rates or CySA+ exam grading breakdown. Because of the scaled scoring model, there’s no simple “you need 80% correct” answer.
However, training providers and community reports like CySA+ pass rate Reddit threads and Comptia cysa+ passing score reddit discussions estimate that around 60–70% of test-takers pass on their first try.
For more detailed insights, some learners even refer to unofficial guides like Comptia cysa+ passing score pdf to understand trends and preparation strategies.
That means the exam isn’t impossible—but it’s no walk in the park either.
The good news? With consistent study, hands-on labs, and quality CySA+ practice test resources, you can dramatically boost your odds. Preparation really is the secret weapon.
Is the CompTIA CySA+ Hard to Pass?
Let’s be honest: is CompTIA CySA+ hard to pass? Yes, it’s challenging—but totally doable.
Most people rate it as moderate to difficult, especially if you’re new to cybersecurity analytics or haven’t worked with tools like SIEM systems, vulnerability scanners, or network monitoring software.
What makes it tough?
- Performance-based simulations (PBQs) that test your ability to solve real-world problems.
- Time management, since 85 questions in 165 minutes can feel like a sprint.
- Complex threat analysis questions that push you to think like a cyber defender.
But here’s the truth—if you put in the time, practice smart, and use trusted prep tools, you absolutely can pass. Every CySA+ certified professional once stood where you are now, wondering if they could do it. And they did. So will you.
Read on: CompTIA CySA+ Training
How to Interpret Your CySA+ Test Results
After you hit that final “submit,” you’ll get CySA+ test results that tell you much more than just a pass or fail.
Your report shows your overall CySA+ exam score, performance by domain, and proficiency levels in each area. These exam domains and weightings indicate how strong you were in each key topic, such as Threat Detection, Security Operations, or Incident Response.
If you pass—congrats. If not, don’t stress. CompTIA allows retakes with a waiting period of 14 days between attempts.
Use your score report as a roadmap for improvement. Focus your next round of study on the areas where you scored the lowest, and you’ll walk into your next exam far more prepared.
Tips to Pass the CompTIA CySA+ Exam on the First Try
Passing the CompTIA CySA+ exam on your first try isn’t about luck—it’s all about preparation, structure, and smart study habits.
You don’t need to be a cybersecurity genius to succeed; you just need the right plan and consistency. Here are some tried-and-true tips to pass the CompTIA CySA+ exam with confidence:
- Create a Structured Study Plan: Set a clear timeline—ideally 6 to 10 weeks—that fits your schedule. Break your study sessions into focused chunks instead of cramming everything in a few days.
- Use Trusted CySA+ Study Materials: Use Prepsaret’s study guides, videos, and CySA+ practice test aligned with CySA+ exam objectives.
- Take Full-Length Practice Exams: Treat these like the actual test to gauge your readiness and manage time effectively.
- Master PBQs: These performance-based questions heavily influence your exam performance scale results.
- Review CompTIA’s Official Exam Objectives: Knowing every topic ensures you meet all CySA+ certification requirements.
- Join Study Groups: Interact on platforms like Reddit or Discord for peer insights and CySA+ pass rate Reddit experiences.
- Simulate the Exam Environment: Mimicking test-day conditions boosts confidence and performance.
With the right resources and consistency, you’ll master every part of the CompTIA CySA+ exam.
Try this out: CompTIA CySA+ Free Questions
Additional Key Info: Cost, Salary, and Related Certifications
So how much does all this cost—and what’s the payoff? The CompTIA CySA+ exam cost currently sits around $392 USD, though regional pricing may vary.
When it comes to pay, CompTIA CySA+ salary averages between $70,000 and $95,000 per year, depending on role and experience.
If you’re looking to expand further, explore the PenTest+ passing score requirements next, or step into advanced roles through other CompTIA certification levels.
Related certifications include:
- CompTIA PenTest+ (for offensive security skills)
- CompTIA Security+ (for foundational skills)
- CompTIA CASP+ (for senior cybersecurity professionals)
CompTIA CySA+ Passing Score: FAQs
How Hard Is The CySA+ Exam?
The CySA+ exam is considered moderately difficult because it tests both theoretical knowledge and practical skills like incident analysis, threat detection, and security tool use.
It includes scenario-based performance questions, requiring candidates to apply cybersecurity concepts in real-world contexts.
What Is The Entry-Level Salary For CySA+?
Entry-level professionals with CySA+ certification can expect starting salaries typically between $60,000 and $75,000, depending on location, experience, and industry.
The credential enhances job prospects in cybersecurity analyst roles, which tend to offer competitive remuneration.
What Is A Passing Score On The CySA Exam Reddit?
On Reddit, users commonly mention a passing score of 750 out of 900 for the CySA+ exam. This aligns with official scoring scales and implies about 83% is needed. Discussions point out that performance-based questions add to complexity but the score threshold remains stable.
Is Security+ Harder Than CySA+?
Security+ is often viewed as a foundational certification covering a broad range of cybersecurity basics, while CySA+ is more specialized and advanced.
Some find CySA+ harder due to its focus on real-world threat detection and response, though difficulty varies by candidate experience.
Is CompTIA CySA+ Entry Level?
No, CySA+ is not considered entry-level. It is an intermediate to advanced certification intended for cybersecurity professionals with some prior experience. It demands knowledge of threat management, intrusion detection, and security operations beyond entry-level concepts.
These answers summarize key points about CySA+ exam passing criteria, difficulty, salary expectations, and certification level, reflecting current industry insights and candidate discussions.
Final Thoughts
Passing the CompTIA CySA+ exam isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about developing real, applicable cybersecurity skills that employers value.
So take a deep breath, use the right resources, and study with intention. Every question and lab completed brings you closer to your CompTIA CySA+ passing score 2025 and beyond.
Get certified today—start your cybersecurity analyst certification journey with confidence and take your career to the next level.