How to Prepare for the CompTIA CASP+ Exam
If you’re an experienced cybersecurity professional looking to level up your career, the CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) certification might be your next big step.
This advanced-level certification is designed for security architects and engineers who need hands-on expertise in enterprise security.
But here’s the catch: CASP+ is tough. It’s not a beginner-friendly exam like Security+ or CySA+. It demands deep technical knowledge and the ability to think critically about complex security scenarios.
That’s why proper preparation is essential. If you’re wondering how to prepare for the CompTIA CASP+ exam, there are multiple resources available, including Reddit discussions, PDF study guides, and online practice tests to help structure your study plan.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about CASP+, from its purpose and benefits to practical study tips. Ready to conquer the CASP+ exam? Let’s dive in!
What is the CompTIA CASP+ Exam?
The CompTIA CASP+ (CAS-004) is an advanced cybersecurity certification designed for technical professionals who implement and manage enterprise security solutions. Unlike managerial certifications like CISSP, CASP+ focuses on hands-on technical skills rather than governance and policy.
This exam covers:
- Risk management – Identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks.
- Enterprise security architecture – Designing and securing complex environments.
- Enterprise security operations – Managing incident response and security automation.
- Technical integration of security solutions – Implementing advanced security measures.
- Cryptography and blockchain technology – Protecting data with advanced encryption techniques.
With 90 performance-based and multiple-choice questions, the 165-minute exam is designed to challenge even seasoned cybersecurity pros.
If you’re wondering how hard is the CASP+ exam, it’s considered one of the more difficult CompTIA certifications due to its focus on hands-on skills and real-world problem-solving.
Read more: CompTIA CASP+ Certification
Understanding the Purpose and Benefits of CASP+
Why is CASP+ Worth It?
The CASP+ certification proves that you have expert-level technical skills in cybersecurity. It validates your ability to assess security risks, design enterprise solutions, and troubleshoot security incidents—all in real-world environments.
How is CASP+ Different from Other Certifications?
| Certification | Focus | Who It’s For? |
| CASP+ | Hands-on advanced security skills | Security Engineers, Architects |
| CISSP | Security governance & management | Security Managers, CISOs |
| CISM | Risk management & compliance | IT Risk Managers |
| CEH | Ethical hacking & penetration testing | Red Team/Penetration Testers |
If you love hands-on technical problem-solving more than management and policy, CASP+ is the right certification for you!
Find out: CompTIA CASP+ vs CISSP: Which is Better?
CompTIA CASP+ Exam Cost and Salary Benefits
The CompTIA CASP+ exam cost varies by location, but in the U.S., the price is approximately $480. Investing in this certification can be worthwhile, as CompTIA CASP+ salary levels are competitive, with certified professionals earning $110,000+ per year on average.
The certification meets DoD 8570 compliance, making it an excellent choice for government and defense-related cybersecurity roles.
Best Way to Study for CASP+
Preparation is key to passing the exam. Here are the best resources for CASP+ exam preparation:
- CASP+ Study Guide – Official and third-party study guides provide structured material.
- CASP+ Practice Questions – Regular practice helps reinforce key concepts.
- CASP+ Exam Objectives – Understanding the official domains ensures you cover all topics.
- CASP+ Practice Test Online Free – Websites offer free tests to assess your readiness.
- CompTIA CASP+ Exam Tips – Study strategies, time management, and test-taking techniques.
- How to Prepare for the CompTIA CASP+ Exam PDF – Many study guides are available in downloadable PDF formats.
- How to Prepare for the CompTIA CASP+ Exam Reddit Discussions – Learn from others’ experiences and get study advice.
CompTIA CASP+ Exam Preparation Strategy
- Understand the CASP+ Exam Objectives – CompTIA outlines the specific topics covered in the exam.
- Use a CASP+ Study Guide – Choose a well-reviewed guide to build foundational knowledge.
- Practice with CASP+ Practice Questions – Test yourself regularly to gauge progress.
- Take a CASP+ Practice Test Online Free – Simulated exams help with time management.
- Engage with the Community – Join Reddit CASP+ forums for tips from past test-takers.
- Hands-on Learning – Apply knowledge through labs and security tools.
CASP+ Exam Format and Passing Criteria
The CASP+ exam isn’t just another multiple-choice test—you’ll face a mix of performance-based and multiple-choice questions that simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios.
Exam Breakdown:
- Number of Questions: ~90
- Types of Questions: Multiple-choice & performance-based
- Duration: 165 minutes
- Passing Criteria: Pass/Fail (no scaled score)
Scoring System and What It Takes to Pass CASP+
Unlike other CompTIA exams, CASP+ doesn’t have a specific passing score. Instead, it’s simply pass or fail, meaning you need to demonstrate a strong overall understanding of security concepts.
Performance-based questions (PBQs) have a big impact on your score. These test your ability to solve security problems in real-world scenarios.
Time management is key! Start with the easier multiple-choice questions first, then tackle the PBQs.
Pro Tip: Practice PBQs ahead of time so you’re comfortable working through them efficiently. Consider enrolling in a CASP+ bootcamp to gain hands-on experience with these question types.
Related post: CompTIA CASP+ Exam Objectives
Essential Study Materials for CASP+ Preparation
To ace CASP+, you’ll need high-quality study materials. The right resources can make or break your preparation!
Must-Have CASP+ Study Guides and Online Courses
- CompTIA CASP+ Official Study Guide – Covers all exam objectives with hands-on exercises.
- CASP+ Practice Tests – Taking practice exams will help you identify weak areas and build confidence. You can find CASP+ practice tests free online or buy CASP+ practice tests for additional preparation.
- Online Training Courses & Video Tutorials – Platforms like Prepsaret, LinkedIn Learning, and Pluralsight offer excellent video courses. Explore the best CASP+ training courses to find one that suits your learning style.
- Instructor-Led Training – If you prefer guided learning, consider CompTIA’s official training or a bootcamp.
Check this out: CompTIA CASP+ Free Questions
Best Study Strategies to Pass the CASP+ Exam
The CASP+ exam is designed for experienced cybersecurity professionals, so it requires more than just passive studying. You need a well-structured CASP+ exam study plan, a mix of theory and hands-on practice, and enough time to absorb complex topics.
Effective Study Plans and Time Management Tips
Create a Study Schedule
Set a clear study schedule that covers all exam domains, including risk management, enterprise security, research and collaboration, and integration of computing, communications, and business disciplines.
How long to study for CASP+? It depends on your experience level:
- Beginners: At least 12 weeks with 10-15 hours per week.
- Intermediate learners: About 8-10 weeks with 8-12 hours per week.
- Experienced professionals: Around 4-6 weeks, focusing on hands-on practice and review.
Balance Theory with Hands-on Practice
Don’t just read the materials—apply what you learn. Use practical exercises and labs to reinforce key concepts. Schedule a mix of reading, video courses, and real-world simulations in your weekly plan.
Recommended Hands-on Practice for CASP+
The CASP+ exam is heavily focused on performance-based questions, meaning practical experience is a must. It’s not enough to memorize security concepts—you need to apply them in real-world scenarios.
Using Labs and Simulations for Real-World Application
- Virtual Labs and Simulations
- CompTIA CertMaster Labs – Official interactive labs designed for CASP+ candidates.
- TryHackMe & Hack The Box – Great platforms for cybersecurity challenges and penetration testing exercises.
- Cybrary & INE – Offer guided labs for hands-on security training.
- Set Up a Home Lab
- A virtualization platform like VMware or VirtualBox.
- Virtual machines running Windows Server, Linux, and Kali Linux.
- Security tools like Wireshark, Metasploit, and Splunk.
- Practice setting up firewalls, monitoring networks, and testing security protocols.
Final Tips and Exam Day Strategies
As your exam day approaches, shift your focus from learning new material to reviewing key concepts and practicing test-taking strategies.
How to Manage Time Effectively During the CASP+ Exam
The CASP+ exam includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions that test your ability to solve real-world security problems. Here’s how to stay on track:
Answer Performance-Based Questions First
These questions take longer, so tackle them while your mind is fresh. If you’re stuck, don’t dwell too long—mark it and move on.
Manage Your Time Wisely
- The exam is 165 minutes long with no set number of questions, so pace yourself.
- Spend about 3-5 minutes per multiple-choice question.
- Allocate extra time for scenario-based and hands-on performance questions.
Stay Calm and Focused
- Get a good night’s sleep before the exam.
- Read each question carefully—don’t rush!
- Use elimination strategies to narrow down answer choices.
- Stay hydrated and take deep breaths if you feel anxious.
What to Expect on Exam Day
- Arrive 30 minutes early if taking the exam in a testing center.
- For online exams, set up a quiet, distraction-free environment.
- Have your valid ID ready.
- Expect a mix of scenario-based, performance-based, and multiple-choice questions.
- Once you finish, you’ll receive your score immediately.
Additional Study Resources
To maximize your chances of passing, make use of multiple study resources:
- Download CASP+ study guide PDF to have a structured reference.
- Compare CASP+ vs CISSP vs Security+ to understand where CASP+ fits in your career path.
- Be cautious with CASP+ exam dumps—while some resources may help, relying on unauthorized dumps can lead to misinformation.
- Find free CASP+ study materials to supplement your preparation.
By following a solid CASP+ exam study plan and utilizing the best resources, you can boost your confidence and ensure success on exam day!
The CASP+ certification is a challenging but rewarding credential for advanced cybersecurity professionals. By using the right resources, including CASP+ study guides, practice questions, and online tests, you can increase your chances of passing.
Whether you’re looking for the best way to study for CASP+ or CompTIA CASP+ exam tips, a structured and hands-on approach will set you up for success. Good luck!
FAQs
What Score is Needed To Pass CASP+?
The CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner) exam uses a pass/fail scoring system, with no specific numerical score required to pass. Candidates are informed only if they pass or fail, and no scaled scores or percentages are provided after the exam.
Which is The Hardest CompTIA Exam?
The hardest CompTIA exam is often considered to be the CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner). It is an advanced-level certification covering complex topics like enterprise security, risk management, and cryptography.
The exam includes up to 90 questions across four domains and requires deep knowledge of security architecture and operations.
Unlike other CompTIA certifications, CASP+ is designed for experienced professionals, making it more challenging than entry-level options like A+ or Security+.
How Much Harder is CASP+ than CySA+?
CASP+ is significantly harder than CySA+ due to its advanced scope, requiring expertise in security architecture, engineering, and enterprise-level solutions.
CASP+ targets professionals with at least 10 years of IT experience, including 5 in security, while CySA+ focuses on mid-level skills like threat detection and response.
CASP+ builds on CySA+ knowledge and involves more complex problem-solving, making it more challenging for less experienced candidates.
What is The Highest Paying CompTIA Certification?
The highest-paying CompTIA certification in 2025 is CompTIA Data+, with an average global salary of $154,719. It focuses on data analysis and management, making it highly valuable in data-driven industries.
Other high-paying certifications include CompTIA CASP+ ($127,451) and CompTIA Project+ ($118,471), which cater to advanced security and project management roles, respectively.
What Jobs Can You Get With CASP+?
The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) certification qualifies professionals for advanced cybersecurity roles.
Common jobs include cybersecurity risk analyst, senior security engineer, security architect, Security Operations Center (SOC) manager, and chief information security officer (CISO).
CASP+ focuses on skills like risk management, enterprise security architecture, and governance. It is valued in both corporate and government sectors, with organizations like the U.S. Army and Verizon seeking CASP+-certified professionals.