Ultimate Guide to CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005): Your 2025 Roadmap to Advanced Cyber Mastery

Introduction: Why CompTIA SecurityX Matters in 2025

If you’re a hands-on security architect or senior engineer aiming to prove real-world expertise, the CompTIA SecurityX certification is worth your attention. SecurityX (exam code CAS-005) is the evolution of CASP+, designed for advanced practitioners who build and harden complex systems—not just manage them.

Launched in December 2024, SecurityX replaces CASP+ while keeping its practitioner-level DNA. If you already hold CASP+, your credential remains valid—you can even download the new SecurityX badge directly from CompTIA.

SecurityX emphasizes performance-based, scenario-driven validation—the kind of applied technical capability that distinguishes doers from managers.

What Is CompTIA SecurityX?

CompTIA SecurityX is an expert-level cybersecurity certification for professionals who design, implement, and lead technical security programs. It’s tailored for roles such as:

• Security Architect

• Principal Security Engineer

• SOC Lead or Technical Security Leader

Unlike governance-centric credentials, SecurityX focuses on engineering-level proficiency across on-prem, cloud, and hybrid environments.

It’s the official rebrand and next evolution of CASP+ (CAS-004 → SecurityX CAS-005).

Actionable takeaway: If your daily work includes building Zero Trust architectures, engineering PKI, hardening Kubernetes or cloud workloads, and leading threat-informed operations, SecurityX validates your capabilities at the highest technical tier.

SecurityX vs. Other Cybersecurity Certifications

SecurityX stands out as CompTIA’s only hands-on, performance-based exam at the advanced practitioner level. It’s not about policy—it’s about execution.

Actionable takeaway: Choose SecurityX if you’re on the technical leadership path. Combine it later with CISSP if you plan to transition into governance or executive security roles.

Who Should Take CompTIA SecurityX?

While there are no formal prerequisites, CompTIA recommends:

• 10+ years of IT experience

• 5+ years of hands-on security experience

• Familiarity equivalent to Network+, Security+, CySA+, Cloud+, and PenTest+

Ideal candidates include:

• Security architects and principal security engineers

• SOC leads who remain technical

• Consultants designing enterprise security or Zero Trust frameworks

Actionable takeaway: If you’ve already mastered Security+ or CySA+, SecurityX is the logical next step toward senior technical leadership.

Exam Overview: CAS-005 Structure and Domains

Exam Domains and Weighting

Expect scenario-driven PBQs that test your ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot controls under time pressure.

Actionable takeaway: Treat each PBQ like a real-world change window—plan, act, validate, and move on.

Cost Breakdown and Study Budget

SecurityX is valid for three years, requiring 75 CEUs for renewal. Renewal options include training, publishing, SME work, or earning higher-level certifications.

Budget tip:

• Minimal plan: $529 (voucher only)

• Mid-tier: ~$1,059 (voucher + Labs + Practice)

• Full bundle: ~$1,582

Choose based on your experience and study style.

Official Resources to Master

• CompTIA Objectives & Exam Guide – your blueprint for study scope.

• CertMaster Stack: Perform, Labs, Practice, eBook – CompTIA’s official training ecosystem.

• NIST Frameworks:

  • SP 800-207 (Zero Trust)

  • SP 800-30 (Risk Assessment)

• MITRE ATT&CK: For threat-hunting tactics and adversary emulation.

• CIS Benchmarks: For hardening cloud and Kubernetes workloads.

Actionable takeaway: Build your prep around ZTA, RMF, ATT&CK, and CIS baselines—they form the backbone of SecurityX scenarios.

10-Week SecurityX Study Plan

Weeks 1–2: Commit and Schedule

• Read exam objectives line by line.

• Purchase voucher and schedule exam 8–10 weeks out.

Weeks 3–4: Governance, Risk, and Compliance

• Build a mock risk register and vendor risk process.

• Map NIST CSF or ISO 27001 controls to technical mitigations.

• Write a 1-page GRC-to-Controls mapping.

Week 5: Security Architecture

• Design a Zero Trust reference diagram (identity, segmentation, telemetry).

• Draft a “ZTA MVP” plan you could defend in a PBQ.

Week 6: Security Engineering

• Build a lab PKI and secure service communication with mTLS.

• Harden a Kubernetes cluster and document deviations.

Week 7: Security Operations

• Use ATT&CK to simulate a hunt across five techniques.

• Build an Incident Response checklist for ransomware containment.

Week 8: Timed Practice

• Simulate 165-minute mock exams; track your “miss reasons.”

Week 9: Full Mock Exam

• Conduct one realistic full-length mock; refine PBQ strategy.

Week 10: Exam Logistics

• Validate OnVUE setup, ID, and environment.

• Light review and rest well before exam day.

Exam-Day Strategy

• PBQ Triage: Identify end goals quickly, perform minimal viable actions.

• Time Box: Don’t over-invest; return to complex PBQs later.

• Framework First: Ground answers in Zero Trust, RMF, and least privilege.

• Default Secure: When unsure—deny by default, encrypt, separate duties.

Pro Tip: Think like an engineer under pressure—prioritize, verify, move forward.

Career Value and ROI

Why It Pays to Earn SecurityX

• DoD 8140.03 Approved: Qualifies for multiple NICE/DCWF roles.

• Market Demand: InfoSec Analyst roles growing 29% (2024–2034).

• Earning Potential: Senior security engineers often exceed $200K in major U.S. metros.

Resume Tip: List as “CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+)” to ensure ATS recognition.

Actionable takeaway: SecurityX signals principal-level technical capability—especially valuable in DoD, consulting, or advanced enterprise security roles.

Real-World Skills SecurityX Validates

• Zero Trust Architecture – policy enforcement and telemetry-based segmentation

• Risk & Compliance Translation – from RMF to technical implementation

• Threat Operations – ATT&CK hunts, YARA/Sigma detection design

• Crypto & PKI – key management, OCSP, rotation

• Platform Hardening – CIS-aligned security baselines for cloud and K8s

Keep a portfolio of lab artifacts (ZTA diagram, PKI configs, hunt notes)—they’ll reinforce learning and serve as proof of hands-on skill in interviews.

Retakes, Scheduling, and Policies

• Retakes: No wait after 1st attempt; 14-day wait for 3rd+.

• Testing: OnVUE (online) or test center options available.

• Rescheduling: Confirm policies at booking; they differ by mode.

If your setup or internet connection is complex, choose a test center for reliability.

CompTIA SecurityX FAQs

Q1. Is SecurityX the same as CASP+?
Yes. CASP+ was rebranded as SecurityX (CAS-005) in December 2024. Existing holders retain status and receive the new badge.

Q2. What’s the passing score?
SecurityX is pass/fail only; no scaled score is published.

Q3. Can I take it online?
Yes, via OnVUE online proctoring or in-person through Pearson VUE.

Q4. Are there prerequisites?
No, but CompTIA recommends 10+ years IT experience, 5+ in security.

Q5. How long is it valid?
Three years; renew with 75 CEUs through CompTIA’s CE Program.

Conclusion: Prove You Can Build, Not Just Manage

CompTIA SecurityX is the definitive practitioner credential for professionals who design, engineer, and operate secure systems at scale. It’s where technical mastery meets strategic execution.

Your Next Steps:

1. Download the official objectives and lock in your exam date (8–10 weeks out).

2. Follow the 10-week study plan outlined above.

3. Leverage hands-on labs to build confidence for PBQs.

4. After passing, update your resume to “CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+).”

You’ve got this—focus on framework alignment, practical labs, and deliberate PBQ practice. Treat every scenario like a mission-critical change window—and you’ll walk away certified.

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