Career Guide
CompTIA Security+ Certification Roadmap: From A+ to CASP+
Where does Security+ fit in the CompTIA certification roadmap? Learn the recommended path from A+ to Network+ to Security+ and beyond, including CySA+, CASP+, and how Security+ maps to career roles.
The CompTIA Certification Pyramid
CompTIA certifications are organized in a pyramid structure: Core (entry-level): IT Fundamentals (ITF+) → A+ (hardware/software support). Infrastructure: Network+ (networking) → Security+ (cybersecurity). Advanced: CySA+ (analytics/defense) → CASP+ (advanced security practitioner) → PenTest+ (pentesting).
The recommended path starts with A+ if you're new to IT, then Network+ to build networking fundamentals, then Security+ for cybersecurity specialization. However, Security+ can be taken without A+ or Network+ — it just requires more self-study of foundational concepts.
Security+ Career Paths
Security+ opens doors to entry-level cybersecurity roles: Security Analyst ($70k-95k), SOC Analyst ($65k-85k), Junior Penetration Tester ($75k-100k), Security Administrator ($70k-90k), and Compliance Analyst ($65k-85k).
After Security+, the next step is typically CySA+ (security analytics and defense) for blue team roles or PenTest+ for red team roles. For management track: CASP+ leads to Security Architect ($120k-160k) or Security Manager ($130k-180k). For specialized roles: CISSP (senior security practitioner, requires 5 years experience) and CEH (ethical hacking, red team focus).
Certification Path by Career Goal
Blue Team (Defense): A+ → Network+ → Security+ → CySA+ → CASP+ → CISSP. Red Team (Offense): A+ → Network+ → Security+ → PenTest+ → OSCP → CEH. Management: A+ → Network+ → Security+ → CASP+ → CISSP → CISM. Compliance/Gov: A+ → Network+ → Security+ → CySA+ → CISA → CRISC.
For most entry-level cybersecurity roles, Security+ is the starting point. After Security+, your specialization path determines which certification comes next.
Timeline and Cost Considerations
A+ (2-3 months study, $253 exam), Network+ (2-3 months, $358), Security+ (3-4 months, $404). Total for the triad: ~7-10 months and ~$1,015 in exam fees (plus study materials).
Many employers reimburse certification costs. Security+ is required by many government and defense contractors (DoD 8570 compliant), making it the most valuable entry-level certification for job seekers.
Certification renewals: Security+ is valid for 3 years. Renew through CEUs (continuing education units), higher-level CompTIA certification (CASP+ or CySA+ automatically renews Security+), or retaking the exam.