Comparison
Career Path
Security+ vs CEH vs CySA+ — Which Cert Should You Get in 2026?
Side-by-side for the four most discussed cybersecurity certifications: what each tests, what jobs each opens, which costs what, and exactly who should pick which.
March 4, 2026
• 9 min read
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Factor | Security+ SY0-701 | CySA+ CS0-003 | CEH v13 | CISSP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Entry-level | Mid-level | Mid-level (Offensive) | Senior-level |
| Vendor | CompTIA | CompTIA | EC-Council | (ISC)² |
| Exam cost | $425 | $392 | $950–$2,000 | $749 |
| Study time | 8–12 weeks | 4–6 months | 3–5 months | 6–12 months |
| Experience | Recommended: 2 yrs IT | Recommended: 4 yrs IT / Security | Recommended: 2 yrs security | Required: 5 yrs two+ domains |
| Pass score | 750 / 900 | 750 / 900 | ~70% (varies by domain) | Adaptive — ~700 base |
| DoD 8570 | IAT Level II | IAT Level II (CSSP Analyst) | IAT/IASAE Level III (CSSP A) | IAM Level I, II, III / IASAE |
| Best for | First security cert, DoD/gov jobs, broad market entry | Analysts, threat hunters, SOC T2, vulnerability management | Penetration testing, ethical hacking career track | Security management, architecture, CISO track |
Security+ SY0-701
CompTIA · Entry-level
Pros
›Widest employer recognition
›DoD 8570 approved
›Fast to earn (8–12 wks)
›Lower cost than peers
›Good entry-level ROI
Cons
›Not sufficient for senior roles
›Less technical depth than specialist certs
›Retiring May 2027
Jobs it opens:
SOC Analyst T1 · Security Admin · DoD IT roles · Cybersecurity Analyst
CySA+ CS0-003
CompTIA · Mid-level
Pros
›Natural next step after Security+
›Highly respected in SOC community
›DoD approved
›Focuses on real analyst skills
Cons
›Requires solid Security+ foundation
›Harder than Security+
›Less recognised outside security community
Jobs it opens:
SOC Analyst T2 · Threat Hunter · Vulnerability Analyst · Incident Responder
CEH v13
EC-Council · Mid-level (Offensive)
Pros
›Strong brand recognition for offensive roles
›DoD 8570 approved
›Covers real hacking methodologies
Cons
›Expensive
›Criticised for being overly MCQ-focused vs hands-on
›Industry prefers OSCP for actual pen testing jobs
›EC-Council renewal fees
Jobs it opens:
Penetration Tester · Red Team Analyst · Security Consultant · Vuln Researcher
CISSP
(ISC)² · Senior-level
Pros
›Gold standard senior cert
›Highest salary ceiling
›Required for many senior gov/contractor roles
›Globally respected
Cons
›Requires 5 yrs direct experience
›Long study commitment
›Annual maintenance fees + CPE
Jobs it opens:
Security Manager · CISO · Security Architect · Risk Director
Which Should You Get? — Decision Guide
You are new to IT or have <2 years experience
Start with A+ → Network+ → Security+. Do not skip the foundation.
You work in IT already and want to move into security
Security+ is your fastest route in. 8–12 weeks, broadly recognised.
You have Security+ and want to go deeper into SOC / blue team
CySA+ next. It directly builds on Security+ and is highly valued in analyst roles.
You want to do penetration testing / offensive security
Security+ first if you don't have it, then CEH or OSCP. OSCP is more respected by technical hiring managers.
You have 5+ years and want a management or architecture role
CISSP is your goal. Study while you accumulate experience. Cannot sit without the required years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get Security+ or CEH first?
Security+ first for most people. It costs less ($425 vs $950+), takes less time to prepare, is more broadly recognised across HR systems, and is a DoD 8570 requirement that CEH also satisfies — but Security+ gets you there faster. After Security+, add CEH if your specific role or employer requires it.
Is CySA+ harder than Security+?
Yes. CySA+ is a mid-level cert that assumes Security+ knowledge. It goes deeper into actual analyst skills — threat hunting, log analysis, vulnerability management, SIEM operations. Budget 4–6 months for CySA+ versus 8–12 weeks for Security+.
Does CISSP replace Security+?
CISSP supersedes Security+ in terms of career level, but it does not make Security+ irrelevant. If you already have Security+ and earn CISSP, you have both credentials visible on your resume — there is no reason to remove Security+. It demonstrates your career progression from foundation to expert level.
Security+ Is the Starting Point — Start Here
540 SY0-701 questions ready to go. No cost. No account. Just practice.