CASP+ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) [2022 update]

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) is an advanced-level cybersecurity certification suited for security architects and senior security engineers. Find information on the certification itself, how to prepare, the logistics of the exam and how to maintain your certified status.

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Is the CASP+ certification changing soon?

The CASP+ certification exam objectives have recently changed. The CAS-004 exam domains, launched Oct. 6, 2021, include 80% of the topics similar to the previous version (CAS-003) and 20% updated information. If you are currently studying for CAS-003, note that this exam version will be retired on April 5, 2022.

When does registration begin for the CompTIA CASP+ courses?

For CASP+, CompTIA offers individual learners no instructor-led training; however, there are several opportunities to attend courses and boot camps from authorized training partners.

CompTIA does offer several eLearning options that allow you to train at your own time and schedule. Here are the options:

• CertMaster Learn for CASP+ (CAS-004): includes hours of learning content, videos, flashcards, games and interactive scenario-based questions and practice questions with feedback.
• CompTIA Labs for CASP+ (CAS-004): covers the practical aspects of the CASP+ certification exam objectives and allows you to solve real-world problems in a simulated environment.
• CertMaster Practice for CASP+ (CAS-004): is an adaptive assessment tool that helps you reinforce knowledge, identify gaps in preparation and fill them quickly. It includes personalized remediation and feedback too.

These self-paced learning tools can help you master and review all the topics covered by the exam domains. Suppose your learning style, however, requires different options. In that case, you can always look for alternatives from CompTIA training partners to maximize your chances of passing the test on the first attempt.

Once you are satisfied that you have prepared adequately for your exam, then sign in to your CompTIA account to schedule your exam. You will be able to find an authorized Pearson VUE test center near you and choose a date that suits you or choose a remote testing option with VUE-certified proctors.

How much does it cost to take the CASP+ exam?

Below is a current pricing table for all global regions:

To buy the certification exam voucher, visit the CompTIA Store.

Where can I find the locations for the CASP+ exams?

CompTIA certification exam testing is provided by CompTIA's global testing partner Pearson VUE. When you are confident that you're ready to take your exam, then locate a Pearson VUE-owned and operated test center in your area; otherwise, opt to take your exam online monitored by a VUE-certified proctor via webcam.

How is the CASP+ exam scored?

Unlike some other tests, the CASP+ is scored on a Pass/Fail system. This means that candidates will not receive a percentage score of how they did in the exam. Passing scores are set using statistical analysis and change without notice. After the exam, however, candidates will receive a report that contains details regarding the outcome.

How many questions are in the CASP+ exam?

The CASP+ exam has no more than 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs). The latter is designed to test a candidate's ability to solve problems in real-world settings and include delivery through simulations or virtual environments. Simulations are an approximation of an environment or tool; virtual environments include full versions of the technology covered by the question.

A full explanation of PBQs can be found on CompTIA's website here.

How long is the CASP+ exam?

The total length of the exam is 165 minutes (2 hours and 45 minutes).

When will I receive my exam results?

Results are received immediately after completing the exam on-screen; an email is sent to candidates with the pass or fail result after the test has been completed. If they've passed the exam, they'll receive a congratulatory email from CompTIA. If, however, the test was failed, they will be allowed to re-attempt it again within 24 hours (CompTIA does not require any waiting period). But, if they fail the exam a second time, they will need to wait for 14 calendar days before attempting the exam for the third time.

What is the experience required to take the CASP+ exam?

Although there are no mandatory experience requirements, professionals who wish to take the CASP+ exam should have a minimum of 10 years of general hands-on IT experience, with at least five years of broad hands-on security experience.

Why should I pursue the CASP+ certification?

This certification is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and has been approved by the U.S. DoD to meet directive 8570.01-M requirements for personnel performing Information Assurance (IA) functions. As CompTIA points out, "the CASP gives individuals the necessary qualifications for higher-level positions, meeting the requirements for jobs in Information Assurance Technical Level III, IS Manager Level II and IA Systems Architect and Engineer Levels I and II."

The CASP+ certification also aligns with 11 DoD job roles and skills in the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (NCWF), also known as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-181, which the DoD uses to define cybersecurity jobs.

CASP+, then, makes attaining a position within a government department or agency possible but can also show future private-sector employers that you have the knowledge and skills to join their organization as a CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner. Organizations that use CASP+ include Target, Ricoh, General Dynamics and Exxon Mobil.

What is covered under each of the domains of the CASP+ exam?

Here's a breakdown of the CAS-004 Exam Domains on which candidates will be tested.

• Security Architecture (29%)   
• Security Operations (30%)
• Security Engineering and Cryptography (26%)
• Governance, Risk and Compliance (15%)

More on the specifics can be found in the CAS-004 Exam Objectives. You will be able to see exactly what topics are covered on the test to achieve CASP+ certification.

What is the CompTIA CE program?

CompTIA has a Continuing Education (CE) program for certification renewal that allows candidates to keep their active status while staying updated with new technologies and emerging trends in their field. To be a valid and current CASP+ credential holder, professionals need to earn 75 CEUs; at least 50 percent of each chosen activity content must relate to one or more of the exam objectives for the certification they're renewing. CASP+ credential holders can keep their active status by earning a relevant non-CompTIA IT industry certification, passing the newest release of CASP+ (if certified through an earlier version), or completing a combination of activities. Choose the option that works best for you here.

Note: You will be required to pay the CE fees before submitting your completed activities. The due dates are based on your CE renewal cycle, not the calendar year and amount to $50 per year, or $150 every three years.

What self-study resources are available for CASP+ candidates?

The CompTIA CASP+ CAS-004 Certification Study Guide is great for individual learners studying at their own pace and rather use books than e-learning courses. The text has complete coverage of all four domains on which the exam is based.

Be sure to invest time to peruse the study resources that work best for you, so you can successfully pass the CASP+ exam.

Earn your CASP+, guaranteed!

Enroll in a CompTIA CASP+ boot camp and earn one of the industry’s most respected certifications — guaranteed.

Get Pricing

Why should I get CASP+ certified?

The CASP+ certification is worth the investment. It can validate advanced-level security skills and abilities to design, assess, mitigate and operate a secure enterprise network or lead the technical teams responsible for these tasks. The credential can play an important role in your career progression towards cybersecurity roles as chief information security officer (CISO), Security operations center (SOC) manager, or security architect/engineer/risk analyst.

Sources:

• CASP+: Validating Cybersecurity Skills for Government and Corporate Teams, CompTIA
• CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), CompTIA
• CASP Certification Approved for DoD Technicians, CompTIA
• 5 Cybersecurity Jobs You Could Get With CASP+, CompTIA
• The New CASP+: Your Questions Answered, CompTIA
• CASP+ 003 vs. 004: What’s the Difference?, CompTIA
• Why Should I Get CASP+ Certified?, CompTIA
• Continuing Education (CE) Program, CompTIA
• CASP+ Certification Training, CompTIA
• CAS-004 Exam Objectives, CompTIA
• Frequently Asked Questions, CompTIA