The expert-level CompTIA security certification — formerly CASP+, now SecurityX, for senior security architects and engineers.
Exam cost
$494 USD
Duration
165 minutes
Passing score
Pass/Fail (no numeric score published)
Valid for
3 years
DoD 8570 / 8140 approved — IAT Level III
CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) is DoD 8570/8140 approved at IAT Level III and IAM Level II/III — required for senior US government and defence contractor security positions.
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Key facts for the CompTIA SecurityX exam.
Exam cost
$494 USD / ~£400
Duration
165 minutes
Question count
Maximum 90 questions
Passing score
Pass/Fail (no numeric score published)
Validity
3 years
Delivered by
Pearson VUE
Online proctored
Yes — available
Retake policy
No wait after first attempt; 14 days after second failure
Question formats
CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005), formerly known as CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner), is CompTIA's highest-level security certification. It validates expert-level skills in security architecture, security engineering, cryptography, governance, risk, compliance, and advanced security operations. Unlike CISSP (which is management-focused), SecurityX is a practitioner credential — it tests the ability to implement and manage enterprise security solutions, not just understand them conceptually.
Official prerequisite
None
Recommended experience
CompTIA Security+ and CySA+, or 10 years of IT experience with 5 in security
10+ years of IT experience with 5+ years in hands-on security. Security+, CySA+, and PenTest+ are natural prerequisites even though none are required.
Should you skip this exam?
Do not attempt SecurityX without substantial real-world security experience. It is significantly harder than Security+ and CySA+. If you are aiming for management rather than technical roles, CISSP or CISM is a better fit.
Courseiva study tip
SecurityX PBQ questions require applying multiple security disciplines simultaneously under time pressure — configuring a cryptographic solution, designing a zero-trust architecture, or analysing a complex incident. Build a home lab and practice incident response and architecture design, not just multiple-choice recall.
UK salary range
£70,000–£110,000
US salary range
$110,000–$160,000
Job roles that cite CAS-005
What certification to take next
CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) is CompTIA's expert-level security certification, formerly known as CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner). It validates advanced hands-on security skills in security architecture, engineering, cryptography, and governance at the senior practitioner level.
Yes. CompTIA renamed CASP+ to SecurityX with the CAS-005 exam update. The content was updated to include more AI security, zero trust, and cloud-native security topics. CAS-004 (CASP+) was the previous version; CAS-005 (SecurityX) is the current version.
$494 USD.
CompTIA SecurityX uses a pass/fail grading model — no numeric score is published. This is unusual for CompTIA and reflects the performance-based nature of the exam.
They serve different career paths. SecurityX (CAS-005) is a hands-on practitioner certification — it proves you can implement security solutions. CISSP is a management certification — it proves you understand security governance and can manage a security programme. Senior technical engineers → SecurityX. Security managers and CISOs → CISSP. Many senior professionals hold both.
Yes. CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) is approved for IAT Level III and IAM Level II and III under DoD 8570 / 8140, making it required for senior US government and defence contractor security roles.
SecurityX is the hardest CompTIA certification. It is expert-level, covers security architecture and engineering at depth, and includes demanding PBQ scenarios. Candidates with Security+ and CySA+ should expect a significant difficulty jump. Allow 200–400 hours of study and extensive hands-on practice.
See how CAS-005 stacks up against related certifications.
Courseiva provides free CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) practice questions with original exam-style questions, detailed explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics. Courseiva is an independent platform and is not affiliated with CompTIA.