How to become SecurityX (CASP+) certified — certification requirements [2025 update]

What are the eligibility requirements for the SecurityX exam? 

CompTIA recommends that candidates have at least 10 years of general hands-on IT experience and at least five years of broad hands-on security experience before facing the SecurityX exam. The test is built to validate the hands-on skills and experience of IT professionals who have a role in practical enterprise security, incident response and architecture, for example, as opposed to managing cybersecurity policy and frameworks. 

How long does it take to prepare for the SecurityX exam? 

As CompTIA states: “There’s no simple answer to this question because it all depends on how much you already know, how much you have to learn, how quickly you will learn and when you will feel confident enough to take the exam and pass it.” The timeframe may vary based on your preparation preferences and how much time you can devote to studying. It may take a few days, weeks, or months (with six months being a good estimate to prepare for the test), depending on how much knowledge and security experience you already have. 

For some, self-study is the way to go, while others prefer classroom training. Classes led by instructors are available and cover SecurityX exam objectives (the four domains on which the test is based) in a matter of one week or even months. Choose an exam preparation method that not only fits your schedule and learning needs but also covers the right areas to address your knowledge gaps. Identifying these gaps and target preparation instead of racing through any study material or boot camp course to get yourself ready for the big day is essential for busy professionals. This enables you to keep studying time to a minimum while still aiming to pass the test on the first attempt. 

CompTIA’s SecurityX CAS-004 Certification Study Guide is helpful to get ready for the examination. While a CAS-005 version hasn’t been published yet, the text has complete coverage of the domains you will be tested on, so you can easily identify areas you need to spend more time on while preparing. 

What are the steps to becoming SecurityX certified? 

Here are the steps to access your account, buy your voucher, and schedule the exam. 

1. Buy an exam voucher: CompTIA offers its SecurityX certification in numerous countries. You can buy a voucher for a specific country or region directly through Pearson VUE, the CompTIA Store or a CompTIA Authorized Partner. Make sure to specify the country you wish to use the vouchers in, as vouchers are only valid for redemption in the region in which that country is included. Even when exams are priced the same, you must specify which exam(s) you wish to purchase vouchers for, as they are all exam-specific and valid for a designated region. CompTIA vouchers have a 12-month expiration period even if price changes occur; afterward, you will not be able to use that voucher for testing purposes, and you will have to purchase a new voucher. When making the transaction at the Pearson VUE Voucher store, ensure you have the correct required information. Your voucher currency must match the currency of the region where the exam will take place. Also, make sure you have entered the exact exam price; incorrect filling may result in your transaction being canceled. CompTIA members can reach out via membership@comptia.org to buy a voucher. Registration is mandatory to complete the transaction process. Registration allows you to create a login account to complete the purchase order and check the order status in the future. Registration also offers several benefits, including quick checkout on future orders, easy order tracking and special offers. Lastly, you will choose your shipping method and then place an order. 

2. Schedule your exam: You may take your CompTIA certification exam through OnVUE online proctoring or in person at a Pearson VUE testing center. You can schedule the SecurityX exam by creating an account and logging in here. Once you complete your exam scheduling, Pearson VUE will send you an email with all the necessary information, including your testing center details. You need to save that information carefully for future use. 

3. Pass the exam: Passing your SecurityX exam requires you to prepare thoroughly either through in-person boot camp training or by studying at home through self-study books and online resources. 

4. Comply with CompTIA Candidate Code of Ethics Policy (“Ethics Policy”): Once you get through your SecurityX exam successfully and have earned your credential, then you must comply with CompTIA’s Candidate Code of Ethics (CCEP) policy. SecurityX professionals must not participate in misconduct, breach of security, submission of mistaken or fraudulent information or any other culpable conduct that could compromise the confidentiality or integrity of the certification exam. If any SecurityX-certified professional violates CCEP policy, their credential will be subjected to revocation at any time. 

5. Take part in CompTIA’s Continuing Education Program (“CCEP”): CompTIA has a Continuing Education (CE) program for certification renewal that allows candidates to keep their active status. 

Please note the following: 

• A SecurityX-certified professional must comply with the terms and conditions depicted in CompTIA’s Certification Renewal Policy. SecurityX holders shall submit Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by entering the activity details and uploading the required documents into their CompTIA certification account. They shall provide only authentic and accurate information for obtaining CEUs. Once enrolled in the CE program, a student can be audited at any time, even in the aftermath of a three-year CE renewal cycle. 

• In the case of the SecurityX certification, candidates must ensure that they maintain their certification every three years by completing qualifying activities and earning 75 CEUs; at least 50% of each chosen activity content must relate to one or more exam objectives for the certification they’re renewing. Choose the option that works best for you here.