CompTIA CASP+

SecurityX (CASP+): Exam details and process [2025 update]

Graeme Messina
April 14, 2025 by
Graeme Messina

CompTIA has created the SecurityX certification, which used to be known as the CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner), to offer experienced IT security professionals effective ways to showcase their cybersecurity knowledge. The entrance requirements for this exam mean that only practicing experts (e.g., senior-level IT security staff, architects, engineers) can attain this certification, making it highly sought after and a good indicator for potential employers to consider when vetting future employees. 

The latest version of the exam, which was updated to CAS-005 in 2025, features four domains that cover the knowledge needed to implement secure solutions across complex environments while considering the impact of governance, risk and compliance requirements. The previous version, CAS-004, will no longer be available after June 17, 2025. 

[Editor’s note: for a full introduction to the SecurityX exam, watch Infosec’s full webinar with CompTIA, SecurityX is here (CASP+ is no more).] 

How many questions are in the SecurityX? 

The SecurityX exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions. There is no scaled score, and the test is pass/fail. 

How long do you have to complete the exam? 

Candidates have a maximum of 165 minutes to complete the test. 

What is the format of the exam? 

The exam format is multiple choice and performance-based, linked to a direct pass/fail score. This means that after completing the exam, the only result the candidate will receive is a pass or fail notification. 

Performance-based questions (PBQ) create a simulated environment that offers unparalleled realism for practical hands-on operating specific tasks. You can find a full explanation of PBQs on CompTIA’s website here. 

Below are the exam objectives, broken down into four domains on which the test is based. 

CAS-005 Exam Domains 

Governance, Risk and Compliance (20%) – covers advanced techniques to apply the appropriate risk strategies; mitigation of vendor risk; compliance to regulations such as CMMC, PCI-DSS, SOX, HIPAA, FISMA, NIST, STAR and CCPA; the importance of business continuity and disaster recovery readiness.  

Security Architecture (27%) – Includes topics related to the security requirements needed to ensure an appropriate, secure network architecture; how to integrate software applications securely; proper authentication and authorization controls; secure cloud and virtualization solutions; and the impact of emerging technologies on enterprise security and privacy. 

Security Engineering (31%) – Focuses on advanced cybersecurity configurations for endpoint security controls, enterprise mobility, cloud/hybrid environments as well as PKI and cryptographic solutions.  

Security Operations (22%) – Emphasizes newer techniques addressing advanced threat management, vulnerability management and assessment, penetration testing, risk mitigation, incident response tactics, digital forensics analysis and the latest tools. 

Where do I take the exam? 

You may take this 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. The full process to register for this exam is as follows: 

  • Purchase an exam voucher. 

  • Create your account. 

  • 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. 

  • Schedule, reschedule or cancel an exam. 

  • Review your program’s test policies, such as which forms of ID are accepted. 

  • Take note of the exam particulars, such as reading all test instructions and candidate rules thoroughly. 

What score do I need to pass? 

There is no set percentage for a passing score, so candidates will only be told if they pass or fail. If you’ve passed the exam, you will receive a congratulatory email from CompTIA. The provided score report gives details on which exam areas you performed well. 

If you haven’t passed your exam, don’t give up! “Being well-prepared remains your best bet to score a positive exam outcome, namely passing the test and being awarded the SecurityX certification,” says CompTIA. 

How long do I have to wait if I don’t pass the first time? 

If candidates fail the first time, they may re-attempt the test within 24 hours (CompTIA does not require any waiting period). 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. 

Note that candidates must pay the exam price each time they re-attempt the exam. CompTIA does not offer any free re-tests or even discounts on retakes. So, invest time in training and peruse study resources to prepare for the SecurityX exam. 

Exam rescheduling 

If you decide you cannot proceed with the exam, you can reschedule; however, there are some conditions. You must reschedule at least 24 hours before the test is set to start. Any time after that, you will have to forfeit the examination fee and pay again to attempt the SecurityX exam. 

Note: Exams scheduled with ADA-specific needs require a three-day rescheduling notice. 

Recommended work experience 

Candidates who wish to pursue the SecurityX certification should have at least 10 years of general hands-on IT experience, with at least five years of broad hands-on security experience. Enterprise-level security management experience is helpful for certification candidates. CompTIA also recommends familiarity “with Network+, Security+, CySA+, Cloud+ and PenTest+ or equivalent knowledge.” 

What is the price of the SecurityX exam? 

Below is a current pricing table for all regions: 

Country Currency Price 

  • USA: USD 509 

  • Emerging market: USDe 285 

  • Great Britain: GBP 303 

  • EURO: EURO 458 

  • Japan: JPY 59,776 

  • Australia: AUD 687 

  • South Africa: ZAR 3,916 

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

Identification requirements 

To successfully sit for your SecurityX exam and gain access to the exam venue, you must produce suitable identification. Failure to provide a proper ID will result in the candidate not being able to take the exam and forfeiture of the examination fee. CompTIA has a list of identification documents that will be accepted on exam day. A proper ID is required for both on-site and remote testing. 

  • All names on the presented identification documentation must match exactly the registered candidate’s names. 

  • Candidates who find themselves outside their country of origin must present identification acceptable to the country in which they are attempting to take their SecurityX exam. A valid passport may be used with a secondary form of ID. 

  • Candidates can only present original forms of documentation, not photocopies. 

The types of primary IDs include 

  • An international travel passport 

  • A valid driver’s license 

  • A military ID 

  • An identification card (state, province or national) 

  • An alien registration card (visa, permanent resident, green card) 

  • A local language ID (not in Roman characters) is accepted if issued from the country the candidate is testing in 

If you have any questions about the ID policy, contact the Pearson VUE customer service center (www.pearsonvue.com/contact) at least three business days before the scheduled exam appointment. 

Certification renewal 

CompTIA has a Continuing Education (CE) program that allows candidates to keep their certification valid and current. This helps candidates stay updated with new technologies and emerging trends in IT security, making it a valuable tool for specialists who have already completed a CompTIA certification. In the case of SecurityX, 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. You must pay CE fees before submitting your completed activities. Due dates are based on your CE renewal cycle, not the calendar year. The fees amount to $50 per year, or $150 every three years. 

Infosec has created a webinar answering the most common questions to the new SecurityX exam. 

Best way to train for the SecurityX exam 

Individual learners will find CompTIA’s SecurityX CAS-005 Certification Study Guide (which will be updated soon) helpful in preparing for the examination. The text gives a good understanding of what is covered in all domains the exam is based on. However, learners can choose the best option for their needs and learning style by reviewing the offer of a reputable training provider to better tailor their preparation. 

The SecurityX certification is in demand, and the outlook for certified professionals with the related “technical knowledge and skills required to conceptualize, engineer, integrate and implement secure solutions across complex environments to support a resilient enterprise” is good with employers who value this credential. It also gives you access to above-average IT salaries and vast options when choosing tech career paths. You can dig deeper into the kinds of salaries you can expect with our Cybersecurity salary guide. 

To prepare for the exam, check out our Cybersecurity certifications and skills roadmap. This ebook covers the career benefits of the SecurityX and other popular certs. And if you’re ready for a deep, comprehensive, but quick course that gives you all the preparation you need for your certification, learn more about Infosec’s SecurityX Boot Camp. 

Graeme Messina
Graeme Messina

Graeme is an IT professional with a special interest in computer forensics and computer security. When not building networks and researching the latest developments in network security, he can be found writing technical articles and blog posts at InfoSec Resources and elsewhere.