CySA+ resources: Books, practice exams and more
Using quality study material makes passing the CySA+ certification easier, but where can you find these resources? CompTIA has authorized training materials and works with authorized training partners (like Infosec) to help prepare students to pass their exams.
Learn more about the resources available as you prepare for the CySA+ certification exam and explore the best study guides, practice exam bundles and online material for the CS0-003 certification exam.
Earn your CySA+, guaranteed!
Changes to the CySA+ exam
Please note that there have been changes to the CySA+ domains of knowledge for the CS0-003 exam version.
CompTIA's Patrick Lanes shares what changed in the most recent CySA+ exam update on a recent CySA+ webinar with Infosec.
Below are the CS0-003 domains of knowledge with their respective weights of exam material:
-
Security Operations (33%)
-
Vulnerability Management (30%)
-
Incident Response Management (20%)
-
Reporting and Communication (17%)
One of the best places to start when preparing for the exam is the official CompTIA CySA+ exam objectives.
What are the best study guides to help prep for the CySA+ exam?
The sections below present the top study guides, books and other resources for preparing for the CySA+ certification exam.
CompTIA CySA+ Study Guide: Exam CS0-003, 3rd Edition
The CompTIA CySA+ Study Guide: Exam CS0-003 provides 100% coverage of CySA+ exam objectives, including threat and vulnerability management, software and systems security, security operations and monitoring, incident response and compliance and assessment. The guide also includes:
-
Test bank with a practice exam
-
100 electronic flashcards
-
Comprehensive glossary
Earn your CySA+, guaranteed!
According to CompTIA, having a CompTIA Security+ certification and CompTIA Network+ certification or having equivalent knowledge is an indispensable prerequisite to getting the most out of the CompTIA CySA+ Study Guide. Before starting this certification, CompTIA recommends having the following skills:
-
Knowing basic network functions and terminologies, including routers, switches, Ethernet, OSI model and topologies
-
Understanding of network defenses and strategies
-
Understanding of vulnerability management programs
-
Comprehending network troubleshooting tools, core protocols and TCP/IP address
-
Working knowledge of cryptographic products and standards
-
Identifying host and network-based security practices and technologies
-
Knowledge of products and standards utilized to enforce security on communications and web technologies
CompTIA CySA+ Cybersecurity Analyst Certification All-in-One Exam Guide (Exam CS0-003), 3rd Edition
This all-in-one exam guide comprehensively covers the CySA+ exam objectives on the CS0-003 exam. The material is presented with the learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter and exam practice questions at the end.
This third edition of the study guide offers exam tips and an in-depth explanation of all essential topics about threat and vulnerability management, software and systems security, security operations and monitoring, incident response and compliance and assessment.
Readers will also learn about security operations and monitoring, proactive threat hunting, automation concepts and technologies, incident response processes, procedures and analysis.
Additionally, the electronic content of this book includes access to the TotalTester Online test engine, 170 practice exam questions, and performance-based questions. This resource also comes with a 10% off exam test voucher.
What are the best practice exams for the CySA+?
Taking a practice exam or mock test before a real exam can help you best prepare and alleviate the anxiety on the exam day. It also helps to identify your weak areas of study and allows you to improve further.
The following sections will help you gain insight into some popular practice exams for your CySA+ exam preparation.
CompTIA CySA+ Practice Tests: Exam CS0-003, 3rd Edition
Working through practice tests and questions can be determinative in passing any certification exam, including CySA+. If you are looking for this kind of exam-taking edge, look no further than the CompTIA CySA+ Practice Tests, CS0-003 edition. Below is what you can expect from this CySA+ practice test must-have:
-
1,000 practice questions (with answers) covering all domains on the exam
-
Domain-by-domain questions
Paid training with practice exam
If you enroll in a paid training program, they often include some of the materials mentioned above, as well as additional practice exam questions. For example, Infosec has an on-demand CySA+ Learning Path with 150 practice questions.
You can sign up for a free trial of Infosec Skills if you want try the practice exam or prepare for the exam for free.
Earn your CySA+, guaranteed!
Additional CySA+ training
Need more support? One of the most effective ways to learn is with the guidance of a qualified, experienced expert in a live or in-person boot camp. Training like Infosec's CompTIA CySA+ Boot Camp can prepare you to earn your CySA+ certification in five days. It also comes with an Exam Pass Guarantee, meaning if you don't pass the exam on your first attempt, you can get a second attempt at no cost.
For more on CySA+, visit the Infosec CySA+ hub and watch our webinar, CompTIA CySA+ certification (CS0-003) changes: Everything you need to know.