SecurityX, the old CASP+: is the expert exam right for a senior security engineer?

By Alexander Shick · Updated November 5, 2026

The senior role SecurityX targets

CompTIA describes SecurityX as an advanced certification for security architects and senior security engineers that proves you can design, build and implement secure solutions across complex environments. CompTIA's recommended background includes the knowledge from Security+, CySA+ and PenTest+, so it comes after them, and CompTIA maps it to work roles such as security architect and security control assessor. Unlike a management credential, it stays technical: engineering and architecture are more than half the exam.

CASP+ to SecurityX: what changed and what did not

CompTIA announced that CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) is now CompTIA SecurityX, launched with the V5 exam on December 17, 2024, which replaced the CASP+ V4 exam. CompTIA said the name change does not affect the certification status of current CASP+ holders. The exam code kept its CAS prefix: CAS-005 is the current exam, and CompTIA estimates it retires in 2027, about three years after launch.

CAS-005 requirements and format

There is no eligibility gate. CompTIA's recommended experience is at least 10 years of general hands-on IT experience, including 5 years of hands-on security, with Network+, Security+, CySA+, Cloud+ and PenTest+ or equivalent knowledge. The exam has up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions in a maximum of 165 minutes. Results are pass/fail with no scaled score. It is offered in English and Japanese.

Preparing at the expert level

• CompTIA CertMaster. CompTIA sells SecurityX CertMaster Practice ($284), Perform ($984), Labs ($264) and Study ($199); it lists no CertMaster Learn for SecurityX. Practice alone suits engineers who mainly need to find gaps; Perform is the guided course with labs.
• Self-paced provider course. ONLC's on-demand SecurityX course gives 360 days of access to videos, labs, quizzes and exam assessments, with a voucher.
• Instructor-led class. Global Knowledge (GK2951) and Learning Tree run five-day CAS-005 classes. They suit employer-funded learners who want an instructor for architecture and engineering scenarios.

At this level, expect to pay for structured material: CompTIA, ONLC, Global Knowledge and Learning Tree all charge for their CAS-005 courses, and none of them lists a free version.

SecurityX first-attempt totals

Only the Global Knowledge class leaves the $544 voucher to you, which is why it ends up the highest total despite lower tuition than Learning Tree. The two CompTIA bundles and ONLC's course come with a voucher that includes Retake Assurance.

Other money to plan for: two plain $544 vouchers cost $1,088, against $709 for the retake version, and because the exam is pass/fail, a failed attempt will not tell you how close you came. CompTIA bundles expire if not redeemed within 12 months. Once certified, renewal by continuing education carries a $150 fee every three years.

What to ask a SecurityX course provider

• Is the course for CAS-005? Learning Tree's description calls the exam CVO-005 in one place and CAS-005 in another; confirm the voucher and materials are for CAS-005.
• Voucher conditions. ONLC says it releases the voucher with Retake Assurance after you score 85% or better on its exam assessment and that the exam must be taken within one year of course completion. Global Knowledge's page lists no voucher, so add $544 unless it quotes one.
• Whether your date runs. Global Knowledge marks its December 7 to 11, 2026, virtual session as guaranteed to run; ask about the others.
• Commercial or government price. Learning Tree shows both; our table uses the commercial price of $3,455.

Renewing SecurityX

SecurityX renews on a three-year cycle. Renewing by continuing education takes 75 CEUs earned during the cycle and the $150 CompTIA fee. CompTIA says you pay CE fees only for your highest-level CompTIA certification when renewing it also renews your lower-level ones, which matters if SecurityX sits on top of Security+ or CySA+; ask CompTIA which of yours it renews.

SecurityX questions

Is SecurityX the same as CASP+?

Yes. CompTIA renamed CASP+ to SecurityX with the V5 (CAS-005) exam on December 17, 2024. Current CASP+ holders kept their certification status.

What is the SecurityX passing score?

There is none to publish: CompTIA scores CAS-005 pass/fail only, with no scaled score.

How much is the SecurityX exam?

$544 for a CompTIA voucher in the US as of November 2026, or $709 with Retake Assurance.

SecurityX or CISSP?

SecurityX is a technical engineering and architecture exam (multiple choice plus performance-based questions) with no experience check. CISSP is broader, leans toward security leadership, and ISC2 sets a work-experience requirement; see our CISSP page.

Next step

If you are weighing SecurityX against CISSP or CISM, send us your role and the experience you have.

Ask for help choosing SecurityX training