Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand in today’s job market. Many candidates try to stand out by obtaining a cybersecurity certification in order to meet the demands of the workforce.
Advanced level certifications include the ISC CISSP and CompTIA CASP+. While they are frequently compared, they have distinct differences in the cybersecurity industry. Many people are unsure which is the best option for them.
Consider the following factors and comparisons to help you decide which credential is best for you.
Certification Focus
Although many IT/Cybersecurity professionals cluster them together, the CISSP and the CASP+ test and measure different skill sets. The CASP+ certification is for practitioners who want to be immersed in technology, whereas the CISSP is for those who want to be in management or move into management.
The CISSP is a certification program that focuses on management strategies, practices, and principles. The CISSP certifies that you have the skills to plan, implement, and manage a world-class cybersecurity program.
The CASP+ certifies advanced risk management, enterprise security operations and architecture, research and collaboration, and enterprise security integration skills.
Certification syllabus
Both certifications necessitate passing a similar exam. Enterprise security, risk management, and incident response are all covered in the CASP+ exam, as well as research and analysis, integration of computing, communications, and business disciplines, and technical integration of enterprise components.
Security and risk management, asset security, security engineering, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, and security operations and software development security are among the eight domains covered by the CISSP exam.
Certification Validity
Both are vendor agnostic, require three-year renewals, and require CPEs each year to remain valid.
Certification test method
The two exams are conducted in a different manner. The CISSP exam is a three-hour Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) that consists of 100-150 questions. All questions are multiple choice, and candidates are tested on cybersecurity strategies that are broader and more managerial than the CASP+.
The CASP+ certification exam consists of 80-90 questions and lasts three hours. The CASP+ is made up of multiple-choice questions and a simulated environment. The exam is based on performance and assesses candidates’ technical knowledge of cybersecurity.
Exam prerequisites
The two require different levels of experience. Five years of paid work experience in two or more of the eight exam domains is required for the CISSP. Candidates must submit verification of their experience and have another certified CISSP endorse them after passing the exam.
Candidates should have at least 10 years of IT administration experience, with at least five years of hands-on technical security experience, according to the CASP+.
Average salary
A CISSP professional’s average salary ranges from $73,627 to $111,638, making it one of the highest-paying credentials in the IT industry.
The CASP+ professional’s average salary ranges from $51,619 to $115,032.
Conclusion
Finally, both the CASP+ and the CISSP can help you advance your career and qualify for new opportunities. Both fill a void in the field of cybersecurity. The CASP+ certification satisfies the technical requirement, while the CISSP satisfies the managerial requirement.
As more job specifications explicitly say CISSP as a necessary cybersecurity certification, the CISSP continues to be the more recognizable credential and thus the better Return on Investment.
Consider your short- and long-term objectives when deciding which certification or certifications to pursue.
