CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway
CertReview-curated cybersecurity progression through the CompTIA stack. CompTIA previously published a public "IT Certification Roadmap" diagram which is no longer online. This sequence (A+ → Network+ → Security+ → CySA+/PenTest+ → CASP+) reflects the widely-accepted skill-stacking order in the community.
CertReview-curated roadmap. Most issuers don't publish a single "do these certs in this order" diagram. We built this sequence based on issuer documentation, exam prerequisites, and community practice. Steps marked "optional" reflect our judgment, not issuer policy.
Issuer's certification page- 1
CompTIA A+
optionalCompTIA
Optional foundation. Skip if you already have helpdesk/IT support experience.
- 2
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA
Networking baseline — assumed knowledge for Security+.
- 3
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA
Industry-standard security entry point. DoD 8570 compliant.
- 4
CompTIA CySA+
CompTIA
Defensive analyst track — SOC, blue team, threat hunting.
- 4
CompTIA PenTest+
optionalCompTIA
Alternative to CySA+ for offensive-leaning practitioners. Same level — pick one.
- 5
CompTIA CASP+
CompTIA
Advanced practitioner capstone — combines defensive + offensive at architect level.