If you’re serious about building a long-term career in cybersecurity, you can’t stop at a single certification. The threat landscape is evolving, and employers now expect professionals who understand the full spectrum of defense — from prevention and detection to offense and strategy.
That’s where the CompTIA Security Stack comes in — a proven pathway of four certifications that layer together to create a complete, career-ready skillset:
Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, and SecurityX.
Step 1: Security+ — Launch Your Career
CompTIA Security+ is your entry point into cybersecurity. It validates essential skills in network security, risk management, and threat mitigation — giving you the baseline knowledge to secure systems and qualify for roles like:
- Security Analyst I
- SOC Tier 1 Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
Average Salary: $65,000–$85,000
This certification also fulfills baseline requirements for DoD 8140 and opens the door to higher-level paths.
Step 2: CySA+ — Become the Defender
With experience under your belt, the next step is CompTIA CySA+, which focuses on threat detection and response.
You’ll learn to use behavioral analytics, analyze incidents, and proactively defend systems — skills in high demand across SOC teams and threat hunting units.
Common Roles:
- SOC Analyst
- Threat Hunter
- Cybersecurity Analyst
Average Salary: $80,000–$100,000
CySA+ is where you transition from reactive security to proactive defense.
Step 3: PenTest+ — Think Like an Attacker
To stay ahead of adversaries, you need to understand their tactics.
PenTest+ teaches ethical hacking, exploitation, and vulnerability management — giving you the attacker’s mindset to strengthen defenses.
Common Roles:
- Penetration Tester
- Red Team Operator
- Security Consultant
Average Salary: $90,000–$115,000
With this layer, you become the professional who not only detects vulnerabilities — but proves them.
Step 4: SecurityX — Lead the Strategy
SecurityX (formerly CASP+) is the capstone for technical leaders.
It builds strategic and architectural expertise across complex enterprise environments, preparing you for high-responsibility roles like:
- Security Architect
- Senior Security Engineer
- Technical Lead
Average Salary: $110,000–$140,000+
SecurityX sets you apart as the strategic voice in the room — someone who can align technical decisions with business and risk objectives.
The ROI: More Than a Paycheck
Each certification adds new layers of credibility, capability, and career opportunity.
Stacking the CompTIA Security pathway gives you:
- A clear progression from foundational to advanced roles
- Higher salary potential at each stage
- Job security in a rapidly growing field
- Alignment with DoD 8140 and NICE frameworks for government and defense careers
You’re not just earning certifications — you’re building a career blueprint for long-term success.
Final Thought
In cybersecurity, layered defense starts with layered knowledge.
The CompTIA Security Stack is your roadmap from entry-level to expert — a journey that grows your skills, your confidence, and your paycheck.
It’s more than a set of exams — it’s a career investment with measurable returns.