Frequently asked.
Honestly answered.
The questions every prospective candidate asks. If yours isn't here, the team responds inside one business day.
The certification
Is SecurityX the same as CASP+?
Yes. CompTIA rebranded CASP+ as SecurityX with the CAS-005 exam release. Existing CASP+ credentials remain valid; the curriculum and audience are unchanged in spirit but updated for cloud, AI, and modern operations.
How long is SecurityX valid?
Three years from the date you pass. The credential is renewed through CompTIA's Continuing Education program, earn CEUs through approved training, conference attendance, or stacking higher-tier certifications.
Will this satisfy DoD 8140 (and what about 8570)?
CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) is approved under DoDM 8140.03 for 19 DCWF work roles, including Security Architect (652), Information Systems Security Manager (722), Enterprise Architect (651), Information Systems Security Developer (631), Cyber Defense Analyst (511), Security Control Assessor (612), and others. DoDM 8140.03 replaced the legacy DoDM 8570.01-M framework (with its IAT, IAM, and IASAE category/level structure) in February 2023. SecurityX inherits all the approvals previously held by CASP+ under 8570, and is now mapped to specific DCWF work roles under 8140. Verify the exact work role your contract requires against the current DoD 8140 Foundational Qualification Matrix at public.cyber.mil before relying on this.
Is the exam scored or pass/fail?
Pass/fail. CompTIA does not publish a scaled score for SecurityX. You either meet the cut score or you don't, there is no "high pass" distinction.
Prerequisites and readiness
Do I really need 10 years of IT experience?
It's a recommendation from CompTIA, not a hard prerequisite. We screen every applicant; if you have strong fundamentals (Security+, CySA+, or equivalent hands-on work) we'll tell you honestly whether you're ready or whether to wait one cohort.
I have Security+ but not CySA+. Am I ready?
Probably, if you also have three to five years of working experience in a security role. If you went Security+ directly into the bootcamp with no operational experience, you would struggle. We will tell you honestly during the advisor call.
What if I'm a developer pivoting into security?
Strong developers do well in SecurityX because they're comfortable with code in labs. The gap is usually in network, identity, and operational discipline, we have a pre-bootcamp self-study list for developer-pivot candidates.
The bootcamp
Is the exam voucher included?
Yes, every format includes one CAS-005 voucher and one retake voucher, plus 90 days of post-bootcamp lab access and instructor office hours.
What's the difference between Live Online and Self-Paced?
Live Online is a real-time five-day cohort, same instructor, same schedule, virtual. Self-Paced is async with 90 days of lab access and twice-weekly group office hours. Pick Live Online if structure helps you finish; pick Self-Paced if your schedule will not tolerate five fixed days.
Can our company run this as a private cohort?
Yes, that is the Private Events format. Send us your stack and team size and we will customize the labs to your environment, then deliver either at your facility or as a private online cohort. Cohorts of eight or more get a tailored scope review.
What if I fail the exam?
You retake with the included retake voucher. Office hours and lab access continue through your 90-day post-bootcamp window so you can target the specific weak areas identified on your first attempt. Exam results vary based on prior experience, study time, technical background, and exam readiness; we do not guarantee exam outcomes.
Logistics and payment
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, two- and three-payment plans are available at no additional cost for In-Person, Self-Paced, and Live Online. Private events are billed per the SOW.
Will my employer pay for this?
Many do. We provide an invoice, W-9, and a written training justification on request. About 60% of our candidates are sponsored by their employer.
Do you accept GI Bill benefits?
We are working through accreditation. As of now, GI Bill is not supported but we offer a veteran discount, contact us for the current rate.
What is your refund policy?
Full refund up to 14 days before cohort start. 50% refund up to seven days before start. After that, you can transfer your seat to the next available cohort at no cost. Self-Paced refunds available up to seven days from enrollment if you have not accessed the labs.
Talk to an actual person.
Every prospective candidate gets a real advisor call. No pressure, no sales script, we'll answer questions honestly and tell you if we're not the right fit.