CertLadder
Certification Roadmap

Security Analyst

Builds toward senior security analyst and SOC roles. Security+ establishes the security foundation, CySA+ validates threat detection and incident response skills, and CISM adds the security management credential for analysts moving into leadership positions.

1218 Months$95,000–$140,000
Cybersecurity
01

CompTIA Security+

SY0-701associate
Study time
60100 hours
Exam cost
$392
$75,000–$105,000

Security+ establishes the security foundation required for analyst roles. Core concepts in threat detection, risk management, and incident response start here before you develop deeper specialization.

02

CompTIA CySA+

CS0-003professional
Study time
100150 hours
Exam cost
$392
$90,000–$120,000

CySA+ validates the hands-on threat detection and incident response skills that security analyst roles demand. It bridges Security+ and management-level credentials for analysts advancing into senior positions.

03

CISM

CISMexpert
Study time
120180 hours
Exam cost
$760
$120,000–$160,000

CISM validates security management expertise — governance, risk management, incident management, and program development. It is the premier credential for security analysts moving into leadership roles commanding $120,000–$160,000.

04

CISA

CISAexpertOptional
Study time
120180 hours
Exam cost
$760
$110,000–$150,000

CISA validates IT audit and compliance expertise. Highly valuable for security analysts moving into governance, risk, and compliance roles.

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