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Exam Information
Official specifications published by CompTIA
Exam Format
165 min
Up to 90
CompTIA does not publish specific passing scores for CASP+
Advanced/Expert
Registration
$466 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
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Wait period varies by attempt; additional fees apply
Validity
3 years
Earn 75 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within 3 years; Pass a higher-level CompTIA certification exam; Complete CompTIA CertMaster CE
CAS-004 Exam Topics and Domains
CAS-004 is organized into 4 weighted domains. Expect to work with Sensors (SIEM, FIM, SNMP traps, NetFlow, DLP, antivirus), Traffic mirroring (SPAN ports, port mirroring, VPC, network tap).
1
Security Architecture
29%
Analyze security requirements and objectives for network architecture
Network ServicesNetwork SegmentationDeperimeterization and Zero TrustNetwork Merging ScenariosSoftware-Defined Networking
- Design secure network architectures for complex environments
- Implement defense-in-depth strategies
- Apply zero trust principles to network design
- Secure cloud and hybrid network architectures
Analyze organizational requirements for proper infrastructure security design
ScalabilityResiliencyAutomationInfrastructure Technologies
- Design scalable and resilient security infrastructure
- Implement secure automation and orchestration
- Balance performance and security requirements
Integrate software applications securely into enterprise architecture
Secure Design PatternsSoftware AssuranceEnterprise Application IntegrationSecure Development Life CycleDevelopment Approaches
- Integrate security into development processes
- Implement secure coding and testing practices
- Secure enterprise application integrations
Implement data security techniques for securing enterprise architecture
Data Loss PreventionData Loss DetectionData Classification and ObfuscationData Life CycleData Management
- Implement comprehensive DLP strategies
- Apply data classification and protection
- Manage data throughout its life cycle
Analyze security requirements to provide appropriate authentication and authorization controls
Credential ManagementPassword PoliciesFederationAccess Control ModelsAuthentication ProtocolsMultifactor Authentication
- Design enterprise authentication systems
- Implement strong authentication controls
- Manage identities and access at scale
Implement secure cloud and virtualization solutions
Virtualization StrategiesCloud Resource ManagementCloud Deployment ModelsCloud Service and Hosting ModelsCloud Storage and Limitations
- Design secure cloud architectures
- Implement virtualization security
- Apply cloud-specific security controls
Explain how cryptography and PKI support security objectives
Cryptographic RequirementsCryptography Use CasesPKI Use Cases
- Apply cryptography to security requirements
- Design PKI infrastructure
- Manage cryptographic keys at enterprise scale
Explain the impact of emerging technologies on enterprise security and privacy
Emerging Technologies
- Assess emerging technology security risks
- Plan for quantum computing impact
- Address AI/ML security challenges
2
Security Operations
30%
Perform threat management activities
Intelligence TypesThreat ActorsIntelligence CollectionThreat Frameworks
- Conduct threat intelligence operations
- Apply threat frameworks
- Perform threat actor analysis
Analyze indicators of compromise and formulate appropriate response
Indicators of CompromiseResponse Actions
- Analyze security alerts and logs
- Identify indicators of compromise
- Formulate incident responses
Perform vulnerability management activities
Vulnerability ScanningSCAP FrameworkVulnerability Management
- Conduct vulnerability assessments
- Implement patch management
- Utilize SCAP framework
Use appropriate vulnerability assessment and penetration testing methods
Testing MethodsTesting ToolsTesting Requirements
- Conduct penetration testing
- Use security testing tools
- Define testing scope and rules
Analyze vulnerabilities and recommend risk mitigations
Common VulnerabilitiesInherently Vulnerable SystemsAttack Vectors
- Identify and analyze vulnerabilities
- Recommend effective mitigations
- Understand attack techniques
Use processes to reduce risk
Proactive and DetectionSecurity Data AnalyticsPreventive ControlsPhysical Security
- Implement risk reduction processes
- Utilize security automation
- Deploy deceptive technologies
Implement appropriate incident response
Event ClassificationIncident Response ProcessResponse Playbooks
- Execute incident response procedures
- Develop response playbooks
- Coordinate incident communication
Explain the importance of forensic concepts
Forensic ProcessEvidence Integrity
- Apply forensic principles
- Maintain evidence integrity
- Support legal proceedings
Use forensic analysis tools
Forensic Tools
- Utilize forensic tools effectively
- Perform digital forensics
- Analyze forensic artifacts
3
Security Engineering and Cryptography
26%
Apply secure configurations to enterprise mobility
Managed ConfigurationsDeployment ScenariosSecurity Considerations
- Implement enterprise mobility management
- Secure mobile devices and applications
- Balance mobility and security
Configure and implement endpoint security controls
Hardening TechniquesEndpoint ProcessesMandatory Access ControlTrustworthy ComputingCompensating Controls
- Harden endpoint systems
- Implement trustworthy computing
- Deploy endpoint detection and response
Explain security considerations for specific sectors and operational technologies
Embedded SystemsICS/SCADAIndustrial ProtocolsCritical Infrastructure Sectors
- Secure operational technology
- Understand ICS/SCADA security
- Address sector-specific requirements
Explain how cloud technology adoption impacts organizational security
Cloud Automation and ConfigurationCloud Key ManagementCloud BCDRCloud Technologies
- Manage cloud security configurations
- Implement cloud key management
- Utilize cloud access security brokers
Implement appropriate PKI solution
PKI HierarchyCertificate Types and UsagePKI Management
- Design and implement PKI
- Manage certificate lifecycles
- Configure certificate services
Implement appropriate cryptographic protocols and algorithms
Hashing AlgorithmsSymmetric AlgorithmsAsymmetric AlgorithmsCryptographic ProtocolsAdvanced Cryptography
- Implement cryptographic protocols
- Select appropriate algorithms
- Apply modern cryptographic techniques
Troubleshoot issues with cryptographic implementations
Implementation Issues
- Diagnose cryptographic issues
- Resolve certificate problems
- Maintain cryptographic security
4
Governance, Risk, and Compliance
15%
Apply appropriate risk strategies
Risk AssessmentRisk HandlingRisk TrackingRisk Appetite and TolerancePolicies and Security Practices
- Conduct risk assessments
- Implement risk treatment strategies
- Develop security policies
Manage and mitigate vendor risk
Shared Responsibility ModelVendor ViabilityVendor RequirementsThird-Party Dependencies
- Assess vendor security
- Manage third-party risk
- Implement vendor controls
Explain compliance frameworks and legal considerations
Data ConsiderationsGeographic ConsiderationsCompliance FrameworksLegal ConsiderationsContract and Agreement Types
- Navigate compliance requirements
- Implement governance frameworks
- Address legal obligations
Explain business continuity and disaster recovery concepts
Business Impact AnalysisPrivacy Impact AssessmentDRP/BCPIncident Response PlanningTesting Plans
- Develop BC/DR plans
- Conduct business impact analysis
- Test continuity procedures
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CAS-004 earns the CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) certification. It sits in the Cybersecurity - Advanced Technical Track track.
Current Level Exams
- CAS-004 - CASP+
- CAS-005 - SecurityXReplaces CAS-004
Next Level Options
Vendor-Specific Expert Certifications Move to specialized or management-focused certifications
Alternative Paths
- CS0-003 - CySA+Focus on defensive security operations and threat detection
- PT0-003 - PenTest+Specialize in penetration testing and ethical hacking
- CV0-004 - Cloud+Strengthen cloud technology skills before advanced security
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for CAS-004 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- RETIRED
- Last content update: 2021-09-01
- Announcement date: 2024-09-01
Updates
- AI and Machine Learning Security CAS-005 (New in SecurityX) New dedicated coverage of AI security challenges, adversarial ML, and secure AI deployment ā¢ Release date: 2024-12-17
- Post-Quantum Cryptography CAS-005 (Enhanced in SecurityX) Expanded coverage of quantum-resistant algorithms and migration strategies ā¢ Release date: 2024-12-17
- Zero Trust Architecture CAS-005 (Enhanced in SecurityX) Significantly expanded zero trust content including SASE and SD-WAN ā¢ Release date: 2024-12-17
- Cloud-Native Security CAS-005 (Enhanced in SecurityX) Updated cloud security controls, container security, and serverless security ā¢ Release date: 2024-12-17
Who should take this exam?
- Minimum 10 years of general hands-on IT experience
- At least 5 years of broad hands-on security experience
- Network+ or equivalent knowledge
- Security+ or equivalent knowledge
- CySA+ or equivalent knowledge
- Cloud+ or equivalent knowledge
- PenTest+ or equivalent knowledge