Cybersecurity Analyst Program. Three certs, one path into the SOC.
Expert-led instruction
Why this path
Built around what analyst jobs ask for
Security+ is one of the two certs US cybersecurity job listings request most, according to CyberSeek. CySA+ is the cert CompTIA built for SOC and vulnerability analyst work. Network+ comes first because you can't spot bad traffic until you know what normal looks like.
Hiring filters
Security+ gets your resume past the first screen for analyst, admin and government roles.
Real analyst skills
CySA+ covers SIEM and EDR analysis, threat hunting, vulnerability management and incident response.
Government ready
Security+ and CySA+ are both approved for DoD 8140 Cyber Defense Analyst (511) roles.
Sources: CyberSeek heat map, CompTIA certification pages and CompTIA's DoD 8140 work role alignment, checked October 2026. Accumentum is a CompTIA Authorized Partner.
Pathway map
Your three steps to Cybersecurity Analyst
Take the full program or start at the step that fits what you already know. Each course also stands on its own.
Step 1: Know the network you defend
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
You can read how traffic moves. IP addressing, ports and protocols, routing and switching, wireless, monitoring and troubleshooting. Every alert an analyst works later comes back to this.
How longMost students finish the course in 4 to 8 weeks part-time.
Roles it opensNetwork technician, NOC technician, IT support specialist, junior systems administrator
The examUp to 90 questions, 90 minutes, pass at 720 of 900
Step 2: Learn how attacks and defenses work
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
You understand threats, vulnerabilities and the controls that stop them. Identity and access, secure architecture, incident response basics and risk. It's the baseline cert for DoD cyber work and the one hiring filters look for first.
How longMost students finish the course in 4 to 8 weeks part-time.
Roles it opensJunior security analyst, security administrator, systems administrator, IT security specialist
The examUp to 90 questions, 90 minutes, pass at 750 of 900
Step 3: Do the analyst work
CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-004)
You can find and respond to threats. SIEM and EDR analysis, threat hunting, vulnerability scanning and prioritizing, incident response and reporting to the people who need to act on it.
How longPlan your course time with an advisor. CySA+ goes deeper than the first two steps.
Roles it opensSOC analyst, cyber defense analyst, incident responder, vulnerability analyst, threat analyst
The examUp to 85 questions, 165 minutes, pass at 750 of 900
Exam facts
The three exams at a glance
| Cert | Exam code | Questions | Time | Passing score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network+ | N10-009 | Up to 90 | 90 minutes | 720 of 900 |
| Security+ | SY0-701 | Up to 90 | 90 minutes | 750 of 900 |
| CySA+ | CS0-004 | Up to 85 | 165 minutes | 750 of 900 |
Figures from CompTIA's exam detail pages, October 2026. Security+ V8 (SY0-801) is expected around November 17, 2026, and English CySA+ CS0-003 retires December 22, 2026. CompTIA sets exam rules and fees, so confirm on comptia.org before you schedule.
DoD 8140
Work roles this pathway supports
Under DoDM 8140.03, CompTIA lists these certs as approved for the analyst work roles below.
Cyber Defense Analyst (511)
Approved: CompTIA Security+ and CySA+
Cyber Defense Incident Responder (531)
Approved: CompTIA Security+ and CySA+
Vulnerability Assessment Analyst (541)
Approved: CompTIA Security+ and CySA+
Cyber Defense Forensics Analyst (212)
Approved: CompTIA CySA+
Source: CompTIA certification alignment to work role frameworks, checked October 2026.
Funding
Using military education benefits?
Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. Tell us your branch and we'll show you what applies to each step.
Pricing
One course at a time, or all three for less
Register for each course on its own and take them one at a time. Or take all three as the Cybersecurity Analyst bundle and save.
Individual courses
- Network+$2,450Register for Network+
- Security+$2,350Register for Security+
- CySA+$2,450Register for CySA+
Total$7,250
Cybersecurity Analyst bundle
- Network+
$2,450$950 - Security+
$2,350$1,150 - CySA+
$2,450$1,350
Total$3,450
Register for the Bundle*Exam vouchers not included
Tell us where you are and we'll map out your pathway
Where to start, how long it should take you, what it costs and whether funding applies. You'll hear back from a real person, usually within one business day. Prefer email? info@accumentum.net
Thanks, it's in.
We'll reach out shortly with your Cybersecurity Analyst plan. Want to skip ahead? You can register now.
Go to RegistrationFAQ
Questions people ask before they start
Do I need IT experience before I start?
It helps. Network+ is the first step because most people who stall on Security+ or CySA+ are missing networking basics. If you're brand new to IT, talk to us first. Our IT Help Desk Specialist pathway starts with CompTIA A+ and can lead straight into this one.
Can I skip Network+ if I already have it or work in networking?
Yes. If you already hold Network+ or do network work every day, you can start at Security+. Each course also stands on its own, so you can take one step at a time.
Which Security+ exam should I take, SY0-701 or SY0-801?
CompTIA expects Security+ V8 (SY0-801) to launch on or around November 17, 2026, and the English SY0-701 exam retires June 11, 2027. If you'll test before mid 2027, SY0-701 is still a good choice. We'll help you pick based on your test date.
What about CySA+ CS0-003?
CompTIA retires the English CS0-003 exam on December 22, 2026. Anyone starting the pathway now should plan on CS0-004, the current version released June 23, 2026.
Do these certs count for DoD 8140?
Yes. CompTIA lists Security+ and CySA+ as approved for Cyber Defense Analyst (511), Cyber Defense Incident Responder (531) and Vulnerability Assessment Analyst (541) under DoDM 8140.03. Network+ maps to technical support, network operations and system administrator work roles.
Can I use military education benefits?
Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. Tell us your branch and we'll walk you through what applies to each course in the pathway.
How long does the whole pathway take?
Most students finish Network+ and Security+ in 4 to 8 weeks each, part-time. CySA+ is the deepest of the three, so give it more room. An advisor can map a schedule to your test dates and work hours.
Ready to work in a SOC?
Tell us where you're starting and we'll build the schedule with you.
CompTIA, Network+, Security+ and CySA+ are trademarks of CompTIA, Inc.