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CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) is an expert-level certification that validates your ability to lead enterprise security, design security architectures, and make advanced security decisions in complex environments.
Exam Format
Domain Weights
165 minutes for up to 90 questions gives you approximately 1 minute 50 seconds per question. Performance-based scenarios may take 5-10 minutes.
Flag PBQs, skip initially: On a first pass, flag performance-based questions and answer all multiple choice first to bank time.
Target <90 seconds/MCQ: Multiple choice questions should take under 90 seconds. If unsure after 2 minutes, mark and move on.
Reserve 30+ minutes for PBQs: Return to performance-based questions with banked time from faster MCQs.
Leave no blanks: There is no penalty for guessing. Always answer every question before time expires.
SecurityX questions test judgment and decision-making, not just knowledge recall. They often present scenarios with multiple valid-looking answers.
Think like an architect: SecurityX tests your ability to design solutions, not just recognize them. Consider scalability, cost, and risk when choosing answers.
Context is everything: The "best" answer depends on the organizational context given in the scenario. Read the business constraints carefully.
Eliminate technically correct but wrong-scope answers: Many distractors are correct security practices but don't address the specific risk or constraint in the question.
Defense in depth: When multiple controls are mentioned, prefer answers that stack complementary controls rather than relying on a single protection.
Overthinking basic questions: Some questions test foundational concepts. Don't over-complicate answers when a straightforward response is clearly correct.
Ignoring business context: SecurityX emphasizes business-aligned security. Technical-only answers that ignore cost, feasibility, or business risk often miss the mark.
Confusing CASP+ vs. SecurityX objectives: CAS-005 has updated objectives compared to CAS-004. Ensure your materials cover cloud-native, AI/ML security, and supply chain topics added in 2024.
Not practicing PBQs: Performance-based questions require hands-on familiarity. Practice with labs, not just reading material.
Weeks 1-2: Foundations Review
Review GRC frameworks (NIST CSF, ISO 27001) and governance concepts. Complete Domain 1 flashcards and 75 practice questions.
Weeks 3-4: Architecture Deep Dive
Focus on Zero Trust, SASE, cloud security architectures, and IAM. Study enterprise architecture frameworks. Complete Domain 2 questions.
Weeks 5-6: Engineering Mastery
Advanced cryptography, PKI, application security, and supply chain topics. Hands-on labs with container security and API testing. Heaviest study focus (31% of exam).
Weeks 7-8: Operations & Integration
Threat hunting, SOAR, incident response, and threat intelligence. Complete full practice exams and review weak areas.
Final Week: Practice Exams
Take all 3 practice exams under timed conditions. Review explanations thoroughly. Focus on consistently missed topics.