Free CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test 2026
Master advanced security concepts with our CAS-004 practice questions. Designed for experienced security practitioners, covering enterprise security architecture, operations, engineering, and governance—the skills needed to architect and implement security solutions.
CASP+ CAS-004 Exam Quick Facts
| Exam Code | CAS-004 |
| Full Name | CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner |
| Number of Questions | Up to 90 (MCQ + PBQ) |
| Exam Duration | 165 minutes |
| Passing Score | Pass/Fail (no published score) |
| Exam Cost | $480 USD |
| Validity Period | 3 years |
| Renewal | 75 CEUs |
| Prerequisites | None (10 years IT, 5 years security recommended) |
| DoD 8570 | Yes - IAT Level III, IAM Level II |
| Average Salary | $145,000/year (Security Architect) |
CASP+ CAS-004 Exam Domains
CASP+ tests four core domains focusing on advanced technical skills and decision-making for enterprise security environments.
🏗️ Security Architecture (29%)
Topics: Enterprise architecture frameworks, security requirements analysis, network architecture security, cloud/hybrid security, virtualization security, containerization.
Key Concepts: Zero trust, microsegmentation, SASE, defense in depth
⚙️ Security Operations (30%)
Topics: Threat management, vulnerability management, incident response, security monitoring, threat intelligence, digital forensics.
Key Concepts: SIEM, SOAR, threat hunting, IOC analysis
🔐 Security Engineering (26%)
Topics: Cryptography implementation, PKI, secure protocols, hardware security, software security, secure development lifecycle.
Key Concepts: HSMs, TPM, key management, crypto agility
📋 Governance, Risk & Compliance (15%)
Topics: Risk management frameworks, compliance requirements, security policies, business impact analysis, vendor risk management.
Key Concepts: NIST CSF, ISO 27001, risk quantification
Ready for Advanced Security Mastery?
Practice with questions designed for experienced security professionals.
Start Practice Test →What Makes CASP+ Different
CASP+ isn't like other certifications. It tests your ability to analyze complex scenarios and make the BEST decision—not just identify the "correct" answer.
🎯 Scenario-Based Thinking
Questions present complex enterprise scenarios with multiple valid solutions. You must identify the BEST option considering business constraints, risk tolerance, and technical requirements.
💼 Business Context
Technical correctness isn't enough. You must consider budget, timeline, organizational culture, and business impact when recommending solutions.
🏢 Enterprise Scale
Solutions must scale to enterprise environments. What works for a small business may not apply to a Fortune 500 company.
⚖️ Trade-off Analysis
Every security decision involves trade-offs. CASP+ tests your ability to balance security, usability, cost, and performance.
Sample CASP+ Practice Question
Question: A healthcare organization is migrating its electronic health records (EHR) system to a public cloud provider. The CISO is concerned about data sovereignty and HIPAA compliance. The organization has a limited budget and a 6-month timeline. Which approach BEST addresses these concerns?
A) Implement a private cloud to maintain full control over data
B) Select a cloud provider with HIPAA BAA and regional data centers in the required jurisdiction
C) Encrypt all data at rest and in transit using organization-managed keys
D) Delay the migration until a comprehensive third-party audit is completed
Show Answer
✓ B) Select a cloud provider with HIPAA BAA and regional data centers in the required jurisdiction
This option addresses both compliance (HIPAA BAA) and data sovereignty (regional data centers) while staying within budget and timeline constraints. A private cloud (A) would exceed budget/timeline. Encryption alone (C) doesn't address data sovereignty. Delaying (D) doesn't solve the problem and misses the deadline. CASP+ requires balancing multiple requirements—the BEST answer satisfies the most critical constraints.
CASP+ vs CISSP: Which to Choose?
| Aspect | CASP+ (CAS-004) | CISSP |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Technical practitioner | Security management |
| Ideal For | Hands-on architects/engineers | CISOs, security directors |
| Exam Format | MCQ + PBQ, 165 min | CAT (adaptive), 3-4 hours |
| Experience | 10 years IT (recommended) | 5 years required |
| Cost | $480 | $749 |
| DoD 8570 | IAT III, IAM II | IAM II, IASAE II |
| Renewal | 75 CEUs / 3 years | 120 CPEs + $125/year |
| Career Path | Stay technical | Move to management |
💡 Pro Tip: If you love implementing security solutions and want to stay hands-on, choose CASP+. If you're moving toward leadership, policy-making, and managing security teams, choose CISSP.
CAS-004 Aligned
Questions updated for current CASP+ exam objectives covering cloud security, zero trust, and modern threats.
Enterprise Focus
Practice with complex enterprise security scenarios requiring multi-factor analysis.
Risk-Based Thinking
Develop the risk-based decision-making mindset required for advanced security roles.
Technical Depth
Advanced cryptography, cloud security, and enterprise architecture concepts.
Career Opportunities with CASP+
According to PrepForCerts analysis, CASP+ qualifies you for senior technical security roles:
🏗️ Security Architect
Salary: $130,000 - $190,000
Design enterprise security architectures, evaluate solutions, and provide technical leadership for security initiatives.
⚙️ Senior Security Engineer
Salary: $120,000 - $170,000
Implement complex security solutions, manage security infrastructure, and lead technical security projects.
🔐 Principal Security Consultant
Salary: $140,000 - $200,000
Advise enterprises on security strategy, perform advanced assessments, and lead complex engagements.
🛡️ Security Operations Lead
Salary: $115,000 - $160,000
Lead SOC teams, develop detection strategies, and manage incident response programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CASP+ exam format?
The CASP+ exam (CAS-004) consists of up to 90 questions including multiple-choice and performance-based questions. You have 165 minutes to complete it. The exam is pass/fail with no published passing score. Questions are scenario-based and test decision-making ability.
What are the prerequisites for CASP+?
CompTIA recommends 10 years of IT administration experience with at least 5 years of hands-on technical security experience. Security+ or equivalent knowledge is strongly recommended. Unlike CISSP, experience is not verified—but you'll struggle without substantial real-world experience.
How does CASP+ compare to CISSP?
CASP+ is technical and hands-on, designed for practitioners who implement security solutions. CISSP is management-focused for security leaders. Both are advanced certifications but serve different career paths. CASP+ is best if you want to stay technical; CISSP is best for management track.
What domains does CASP+ CAS-004 cover?
CASP+ covers four domains: Security Architecture (29%), Security Operations (30%), Security Engineering and Cryptography (26%), and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (15%). The exam emphasizes practical application of these concepts in enterprise environments.
How much does CASP+ cost?
The CASP+ exam costs $480 USD, making it CompTIA's most expensive certification. This reflects its advanced level. Study materials add $200-$600 depending on resources. Consider this investment in the context of the $145,000+ average salary it helps achieve.
How long is CASP+ certification valid?
CASP+ certification is valid for 3 years. You can renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education program by earning 75 CEUs. As the highest CompTIA certification, passing CASP+ also automatically renews all lower CompTIA certifications you hold.
Is CASP+ DoD 8570 approved?
Yes, CASP+ is approved for DoD 8570/8140 compliance at IAT Level III (the highest technical level), IAM Level II, and IASAE I/II positions. It's one of the most versatile DoD-approved certifications for senior technical roles.
Should I get CASP+ or CISSP?
Choose CASP+ if you want to remain a hands-on technical practitioner designing and implementing security solutions. Choose CISSP if you're moving toward security management, leadership, or CISO-track positions. Many senior professionals hold both for maximum career flexibility.