Quick answer: The CompTIA CySA+ v4 (CS0-004) release date is on or around June 23, 2026. That same day, the current CS0-003 (v3) exam retires - there is no extended overlap. Your exam registration date decides which version you sit: schedule and pass before June 23, 2026 to take CS0-003, or plan for CS0-004 if your test date is on or after that day. The exam format does not change, and any CySA+ you have already earned stays valid.
This is the definitive transition timeline: the key dates, why the change is happening, what it means for your existing certification, and exactly what to do now.
CySA+ Transition Timeline — Key Dates
- CS0-004 (v4) launches: On or around June 23, 2026 (CompTIA)
- CS0-003 (v3) retires: June 23, 2026 (same day)
- Overlap window: None - same-day switchover
- Exam format: Unchanged (up to 85 questions, 165 minutes, 750/900 to pass)
- Your existing CySA+: Stays valid for its full 3-year cycle
When Is the CySA+ v4 (CS0-004) Release Date?
The CySA+ v4 exam, coded CS0-004, is scheduled to launch on or around June 23, 2026. From that date forward, CS0-004 becomes the only version of the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst exam you can register for.
CompTIA states on its official CySA+ page that the v4 release brings "updated coverage of security operations, cloud and hybrid environments, and AI concepts." Additional industry coverage also points to the June 23, 2026 target.
One scheduling detail matters more than any other: your registration and test date — not your study start date — determine which version you take. If your seat is booked for before June 23, 2026, you sit CS0-003. If it is on or after that date, you sit CS0-004.
When Does CompTIA CS0-003 Retire?
CompTIA CS0-003 retires on June 23, 2026 — the same day CS0-004 goes live. There is no grace period to sit the older version afterward.
This is a tighter transition than some past CompTIA refreshes, where two versions co-existed for several months. Here, retirement and launch happen together, so the practical deadline to take the v3 exam is the last available testing appointment before June 23, 2026. If passing on CS0-003 is your goal, book early — testing centers and online-proctored slots fill up as a retirement date approaches.
Why Is CompTIA Releasing CySA+ v4 Now?
CompTIA is releasing CySA+ v4 to keep the exam aligned with how security operations centers actually work in 2026 — and because the certification is on its regular multi-year objective-refresh cycle.
The driving force is a shift in the day-to-day reality of a cybersecurity analyst's job. As CompTIA frames the update, the v4 objectives reflect "more cloud, more automation, more AI tooling, and far more hybrid infrastructure" than existed when CS0-003 was written. In concrete terms, that means new exam coverage of:
- Artificial intelligence in the SOC — AI risk, governance, and practical use cases for log analysis, correlation, and automation.
- Cloud-native and hybrid security — container, virtualization, and API security in cloud-first environments.
- Zero Trust architecture — ZTNA and SASE network models.
The exam also rebalances its four domain weightings, with incident response gaining the most emphasis. For the full breakdown of every domain change and new topic, see our detailed comparison of what changed between CS0-003 and CS0-004.
What Happens to My CS0-003 Certification After CS0-004 Launches?
Nothing changes for a CySA+ you have already earned. A certification passed on CS0-003 remains valid for its full three-year cycle, even after CS0-004 launches.
CompTIA treats CS0-003 and CS0-004 as the same certification — CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) — so a new exam version does not expire or downgrade your existing credential. Your renewal requirements are unchanged: the certification is valid three years and requires 60 continuing education units (CEUs) to renew, per CompTIA's certification renewal policy. Continuing-education fees run about $50 per year.
In short: if you pass CS0-003 before it retires, you hold a current, fully recognized CySA+ — there is no need to re-test on CS0-004.
Should You Take CS0-003 Before It Retires or Wait for CS0-004?
The decision comes down to your exam date and how far along your preparation is. Take CS0-003 if you can realistically schedule and pass before June 23, 2026 and you are already well into v3 study. Plan for CS0-004 if your test window is on or after that date, or if you are early enough in preparation that you would risk straddling the deadline.
A simple rule of thumb: if there is real doubt about passing before late June 2026, prepare for CS0-004 from the start rather than rushing v3 and risking a missed deadline. Either version earns the same credential — so choose the one your timeline can comfortably support.
This article focuses on the dates and logistics; for a side-by-side breakdown of domains, difficulty, and content differences to inform your choice, read our full guide on CS0-003 vs CS0-004 and which version to take.
How Do You Register and Schedule the CySA+ Exam During the Transition?
You register and schedule the CySA+ exam through Pearson VUE, and during the transition the version you receive is tied to the date of your appointment. Book the date carefully to lock in the version you want.
Here is what to know about registration logistics:
- Where to test: CySA+ is delivered through Pearson VUE, at authorized test centers or via online proctoring.
- Cost: the exam voucher is in the 439 USD range based on 2026 cost data.
- Voucher validity: CompTIA exam vouchers are generally valid for about 12 months from purchase, so buying ahead is fine — but the version you sit still depends on your scheduled test date.
- Lock in CS0-003: to guarantee the v3 exam, schedule an appointment dated before June 23, 2026 and sit it on time. A voucher alone does not reserve the version; the appointment date does.
What Should You Do Now to Prepare for the Transition?
Decide your version based on your realistic exam date, then align your study materials to that version. Mixing v3 materials with a v4 test date (or vice versa) is the most common transition mistake.
A short action plan:
- Pick your version by date. Testing before June 23, 2026 and ready? Aim for CS0-003. Testing on or after? Commit to CS0-004.
- Match your materials. For CS0-004, use current resources that cover the new AI, cloud-native, and Zero Trust objectives — older v3-only guides will leave gaps.
- Mind the domain shift. CS0-004 increases the weight of incident response and trims vulnerability management, so adjust your study hours accordingly.
- Practice under real conditions. Validate your readiness with full-length CySA+ mock exams before booking your seat, and review the CompTIA CySA+ exam syllabus to confirm current objectives.
If you are still deciding whether the certification fits your goals, our CompTIA CySA+ certification overview covers careers, salary, and domains in depth, and the full CompTIA certification library lists related credentials.
CySA+ v3 → v4 Transition at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| New exam code | CS0-004 (v4) |
| Release date | On or around June 23, 2026 |
| Retiring exam | CS0-003 (v3) |
| Retirement date | June 23, 2026 |
| Overlap window | None (same-day switchover) |
| Format | Up to 85 questions, 165 minutes, 100–900, 750 to pass |
| Voucher cost | $439 |
| Voucher validity | ~12 months from purchase |
| Existing cert validity | Full 3-year cycle (60 CEUs to renew) |
| Test delivery | Pearson VUE (test center or online proctored) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the CySA+ CS0-004 release date?
A: On or around June 23, 2026, per CompTIA. From that date, CS0-004 is the only version available.
Q: When does CS0-003 retire?
A: CS0-003 retires June 23, 2026 — the same day CS0-004 launches. There is no grace period to sit v3 afterward.
Q: Is there an overlap period where I can take either version?
A: No. Unlike some past CompTIA refreshes, this is a same-day switchover. Your scheduled test date determines which version you sit.
Q: Can I still take CS0-003 before it retires?
A: Yes, if you schedule and complete the exam before June 23, 2026. Book early, as appointments fill up near a retirement date.
Q: Will my CS0-003 certification expire when CS0-004 launches?
A: No. A CySA+ earned on CS0-003 stays valid for its full three-year cycle. CompTIA treats both versions as the same certification.
Q: How much will the CySA+ CS0-004 exam cost?
A: The voucher is in the 439 USD range based on 2026 cost data. Confirm the final CS0-004 price on CompTIA's store at launch.
Q: Where do I register for the CySA+ exam?
A: Through Pearson VUE, at a test center or via online proctoring, after purchasing a voucher from CompTIA.
Q: If I buy a voucher now, which version will I get?
A: The version depends on your scheduled test date, not the purchase date. Vouchers are valid about 12 months, so schedule an appointment before June 23, 2026 to take CS0-003.
Q: Why is CompTIA changing the exam?
A: To reflect 2026 security operations — more cloud, automation, AI tooling, and hybrid infrastructure — as part of its regular objective-refresh cycle.
Q: Should I take CS0-003 or CS0-004?
A: Take CS0-003 if you can pass before June 23, 2026 and are ready; otherwise prepare for CS0-004. See our full CS0-003 vs CS0-004 comparison for the details.
Q: Did the exam format change in CS0-004?
A: No. Both versions use up to 85 questions, 165 minutes, a 100–900 scale, and a 750 passing score. The content and domain weightings changed, not the format.
The Bottom Line
Mark the date: CySA+ v4 (CS0-004) launches on or around June 23, 2026, and CS0-003 retires the same day. There is no overlap, so your exam appointment decides your version. If you are ready to pass before the deadline, CS0-003 is a fine choice and your credential stays fully valid; otherwise, prepare for CS0-004 with current materials.
Whichever path you choose, lock in your version and practice with EduSum's realistic CySA+ mock exams before your test date — backed by our pass guarantee.
