Share this post Although they cover a lot of the same topics, these certifications are not interchangeable. Before you start the process of earning either certification there are important differences. These include what the exams cover and what you can expect after you have been certified.
Both exams have different objectives and career paths. Let’s take a deeper dive:

What is the difference between the CISSP and the CASP?
We’ll start by discussing the similarities between the two certifications.
Since neither certification is vendor-specific it tends to be more theoretical than technical. Experts have pointed out that both the CISSP and the CASP ensure professionals know what to do and when to do it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are able to perform the tasks. Both certifications provide a more comprehensive overview of cybersecurity and demonstrate how everything is connected.
Both certifications must expire after three years. They also require continuing education credits (120 credits for the CISSP and 75 for the CASP).
Both certifications have been approved by the U.S. Department of Defense in order to meet Directive 8140 (DoDD 855) requirements.
Both are good for DoD IAT Level III and II and IASAE 1 & II. They also comply with federal regulations under the Federal Information Security Management Act.
Both certifications require passing an exam covering similar topics. CASP covers enterprise security, risk management, incident response, research, analysis, integration computing, communications, and business disciplines as well as technical integration enterprise components. The CISSP exam covers eight domains: security and risk management; asset security; security engineering; identity and access management; security operations and software development security.
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How the CISSP and CASP differ
Despite their many similarities, the CASP and CISSP certifications differ in a few key areas. The experience requirement is one of the most important differences and a reason many IT professionals choose to pursue the CASP certification. ISC2, the sponsor for the CISSP exam, requires that individuals apply to take the exam and provide proof of at least five years of cumulative paid full-time experience in two or more exam domains.
CompTIA recommends that CASP test-takers have at least 10 year experience in IT administration with at least five years practical security experience. This distinction is important because many people have the knowledge to pass the CASP exam before they reach the five- or 10-year mark in their careers. This is a great advantage for small businesses or startups looking to get government contracts. There may be staff members who are already qualified and ready to take the exam.
However, the CISSP exam is considered to be the more difficult of the two. It is certainly more difficult. The CISSP exam has 250 questions that must all be completed in six hours. While the CASP exam has only 80 questions and takes less than three hours to complete, it can take just under three hours. While most test takers agree that both exams focus more upon the theory than the practice, CompTIA notes that the CASP exam focuses more on technical aspects of cybersecurity.
Both the CISSP and the CASP will help you advance your career and qualify for new opportunities. While the CISSP is the most well-known credential currently, the CASP is gaining popularity and will be highly sought-after in the coming years. The CASP is a good choice if you are looking to learn more technical skills or get started before you earn the CISSP. ITProTV offers online IT training.