CompTIA offers a range of certifications that cover various aspects of information technology (IT), from basic computer and networking skills to more advanced topics such as cybersecurity and cloud computing. The certifications are present in four categories based on skill set: Core, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, and Professional.
The CompTIA A+ is a popular entry-level certification created by IT industry professionals for PC service technicians. It is earned by passing two exams and validates skills required for most entry-level IT jobs. It covers a wide range of IT technician knowledge, such as customizing, operating, installing, and maintaining personal computers.
The certificate is sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association and is relevant to many IT job roles today. The certification prepares candidates to solve problems in a wide range of areas such as mobile services, networking, operating systems, and security.
CompTIA Certification List
CompTIA, which stands for the Computing Technology Industry Association, is a non-profit organization that offers vendor-neutral certifications in various areas of information technology (IT). CompTIA certifications are recognized globally and are designed to validate and certify the skills and knowledge of IT professionals.
CompTIA offers a range of certifications that cover different aspects of IT, including hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Some of the most popular CompTIA certifications include:
There are four core CompTIA certifications which include:
- CompTIA A +
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals+
- CompTIA Network+Cybersecurity
- CompTIA Security +
Infrastructure certifications consist:
- CompTIA Linux+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- CompTIA Server+
Cybersecurity certifications consist:
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner+ (CASP+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
Additional professional certifications are:
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Cloud Essentials
- CompTIA CTT+
CompTIA Core Certifications
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ certification
So, CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ is appropriate for beginners who have a basic understanding of PC functionality and compatibility, as well as familiarity with technology topics such as hardware basics, software installation, security risks and prevention, and basic networking. It’s also ideal as a career planning or development tool for those just starting out in IT or looking to change careers. To obtain the credential, you must pass a single exam. In September 2018, CompTIA introduced a new IT Fundamentals+ exam (Exam FC0-U61). This new exam focuses on computing fundamentals, database administration, software development, and IT infrastructure. The English version of the previous exam (Exam FC0-U510) will be phased out on July 15, 2019. Exams in other languages will be phased out on December 1, 2019.
A+ Certification
For good reason, the CompTIA A+ certification has been described as a “entry-level rite of passage for IT technicians.” This certification is intended for people who want to work as a help desk, support, service center, or networking technician. It covers PC and laptop hardware, software installation, and computer and mobile operating system configuration. A+ also assesses a candidate’s understanding of fundamental networking, troubleshooting, and security skills; which can be in use to advance to CompTIA networking or security certifications or those available by other organizations.
CompTIA Network+ certification
Many IT professionals begin their careers with the A+ certification. While the A+ certification is recommendable, if you have the experience and don’t need the A+, you can skip ahead to the CompTIA Network+ certification. It is for at professionals with at least nine months of networking experience. A candidate must be familiar with networking technologies, media, topologies, security, installation and configuration of common wired and wireless network devices, and troubleshooting. Dell, HP, and Intel all recommend or require the Network+ certification, and it is also an accepted entry-point certification for the Apple Consultants Network. The Network+ credential meets the ISO 17024 standard and, like the A+, is recognized by the US Department of Defense. To earn, you must pass this single exam.
CompTIA Security+ certification
CompTIA Security+ is a certification that covers network security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, access control, identity management, cryptography, and much more. Although there are no prerequisites, CompTIA recommends that cert candidates have the Network+ credential and at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus. Candidates must pass the SY0-501 exam to obtain the Security+ certification.
Infrastructure Certifications
CompTIA Linux+ certification
The CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI certification is for Linux network administrators with at least 12 months of experience. Installation, package management, GNU and Unix commands, shells, scripting, security, and other skills should be present. The A+ and Network+ certifications are recommended but not required as prerequisites for this certification. To obtain this credential, candidates must pass two exams (LX0-103 and LX0-104). Candidates must take the exams in the order listed, and they must pass LX0-103 before attempting LX0-104. CompTIA began beta testing a new exam in 2018. (XK1-004). The beta exam registration period ended on October 22, 2018. New exams usually follow beta exam tests, so candidates should keep an eye on the Linux+ website for updates.
CompTIA Cloud+ certification
As the cloud computing market expands by leaps and bounds, the CompTIA Cloud+ certification has kept up. This certification is for information technology professionals with two to three years of experience in storage, networking, or data center administration. CV0-002 is the only exam you need to pass. It assesses candidates’ understanding of cloud technologies, hybrid and multicloud solutions, cloud markets, and the integration of cloud-based technology solutions into system operations.
CompTIA Server+ certification
The CompTIA Server+ certification is for server administrators with 18 to 24 months of experience with server hardware and software technologies; and the A+ certification is recommended. HP, Intel, and Lenovo all recommend or require the Server+ certification for their server technicians. It is also acknowledged by Microsoft and the United States Department of Defense (DoD). To obtain this credential, you must pass a single exam, SK0-004.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Certifications
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification
CySA+ credential holders understand how to use system threat detection tools, as well as data and behavioral analytics, to protect applications and systems from risks, threats, and other vulnerabilities. Holders of the CySA+ certification can not only monitor network behavior, but also analyze results and develop solutions to better protect against advanced persistent threats (APTs), intrusions, malware, and the like. According to CompTIA, CySA+ is a bridge certification between the Security+ credential (which requires two years of experience) and the master-level Advanced Security Practitioner Certification (CASP), which requires ten years of experience. Candidates must pass a performance-based exam to earn a CySA+.
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner+ (CASP+) certification
While CompTIA no longer uses the term “master,” the highly coveted CASP+ certification is unquestionably a master-level credential. CASP is CompTIA’s only performance-base, hands-on certification that is for practitioners. This certification is for experienced IT security professionals who plan, design, and implement security solutions in a business setting. Although there are no explicit prerequisites for this certification, earning the Network+ and Security+ certifications before taking the CASP exam is a good idea. You should also have 10 years of IT administration experience, as well as a minimum of five years of technical security experience (to qualify for this certification as a “master” credential).
PenTest+ by CompTIA
The CompTIA PenTest+ is the most recent addition to the CompTIA certification family. PenTest+, an intermediate-level credential, focuses to supplement the CySA+. While CySA+ focuses on threat detection and response, the PenTest+ credential is offensive in nature; focusing on using penetration testing to identify and manage network vulnerabilities across multiple spectra. There are no required prerequisites, but Network+ and Security+ (or equivalent skills) are strongly recommended, as is two years of information security experience. Candidates interested in a career in cybersecurity may take the PenTest+ or CySA+ credentials in any order.
Additional Professional Certifications
CompTIA Project+ Certification
The CompTIA Project+ certification is solely for project management; and is ideal for project managers who are familiar with project lifecycles from planning to completion and can complete a project on time and within budget. Project managers seeking this certification should have at least one year of experience managing small to medium-sized projects. Candidates for the Project+ certification must pass the PK0-004 multiple-choice exam.
CompTIA Cloud Essentials certification
The CompTIA Cloud Essentials certification is for people who understand the business aspects of cloud computing and how to transition from on-premises to cloud storage. Furthermore, they should be aware of the implications, risks, and consequences of implementing a cloud-based solution. To obtain the credential, you must pass a single exam.
CompTIA CTT+ Certification
Anyone interested in technical training should pursue the CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) certification. It provides vendor-neutral coverage of instructor skills such as preparation, presentation, communication, facilitation, and evaluation. Adobe, Cisco, Dell, IBM, Microsoft, and Ricoh all recommend and accept CTT+ as a substitute for their own in-house trainer certifications. The CTT+ certification requires two exams: CompTIA CTT+ Essentials (TK0-201) and either CTT+ Classroom Performance Trainer (TK0-202) or CTT+ Virtual Classroom Trainer (TK0-203) (TK0-203).
CompTIA Certification Career Path
CompTIA Certifications follow various paths to help you advance in your career, with each one building on the previous to provide you with clear visibility to keep moving forward. Each one has a set of experience levels for validating the skills you will need in your professional career; and we recommend that you choose the certification that best fits your current experience. Whatever career path you choose, it is critical to highlight the advanced skills and knowledge obtained through these certifications in your resume, particularly when applying for a job as Field Engineer.
CompTIA certifications lead to two distinct career paths: infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Infrastructure – The infrastructure path offers a combination of CompTIA Server +, Linux+, and Cloud+ certifications to deepen your knowledge and expertise of skills required in IT infrastructure roles. It can be an intimidating endeavor in the IT field, whether you are just starting out or changing careers.
Cybersecurity – As the number of cyberattacks grows, skilled professionals with knowledge of the subject are in higher demand than ever. The Cybersecurity Pathway fosters practical and hands-on skills to address the issue, allowing technicians to provide the best security possible; and includes the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP), and penetration tester certifications. The United States According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of information security jobs will grow 31% between 2019 and 2029, making it one of the fastest-growing fields.
How Do I Obtain CompTIA Certifications?
A CompTIA Certification can be obtain in four steps, with the option of taking the exam online or in person.
Step 1 – First, you must select your certification. It is beneficial to research the various IT certifications available in order to choose the one that best matches your interests and aligns with your future career goals.
Furthermore, Step 2 – Before you begin training, you should familiarize yourself with your exam and gain a better understanding of the certification as a whole. Studying exam objectives and practicing test questions is a great way to get a sense of the types of topics and questions that will appear in the exam.
Next, Step 3 – You can now begin studying and training for your certification. You have the freedom to create a learning experience that is the best suitable to your learning style; with a wide variety of learning tools ranging from traditional study guides to online training, interactive labs, and online exam prep.
Step 4 – After you’ve studied and feel prepared, register for and take your exam. If you choose to take your exam online, you will have the added benefit and convenience of selecting a quiet and secure location of your choice.
CompTIA Study Material
CompTIA offers a wide range of training options, including classroom instruction, study materials, and e-learning. Global Knowledge, Learning Tree International, and other CompTIA Authorized Training Provider Partners (CAPPs) operate all over the world. Depending on the specifics, classroom and online/e-learning offerings range in price from $2,000 to $4,000. For more information, go to the CompTIA Training page.
CompTIA collaborates with third parties to provide self-study materials. The CompTIA Approved Quality Content (CAQC) logo is to identify content. Other materials, such as audio segments, lesson activities, and additional resources, that allow you to study at your own pace, are available through the CompTIA Marketplace.
Finally, all CompTIA A+, Linux+, Network+, Server+, Security+, and IT Fundamentals+ certification candidates should use CertMaster, CompTIA’s online exam preparation tool. CertMaster assists you in determining which topics you are familiar with and which you need to brush up on, and it recommends training to help you fill in the gaps.
How Much Money Can You Make With a CompTIA Certification?
While a CompTIA certification will undoubtedly help you advance in the IT support industry and attract employers’ attention, how much you earn will ultimately depend on the path you choose. As expected, the earning potential for CompTIA Certification holders grows with additional certifications and experience; with an entry-level A+ qualified professional earning around $40,000 per year.
Is it worthwhile to obtain a CompTIA certification?
A CompTIA certification is definitely worth it; as it will help you land entry-level jobs with the A+ and more prominent industry jobs with the additional industry-specific certifications that are available. A CompTIA certification, regardless of which one you choose; will provide you with fundamental IT knowledge and enable you to land bigger and better roles; allowing you to advance in your IT career.
CompTIA certifications are well-respected and recognized in the IT industry; and they are an excellent way to advance in your career and move up the ladder. Providing you with a world of knowledge, any CompTIA certification, or a combination of more than one; will make you valuable to any organization and will undoubtedly set you apart from the competition.
Importance of Certification
Certifications play a vital role in the IT industry as they validate and demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in a particular technology or area of IT. Employers often prefer to hire certified professionals as they can be assured that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job effectively.
Moreover, certifications can help IT professionals advance their careers by opening up new opportunities for growth and advancement. CompTIA certifications, in particular, are highly regarded in the industry as they are vendor-neutral and validate a broad range of IT skills.
If you are considering pursuing a career in IT, I strongly encourage you to explore CompTIA certifications as a starting point. These certifications provide a solid foundation of IT knowledge and skills and can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Whether you are just starting your IT career or looking to advance your skills, CompTIA certifications can help you achieve your goals and take your career to the next level. So, invest in your future and consider pursuing a CompTIA certification today!
