CompTIA Certifications (ITF+, A+, Network+, Security+, Tech+, CySA+)

Overview

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) is an introduction to basic IT knowledge and skills that helps you determine whether you have what it takes to work in IT. It is the only pre-career certification that assists learners in deciding if they have an aptitude and interest in IT.

Key Features

Broad Coverage: ITF+ covers all areas of IT foundations, creating a broader understanding of IT, making it ideal for non-technical professionals.
Career Exploration: Helps students and career changers determine if IT is the right career path for them.

Skills Covered

IT Concepts and Terminology: Understanding notational systems, computing basics, and the value of data and troubleshooting.
Infrastructure: Setting up and installing common peripheral devices to a laptop/PC and securing a basic wireless network.
Applications and Software: Understanding applications software, operating system components, and application architecture methods.
Software Development: Learning programming language categories, logic, and programming concepts.
Database Fundamentals: Understanding database concepts, structures, and methods used to interface.
Security: Addressing confidentiality, integrity, and availability concerns of secure devices and best practice methods.

Exam Details

Exam Codes	FC0-U61
Exam Description	The CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) exam focuses on the knowledge and skills required to identify and explain the basics of computing, IT infrastructure, software development and database use.
Number of Questions	Maximum of 75 questions
Type of Questions	Multiple choice
Length of Test	60 minutes
Passing Score	650 (on a scale of 900)
Recommended Experience	No prior experience required
Price	Link to price page

Benefits

Foundation for Further Learning: Establish a solid foundation for pursuing advanced IT certifications.
Career Exploration: Determine if a career in IT is right for you.
Skill Validation: Gain recognition for your basic IT skills and knowledge.

Certification Renewal

The CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification is considered good for life and does not need to be renewed.

Overview

CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for launching IT careers into today’s digital world. It is a globally recognized certification that validates foundational skills across a wide range of devices and operating systems, ensuring IT professionals can support core technologies from security to networking to virtualization and more.

Key Features

Industry Standard: CompTIA A+ is trusted by employers worldwide and appears in more tech support job listings than any other IT credential.
Performance-Based: The certification includes performance-based questions that require candidates to demonstrate multi-step knowledge 1.

Skills Covered

Hardware: Identifying, using, and connecting hardware components and devices.
Operating Systems: Installing and supporting Windows OS, including command line and client support, system configuration imaging, and troubleshooting for Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android, and Linux OS.
Software Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting PC and mobile device issues, including common OS, malware, and security issues.
Networking: Explaining types of networks and connections, including TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, and SOHO.
Security: Identifying and protecting against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections.
Mobile Devices: Installing and configuring laptops and other mobile devices, and supporting applications to ensure connectivity for end users.
Virtualization and Cloud Computing: Comparing and contrasting cloud computing concepts and setting up client-side virtualization.
Operational Procedures: Following best practices for safety, environmental impacts, and communication and professionalism.

Exam Details

Exam Codes	CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2) – Candidates must complete both 1101 and 1102 to earn certification. Exams cannot be combined across the series.	CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) – Candidates must complete both 1101 and 1102 to earn certification. Exams cannot be combined across the series.
Exam Description	CompTIA A+ 220-1101 covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing. CompTIA A+ 220-1102 covers operating systems, security, software and operational procedures.	CompTIA A+ 220-1201 covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing CompTIA A+ 220-1202 covers operating systems, security, software and operational procedures.
Number of Questions	Maximum of 90 questions per exam	Maximum of 90 questions per exam
Type of Questions	Multiple choice questions (single and multiple response), drag and drops and performance-based	Multiple choice questions (single and multiple response), drag and drops and performance-based
Length of Test	90 minutes per exam	90 minutes per exam
Passing Score	220-1101: 675 (on a scale of 900) 220-1102: 700 (on a scale of 900)	220-1201: 675 (on a scale of 900) 220-1202: 700 (on a scale of 900)
Recommended Experience	9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field.	9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field.
Price	Link to price page	Link to price page

Benefits

Career Advancement: Differentiate yourself with a certification that proves your IT support skills.

Industry Recognition: Gain recognition for your ability to support technology in various environments.

Jobs You Can Land With CompTIA A+

Help Desk Technician
IT Specialist
Field Service Technician
IT Support Manager
Business Analyst
Data Support Technician
Technical Support Specialist
MSP Personnel
IT Server Technician

Certification Renewal

Keep your certification up to date with CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program. It’s designed to be a continued validation of your expertise and a tool to expand your skill set. It’s also the ace up your sleeve when you’re ready to take the next step in your career.

Get the most out of your certification
Information technology is an incredibly dynamic field, creating new opportunities and challenges every day. Participating in our Continuing Education program will enable you to stay current with new and evolving technologies and remain a sought-after IT expert.

The CompTIA Continuing Education program
Your CompTIA A+ certification is good for three years from the day of your exam. The CE program allows you to extend your certification in three-year intervals through activities and training that relate to the content of your certification. Like A+ itself, CompTIA A+ CE also carries globally-recognized ISO/ANSI accreditation status.

It’s easy to renew
You can participate in a number of activities and training programs, including higher certifications, to renew your CompTIA A+ certification. Complete CertMaster CE, an online, self-paced CE course, or collect at least 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in three years, upload them to your certification account, and A+ will automatically renew.

Overview

CompTIA Network+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the essential skills needed to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. It prepares professionals for a rewarding career in networking and cybersecurity.

Key Features

Vendor-Neutral: CompTIA Network+ is unique in its vendor-neutral approach, ensuring professionals can support networks in any environment.
Performance-Based: The certification includes performance-based questions that require candidates to demonstrate multi-step knowledge 1.

Skills Covered

Networking Concepts: Explain basic networking concepts, including the OSI model, network appliances, applications, cloud concepts, and connectivity options.
Network Implementations: Understand routing technologies and important factors of physical installations; configure switching technologies and wireless devices.
Network Operations: Monitor and optimize networks to ensure business continuity.
Network Security: Understand security concepts and network attacks to harden networks against threats.
Network Troubleshooting: Explain the troubleshooting methodology and address common issues related to networking, including cable, connectivity, and software problems 1.

Exam Details

Exam Codes	N10-008 & N10-009
Exam Description	The CompTIA Network+ certification verifies that the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to: – Establish network connectivity by deploying wired and wireless devices. – Understand and maintain network documentation. – Understand the purpose of network services. – Understand basic datacenter, cloud and virtual networking concepts. – Monitor network activity, identifying performance and availability issues. – Implement network hardening techniques. – Manage, configure, and troubleshoot network infrastructure.
Number of Questions	Maximum of 90 questions
Type of Questions	Multiple choice and performance-based
Length of Test	90 minutes
Passing Score	720 (on a scale of 100-900)
Recommended Experience	CompTIA A+ certification and a minimum of 9-12 months of hands-on experience working in a junior network administrator/network support technician job role.
Price	Link to Price Page

Benefits

Career Advancement: Differentiate yourself with a certification that proves your networking skills.

Industry Recognition: Gain recognition for your ability to support technology in various environments.

Jobs You Can Land With CompTIA Network+

Tier II IT Support Technician
IT Support Manager
Network Administrator
Systems Administrator
Data Center Technician

Certification Renewal

Keep your certification up to date with CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program. It’s designed to be a continued validation of your expertise and a tool to expand your skillset. It’s also the ace up your sleeve when you’re ready to take the next step in your career.

The CompTIA Continuing Education program
Your CompTIA Network+ certification is good for three years from the day of your exam. The CE program allows you to extend your certification in three-year intervals through activities and training that relate to the content of your certification. Like Network+ itself, CompTIA Network+ CE also carries globally-recognized ISO/ANSI accreditation status.

It’s easy to renew
You can participate in a number of activities and training programs, including higher certifications, to renew your CompTIA Network+ certification. Complete CertMaster CE, an online, self-paced CE course, or collect at least 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in three years, upload them to your certification account, and Network+ will automatically renew.

Overview

CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. It is the first security certification IT professionals should earn, establishing the core knowledge required for any cybersecurity role.

Key Features

Industry Standard: Security+ is the most widely adopted ISO/ANSI-accredited early career cybersecurity certification on the market.
Performance-Based: The certification includes performance-based questions that assess your ability to effectively problem-solve in real-life situations.

Skills Covered

Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities: Analyze indicators of compromise and determine types of malware, attacks, and vulnerabilities.
Technologies and Tools: Deploy and troubleshoot network components, secure network architecture, and implement secure systems design.
Identity and Access Management: Implement identity and access management controls and account management practices.
Risk Management: Apply risk management best practices and understand the business impact.
Architecture and Design: Summarize secure application development, deployment, cloud, and virtualization concepts.
Cryptography and PKI: Implement and manage public key infrastructure (PKI) and cryptographic solutions.

Exam Details

Exam Code	SY0-701
Exam Description	The CompTIA Security+ certification exam will verify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions; monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT; operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance; identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents
Number of Questions	Maximum of 90 questions
Type of Questions	Multiple choice and performance-based
Length of Test	90 minutes
Passing Score	750 (on a scale of 100-900)
Recommended Experience	CompTIA Network+ and two years of experience working in a security/ systems administrator job role.
Price	Link to price page

Benefits

Career Advancement: Differentiate yourself with a certification that proves your cybersecurity skills.

Industry Recognition: Gain recognition for your ability to secure and protect digital environments.

Jobs You Can Land With CompTIA Security+

Cloud Penetration Tester
Network Security Operations
Penetration Tester
Network Security Analyst
Web App Penetration Tester
Security Architect

Certification Renewal

Keep your certification up to date with CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program. It’s designed to be a continued validation of your expertise and a tool to expand your skillset. It’s also the ace up your sleeve when you’re ready to take the next step in your career.

The CompTIA Continuing Education program
Your CompTIA Security+ certification is good for three years from the day of your exam. The CE program allows you to extend your certification in three-year intervals through activities and training that relate to the content of your certification. Like Security+ itself, CompTIA Security+ CE also carries globally-recognized ISO/ANSI accreditation status.

It’s easy to renew
You can participate in a number of activities and training programs, including higher certifications, to renew your CompTIA Security+ certification. Complete CertMaster CE, an online, self-paced CE course, or collect at least 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in three years, upload them to your certification account and Security+ will automatically renew.

Overview

CompTIA Tech+ is an essential certification for anyone exploring a career in technology. It provides foundational knowledge and hands-on skills to help individuals navigate today’s digital world. Whether you’re a student, career changer, or non-technical professional, Tech+ helps you determine if a career in IT is right for you.

Key Features

Pre-Career Certification: Tech+ is ideal for those just starting out, offering a broad understanding of IT without requiring prior experience.
All-in-One IT Foundations: Covers a wide range of topics including hardware, software, networking, security, data, and emerging technologies like AI and IoT.
Career Exploration: Helps learners assess their interest and aptitude for a future in tech.

Skills Covered

IT Concepts and Terminology: Understand computing basics, data types, and troubleshooting methods.
Infrastructure: Learn about hardware, networks, and cloud computing.
Applications and Software: Explore software applications, operating systems, and productivity tools.
Software Development Concepts: Understand programming logic, development methodologies, and version control.
Data and Database Fundamentals: Learn how data is structured, stored, and managed.
Security: Understand basic cybersecurity principles, threats, and protective measures.

Exam Details

Exam Code: FC0-U71
Launch Date: August 28, 2024
Number of Questions: Maximum of 75
Type of Questions: Multiple choice
Length of Test: 60 minutes (plus 30 minutes for NDA)
Passing Score: 650 (on a scale of 100–900)
Recommended Experience: None required
Languages Available: English
Testing Provider: Pearson VUE
Certification Validity: Typically valid for three years.

Benefits

Accessible Entry Point: No prior experience needed—perfect for beginners.
Broad Tech Exposure: Gain a well-rounded understanding of IT to support future learning or career decisions.
Education-Ready: Ideal for secondary and post-secondary students, as well as adult learners.

Overview

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst+ (CySA+) is a certification for cyber professionals tasked with incident detection, prevention, and response through continuous security monitoring. It validates the skills required to proactively defend and protect organizational systems.

Key Features

Behavioral Analytics: CySA+ applies behavioral analytics to networks and devices to prevent, detect, and combat cybersecurity threats.
Performance-Based: The certification includes performance-based questions that assess your ability to effectively problem-solve in real-life situations.

Skills Covered

Security Operations: Improve processes in security operations and differentiate between threat intelligence and threat hunting concepts; identify and analyze malicious activity using appropriate tools and techniques.
Vulnerability Management: Implement and analyze vulnerability assessments, prioritize vulnerabilities, and make recommendations on mitigating attacks and vulnerability response.
Incident Response and Management: Apply updated concepts of attack methodology frameworks, perform incident response activities, and understand the incident management lifecycle.
Reporting and Communication: Apply communication best practices in vulnerability management and incident response as it relates to stakeholders, action plans, escalation, and metrics.

Exam Details

Exam Code: CS0-003
Exam Description: The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification verifies that successful candidates have the knowledge and skills required to detect and analyze indicators of malicious activity, understand threat intelligence and threat management, respond to attacks and vulnerabilities, perform incident response, and report and communicate related activity.
Number of Questions: Maximum of 90 questions
Type of Questions: Multiple choice and performance-based
Length of Test: 165 minutes
Passing Score: 750 (on a scale of 100-900)
Recommended Experience: Network+, Security+ or equivalent knowledge. Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience as an incident response analyst or security operations center (SOC) analyst, or equivalent experience.

Benefits

Career Advancement: Differentiate yourself with a certification that proves your cybersecurity analysis skills.
Industry Recognition: Gain recognition for your ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cybersecurity threats.

Jobs You Can Land With CompTIA CySA+

Certification Renewal

The CompTIA Continuing Education program
Your CompTIA CySA+ certification is good for three years from the date of your exam. The CE program allows you to extend your certification in three-year intervals through activities and training that relate to the content of your certification.

It’s easy to renew
You can participate in a number of activities and training programs, including higher certifications, to renew your CompTIA CySA+ certification. Collect at least 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in three years and upload them to your certification account, and your CompTIA CySA+ certification will automatically renew.