CompTIA Certifications: A Complete Guide

Sophia Ellis 28 April 2023

This blog will provide you with a comprehensive list of the most in-demand CompTIA Certifications that will help you advance in your IT career.

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CompTIA Certifications: A Complete Guide

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CompTIA Certifications: A Comprehensive Guide

Continuous advancements in the technological world have increased the demand for CompTIA Certified Information Technology (IT) professionals. Therefore, for candidates willing to build a strong career in the IT industry, obtaining CompTIA Certifications can prove highly beneficial.

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary of a CompTIA Certified professional ranges from approximately £27K - £66K. However, today most job seekers aren’t aware of the importance and benefits of various CompTIA Certifications. Therefore, prospective job seekers can lag in the race to find better job opportunities.

So, if you are a techie seeking a job but hasn’t gotten certified yet, Look no further. Read this blog to learn about various CompTIA Certifications and how they can help you build a strong IT career.

Table of Contents

1) What is a CompTIA Certification?

2) What are the various CompTIA Certifications?

3) What are the in-demand Certifications in CompTIA?

4) Conclusion

What is a CompTIA Certification?

The Computing Technology Industry Association, commonly known as CompTIA, is an American non-profit trade association that offers vendor-neutral professional certifications for the aspiring professionals in the Information Technology (IT) industry.

Since the issue of its first A+ credential in 1993, CompTIA has issued more than two million Certifications. These Certifications validate the candidate’s level of expertise and skillsets that are applicable universally, regardless of the vendor. For example, a Network+ Certified candidate can find a job in companies such as Dell, HP, and Intel.

What are the various CompTIA Certifications?

Based on skillset and level of knowledge, the CompTIA Certification Program encompasses certs in four categories:

1) Core Certifications: The CompTIA Core Certifications are designed for beginners and entry-level IT professionals to help them gain knowledge of fundamental IT expertise and skills.

2) Infrastructure Certifications: The Infrastructure Certifications complement the Network+ credentials. The certs relate to the infrastructure technologies, including Cloud Computing, Open-Source Operating systems, and servers.

3) Cybersecurity Certifications: These comprise the final stage in the CompTIA technical certification path and provide expertise in the field of Cybersecurity.

4) Professional Certifications: Professional Certifications are designed for non-technical professionals in the IT industry.

The CompTIA Certification Path consists of three Technical Certification categories as a progression. It is because IT professionals develop their skills, beginning from Core to Infrastructure and lastly to Cybersecurity.

Additionally, many certifications in CompTIA are U.S. Department of Defense-approved baseline certifications (DoD 8570.01-M). This means that acquiring any of the CompTIA Certification can help open multiple job opportunities for candidates in the Federal Government sector.

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What are the in-demand Certifications in CompTIA?

There are various certifications that CompTIA provides, but some of them are in high demand across organisations. So, let’s have a detailed look at some of the highest-rated certifications:

CompTIA A+ Certification

It is a core level DoD 8570.01-M-Approved Certification. It is one of the best CompTIA Certifications designed for candidates who want to start off as entry-level IT Technicians and anyone who wants to begin exploring the IT field. This certification can pave the way for many job opportunities, such as help Desk Technician, Field Service Technician, Associate Network Engineer, System Support Technician, etc.

Learning outcomes	a) Networking and troubleshooting b) Identifying and repairing software as well as hardware c) Handling and modifying core technologies such as cloud virtualisation, etc d) Security and operations
Examination required	There are two CompTIA A+ Certification examinations: a) CompTIA A+ 220-1001 tests explicitly the knowledge of mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualisation, and cloud computing b) CompTIA A+ 220-1002 tests explicitly the knowledge of Operating Systems, security, software, and operational procedures
Prerequisites	There are no specified requirements. However, candidates must possess 9 to 12 months of hands-on field experience
Examination cost	The cost is £196 per examination
Duration of examination	90 minutes for each examination
Total marks	900 marks per examination
Passing marks	a) For 220- 1101, it is 675 marks b) For 220- 1102, it is 700 marks

CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA CASP+ Certification

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner+ Certification is the only master-level credential with performance-based hands-on certification currently available from CompTIA. This certification is built for Cybersecurity practitioners who want to implement Cybersecurity solutions in an enterprise environment.

Learning outcomes	a) Analysing security risks and frameworks b) Implementing risk mitigation strategies c) Integrating network and security components d) Implementing security controls e) Implement recovery procedures and conducting security assessments
Examination required	CompTIA CASP+ (CAS-003)
Prerequisites	The candidates must know how to plan, design, and implement security solutions across multiple business environments
Examination cost	The examination cost is £395
Duration of examination	165 minutes
Total marks	No scaled score
Passing marks	There are no standardised marks to pass or fail the examination

CompTIA Cloud+ Certification

The rapid growth of the cloud computing market has led organisations to hire highly certified professionals. Therefore, to survive in the highly competitive market, obtaining a CompTIA Cloud+ Certification can help candidates gain an in-depth knowledge of multiple products and systems. The certification is best suitable for Cloud Engineers.

Learning outcomes	a) Cloud Technologies b) Hybrid and multi-cloud solutions c) Cloud deployment d) Operations and troubleshooting.
Examination required	The candidates only need to pass a single exam, i.e., CV0-002
Prerequisites	The candidates must possess at least two to three years of experience in system administration
Examination cost	The examination cost is £286
Duration of examination	90 minutes
Total marks	900 marks
Passing marks	750 marks are required to pass the examination

CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Certification

IT professionals, business professionals, and non-IT practitioners can obtain this professional-level certification. It validates the candidates’ understanding of the business aspects of Cloud Computing and how they can improve efficiency, manage cost, and lessen security risks to make cloud technology decisions.

Learning outcomes	a) Cloud principles b) Cloud networking concepts and storage techniques c) Understanding the financial aspects of managing vendor relations in cloud adoption d) Operating within the cloud and understanding Risk Management concepts
Examination required	CompTIA Cloud Essentials (CLO-001)
Prerequisites	It is recommended to have at least six to twelve months of hands-on experience in using Cloud technologies
Examination cost	The examination cost is £107
Duration of examination	60 minutes
Total marks	900 marks
Passing marks	720 marks are required to pass the examination

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CompTIA CTT+ Certification

The CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer+ Certification is another Professional level Certification built for everyone willing to begin their career as a technical trainer. It demonstrates the candidates’ skills as excellent communicators and curriculum planners. It also helps them to use the tools and techniques necessary to impart training in the current business architecture.

Learning outcomes	a) Gaining instructor skills involving preparation, communication, facilitation, and evaluation b) Facilitating real-time virtual training
Examination required	The candidates are required to pass two tests: a) CTT+ Essentials TK0-201 exam (written exam) b) TKO-202 (classroom performance-based exam) or TKO-203 (virtual classroom performance-based exam). The candidates require to submit a video of the classroom
Prerequisites	The candidates are required to have at least six to twelve months of classroom training experience
Examination cost	a) TKO- 201: £287 b) TKO- 202 or TKO- 203: £306
Duration of examination	A total of 90 minutes, including 17 to 22 minutes for instruction recording
Total marks	a) TKO- 201: 900 marks b) TKO- 202 or TKO- 203: 40 marks
Passing marks	a) TKO- 201: 655 marks b) TKO- 202 or TKO- 203: 36 marks

CompTIA CTT+

CompTIA CySA+ Certification

CompTIA offers the Cyber Security Analyst or CompTIA CySA+ Certification that helps candidates to pursue various Cybersecurity job roles. This Certification is designed to provide candidates with an understanding of behavioural analytics of devices and networks, leading to the identification and mitigation of threats.

Learning outcomes	a) Implementing Vulnerability Management process b) Analysing data to recognise and mitigate threats c) Configuring and using threat detection tools d) Securing systems and applications
Examination required	CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-001)
Prerequisites	Candidates must possess Network+, Security+, or equivalent credentials, and at least four years of experience in Information Security or related experience
Examination cost	The examination cost is £313
Duration of examination	165 minutes
Total marks	900 marks
Passing marks	750 marks are required to pass the examination

CompTIA Data+ Certification

The CompTIA Data+ Certification is a core-level Certification designed for candidates who are interested in starting or changing their career path with data-driven businesses. Obtaining this certification helps candidates gain an understanding of data concepts and environments.

Learning outcomes	a) Data mining b) Data analysis and visualisation c) Data control and governance d) Data manipulation and query optimisation
Examination required	CompTIA Data+ (DA0-001)
Prerequisites	Candidates must have an experience of 18 to 24 months in Business Analysis. They should also have basic knowledge of statistics, data virtualisation, and analytical tools
Examination cost	The examination cost is £200
Duration of examination	90 minutes
Total marks	900 marks
Passing marks	675 marks are required to pass the examination

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ Certification

The CompTIA Fundamentals+ Certification is designed for candidates who want to start their career in the IT sector or professionals who work collaboratively with sales, business, and marketing departments. It is also suitable for those who want to switch to a career in IT.

Learning outcomes	a) Basic understanding of computing b) Software installation c) Basic networking d) Database use
Examination required	The candidates must pass a single examination, Exam FC0-U61, to obtain the Fundamentals+ certification
Prerequisites	There are no specified requirements
Examination cost	The examination cost is £107
Duration of examination	60 minutes
Total marks	900 marks
Passing marks	650 marks are required to pass the examination

CompTIA Network+ Certification

The CompTIA Network+ Certification validates a candidate’s knowledge of implementing, maintaining and troubleshooting the IT networks within an organisation. It is designed for IT professionals with entry-level experience in networking and those who want to step into network administration. This certification is vendor-neutral, unlike other vendor-specific networking certifications.

Learning outcomes	a) Networking fundamentals b) Network implementation c) Installating and configuring d) Network security and troubleshooting
Examination required	CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)
Prerequisites	Candidates must have at least 9-12 months of networking experience. If they do not have the experience, it is recommended to obtain a CompTIA A+ Certification before taking the Network+ examination
Examination cost	The examination cost is £286
Duration of examination	90 minutes
Total marks	900 marks
Passing marks	720 marks are required to pass the examination

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CompTIA Linux+ Certification

The CompTIA Linux+ Certification is ideal for IT Professionals with experience in configuring, monitoring, and supporting servers running major Linux distributions. It is suitable for those who wish to begin a career as a System Administrator, Junior DevOps Support Engineer, or Web Administrator.

Learning outcomes	a) Configuring Linux Kernel modules, cloud, and virtualisation technologies b) Managing software and related services c) Using and operating Linux devices d) Authentication, firewalls, and file management e) Automation and scripting using Linux
Examination required	CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-004)
Prerequisites	Candidates are recommended to have at least 12 months of experience in Linux administration. They must also possess A+ and Network+ Certifications
Examination cost	The examination cost is £287
Duration of examination	90 minutes
Total marks	900 marks
Passing marks	720 marks are required to pass the examination

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CompTIA Pentset+ Certification

The CompTIA PenTest+ Certification is an intermediate-level CompTIA certification suitable for cybersecurity professionals engaged in penetration testing and vulnerability management. It offers job roles such as Security Consultant, Cloud Penetration Tester, Web App Penetration Tester, and more.

Learning outcomes	a) Planning effective compliance-based vulnerability assessment b) Performing vulnerability scans c) Exploiting networks and applications d) Implementing information-gathering exercises using penetration-testing tools
Examination required	CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-001)
Prerequisites	Candidate must have either Network+ or Security+ Certification. They should also have a minimum of three years of experience in information security or related experience
Examination cost	The examination cost is £314
Duration of examination	165 minutes
Total marks	900 marks
Passing marks	750 marks are required to pass the examination

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CompTIA Security+ Certification

Want to build a sustainable career in Cybersecurity? Then obtain the CompTIA Security+ Certification. It helps open many excellent job opportunities, such as Security Administrators, Junior IT Auditors, Penetration Testers, etc.

Learning outcomes	a) Security concepts b) Threats and vulnerabilities c) Access control d) Identity management e) Cryptography
Examination required	CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501)
Prerequisites	It is recommended to have the Network+ credential. Also, they must have at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus
Examination cost	The examination cost is £313
Duration of examination	90 minutes
Total marks	900 marks
Passing marks	750 marks are required to pass the examination

Learn how to identify Social Engineering attacks with our CompTIA Security+ Certification Training Course.

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Project+ Certification

The CompTIA Project+ Certification is ideal for IT professionals who wish to acquire the knowledge and skills to handle small, medium-sized, and less complex projects effectively. It offers candidates many job opportunities, including IT Project Manager/Team Member, Business Analyst, Director, etc.

Learning outcomes	a) Managing the project lifecycle b) Facilitating project documentation c) Improving communication d) Understanding Project Management technology e) Managing resources and stakeholders
Examination required	CompTIA Project+ (PK0-004)
Prerequisites	The candidate must possess the knowledge of multiple Project Management methodologies and frameworks along with having at least 12 months of experience in Project Management
Examination cost	The examination cost is £287
Duration of examination	90 minutes
Total marks	900 marks
Passing marks	710 marks are required to pass the examination

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CompTIA Server+ Certification

The CompTIA Server+ Certification is designed for candidates with excellent knowledge of hardware and software technologies, such as Cloud Computing and Scripting. The certification validates their ability to ensure security and disaster recovery.

Learning outcomes	a) Installing servers of various types at multiple locations b) Managing and troubleshooting servers c) Applying physical and network data security techniques d) Diagnosing and resolving system hardware
Examination required	CompTIA Server+ (SK0-004)
Prerequisites	A CompTIA A+ Certification along with 18 to 24 months of IT experience is required
Examination cost	The examination cost is £288
Duration of examination	90 minutes
Total marks	900 marks
Passing marks	750 marks are required to pass the examination

Take your IT career to the next level with our CompTIA Server+ Certification Course – join today!

Note: The examination for all CompTIA Certifications can be taken either online or in person at a test centre.

Conclusion

The best CompTIA Certifications can assist candidates in gaining a deep insight into the Information Technology world. Whether the candidate has a technical or non-technical background, the various certifications provided by CompTIA have their own peculiarities that can help open great job opportunities.

Learn how to manage, troubleshoot and support Operating Systems - register for our CompTIA ITF+ Certification Course now!