CompTIA offers some of the most recognized entry-level certifications
for IT professionals, including its A+, Network+ and Security+
certifications. This certification guide will help you get started with
CompTIA's certs and career paths.
Headquartered near Chicago, CompTIA is a non-profit trade association comprised of over 2,000 member organizations and 3,000 business partners. Although the organization focuses on educating and certifying IT professionals, CompTIA also figures prominently in philanthropy and public policy advocacy.
For example, one of the most popular career paths in IT is network administration. CompTIA's Network and Cloud Technologies career path offers numerous certifications that can help you advance your network administration career, such as IT Fundamentals at the Basic level, A+, Cloud+, Linux+, Mobility+ and Network+ at the Professional level, and the Cloud Essentials and Healthcare IT Technician specialty certifications.
Those interested in network security (one of the fastest growing fields in IT) should consider the certifications in CompTIA's Information Security career path. This includes IT Fundamentals, A+, Network+, Security+, CASP and SMSP.
CompTIA also provides a comprehensive IT certification roadmap that encompasses certifications from CompTIA as well as a variety of other organizations, including Cisco, Citrix, EC-Council, Microsoft and more.
* Exams include a combination of multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
** All questions are multiple choice.
Although this certification doesn't impose any explicit prerequisites, it's not a bad idea to earn the Network+ and Security+ certifications before tackling the CASP exam. You should also have 10 years of IT administration experience, as well as a minimum of 5 years of technical security experience (thus the cert's place in the "Mastery" category).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Network Solutions and Verizon Telematics, among other companies, require CASP certification for certain positions. The U.S. Army and U.S. Navy also accept CASP as an industry-based certification required by employees and contractors who perform IT work in DOD data centers. The CASP certification requires that candidates pass the CAS-002 exam, which consists of 80 multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
Two exams are required for the CTT+ credential: CompTIA CTT+ Essentials and either CTT+ Classroom Trainer or CTT+ Virtual Classroom Trainer. CTT+ Essentials (exam TK0-201) consists of 95 questions and you're allowed 90 minutes to complete it. This exam costs $285.
The CTT+ Classroom Trainer (TK0-202) and CTT+ Virtual Classroom Trainer (TK0-203) are performance-based exams. In this case, you must submit a video or recording of your classroom or virtual classroom sessions and complete a form that documents your training preparation, delivery and student evaluations. Each of these costs $311 USD; so the total cost to complete the CTT+ cert is $596.
* The CTT+ Classroom and Virtual Classroom exams are both performance based.
CompTIA works with third parties to offer a wide range of self-study materials (the search tool is available here). Content that has been through a vetting process is branded with the CompTIA Approved Quality Content (CAQC) logo. Other materials that allow you to study at your own pace, such as audio segments, lesson activities and additional resources, are available through the CompTIA Marketplace.
Finally, every CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ certification candidate must check out CertMaster, CompTIA's online test prep tool. CertMaster helps you determine which topics you know well and those you need to brush up on, and suggests training to help you fill in the gaps.
MORE: IT Career Paths & Certification Guides
MORE: Best IT Certifications
MORE: All IT Careers Content
Headquartered near Chicago, CompTIA is a non-profit trade association comprised of over 2,000 member organizations and 3,000 business partners. Although the organization focuses on educating and certifying IT professionals, CompTIA also figures prominently in philanthropy and public policy advocacy.
CompTIA Certification Program Overview
CompTIA's vendor-neutral certification program is one of the most recognized in the IT industry, having issued over 2 million certifications over a 20 year span. Currently, CompTIA certifications are offered at four levels, or series:- Basic
- Professional
- Master
- Specialty
CompTIA Career Paths
In addition to certification levels, CompTIA groups its certifications into several career paths:- Information security
- Network and cloud technologies
- Hardware, services and infrastructure
- IT management and strategy
- Storage and data
- Web and mobile
- Software development
- Training
- Office productivity
For example, one of the most popular career paths in IT is network administration. CompTIA's Network and Cloud Technologies career path offers numerous certifications that can help you advance your network administration career, such as IT Fundamentals at the Basic level, A+, Cloud+, Linux+, Mobility+ and Network+ at the Professional level, and the Cloud Essentials and Healthcare IT Technician specialty certifications.
Those interested in network security (one of the fastest growing fields in IT) should consider the certifications in CompTIA's Information Security career path. This includes IT Fundamentals, A+, Network+, Security+, CASP and SMSP.
CompTIA also provides a comprehensive IT certification roadmap that encompasses certifications from CompTIA as well as a variety of other organizations, including Cisco, Citrix, EC-Council, Microsoft and more.
CompTIA Basic Certification
CompTIA IT Fundamentals
CompTIA IT Fundamentals is the sole certification in the Basic category. It's ideal 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. Currently, CompTIA offers two versions of the exam: FC0-U51 (proctored) and FC0-Z51 (non-proctored); the exam details are below.CompTIA Basic Exam Details
| Exam Details | Number of Questions | Time to Complete Exam | Exam Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC0-U51 (proctored) FC0-Z51 (non-proctored) | 75 | 60 minutes | $112 |
CompTIA Professional Certifications
The CompTIA Professional series certifications aim at IT professionals seeking a specific IT career, such as computer support, networking, security, mobility, project management or storage. The three most popular CompTIA certifications -- namely, A+, Network+ and Security+ -- fall in this category, as well as the Linux+, Cloud+, Mobility+, Server+ and Project+ certs. Let's take a closer look at CompTIA's Professional certs.CompTIA A+
The CompTIA A+ certification has been described as an "entry-level rite of passage for IT technicians," for a good reason. This certification is designed for folks seeking a career as a help desk, support, service center or networking technician, and it covers PC and laptop hardware, software installation and configuration of computer and mobile operating systems. A+ also tests a candidate's understanding of basic networking, troubleshooting and security skills, which serve as a springboard for CompTIA networking or security certifications or those offered by other organizations. The A+ is required for Dell, Intel and HP service technicians and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Candidates must pass two exams to earn the A+ credential, Exam 220-901 and 220-902.CompTIA Network+
Many IT professionals start with the A+ certification. However, if you have the experience and don't feel you need the A+, you can move directly to the CompTIA Network+ certification, geared toward professionals with at least nine months of networking experience. A candidate must be familiar with networking technologies, media, topologies, security, installation and configuration. The Network+ certification is recommended or required by Cisco, Dell, HP and Intel, and is also an accepted entry-point certification for the Apple Consultants Network. And just like the A+, it is recognized by the U.S. DoD. Only one exam, N10-006 (or JK0-023 for CompTIA Academy Partners), is required to complete the certification.CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ covers network security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, access control, identity management, cryptography and much more. Although CompTIA does not require any prerequisites, the organization recommends that cert candidates have at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus. To obtain the Security+ cert candidates must pass on exam, SY0-401.CompTIA Linux+
The CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI certification aims at Linux network administrators with at least 12 months of Linux administration experience, including installation, package management, GNU and Unix commands, shells, scripting, security and more. The A+ and Network+ certifications are recommended as prerequisites but are not required; candidates must pass two exams to earn the credential.CompTIA Cloud+
As the cloud computing market continues to grow by leaps and bounds, the CompTIA Cloud+ certification has been keeping pace. This cert targets IT professionals with 24 to 36 months' experience in storage, networking or data center administration. The single exam tests candidates' knowledge of cloud models, resource management, business continuity techniques and general hypervisor technology for server virtualization.CompTIA Mobility+
As with cloud computing, mobile technology is also increasing in popularity and significance for IT infrastructures, especially with the explosion of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs and Internet of Things (IoT). If you're an IT professional with 18 months' experience in a mobile environment, and familiar with a variety of mobile devices, technologies and security, the CompTIA Mobility+ cert is for you. CompTIA also recommends that candidates have 12 months' networking experience or a Network+ certification, and they must also pass a single exam.CompTIA Server+
CompTIA Server+ aims at server administrators with 18 to 24 months' experience with server hardware and software technologies and the A+ certification is recommended. The Server+ credential is recommended or required by HP, Intel and Lenovo for their server technicians, and is recognized by Microsoft and the U.S. DoD.CompTIA Project+
The CompTIA Project+ certification focuses exclusively on project management and is ideal for project managers who are familiar with project lifecycles from planning to completion, who can finish a project on time and under budget. Project managers interested in this certification should have at least one year of project management experience overseeing small- to medium-sized projects. The Project+ credential requires that candidates pass a single multiple choice exam, PK0-003.CompTIA Professional Exam Details
| Exam Details | Number of Questions | Time to Complete Exam | Exam Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ 220-901 | 90 * | 90 minutes | $199 |
| A+ 220-902 | 90 * | 90 minutes | $199 |
| Network+ N10-006 (JK0-023) | 90 * | 90 minutes | $285 |
| Security+ SY0-401 | 90 * | 90 minutes | $311 |
| Linux+ Powered by LPI LX0-103 | 60 ** | 90 minutes | $194 |
| Linux+ Powered by LPI LX0-104 | 60 ** | 90 minutes | $194 |
| Cloud+ CV0-001 | 60 ** | 90 minutes | $285 |
| Mobility+ MB0-001 | 60 ** | 90 minutes | $277 |
| Server+ SK0-004 | 60 ** | 90 minutes | $285 |
| Project+ PK0-003 | 100 ** | 90 minutes | $285 |
** All questions are multiple choice.
CompTIA Master Certification
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP)
The highly sought-after CASP certification is the only Mastery credential currently available from CompTIA. This certification is designed for seasoned IT security professionals who plan, design and implement security solutions in an enterprise environment.Although this certification doesn't impose any explicit prerequisites, it's not a bad idea to earn the Network+ and Security+ certifications before tackling the CASP exam. You should also have 10 years of IT administration experience, as well as a minimum of 5 years of technical security experience (thus the cert's place in the "Mastery" category).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Network Solutions and Verizon Telematics, among other companies, require CASP certification for certain positions. The U.S. Army and U.S. Navy also accept CASP as an industry-based certification required by employees and contractors who perform IT work in DOD data centers. The CASP certification requires that candidates pass the CAS-002 exam, which consists of 80 multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
CompTIA Master Exam Details
| Exam Details | Number of Questions | Time to Complete Exam | Exam Cost (USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| CASP CAS-002 | 80 | 165 minutes | $414 |
CompTIA Specialty Certifications
CompTIA specialty certifications cover topics specific to a particular vertical or niche market, such as digital imaging and social media. This category also includes the long-standing CTT+, CompTIA's IT trainer credential.CompTIA CDIA+
The CompTIA Certified Document Imaging Architect (CDIA+) certification is geared toward individuals looking for a career in digital imaging and content management; specifically, best practices for planning, designing and specifying such systems. This certification is recognized by imaging powerhouses like Canon, Konica Minolta, Ricoh and Kyocera. The CDIA+ requires candidates complete the CD0-001 multiple-choice exam. CompTIA recommends that CDIA+ candidates have at least 24 months of experience before sitting for the exam.CompTIA Cloud Essentials
The CompTIA Cloud Essentials certification is geared toward individuals who understand the business aspects of cloud computing and how to move from in-house to cloud storage. In addition, they should be familiar with the impacts, risks and consequences of implementing a cloud-based solution. The CLO-001 exam has 50 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within one hour.CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician
The U.S. is nearing the end of a long transition to electronic medical records, which is partly responsible for making healthcare IT one of our fastest growing industries. Candidates for the CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician certification not only need basic networking skills, but they also need knowledge of U.S. healthcare regulatory requirements, organizational behavior and business operations. Candidates should have the CompTIA A+ certification or at least 500 hours of hands-on healthcare IT technical experience. The HIT-001 exam (and the identical HIT-BE1 exam) has 75 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in one hour.CompTIA SMSP
The CompTIA Social Media Security Professional (SMSP) was the industry's first social media security certification, aimed at IT professionals familiar with social media platforms with an interest in securing their organization's information on such platforms. CompTIA partnered with the Ultimate Knowledge Institute (UKI), which offers the exam. You can take an official three-day training course (along with the exam) or attempt the exam without official training. The SMSP exam has 85 questions that you must complete in 90 minutes.CompTIA CTT+
The CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) certification is perfect for anyone interested in technical training. It covers instructor skills, such as preparation, presentation, communication, facilitation and evaluation, in vendor-neutral fashion. Adobe, Cisco, Dell, IBM, Microsoft and Ricoh all recommend CTT+ to their trainers, and accept it in lieu of their own in-house trainer certifications.Two exams are required for the CTT+ credential: CompTIA CTT+ Essentials and either CTT+ Classroom Trainer or CTT+ Virtual Classroom Trainer. CTT+ Essentials (exam TK0-201) consists of 95 questions and you're allowed 90 minutes to complete it. This exam costs $285.
The CTT+ Classroom Trainer (TK0-202) and CTT+ Virtual Classroom Trainer (TK0-203) are performance-based exams. In this case, you must submit a video or recording of your classroom or virtual classroom sessions and complete a form that documents your training preparation, delivery and student evaluations. Each of these costs $311 USD; so the total cost to complete the CTT+ cert is $596.
CompTIA Specialty Exam Details
| Exam Details | Number of Questions | Time to Complete Exam | Exam Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDIA+ CD0-001 | 100 | 90 minutes | $311 |
| Cloud Essentials CLO-001 | 50 | 60 minutes | $209 |
| Healthcare IT Technician HIT-001 (HIT-BE1) | 75 | 60 minutes | $112 |
| SMSP | 85 | 90 minutes | $275 |
| CTT+ Essentials TK0-201 | 95 | 90 minutes | $285 |
| CTT+ Classroom TK0-202 | N/A * | N/A | $311 |
| CTT+ Virtual Classroom TK0 -203 | N/A * | N/A | $311 |
CompTIA Training And Resources
CompTIA provides various and extensive training options, including classroom training, study materials and e-learning. A wide range of CompTIA Authorized Training Provider Partners (CAPPs), such as Global Knowledge, Learning Tree International and more, operate all over the world. Classroom and online/e-learning offerings range in cost from $2,000 to $4,000 USD, depending on the particulars. Visit the CompTIA Training page for more details.CompTIA works with third parties to offer a wide range of self-study materials (the search tool is available here). Content that has been through a vetting process is branded with the CompTIA Approved Quality Content (CAQC) logo. Other materials that allow you to study at your own pace, such as audio segments, lesson activities and additional resources, are available through the CompTIA Marketplace.
Finally, every CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ certification candidate must check out CertMaster, CompTIA's online test prep tool. CertMaster helps you determine which topics you know well and those you need to brush up on, and suggests training to help you fill in the gaps.
MORE: IT Career Paths & Certification Guides
MORE: Best IT Certifications
MORE: All IT Careers Content
Is it possible to get CompTIA certification for becoming a website developer? Will it help me going into the website development field? Thanks for this informative blog post.
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Crish Watson
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