Table of Contents

  • Who is CompTIA?
  • What are CompTIA Certifications?
  • Top CompTIA Certifications to Earn in 2025
  • Fundamental Certifications
  • Core Certifications
  • Professional Certifications
  • Expert Certifications
  • Why Choose CompTIA Certifications?
  • How to Get CompTIA Certification?
  • How Can NetCom Learning Support Your CompTIA Certification Journey?
  • FAQs
  • Related Resources

CompTIA Certifications Guide 2025: Your Path to IT Success

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Who is CompTIA?

CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) is a non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the global information technology industry. Founded in 1982, the organization has become a globally recognized leader in developing professional certifications that validate technical skills across various IT domains. CompTIA's mission is to empower technology professionals through vendor-neutral, skills-based certification programs that support career development and industry standards. With a focus on creating comprehensive, practical certification pathways, CompTIA courses and certifications bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world technological expertise.

What are CompTIA Certifications?

CompTIA certifications are the baseline credentials that verify an individual's technical skills and knowledge across a broad spectrum of IT domains. They entail various technologies from underlying IT concepts up to advanced cybersecurity and cloud computing. Every certification reflects a complete test of practical skills that would be met according to the changing needs of the technology industry. They are used as a benchmark for employers, indicating a professional's ability to perform certain technical tasks and comprehend complicated technological concepts.

Top CompTIA Certifications to Earn in 2025

  • CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
  • Cloud Essentials +
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA CySA+
  • CompTIA PenTest+
  • CompTIA Server+
  • CompTIA Linux+
  • CompTIA Cloud+
  • CompTIA CASP+
  • CompTIA SecurityX
  • CompTIA DataX

Fundamental Certifications

  • CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
  • Cloud Essentials +

CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)

Category

Details

Best For

Beginners exploring IT careers or transitioning into tech roles

Overview

A foundational certification introducing core IT concepts, including software, hardware, security, and networking. It helps learners assess whether an IT career is right for them.

Skills Gained

  • Basic computing and IT terminology 
  • Infrastructure and software basics 
  • Network connectivity 
  • Data security and troubleshooting fundamentals

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: FC0-U61
  • Duration: 60 minutes 
  • 75 questions (max) 
  • Passing Score: 650/900 
  • Price: $138 USD 
  • No expiration

Benefits

  • Helps assess IT career fit 
  • Builds strong foundational skills 
  • Opens paths to A+, Network+, and Security+ 
  • Widely recognized entry-level certification

Prerequisites

None. Basic computer literacy and interest in IT are sufficient


CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Job Outlook in 2025

Job Role

Average Annual Salary

IT Support Trainee

$40,000

Help Desk Assistant

$38,000

Junior Technical Assistant

$42,000

Entry-Level IT Support

$45,000


Cloud Essentials+

Category

Details

Best For

IT and non-technical professionals exploring cloud fundamentals and business impact

Overview

A vendor-neutral certification designed to help learners understand core cloud technologies, deployment models, and their strategic impact on business processes. Ideal for those in business analysis, project management, or entry-level cloud roles.

Skills Gained

  • Cloud computing concepts and architecture
  • Cloud deployment and service models
  • Cloud security and compliance basics
  • Business continuity and disaster recovery
  • Cloud migration planning and vendor evaluation

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: CLO-002
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • 75 questions (max)
  • Passing Score: 720/900
  • Price: $138 USD
  • Valid for 3 years

Benefits

  • Introduces cloud from a business and IT perspective
  • Suitable for cross-functional teams
  • Lays foundation for cloud-specific certifications like AWS CCP or CompTIA Cloud+
  • Globally recognized by employers and cloud-first organizations

Prerequisites

  • 6–12 months of experience in IT or business analysis
  • Basic understanding of IT environments
  • Exposure to cloud concepts

Cloud Essentials+ Job Outlook in 2025

Job Role

Average Annual Salary

Cloud Business Analyst

$75,000

Cloud Strategy Consultant

$85,000

IT Service Broker

$70,000

Cloud Solutions Advisor

$80,000

Core Certifications

  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Security+

CompTIA A+

Category

Details

Best For

Entry-level IT professionals aiming for roles in tech support and IT operations

Overview

CompTIA A+ is a foundational certification that validates essential IT skills, including hardware, software, networking, mobile devices, and basic security. It is often required for technical support and help desk roles

Skills Gained

  • Hardware and peripheral device configuration
  • Operating system installation and management
  • Network troubleshooting and connectivity
  • Security fundamentals
  • Virtualization, cloud, and mobile device support

Exam Details

  • Exam Codes: 220-1101 (Core 1) & 220-1102 (Core 2)
  • Duration: 90 minutes per exam
  • 90 questions each
  • Passing Score: 675/900 (Core 1), 700/900 (Core 2)
  • Price: $246 USD per exam ($492 total)
  • Valid for 3 years

Benefits

  • Recognized globally as a foundational IT certification
  • Opens doors to entry-level tech jobs
  • Prerequisite for advanced certifications like Network+ and Security+
  • Demonstrates problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

Prerequisites

  • 9–12 months of hands-on IT experience recommended
  • Familiarity with computers, operating systems, and networks

CompTIA A+ Job Outlook in 2025

Job Role

Average Annual Salary

IT Support Technician

$50,000

Help Desk Specialist

$45,000

Desktop Support Engineer

$55,000

Technical Support Representative

$48,000


CompTIA Network+

Category

Details

Best For

Professionals seeking careers in networking and infrastructure management

Overview

CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification validating essential networking skills. It covers troubleshooting, configuring, and managing wired and wireless networks, making it ideal for network technicians and junior administrators.

Skills Gained

  • Network architecture and infrastructure
  • TCP/IP protocols and services
  • Network operations and troubleshooting
  • Network security implementation
  • Cloud and virtualization technologies

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: N10-008
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • 90 questions (max)
  • Passing Score: 720/900
  • Price: $348 USD
  • Valid for 3 years

Benefits

  • Recognized by U.S. Department of Defense
  • Builds foundation for cybersecurity and cloud roles
  • Required for many network administration jobs
  • Vendor-neutral credibility

Prerequisites

  • 9–12 months of networking experience recommended
  • CompTIA A+ preferred but not mandatory

CompTIA Network+ Job Outlook in 2025

Job Role

Average Annual Salary

Network Administrator

$65,000

Network Support Specialist

$60,000

Network Operations Technician

$58,000

Junior Network Engineer

$62,000


CompTIA Security+

Category

Details

Best For

Beginners aiming for cybersecurity careers

Overview

CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized entry-level cybersecurity certification. It covers fundamental security principles, including threat management, access controls, and risk mitigation—making it essential for launching a security career.

Skills Gained

  • Threat detection and response
  • Network and endpoint security
  • Identity and access management (IAM)
  • Risk management and cryptography
  • Governance, compliance, and incident handling

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: SY0-701
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • 90 questions (max)
  • Passing Score: 750/900
  • Price: $348 USD
  • Valid for 3 years

Benefits

  • Meets DoD 8570 compliance
  • Required for many SOC and security analyst roles
  • Foundation for advanced certs like CySA+ and CASP+
  • Widely accepted in both public and private sectors

Prerequisites

  • 9–12 months of networking experience recommended
  • CompTIA A+ preferred but not mandatory

CompTIA Security+ Job Outlook in 2025

Job Role

Average Annual Salary

Cybersecurity Analyst

$75,000

Information Security Specialist

$80,000

Network Security Administrator

$70,000

Junior Security Consultant

$65,000

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Professional Certifications

  • CompTIA CySA+
  • CompTIA PenTest+
  • CompTIA Server+
  • CompTIA Linux+
  • CompTIA Cloud+

CompTIA CySA+

Category

Details

Best For

Professionals in security analyst or SOC roles

Overview

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is an intermediate-level certification focusing on behavioral analytics, threat detection, and incident response in enterprise environments. Ideal for mid-level security professionals.

Skills Gained

  • Threat and vulnerability management
  • Security analytics and monitoring
  • Incident response and recovery
  • Reporting and communication
  • Security architecture and toolsets

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: CS0-003
  • Duration: 165 minutes
  • 85 questions (max)
  • Passing Score: 750/900
  • Price: $392 USD
  • Valid for 3 years

Benefits

  • Meets DoD Directive 8570.01-M
  • Required for SOC analyst and IR roles
  • Bridges Security+ and CASP+
  • Globally respected

Prerequisites

  • 3–4 years of security experience
  • Security+ recommended

CompTIA CySA+ Job Outlook in 2025

Job Role

Average Annual Salary

Cybersecurity Analyst

$85,000

Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

$80,000

Threat Intelligence Specialist

$90,000

Incident Response Analyst

$88,000


CompTIA PenTest+

Category

Details

Best For

Ethical hackers and security professionals involved in penetration testing

Overview

CompTIA PenTest+ is an intermediate-level certification validating hands-on skills in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and attack simulation in enterprise environments.

Skills Gained

  • Planning and scoping penetration tests
  • Exploiting network and web vulnerabilities
  • Reporting and recommending remediation
  • Ethical hacking methodologies
  • Security assessment tools usage

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: PT0-002
  • Duration: 165 minutes
  • 85 questions (max)
  • Passing Score: 750/900
  • Price: $392 USD
  • Valid for 3 years

Benefits

  • DoD 8570 compliant
  • Recognized in red teaming and ethical hacking roles
  • Complements CEH and CySA+
  • Hands-on exam format

Prerequisites

  • 3–4 years of cybersecurity experience
  • Security+ recommended

CompTIA PenTest+ Job Outlook in 2025

Job Role

Average Annual Salary

Penetration Tester

$95,000

Ethical Hacker

$100,000

Vulnerability Assessment Specialist

$90,000

Security Consultant

$105,000


CompTIA Server+

Category

Details

Best For

IT professionals managing on-prem and virtual servers

Overview

CompTIA Server+ validates hands-on skills in server deployment, troubleshooting, maintenance, and virtualization. It’s ideal for roles in system and infrastructure support.

Skills Gained

  • Server architecture and OS installation
  • RAID, storage, and backup
  • Virtualization and cloud integration
  • Disaster recovery and security
  • Server performance tuning

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: SK0-005
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • 90 questions (max)
  • Passing Score: 750/900
  • Price: $348 USD
  • Valid for life

Benefits

  • Vendor-neutral credibility
  • Ideal for server techs and sysadmins
  • Recognized across industries
  • Lifetime certification

Prerequisites

  • A+ recommended
  • 2 years of server experience

CompTIA Server+ Job Outlook in 2025

Job Role

Average Annual Salary

Systems Administrator

$70,000

Data Center Technician

$65,000

Network Administrator

$68,000

Server Support Engineer

$72,000


CompTIA Linux+

Category

Details

Best For

Linux administrators, DevOps engineers, and system operators

Overview

CompTIA Linux+ validates essential skills in Linux system administration. It covers security, command-line operations, scripting, and troubleshooting—relevant to multi-platform environments.

Skills Gained

  • Linux system configuration and management
  • Command-line utilities and scripting
  • User permissions and security
  • Networking and kernel modules
  • Containerization and automation

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: XK0-005
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • 90 questions (max)
  • Passing Score: 720/900
  • Price: $348 USD
  • Valid for 3 years

Benefits

  • Vendor-neutral Linux expertise
  • Useful for cloud, DevOps, and IT support roles
  • Recognized across global tech companies
  • Supports multi-distribution environments

Prerequisites

  • A+ and Network+ recommended
  • 12 months Linux experience preferred

CompTIA Linux+ Job Outlook in 2025

Job Role

Average Annual Salary

Linux System Administrator

$75,000

DevOps Engineer

$90,000

Cloud Infrastructure Specialist

$85,000

Linux Support Engineer

$70,000


CompTIA Cloud+

Category

Details

Best For

System or network admins working in hybrid or multi-cloud environments

Overview

CompTIA Cloud+ is a performance-based certification that validates skills in cloud deployment, security, and maintenance. It supports cloud engineers, sysadmins, and IT managers.

Skills Gained

  • Cloud infrastructure and security
  • Virtualization and hypervisors
  • Cloud storage, networking, and automation
  • Business continuity and disaster recovery
  • DevOps and multi-cloud integration

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: CV0-004
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • 90 questions
  • Passing Score: 750/900
  • Price: $381 USD
  • Valid for 3 years

Benefits

  • Vendor-neutral cloud cert
  • Aligns with multi-cloud and hybrid strategies
  • Prepares for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud certifications
  • DoD approved

Prerequisites

  • 2–3 years of sysadmin/networking experience
  • Network+ recommended

CompTIA Cloud+ Job Outlook in 2025

Job Role

Average Annual Salary

Cloud Architect

$120,000

Cloud Infrastructure Specialist

$95,000

Cloud Operations Manager

$110,000

Cloud Security Engineer

$105,000

Expert Certifications

  • CompTIA CASP+
  • CompTIA SecurityX
  • CompTIA DataX

CompTIA CASP+

Category

Details

Best For

Senior cybersecurity professionals in technical leadership roles

Overview

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) is an expert-level certification focused on enterprise security, governance, and advanced risk management. It’s ideal for security architects and consultants.

Skills Gained

  • Enterprise security architecture design
  • Secure cloud and hybrid implementations
  • Advanced incident response strategies
  • Governance and compliance frameworks
  • Cryptography and risk analytics

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: CAS-004
  • Duration: 165 minutes
  • 90 questions (mix of MCQs and performance-based)
  • Price: $481 USD
  • Valid for 3 years

Benefits

  • Meets DoD 8570 IAM and IAT level III
  • Focuses on hands-on leadership in cybersecurity
  • Ideal for high-stakes technical environments
  • Vendor-neutral and globally respected

Prerequisites

  • 10+ years of IT experience, 5+ years in security
  • Security+ and CySA+ recommended

CompTIA CASP+ Job Outlook in 2025

Job Role

Average Annual Salary

Security Architect

$130,000

Senior Security Engineer

$125,000

Enterprise Security Consultant

$135,000

Cybersecurity Technical Lead

$128,000

CompTIA SecurityX

Category

Details

Best For

Experienced cybersecurity professionals seeking deeper specialization

Overview

CompTIA SecurityX is an advanced cybersecurity certification designed to validate specialized skills in threat detection, architecture, and enterprise security strategy. 

Skills Gained

  • Advanced threat detection and response
  • Multi-domain security architecture
  • Enterprise risk management
  • Complex incident response
  • Integration of new security technologies

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: N/A (pilot release)
  • Duration: ~90–120 minutes
  • Price: Estimated $500–$600 USD
  • Validity: 3 years

Benefits

  • Builds on Security+ foundation
  • Targets senior-level security roles
  • Focuses on high-impact threat and risk solutions
  • Suitable for leadership in advanced security teams

Prerequisites

  • 3–5 years of cybersecurity experience
  • Security+ required

CompTIA SecurityX Job Outlook in 2025

Job Role

Average Annual Salary

Senior Security Architect

$140,000

Enterprise Security Strategist

$135,000

Advanced Threat Hunter

$130,000

Cybersecurity Technical Director

$145,000

CompTIA DataX

Category

Details

Best For

Advanced data professionals in analytics, machine learning, and data science

Overview

CompTIA DataX is an expert-level certification that validates advanced skills in data science, including machine learning, statistical analysis, data modeling, and visualization.

Skills Gained

  • Machine learning algorithms
  • Data wrangling and processing
  • Deep learning techniques
  • Predictive modeling and visualization
  • Statistical analysis and programming

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: DY0-001
  • Duration: 165 minutes
  • 90 questions (MCQ + performance)
  • Passing Score: N/A
  • Price: ~$500 USD
  • Valid for 3 years

Benefits

  • Industry-first data science certification from CompTIA
  • Aligns with real-world data roles and tools
  • Recognized by AI/ML employers globally
  • Builds on cloud, DevOps, and AI stack

Prerequisites

  • 5+ years in data science or analytics
  • Strong Python/R and stats background

CompTIA DataX Job Outlook in 2025

Job Role

Average Annual Salary

Senior Data Scientist

$140,000

Machine Learning Architect

$135,000

Advanced Analytics Manager

$130,000

Data Science Technical Lead

$145,000

Why Choose CompTIA Certifications?

CompTIA certifications afford the most exclusive advantages that an IT professional could desire. 

  • Validates technical skills
  • Increases employability
  • Provides vendor-neutral credentials
  • Supports career advancement
  • Demonstrates commitment to professional development
  • Offers globally recognized qualifications
  • Provides comprehensive skill validation

How to Get CompTIA Certification?

To earn a CompTIA certification, choose the right credential based on your career goals—like A+, Network+, or Security+. Prepare using official study guides, training courses, or hands-on labs. Once ready, schedule your exam through Pearson VUE. Passing the exam earns you a globally recognized certification validating your IT skills.

How Can NetCom Learning Support Your CompTIA Certification Journey?

NetCom Learning is a distinguished CompTIA Platinum Partner, offering comprehensive training solutions that empower IT professionals across multiple skill levels. With over 24 years of experience, we provide extensive CompTIA certification training designed to meet diverse technological learning needs.

Key highlights of NetCom Learning's CompTIA certification program include:

  • Platinum-level CompTIA training partnership
  • Training delivered by 3000+ certified instructors
  • Courses covering A+, Network+, Security+, Cloud+, and more
  • Department of Defense (DoD) compliant training offerings
  • Global delivery capabilities in over 600 locations
  • Customized learning methods tailored to individual needs

Our unique approach combines blended learning solutions with role-based training, ensuring professionals develop cutting-edge skills aligned with industry standards. By leveraging NetCom Learning's expertise, IT professionals can confidently navigate their certification journey, from foundational to expert-level credentials.

Whether you're starting your IT career or seeking advanced certifications, NetCom Learning provides the strategic training infrastructure to support your professional growth.

FAQs

Q. What is the best CompTIA certification?

The best CompTIA certification depends on your goals. For cybersecurity, Security+ is widely recognized; for networking, Network+ is ideal. If you're aiming for foundational IT knowledge, A+ is a great starting point.

Q. How long are CompTIA certifications valid?

Most CompTIA certifications are valid for three years from the date of issuance. You can renew them through continuing education or by earning a higher-level CompTIA or industry certification.

Q. If I'm new to IT, which CompTIA certification should I get first?

If you're just starting out, CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) is ideal for exploring basic concepts. However, if you're ready to begin an IT support career, CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard entry-level certification.

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