CompTIA
Welcome to ExamCompass's guide to CompTIA certifications. The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a non-profit trade association offering a wide range of IT certifications designed for individuals at all stages of their careers. These programs are divided into five categories, covering diverse skills and areas of expertise, from foundational knowledge for those new to IT or changing fields, to advanced skills for experienced professionals.
Core series: includes basic certification programs suitable for individuals and students preparing to enter the IT workforce and professionals changing careers to IT, or technology-related fields. This category includes CompTIA Tech+, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+.
Infrastructure certification pathway: includes all CompTIA core certification programs followed by CompTIA Server+, CompTIA Linux+, and CompTIA Cloud+.
Cybersecurity certification pathway: includes all CompTIA core certification programs followed by CompTIA Pentest+, CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), and CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+).
Professional series: includes CompTIA Project+, and CompTIA Cloud Essentials+.
Data and analytics series: includes CompTIA Data+.
CompTIA offers a diverse range of IT certifications, but the A+, Network+, and Security+ credentials stand out as particularly popular and widely sought after. These three certifications establish a strong foundational knowledge base for many IT professionals, with A+ certification serving as an initial validation of broad IT competence, Network+ focusing on essential networking principles and practices, and Security+ confirming fundamental cybersecurity skills. Their widespread industry recognition and applicability to numerous IT career paths make them key targets for individuals entering or progressing within the technology sector.
CompTIA A+
The CompTIA A+ certification serves as a fundamental validation of skills for individuals starting their IT careers. Currently, achieving this certification requires passing two core exams: Core 1 (identified by exam code 220-1201, launched in March 2025) and Core 2 (exam code 220-1202, also released in March 2025).
These exams assess knowledge across various domains, including computer hardware, software, networking and security fundamentals, virtualization and cloud computing, mobile device management, operational procedures, and basic troubleshooting methodologies.
Each A+ exam presents candidates with a maximum of 90 questions, incorporating both multiple-choice and performance-based formats, and has a 90-minute time limit. The passing score for the A+ 220-1201 exam is 675 (on a scale of 900), the 220-1202 exam requires 700 points to pass (also on a scale of 100-900). Achieving this certification demonstrates essential competency for IT support roles.
CompTIA Network+
The CompTIA Network+ certification confirms an individual's ability to manage, configure, and troubleshoot both wired and wireless computer networks. The current version of this exam is designated as N10-009, introduced in June 2024. The N10-009 exam assesses knowledge across the following domains: networking concepts, network implementation, network operations, network security, and network troubleshooting. It comprises a maximum of 90 questions, utilizing both multiple-choice and performance-based question types, and allows for a 90-minute completion time with a minimum score of 720 points out of 900 required to pass.
This certification is valuable for those pursuing careers in network administration and support, covering crucial aspects of network concepts, implementation strategies, operational procedures, security considerations, and troubleshooting techniques.
CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification is a globally acknowledged credential that verifies the foundational abilities needed to perform essential security tasks and pursue a career in IT security. The most recent exam version is SY0-701, which was released in November 2023. The SY0-701 exam tests across the following domains: general security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations, security architecture, security operations, and security program management and oversight.
The CompTIA Security+ exam evaluates understanding across areas such as various threats, attack vectors, and system vulnerabilities, security architecture principles, implementation of security measures, operational security practices, incident response protocols, and the principles of governance, risk management, and compliance.
Candidates face a maximum of 90 questions, including both multiple-choice and performance-based items, within a 90-minute timeframe. A passing score of 750 out of 900 is required to achieve this widely respected security certification.
Certification Exam Formula
CompTIA certification exams are computer-based tests. Most exams consist of a maximum of around 90 questions, and candidates are typically given between 90 and 120 minutes to complete them. CompTIA uses scaled scoring, where the number of correct answers is converted to a scaled score. This scaled score isn't a direct reflection of the percentage of correct answers but takes into account the difficulty of the questions, i.e., harder questions often contribute more to the scaled score than easier ones. The passing score varies depending on the specific certification. CompTIA utilizes a variety of question types, including:
- Single and multiple-choice: used to assess knowledge recall.
- Drag and drop: used to test understanding of relationships.
- Performance-Based Questions (PBQs): require the candidate to perform a task or solve a problem in a simulated IT environment, evaluating their ability to apply skills in real-world scenarios. For each PBQ, the exam prompts the candidate to perform a specific task or troubleshoot a specific problem.
Performance-based questions on CompTIA exams are designed around real-world computer scenarios to test the knowledge and skills related to different aspects of IT infrastructure, such as the use of a command-line interface, or networking environments.
Test Delivery Program
Starting from July 9, 2012, CompTIA exams are available exclusively via Pearson VUE. Authorized test centers can be found by visiting the Pearson VUE website and using its test center locator utility. Pearson VUE also provides options for taking many CompTIA exams via online proctoring. Pearson VUE offers a variety of exam booking options, including online scheduling, scheduling by phone, and scheduling via the testing center. Candidates will need to present valid identification when taking their exam, whether in person or online.
When preparing for a CompTIA exam, it's important to know that each attempt incurs the full exam cost, as free retakes or discounts are not available. If needed, a second attempt can be scheduled without delay. However, should you require a third or any further attempts, a minimum 14-day waiting period from your last try will apply.
Certification Renewal
CompTIA certifications typically expire three years after the date the candidate is certified. These certifications can be maintained by passing the most current CompTIA exam prior to the three-year expiration date, or enrolling in CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) program. Maintaining certifications through exam retakes or the Continuing Education (CE) program typically involves associated fees. The CE program allows candidates to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through various activities such as completing training courses, attending conferences, or publishing articles.
Since CompTIA certifications are graded according to the exam difficulty level, the Continuing Education program allows for automatic renewal of the lower-level certifications by passing a higher-level CompTIA certification. As an example, passing the CompTIA Security+ exam grants the CompTIA Security+ certification, and simultaneously updates CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications, providing that the test taker already has the A+ and Network+ (no new certification is granted through the CE program). For specific details and the most up-to-date renewal policies, please refer to the CompTIA Continuing Education program details.
Resources
Free Online CompTIA A+ Practice ExamsFree Online CompTIA Network+ Practice Exams
Free Online CompTIA Security+ Practice Exams