CompTIA certification paths overview
CompTIA organises its certifications into four pathways: Core (foundational IT), Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, and Additional Professional. Each pathway builds progressively from entry-level to advanced credentials.
Core pathway
- ITF+ (IT Fundamentals): Pre-career certification for those deciding if IT is right for them. Covers basic IT concepts, infrastructure, software development, database fundamentals, and security. Cost: $134 USD. Does not expire.
- CompTIA A+ (220-1101 & 220-1102): The industry-standard entry-level IT certification. Two exams covering mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing, operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Cost: $358 USD per exam ($716 total). Required for most help desk and desktop support roles.
Infrastructure pathway
- CompTIA Network+ (N10-009): Covers networking fundamentals, implementations, operations, security, and troubleshooting. Validates skills needed for network administrator and network engineer roles. Cost: $358 USD. Recommended after A+.
- CompTIA Server+: Covers server hardware, server administration, security, storage, and troubleshooting. Cost: $358 USD.
- CompTIA Cloud+ (CV0-004): Covers cloud architecture, design, security, deployment, operations, and troubleshooting across multi-cloud environments. Cost: $358 USD.
- CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-005): Covers system management, security, scripting, containers, automation, and troubleshooting in Linux environments. Cost: $358 USD.
Cybersecurity pathway
- CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701): The most popular cybersecurity certification globally. Covers threats, vulnerabilities, security architecture, operations, and incident response. DoD 8570/8140 compliant. Cost: $358 USD. Read our Security+ study guide for preparation strategy.
- CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003): Covers threat detection, security monitoring, vulnerability management, and incident response using behavioural analytics. Cost: $392 USD.
- CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-003): Covers planning, information gathering, vulnerability scanning, attacks, exploitation, and reporting for penetration testing. Cost: $392 USD.
- CompTIA CASP+ (CAS-004): Advanced-level security certification covering enterprise security architecture, operations, engineering, cryptography, and governance. Pass/fail only. Cost: $494 USD. The highest-level CompTIA cybersecurity certification.
Additional professional certifications
- CompTIA Data+ (DA0-001): Covers data concepts, mining, analysis, visualization, governance, quality, and controls. Cost: $358 USD.
- CompTIA Project+: Covers project management fundamentals including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. Does not expire. Cost: $358 USD.
CompTIA exam format and scoring
CompTIA exams share a consistent format with some variations:
- Question count: Typically 75-90 questions per exam (A+ Core exams have up to 90 each).
- Time limit: 90 minutes for most exams. CASP+ allows 165 minutes due to its advanced difficulty.
- Question types: Multiple choice, multiple select, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs are hands-on simulations testing practical skills — they usually appear first and carry more weight.
- Scoring: Scaled from 100 to 900. Passing scores range from 675 to 750 depending on the exam. CASP+ is pass/fail with no numerical score.
- Delivery: Available at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide and as online proctored exams from home or office via Pearson OnVUE.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating performance-based questions: PBQs make up roughly 20% of most CompTIA exams and test hands-on skills. Candidates who only memorise concepts without practising in labs consistently fail PBQs. Use virtual labs and hands-on practice environments.
- Skipping A+ for Security+: While Security+ does not formally require A+ as a prerequisite, candidates without foundational IT knowledge struggle with network architecture, operating system, and hardware concepts that Security+ assumes you know.
- Using outdated study materials: CompTIA updates exams every 2-3 years. Using materials for a retired exam version (e.g., SY0-601 when the current is SY0-701) means studying outdated content. Always verify your materials match the current exam code.
- Ignoring exam objectives: CompTIA publishes detailed exam objectives for every certification. These objectives are the definitive list of what can appear on the exam. Candidates who follow a study guide without cross-referencing objectives often miss covered topics.
- Not budgeting for two A+ exams: A+ requires passing both Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Many candidates budget time and money for only one exam. Plan for both from the start.
Which CompTIA certification path is right for you?
Your ideal CompTIA certification path depends on your career goal and current experience:
- Complete IT beginner: ITF+ (optional) → A+ → Network+ → Security+. This is the classic CompTIA trifecta that qualifies you for most entry to mid-level IT roles.
- Help desk / desktop support: A+ is your target. It is the most requested certification for Tier 1 support roles. Our CompTIA A+ exam assistance helps ensure you pass both core exams.
- Network administrator / engineer: A+ → Network+ → Cloud+ or Linux+. Network+ validates the networking fundamentals required for CCNA-track positions. See our CompTIA Network+ service.
- Cybersecurity analyst: A+ → Network+ → Security+ → CySA+. This path leads to SOC analyst, security analyst, and incident responder roles. Security+ is DoD 8570/8140 approved for government security positions.
- Penetration tester: A+ → Network+ → Security+ → PenTest+. PenTest+ covers planning, reconnaissance, attacks, and reporting for ethical hacking roles.
- Security architect / engineer: A+ → Network+ → Security+ → CySA+ or PenTest+ → CASP+. CASP+ is the pinnacle of the CompTIA cybersecurity pathway, validating enterprise-level security architecture skills.
- Government / defence IT: Security+ is the minimum DoD 8570/8140 baseline certification for IAT Level II positions. Many government contractors require Security+ as a condition of employment. Our CompTIA exam assistance service supports all CompTIA certifications.
How our CompTIA certification exam help works
- Initial consultation: Share your target CompTIA certification, exam date, and current experience level. We assess your readiness against the official exam objectives for your specific exam code.
- Objective gap analysis: We map your strengths and weaknesses against CompTIA's published exam objectives and domain weights. This identifies exactly which domains need the most study time for maximum score improvement.
- Targeted preparation: Follow a focused study plan prioritising weak domains, with hands-on lab exercises for performance-based questions and scenario-based practice matching real exam difficulty.
- Exam readiness: Full-length practice exams under timed conditions with objective-by-objective score analysis. We recommend scheduling your exam only when practice scores consistently exceed the passing threshold by 10+ percentage points.
Our CompTIA certification exam assistance service covers all CompTIA certifications from A+ through CASP+. We offer a pay-after-pass option — you pay only after achieving a passing score.
Who this page is for
- IT beginners seeking their first CompTIA certification to enter the industry
- Help desk and desktop support professionals preparing for CompTIA A+
- Network administrators targeting Network+, Cloud+, or Linux+
- Cybersecurity professionals pursuing Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, or CASP+
- Government and defence IT professionals needing DoD 8570/8140 baseline certifications
- Career changers from non-IT backgrounds looking for vendor-neutral entry credentials
- Candidates who have failed a previous CompTIA exam and need a targeted recovery plan
- IT managers evaluating which CompTIA certifications to sponsor for their teams
CompTIA certification exam help: FAQs
Which CompTIA certification should I start with?
Most IT beginners should start with CompTIA A+ (220-1101 and 220-1102). It is the industry-standard entry-level IT certification covering hardware, networking basics, operating systems, and troubleshooting. A+ is often a minimum requirement for help desk and desktop support roles. If you already have IT experience, you can start with Network+ or Security+ depending on your career goal.
How much do CompTIA certification exams cost?
CompTIA exam costs vary by certification level. ITF+ costs $134 USD. A+ requires two exams at $358 USD each ($716 total). Network+, Security+, Cloud+, Data+, Linux+, Server+, and Project+ cost $358 USD each. CySA+ and PenTest+ cost $392 USD each. CASP+ costs $494 USD. CompTIA offers academic pricing at roughly 50% discount for eligible students and educators.
What is the passing score for CompTIA exams?
CompTIA uses a scaled scoring system from 100 to 900. Passing scores vary by exam: A+ requires 675/900 (Core 1) and 700/900 (Core 2), Network+ requires 720/900, Security+ requires 750/900, CySA+ requires 750/900, PenTest+ requires 750/900, and CASP+ is pass/fail only. Higher-level certifications generally require higher passing scores.
How long does it take to prepare for CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ preparation typically takes 4 to 8 weeks (100-160 hours) for candidates with no prior IT experience. Those with existing help desk or desktop support experience can prepare in 2 to 4 weeks. Remember that A+ consists of two exams (Core 1: 220-1101 and Core 2: 220-1102), so budget time for both.
Do CompTIA certifications expire?
Most CompTIA certifications are valid for three years from the date you pass. You must renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) program by earning CE units, completing training, or passing a higher-level exam. ITF+ and Project+ do not expire. A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, and CASP+ all require renewal every three years.
What question types appear on CompTIA exams?
CompTIA exams include multiple choice, multiple select, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs are hands-on simulations where you must perform tasks like configuring a firewall, setting up a network, or troubleshooting a system. PBQs typically appear at the beginning of the exam and are worth more than standard questions.
Are CompTIA certifications worth it in 2026?
CompTIA certifications remain highly valued in 2026, particularly for early and mid-career IT professionals. A+ is the most widely recognised entry-level IT certification globally. Security+ is DoD 8570/8140 compliant and required for many government and defence IT roles in the United States. CompTIA-certified professionals earn 10-20% more than non-certified peers at equivalent experience levels.
Is CompTIA certification exam assistance confidential?
Completely. Student privacy and secure communication are core to our process at Exam Assist. All interactions are handled through encrypted channels, and we maintain strict confidentiality from initial consultation through exam completion.
Internal resources
Explore more pages relevant to CompTIA certification candidates:
- All exam support services
- Latest exam strategy articles
- CompTIA Exam Assistance Service
- CompTIA A+ Exam Assistance
- CompTIA Network+ Exam Assistance
- CompTIA Security+ Study Guide
- CompTIA A+ Exam Page
- CompTIA Security+ Exam Page
- CompTIA Network+ Exam Page
- CompTIA CySA+ Exam Page
- CompTIA PenTest+ Exam Page
- CompTIA CASP+ Exam Page
- AWS Certification Exam Help — peer pillar page
- Azure Certification Exam Help — peer pillar page
- Cisco Certification Exam Help — peer pillar page
- Google Cloud Certification Exam Help — peer pillar page
Ready to pass your CompTIA certification exam?
Talk to Exam Assist today for confidential CompTIA certification exam help built around your exact certification target and deadline.