6 Best CompTIA Certification Programs (and 4 Popular Alternatives) Free Download

The IT diligence is one of the almost rapidly evolving and competitive markets in the world. Even niches - computer hardware, networking, and cybersecurity - are subject to new developments and changes oft. To stay up on of every last the changes and rest a desirable candidate in your calling, certifications are distinguished and go a weeklong way in keeping you sharp.

If you'd like to receive this IT certification, you'll have to pick one suited to your live flush and expectations. Fortunately, several IT certifications exist that cater to a encompassing variety of skill levels. One of the well-nig popular IT certification providers is CompTIA .

Here, we're going to go off the best CompTIA certifications, with details connected what specific courses cover and how they tooshie help you. We as wel provide a list of CompTIA alternatives.

What is CompTIA?

Founded in 1982, CompTIA is a non-profit arrangement that has been offering demanding , industry-star Entropy Technology certifications for nigh 4 decades. Their goal is to develop a capable workforce and a reliable work ethic for the IT industry.

CompTIA certification programs are globally recognized and cater to professionals, beginners, and everybody in-between. It also offers education specific IT niches, alike ironware support, networking, and system security.

Is the CompTIA A+ Certification Worth It?

Indefinite of the compelling features of CompTIA certification programs is that they are widely recognized on a global level. Employers do fund attention to it to see how you fare as FAR as the domain knowledge is concerned. The exams are no slouch, so it shows a dedication to learning and growing.

They pot even make a career for you, American Samoa some of these certifications are entry level. There deliver been numerous cases where individuals have bypast from being unemployed to impermanent at elated salaried jobs thanks to the effort they put in to obtain a certification. It does prepare you wellspring for a calling in IT, of that there is to be sure.

Other compelling reasons to opt for CompTIA certifications are:

• Regularly updated according to the latest developments
• Rigorous topic coverage
• Flexibleness in scrutiny scheduling and learning
• Fully entanglement-based

Which CompTIA Corroboration Should You Pick First?

It is recommended to start with the CompTIA A+ before proceeding to any of the other certifications. In point of fact, the CompTIA A+ certification is a prerequisite to some certifications.

There's a certain CompTIA certificate pecking order, with A+ being the terminus a quo. Professionals frequently regard Mesh+ and Security+ as the next steps. Following this, you tail end take either the infrastructure pathway (Server+, Linux+ or Becloud+) or the cybersecurity pathway (PenTest+, CASP+ and CySA+).

CompTIA has discussed this in detail as well, so you may want to read their post to learn more just about the CompTIA certification path.

Which CompTIA Certifications are Valuable?

There is no specific title by which to compare the assess of various CompTIA courses, as it depends on what you're seeking to go out of your learning.

However, the nucleus CompTIA A+ certification is nearly mandatory, as it lays the groundwork for future certifications. From that perspective, CompTIA A+ enfranchisement could be advised the most important. Any future certifications can and then be decided on depending on the specific career track you're aiming for.

Does CompTIA Labor+ Expire?

No, the CompTIA Visualize+ certification does not snuff it, and neither does the CompTIA Server+ certification. Erstwhile you've received the certification, it's good for life!

Which CompTIA Certification is the Hardest/Easiest?

This is entirely subjective. Many take said that the CompTIA A+ certificate is rugged, while some wealthy person said that it is quite slowly. Generally speaking, however, it appears that the CompTIA A+ and Security+ certifications are among the hardest. How easy or difficult will depend on your capabilities and whether you have prior experience.

As for the easiest, here to a fault are opinions divided, with more or less saying that CompTIA Network+ credential is the easiest, and others locution otherwise.

Rather than think of which is the hardest or easiest, focus on acing the A+ certification, and proceed to others as required. They are not so hard that you will not pass them ever.

How Do You Study for CompTIA Certifications?

At that place are lots of eruditeness resources for CompTIA certification exams to service you better prepare. Online videos, course of study material, books and praxis exams. One particular platform, ExamCompass , has been specially touristed among CompTIA certification candidates.

You'll need to use a combination of these resources to best prepare for the exam, so don't limit yourself by sticking to simply video lessons or interpretation material. Combined, this should serve you get do well along the CompTIA certification path.

The 6 Best CompTIA Certifications

Atomic number 3 of October 2020, CompTIA offers a turn of certifications three-pronged into 5 groups: core, cybersecurity, infrastructure, data analytics, and additional professional.

These are our pick of the 6 best CompTIA documentation programs that are popular now:

1. CompTIA A+

Certification Case: Core

Experience Level: Unveiling

CompTIA A+ is an entranceway-level IT certification which has served every bit the starting point for many shooting for a lucrative career in IT. The certification is accepted globally for hiring candidates who focus on finish-point management and technical support.

Although an entry-level IT enfranchisement, the A+ certification from CompTIA requires candidates to successfully pass an examination that features both practical and performance-based questions, and pure/preferential multiple choice questions.

The certification is fairly strict, requiring CompTIA A+ candidates to successfully pass two examinations - Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) - that cover a comprehensive range of Information technology and management topics, including:

• Basic IT infrastructure and networking support
• Charles Herbert Best practices for change management, certification, and scripting
• Client-based and cloud-based software administration
• Fundamental security skills for Information technology confirm
• Implementing basic data fill-in and recuperation methods
• Multi-device configuration and frame-up
• OS configuration for a wander of devices
• Troubleshooting and resolving core IT serve and support issues

A CompTIA A+ insane candidate is considered a proved job-solver with all the alkaline skills required to bargain with standard issues pertaining to IT, so much as infrastructure plunk fo, security and cloud management.

So is the CompTIA A+ worth it? Absolutely, especially if you're looking to proceed with the CompTIA certifications list.

Skills assessed:

• Hardware & Web Troubleshooting
• Floating Devices
• Networking
• Operating Systems
• Operational Procedures
• Security
• Software Troubleshooting
• Virtualization & Cloud Computing

Worthy for:

• Associate Network Engineers
• Data Support Technicians
• Desktop Back Administrators
• End-User Computing Technicians
• Line of business Servicing Technicians
• Help Desk Technicians
• Servicing Desk Analysts
• System of rules Support Specialists
• Technical Support Specialists

Exam details
Course Code	220-1001 (Core 1); 220-1002 (Core 2)
Duration	90 minutes for each exam
Languages	English language, German, Nipponese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Thai
Casual Nock	675 out of 900 (Core 1); 700 out of 900 (Core 2)
Prerequisites	Minimum 9 months of field or lab know
Appraisal	90 questions for apiece exam, which are drag-and-drop, multiple-choice (and multi-response), and performance-settled
Validity	3 years
Price	$226 per exam

2. CompTIA Network+

Certification Type: Core

Experience Horizontal: Entry-level

The side by side entry, the CompTIA Network+ , is a beginner-gracious IT certification meant for candidates interested in assuming IT support roles. Network+ credentialed professionals are housebroken to install, configure, maintain, manage and troubleshoot basic network infrastructures. Among their skills are:

• Analyzing and identifying the pros and cons of the existing network configuration(s)
• Configuring and managing various network devices
• Creating virtualized networks
• Developing and implementing fully functional computer networks
• Fixing network issues
• Segmenting network traffic using routers, switches, etc. to create resilient networks

The CompTIA Network+ certification builds on top of the CompTIA A+ certification. The certification covers next-to-basic computer networking skills. In addition, CompTIA recommends candidates to suffer at least a 9-calendar month experience in donnish training or network administration or network support.

Skills learned:

• IT Substructure
• Network Operations
• Network Security
• Network Troubleshooting & Tools
• Networking Concepts

Incomparable for:

• Computer Technicians
• Facilitate Desk Technicians
• IS Consultants
• Junior Network Administrators
• Jr. System Engineers
• Net Analysts
• Net Field Engineers
• Network Field Technicians
• Network Support Specialists
• System Engineers

Exam inside information
Course Code	N10-007 (Retires June 2022), N10-008
Duration	90 transactions
Languages	English, Japanese, German, Lusitanian and Spanish
Passing Account	720 out of 900
Prerequisites	CompTIA A+ enfranchisement (Recommended), Minimum of 9 months of live in networking. (Recommended)
Assessment	90 questions which are haul-and-drop, multiple-choice (and multi-response), and performance-based
Validity	3 years
Price	$329

3. CompTIA Security+

Certification Type: Nitty-gritty

Experience Level: Entry-level

The CompTIA Security+ certification is designed for candidates looking to embark on an Information technology career focusing on web security. It validates a candidate for the compulsory foundational skills needed to perform essence IT security tasks.

Beingness a founder-informal certification doesn't awful that Security+ is strictly meant for newcomers. IT can as wel do as a complementary enfranchisement for professionals running with networking-settled profiles. Having a robust skillset in both networking and network security give notice significantly boost an aspirant's oomph in the IT job market.

Although focusing mainly on mesh security, the CompTIA Security department+ also certifies that the nominee is skilled in treatment tasks supported admittance control, network infrastructure, and organisational security. The latest revision to the CompTIA Protection+ certification exam was made in November 2020.

The Security+ certification focuses along recent trends and techniques in:

• Intrusion detection
• Risk moderation
• Risk of infection management
• Threat direction

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam non only involves multiple choice questions but likewise hands-on, practical questions that get to assess decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Skills assessed:

• Architecture & Design
• Cryptanalytics & PKI (Public Key Substructure)
• Identity operator & Access Direction
• Risk Management
• Technologies & Tools
• Threats, Attacks & Vulnerabilities

Second-best for:

• Minor IT Auditors
• Electronic network Administrators
• Penetration Testers
• Security measur Administrators
• Security Consultants
• Security measures Engineers
• Security system Specialists
• Systems Administrators

Exam details
Feed Code	SY0-601
Duration	90 transactions
Languages	English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and European nation
Passing Score	750 out of 900
Prerequisites	CompTIA CompTIA Network+ certificate, marginal of 2 years experience in IT administration with a focus on security
Assessment	90 questions which are septuple-choice and public presentation-based
Validity	3 years
Price	$349

4. CompTIA PenTest+

Certification Eccentric: Cybersecurity

Experience Level: Third-year

Configured for cybersecurity professionals with a revolve about penetration testing and vulnerability direction, the CompTIA PenTest+ certification assesses a campaigner's ability in incursion testing and vulnerability direction. IT also focuses on:

• Customizing assessment frameworks
• Best communication practices
• Enhancing the resiliency of the network against security attacks and threats
• Finding and reporting security vulnerabilities
• Vulnerability appraisal

In gain to the branch of knowledge skills required to trip up finished with challenging pentest and exposure direction scenarios, the pentesting credential besides ensures that the candidate has ample direction skills to make believe the information exchange easier among teams and professionals. The CompTIA PenTest+ exam features a combination of both hands-on, operation-based, working questions and multiple tasty questions.

Upon successful completion of the CompTIA PenTest+ documentation, a professional bequeath be able to test different devices in different environments, whether cloud, nomadic, or servers.

Skills assessed:

• Attacks & Exploits
• Information Gathering & Vulnerability Identification
• Penetration Examination Tools
• Planning & Scoping
• Reporting &A; Communication

Best for:

• Application Security Managers
• Network Security Analysts
• Insight Testers
• Security Analysts
• Vulnerability Assessment Analysts
• Vulnerability Testers

Exam details
Course Code	PT0-002
Duration	165 minutes
Languages	English and Japanese
Passing Score	750 unstylish of 900
Prerequisites	Noesis equivalent to the Network+/Security+ certifications, minimum 3 years of experience in information security or other related field
Assessment	85 questions which are multiple-choice and performance-based
Validness	3 years
Price	$359

5. CompTIA CASP+

Certification Type: Cybersecurity

Experience Pull dow: Front

The CompTIA Hi-tech Security Practitioner, or CompTIA CASP+ , is a certification that trains cybersecurity skills. It is one of the most popular CompTIA certifications among IT security professionals that assesses a candidate for advanced-spirit level abilities in:

• Enterprise security
• Managing jeopardy and prediction
• Risk of infection analysis

Enterprise security measur refers to the ability to secure organizations, of all sizes, against cybersecurity threats. CompTIA CASP+ certified professionals often need to come up with cybersecurity solutions, and their carrying out plans. CompTIA CASP+ certification is ISO 17024 certified and approved by the US DoD for meeting the 8140/8570.01-M requirements.

The CompTIA Advanced Security Practician certification is meant for professionals who wish to keep their feet wet in that field, preferably than being fully involved in a strictly managing related paradigm.

Skills assessed:

• Enterprise Security Architecture and Trading operations
• Research, Development & Collaboration
• Risk Management
• Specialised Consolidation of Enterprise Surety

Best for:

• Covering Security Engineers
• Security Architects
• Security Engineers
• Technical Lead Analysts

Exam details
Course Code	CAS-003 (Retires April 2022), CAS-004
Length	165 transactions
Languages	English and Japanese
Passing Score	No passing score, only pass or fail
Prerequisites	Minimum of 10 years experience in IT administration, including a nominal feel of 5 years in Information technology security (hands-connected technical)
Assessment	90 questions which are multiple-choice and execution-based
Validity	3 years
Mary Leontyne Pric	$452

6. CompTIA Waiter+

Certification Type: Infrastructure

Receive Flat: Intermediate

The CompTIA Waiter+ corroboration is one of the rare host certifications that covers a plenary range of popular server platforms. Having this certification guarantees that the bearer is easily-equipped with the skills and noesis required to develop, maintain, support, and troubleshoot respective server software and computer hardware technologies.

Candidates are required to have got at least 18 months of experience working in IT prior to taking the CompTIA Server+ certification test. Having the CompTIA A+ certification is also recommended.

CompTIA Host+ insane professionals typically aim for operative in cloud environments and information centres, although they can body of work in any environment. The CompTIA Waiter+ certification examination assesses a candidate for:

• Security
• Computer storage
• Troubleshooting
• Virtualization of servers

In a nutshell, the CompTIA Server+ enfranchisement assures a candidate possesses all the necessary skills to assume the role of a waiter decision maker.

Skills conditioned:

• Disaster Recovery
• Networking
• Security
• Server Computer architecture
• Server Administrations
• Storage
• Troubleshooting

Best for:

• IT Technicians
• Server Administrators
• Server Support Technicians
• Server Technicians
• Storage Administrators

Exam inside information
Course Codification	SK0-004 (Retires January 2022), SK0-005
Duration	90 minutes
Languages	Side, Simplified Chinese and Japanese
Passing Score	750 forbidden of 900
Prerequisites	CompTIA A+ certification, 18 to 24 months of work experience in IT
Assessment	100 questions which are multiple-choice
Validity	3 geezerhood
Price	$329

The 4 Best CompTIA Alternatives

If you would rather opt for a corroboration provide from someplace other than CompTIA, but still want to have a similar certification, then the following 4 are some of the best CompTIA certification alternatives:

1. Coregonus artedi CCNA

Certification Type: Infrastructure

Have Level: Liaise

Offered By: Coregonus artedi

The newly reorganized Cisco CCNA certification is a globally recognized, umbrella certification in Cisco-based solutions. The latest rendition to the certification, which came out in 2020, combines all the previous CCNA certifications into 1 comprehensive package.

CCNA or Cisco Authentication Network Associate is an comrade-level off Information technology certification that focuses on technologies and tools necessary to implement and administer computer networks and IT infrastructure.

CCNA is a suitable replacement for the CompTIA Server+ and Electronic network+ certifications. The Coregonus artedi CCNA certification assesses a candidate's ability in:

• Automation and programmability
• IP connectivity
• IP services
• Electronic network access code
• Network bedroc
• Surety fundamentals

There are individual ways of preparing for the Cisco credential examinations. You can rely connected the courses and learning material offered past Lake herring OR prepare on your ain using books, online tutorials, practical experience, etc. or use a compounding of the two methodologies.

Coregonus artedi even out offers a tailor-made course for CCNA aspirants. Information technology goes by the name of Implementing and Administering Coregonus artedi Solutions. This is a comprehensive course that delves into every topic required for championing the CCNA certification.

You can too connect the Cisco Learning Network, opt for the CCNA Preparation Bundle, take teacher-LED training classes, and buzz off access to Cisco Press self-bailiwick resources to steel onself for the credential examination. Although no prerequisite is demanded past the CCNA corroboration, a typical CCNA candidate must experience:

• A robust understanding of networking basics
• At to the lowest degree 1-year experience in implementing and administering Coregonus artedi solutions
• The knowledge of base IP addressing

Candidates ready to take the exam must low gear cross-file at Pearson Vue as the exam will be conducted at one of the Pearson Vue exam centres.

Exam curriculu:

• Mechanisation and Programmability (10%)
• IP Connectivity (25%)
• IP Services (10%)
• Network Access (20%)
• Network Fundamentals (20%)
• Security Fundamentals (15%)

Skills learned:

• Coregonus artedi ASA Firewalls
• Multicasting: IPv4 and IPv6
• Network Engine room
• Network Routing and Switching
• Operational Support
• Routing Protocols

Superfine for:

• Network Analysts
• Net Consultants
• Network Security Engineers
• Web Security Managers
• Systems Administrators
• Unified Communications Engineer
• VoIP Engineers

Test details
Course Code	200-301 CCNA
Duration	120 minutes
Languages	European nation and Japanese
Passing Score	849 out of 1000
Prerequisites	No
Judgement	120 questions
Validity	3 years
Price	$255

2. GSEC (GIAC Security Essentials)

Credentials Type: Nitty-gritty

Go through Level: Average

Offered By: GIAC

The Global Information Assurance Certification or GIAC is a putative, globally recognized name when it comes to oblation cybersecurity and information security department certifications. Among their rich documentation offerings is the GSEC or GIAC Security Essentials authentication .

GSEC is a fitting alternative to the CompTIA Surety+ certification. The certification covers the fundamentals of information security and some intermediate concepts correlative the same. GSEC certified individuals are suitable to assume roles requiring active IT security direction. The certification assesses a candidate for ability in:

• Admittance control and password direction
• Steganography
• Defensible net architecture
• Linux security and concerned security tools and utilities
• Network security
• Networking protocols
• Pentesting
• Risk management
• Securing Windows
• Exposure scanning
• Web communications security

All GIAC certification exams are proctored and web-supported. In that respect are two options when opting for the GSEC testing:

• Remote proctoring via ProctorU, or

• Along-internet site proctoring via PearsonVUE

Once you've paid the fee for the GSEC examination you'll be notified for certification endeavour activation. You moldiness take it on or before 120 days from the date of the examination activation.

Candidates can either prepare on their ain for clearing the GSEC certificate examination surgery enroll for relevant courses offered away training providers or a combination of the two.

Skills assessed:

• Coding
• Endpoint Security measures
• Incident Treatment and Response
• Linux and Windows Security
• Penetration Examination
• Securing Network Services
• Virtualization and Cloud Security

Best for:

• Auditors
• Forensic Analysts,
• Information Surety beginners with a background in entropy systems and networking
• IT Engineers/Supervisors
• Operations personnel
• Penetration Testers
• Certificate Administrators
• Security Managers
• Security professionals

Examination details
Course Encode	GSEC
Duration	5 hours
Languages	English
Passing Score	73%
Prerequisites	No
Assessment	180 questions which are multiple-selection
Validity	4 years
Price	$399 or $499 (See website)

3. MTA: Windows OS Fundamentals

Certification Type: Core

Receive Spirit level: Entering-level

Offered By: Microsoft Learn

MTA: Windows Operating System Basics certification is a great alternate to the CompTIA A+ certification. The MTA certifications are a good way to get rolling in IT. The MTA: Windows Operating Organization Fundamentals assures that candidates cause all the compulsory skills and knowledge to plant in the lead, cope, troubleshoot, and update Windows in professional settings.

In order to receive the MTA: Windows Operating System Bedroc, candidates need to take and pass the Windows In operation System Bedroc exam by Microsoft Learn. Atomic number 3 the name suggests, IT gauges a candidate's power in working with the latest Windows version. Microsoft Learn offers two ways to steel onself for the exam:

1. Online-Free: Extricated-to-use resources, titled Learning Paths, are related for the interrogation
2. Instructor-led: A paid 3-day MTA Training course that covers the entire program of Exam 98-349: Windows In operation System Fundamentals

Many aspirants usually absolute a few MTA (Microsoft Engineering science Familiar) certifications to complete MCSE and other medium- and advanced-steady IT certifications from Microsoft. The Windows Operating System of rules Basic principle exam is available in 12 languages.

Skills assessed:

• Installing and upgrading guest systems (15 to 20%)
• Managing:
• Applications (15 to 20%),
• Files and folders (15 to 20%), and
• Devices (15 to 20%)
• Understanding the OS:
• Configurations (15 to 20%)
• Maintenance (15 to 20%)

Best for:

• Administrators
• Data Support Technicians
• Desktop Patronize Administrators
• Field Service Technicians
• Assistance Desk Technicians
• Service Desk Analysts
• System Support Specialists
• Technical Support Specialists

Exam inside information
Course Code	Exam 98-349: Windows Operating System Fundamentals
Duration	45 minutes
Languages	Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, French, German, European country, Asian country, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish, and European country (Mexico)
Passing Score	700 out of 1001
Prerequisites	Fundamental Windows cognition, operational ability in Windows 10/11
Assessment	40-60 questions which are multiple-choice and multi-response
Validity	Lifespan
Terms	$127

4. GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester)

Certification Type: Cybersecurity

Experience Stage: Intermediate

Offered By: GIAC

The GIAC Penetration Tester corroboration , or GPEN, is a globally recognized Information technology certification from GIAC. It is a suitable alternative to the CompTIA PenTest+ certification. A GPEN credentialed candidate can do:

• Comprehensive pentest planning, scoping, and recon
• Scanning and exploitation
• Password attacks
• Post-exploitation and pivoting
• Webapp pen-testing

Individuals with the GPEN certification are equipped with the ability to leveraging penetration testing - with the best practices, techniques, and methodologies in situ - to deal with altogether kinds of cybersecurity and network security tasks. These professionals are capable of:

• Conducting exploits
• Attractive in in-depth reconnaissance mission
• Implementing a process-oriented pen testing overture with a particular set of desired goals and objectives

As cybersecurity professionals need to execute rigorous operations with a greater degree of the slay-and-trial go up, they need to practise as many real-world scenarios as conceivable. GIAC offers GPEN aspirants to leverage CyberLive to accomplish the said.

CyberLive testing creates a lab environment that allows candidates to leveraging essential machines to perform actual code and actual programs in period of time. This allows them to better prepare for the GPEN examination.

Skills assessed:

• Advanced Password Attacks
• Domain Escalation and Persistence Attacks
• Development Fundamentals
• Kerberos Attacks
• Metasploit Framework
• Pentest Planning
• Vulnerability Scanning
• Network Application: Injection Attacks and Reconnaissance

Best for:

• Auditors
• Ethical Hackers
• Forensic Specialists
• Penetration Testers
• Systems Surety personnel department
• Testing staff office (Red Team and Blue Team)

Exam details
Path Code	GPEN
Duration	180 minutes
Languages	English
Passing Score	75%
Prerequisites	None
Assessment	82-115 questions which are multiple-choice and performance-based
Validity	4 long time
Price	$1,999

There are more such certifications, and we have a guide the best penetration testing certifications .

CompTIA Certifications Can Fastrack Your IT Career

The outdo CompTIA certifications can really help you initiate or advance a career in IT. Among the various offerings, A+, Network+, Security+, Server+, PenTest+, and CASP+ stand unsuccessful the most. Typically, individuals like to prefer for 2 or 3 CompTIA certifications to turn an invaluable addition to whatsoever IT team up.

If you'd like to advance your career and stay up to date on the latest IT developments, then it's perfectly worth taking a CompTIA certification. Take a class, prepare in the manner described in a higher place, and pass those examinations!

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6 Best CompTIA Certification Programs (and 4 Popular Alternatives) Free Download

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