Bob Salmans
Cybersecurity & Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
Vendor-neutral credentials your auditor recognizes
CompTIA Certification Training & Courses for IT Teams
Network+, Security+, CySA+, Linux+, Server+ — the vendor-neutral CompTIA credentials that prove team capability without locking your roadmap to a single cloud or firewall stack. Every path comes with structured training and team admin reporting, and most include hands-on labs.
14
Certifications
5
Role paths
3
Levels
Vendor-neutral baseline
Built for teams that need to prove capability without vendor lock-in.
CertificationsCompTIA14 certs · Entry to Professional
Spotlight
Most popular CompTIA certifications
5 certificationsThe CompTIA certifications IT directors most often standardize their teams on. Each one comes with blueprint-weighted practice exams and team admin reporting included, and most include hands-on labs.
Security+
EntryLabsPracticeSY0-701
ThreatsAttacks and VulnerabilitiesTechnologies and Tools
The CompTIA Security+ certification validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in security, risk management, and data protection. It is ideal for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in security and prepare for more advanced security certifications. This certification is suitable for IT professionals with 2+ years of experience in IT, including security, networking, and compliance.
Exam investment: $425
Network+
AssociateLabsPracticeN10-009
Networking ConceptsInfrastructureNetwork Operations
CompTIA Network+ validates the knowledge and skills of networking professionals in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting local and wide area networks (WANs). It is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in networking fundamentals, network architecture, network operations, and network security. This certification is ideal for those who want to advance their careers in networking or those who are new to the field and want to gain a solid foundation in networking.
Exam investment: Approximately $358 USD
CySA+
ProfessionalLabsPracticeCS0-003
Threat and vulnerability managementSoftware and systems securitySecurity operations and monitoring
The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification validates the skills and knowledge required to analyze and respond to cybersecurity incidents, as well as to identify and mitigate security risks. This certification is ideal for IT professionals who want to develop their skills in threat analysis, incident response, and security architecture. It is also suitable for those who want to advance their careers in cybersecurity.
Exam investment: $425
Server+
AssociateLabsPracticeSK0-005
Server architectureServer administrationStorage management
CompTIA Server+ validates the skills of IT professionals in installing, configuring, and maintaining servers, as well as troubleshooting and optimizing server performance. This certification is ideal for IT professionals who work with servers, network administrators, and those looking to advance their careers in server administration. It is also a stepping stone to more advanced certifications such as CompTIA Cloud+ and CompTIA Data+.
Exam investment: $390 USD
A+
EntryLabsPracticeCore 1: 220-1201, Core 2: 220 1202
HardwareNetworkingMobile Devices
The CompTIA A+ certification is an entry-level certification that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in areas such as hardware, software, networking, and security. It is designed for individuals who are new to the IT industry or those who want to upgrade their skills and knowledge. The certification is ideal for IT professionals who want to work in help desk, field service, or technical support roles. This certification has two exams, core 1 and core 2. You will need to pass both to earn the certification
Exam investment: 265 USD per exam
2
Entry5
Associate7
Professional2
Entry5
Associate7
ProfessionalAssociate Level
3 certificationsProject+
AssociateLabsPracticePK0-005
Project managementProject lifecycle managementResource management
The CompTIA Project+ certification validates the skills and knowledge required to plan, execute, and close projects. It is designed for project managers, team leaders, and IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in project management. This certification is ideal for those who want to advance their careers in project management or IT.
Exam investment: $390
Data+
AssociateLabsPracticeDA0-002
Data miningData manipulationData visualization
CompTIA Data+ validates the skills of IT professionals in data management, storage, and analysis. It covers data storage, retrieval, and analysis, as well as data security and compliance. This certification is ideal for IT professionals who work with data and want to demonstrate their expertise in data management and analysis.
Exam investment: $255 USD
AutoOps+
AssociateLabsPracticeAT0-001
CompTIA AutoOps+ validates your skills to automate, secure, and optimize IT operations across cloud and hybrid environments. As part of CompTIA’s new Expansion Series, AutoOps+ is designed to augment your core IT competencies with specialized expertise in automation, scripting, and infrastructure management. Gain hands-on experience to bridge traditional IT roles with modern DevOps practices.
Exam investment: $298
Professional Level
6 certificationsSecurityX
ProfessionalLabsPracticeCAS-005
threat managementcryptographyidentity management
The SecurityX certification by CompTIA is designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. It is ideal for IT professionals looking to enhance their security expertise and advance in the cybersecurity field.
Exam investment: $529
DataAI
ProfessionalLabsPracticeDY0-001
data analysisdata protectiondatabase management
The CompTIA DataAI certification is the premier certification for highly experienced professionals seeking to validate competency in the rapidly evolving field of data science
Exam investment: $529
Cloud+
ProfessionalLabsPracticeCV0-004
Cloud architecture and designCloud securityCloud deployment
Cloud+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in cloud computing. It covers cloud concepts, deployment models, security, and management. This certification is ideal for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in cloud computing and stay ahead in their careers.
Exam investment: $390
Pentest+
ProfessionalLabsPracticePT0-003
Penetration testingVulnerability assessmentSecurity controls
The CompTIA PenTest+ certification validates the skills and knowledge required to plan and scope penetration tests, understand legal and compliance requirements, analyze results, and create reports. It is ideal for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in systems and networks.
Exam investment: $425
Tech+
ProfessionalLabsFC0-U71
Hardwaresoftwarenetworking
CompTIA Tech+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the skills of IT professionals in a wide range of IT areas, including hardware, software, networking, and security. It is designed for entry-level IT professionals and those looking to transition into an IT role. This certification is ideal for those who want to demonstrate their broad knowledge and skills in IT.
Exam investment: $125 USD
CloudNetX
ProfessionalLabsPracticeCNX-001
Network architecture designCore networking conceptsHybrid connectivity
CompTIA CloudNetX validates the ability to design and implement secure, scalable networking solutions in hybrid environments. The certification covers security design, network monitoring, performance optimization, advanced troubleshooting, and hands-on skills such as Zero Trust implementation. It is positioned for professionals advancing toward network architect, security architect, or enterprise architect roles.
Exam investment: $544
Customer outcome
Vendor-neutral capability your team can prove anywhere
IT Directors measure CompTIA training value in compliance and operational terms — defensible coverage for DoD 8570 audits, faster onboarding for new IT hires, and a shared technical vocabulary that survives vendor changes. Those are the outcomes leadership cares about, not seat-time or completion percentages.
Role-based paths
CompTIA certifications by IT job role
Match CompTIA certs to the actual roles your team holds. Each path bundles the right certs plus the operational depth engineers need day-to-day.
CompTIA certs for Security Analysts & SOC Operators
4 certificationsSecurity+ is the baseline credential auditors recognize across DoD 8570, CMMC, and most internal governance frameworks. CySA+ adds SOC-analyst depth; Pentest+ covers offensive security; SecurityX (the rebranded CASP+) is the senior architect track.
Security+
EntryLabsPracticeSY0-701
ThreatsAttacks and VulnerabilitiesTechnologies and Tools
The CompTIA Security+ certification validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in security, risk management, and data protection. It is ideal for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in security and prepare for more advanced security certifications. This certification is suitable for IT professionals with 2+ years of experience in IT, including security, networking, and compliance.
Exam investment: $425
CySA+
ProfessionalLabsPracticeCS0-003
Threat and vulnerability managementSoftware and systems securitySecurity operations and monitoring
The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification validates the skills and knowledge required to analyze and respond to cybersecurity incidents, as well as to identify and mitigate security risks. This certification is ideal for IT professionals who want to develop their skills in threat analysis, incident response, and security architecture. It is also suitable for those who want to advance their careers in cybersecurity.
Exam investment: $425
Pentest+
ProfessionalLabsPracticePT0-003
Penetration testingVulnerability assessmentSecurity controls
The CompTIA PenTest+ certification validates the skills and knowledge required to plan and scope penetration tests, understand legal and compliance requirements, analyze results, and create reports. It is ideal for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in systems and networks.
Exam investment: $425
SecurityX
ProfessionalLabsPracticeCAS-005
threat managementcryptographyidentity management
The SecurityX certification by CompTIA is designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. It is ideal for IT professionals looking to enhance their security expertise and advance in the cybersecurity field.
Exam investment: $529
CompTIA certs for Network Engineers
2 certificationsNetwork+ is the vendor-neutral baseline for network teams that operate across multiple vendors (Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, Fortinet). Cloud+ adds the multi-cloud overlay every modern network team needs.
Network+
AssociateLabsPracticeN10-009
Networking ConceptsInfrastructureNetwork Operations
CompTIA Network+ validates the knowledge and skills of networking professionals in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting local and wide area networks (WANs). It is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in networking fundamentals, network architecture, network operations, and network security. This certification is ideal for those who want to advance their careers in networking or those who are new to the field and want to gain a solid foundation in networking.
Exam investment: Approximately $358 USD
Cloud+
ProfessionalLabsPracticeCV0-004
Cloud architecture and designCloud securityCloud deployment
Cloud+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in cloud computing. It covers cloud concepts, deployment models, security, and management. This certification is ideal for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in cloud computing and stay ahead in their careers.
Exam investment: $390
CompTIA certs for Sysadmins
2 certificationsLinux+, Server+, and A+ form the vendor-neutral baseline for sysadmin teams. Linux+ is the right entry-point for teams running production Linux; Server+ covers physical/virtual server administration; A+ remains the most recognized entry-level IT credential for new technicians.
Server+
AssociateLabsPracticeSK0-005
Server architectureServer administrationStorage management
CompTIA Server+ validates the skills of IT professionals in installing, configuring, and maintaining servers, as well as troubleshooting and optimizing server performance. This certification is ideal for IT professionals who work with servers, network administrators, and those looking to advance their careers in server administration. It is also a stepping stone to more advanced certifications such as CompTIA Cloud+ and CompTIA Data+.
Exam investment: $390 USD
A+
EntryLabsPracticeCore 1: 220-1201, Core 2: 220 1202
HardwareNetworkingMobile Devices
The CompTIA A+ certification is an entry-level certification that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in areas such as hardware, software, networking, and security. It is designed for individuals who are new to the IT industry or those who want to upgrade their skills and knowledge. The certification is ideal for IT professionals who want to work in help desk, field service, or technical support roles. This certification has two exams, core 1 and core 2. You will need to pass both to earn the certification
Exam investment: 265 USD per exam
CompTIA certs for Data & AI Engineers
2 certificationsData+ covers data analysis fundamentals every team handling enterprise data should hold. DataAI is the new AI-aware data credential for teams shipping ML or generative AI alongside traditional analytics.
Data+
AssociateLabsPracticeDA0-002
Data miningData manipulationData visualization
CompTIA Data+ validates the skills of IT professionals in data management, storage, and analysis. It covers data storage, retrieval, and analysis, as well as data security and compliance. This certification is ideal for IT professionals who work with data and want to demonstrate their expertise in data management and analysis.
Exam investment: $255 USD
DataAI
ProfessionalLabsPracticeDY0-001
data analysisdata protectiondatabase management
The CompTIA DataAI certification is the premier certification for highly experienced professionals seeking to validate competency in the rapidly evolving field of data science
Exam investment: $529
CompTIA certs for IT Project Managers & On-ramps
2 certificationsProject+ for IT teams managing infrastructure migrations, deployments, or compliance programs. Tech+ is the foundational on-ramp credential for non-IT hires (HR, finance, operations) moving into IT-adjacent roles.
Project+
AssociateLabsPracticePK0-005
Project managementProject lifecycle managementResource management
The CompTIA Project+ certification validates the skills and knowledge required to plan, execute, and close projects. It is designed for project managers, team leaders, and IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in project management. This certification is ideal for those who want to advance their careers in project management or IT.
Exam investment: $390
Tech+
ProfessionalLabsFC0-U71
Hardwaresoftwarenetworking
CompTIA Tech+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the skills of IT professionals in a wide range of IT areas, including hardware, software, networking, and security. It is designed for entry-level IT professionals and those looking to transition into an IT role. This certification is ideal for those who want to demonstrate their broad knowledge and skills in IT.
Exam investment: $125 USD
Hands-on CompTIA practice
Human-led training is the point: engineers practice real skills with expert guidance, not just video playback.
Why CBT Nuggets
How CBT Nuggets is different for CompTIA teams
The platform features IT directors comparing training platforms ask about most often.
Practitioner-led
CompTIA training your team learns from
Built and taught by engineers who have spent decades running production CompTIA infrastructure — not crowd-sourced contributors.
Shawn Powers
Cloud Computing & Linux
James Conrad
IT Fundamentals & Systems Administration
Team outcome
Audit-ready training visibility
Manager reporting gives IT leaders a clearer view of assigned training, completion progress, and certification coverage.
Best fit for: compliance-sensitive teams that need evidence of progress before a review, renewal, or internal governance checkpoint.
Frequently asked questions about CompTIA training
Common questions IT directors ask when evaluating CompTIA training for their team.
Which CompTIA certification should our team standardize on first?
Security+ is the most widely required CompTIA credential — DoD 8570 baseline, CMMC Level 2 reference, and recognized by most internal compliance reviews. Network+ is the right second cert for any team operating multi-vendor networks. Linux+ and Server+ matter for sysadmin teams. Most IT Directors standardize Security+ first across the team, then layer role-specific CompTIA certs (CySA+ for SOC, PT0-003 for pentesters, etc.) above.
Does Security+ satisfy DoD 8570 / CMMC requirements?
Yes. Security+ is on the DoD 8570 IAT Level II and IAM Level I approved list and is referenced in CMMC Level 2 control families. The current exam (SY0-701) is the version covered by CBT Nuggets training. Team reporting helps managers document training assignments and completion for the audit packet auditors actually want to see.
How do you measure ROI on CompTIA training for a team?
The metrics that matter aren't seat-time. For CompTIA teams, start with compliance coverage by role (Security+ for IAT requirements, CySA+ for SOC analysts, etc.), onboarding velocity for new IT hires, and the audit-readiness of your training documentation. CBT Nuggets gives managers the reporting surface to track completion and cert coverage; the training itself keeps engineers moving through the right CompTIA path.
Does this work for compliance training programs (SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI, DoD 8570, CMMC)?
Yes — CompTIA credentials are the most commonly cited vendor-neutral certs in compliance frameworks. Team reporting helps managers document assigned training, completion, and cert coverage for internal governance and external audit conversations. The Security+, CySA+, and SecurityX paths are particularly valuable for regulated-industry buyers.
How does CompTIA cert refresh work for a team?
CompTIA certs (Security+, Network+, A+, etc.) expire after 3 years and can be renewed through Continuing Education Units (CEUs) earned from training, conferences, or higher-level cert pursuit. CBT Nuggets training contributes CEUs through CompTIA's CEU partner program. Managers can use assigned training paths to keep team renewals on schedule without anyone re-taking the full exam.
CompTIA renamed CASP+ to SecurityX — is the training current?
Yes. CompTIA rebranded the Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) credential as SecurityX (CAS-005) to position it more clearly as the architect-level security cert above Security+ and CySA+. CBT Nuggets courses are aligned to the current CAS-005 objectives.
Can our team learn CompTIA without prior IT experience?
Yes. Tech+ (FC0-U71) is designed as the entry-level on-ramp for non-IT hires moving into IT-adjacent roles — no prerequisites, conceptual rather than hands-on. A+ is the natural next step for technicians who need physical-hardware and OS troubleshooting depth. Security+ and Network+ require A+ or equivalent experience but no prior certification. Most teams budget 6–10 weeks for Security+ prep from a cold start.