Founded in 1982, CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association, is a well-established, globally renowned developer of professional certifications for the IT industry. CompTIA’s certification program offers numerous vendor-neutral designations covering a wide spectrum of the technology landscape, from desktop PC repair to project management. Regular content updates and exam refreshes keep CompTIA certifications relevant and valuable over time.
Looking for an entry-level certification so well respected it forms part of other certs? CompTIA A+ credentials cover the basics of IT administration, installation, networking, security and support in a widely recognized vendor-neutral qualification.
CompTIA Linux+ Certification Training
CompTIA Network+ Certification
CompTIA Network+ certification demonstrates broad competency in network installation and maintenance. Find out how to achieve this high-profile credential and advance your networking career.
CompTIA Project+ Certification Training
CompTIA’s Project+ is a project management cert that while respected, has less arduous requirements than some of its alternatives.
CompTIA Security+ Certification
Demand for IT workers with security skills is on the rise, reports the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. CompTIA Security+ certification indicates a broad base of knowledge in security practices and technology.
CompTIA Server+ Certification Training
Server+ certification from CompTIA is a vendor-neutral endorsement demonstrating competency in server administration. The credential may serve as a step toward advancement in a hands-on IT career.
Why should you become CompTIA certified?
CompTIA certifications are widely recognized in the IT sector, often playing a key role in professional advancement and greater compensation potential. Certification Magazine’s 2009 Salary Survey included several CompTIA credentials among its list of Top Certifications by Salary. According to the 2011 IT Skills and Salary Report published by Global Knowledge, these certifications continue to command annual salaries at or above $70,000.
Put simply, CompTIA credentials consistently provide validation of the most relevant and valued skills in the IT industry.
CompTIA Certification Listings
CompTIA certifications are currently classified into the following categories:
- CompTIA Basic Series
- CompTIA Professional Series
- CompTIA Specialty Series
- CompTIA Mastery Series
CompTIA Basic Series
Strata IT Fundamentals
This is CompTIA’s entry-level certification, covering topics such as PC hardware basics, software installation, and basic security knowledge. This certification is aimed at people preparing to enter the IT workforce, or those who are switching career paths to the IT industry.
CompTIA Professional Series
Possibly the most-recognized IT certification on the planet, A+ is the industry standard designation for desktop computer technicians responsible for providing service and support for PC hardware and operating systems.
CDIA+
The Certified Document Imaging Architect (CDIA+) certification covers the principles of electronic document management, including imaging, digital storage and content management systems.
Cloud+
This certification covers the many aspects of cloud computing, including hardware and software options, server virtualization and data center administration.
CTT+
The Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) designation gives technology trainers a credential that validates their knowledge and practical experience as educators in the IT sector.
Developed in collaboration with the Linux Professional Institute (LPI), Linux+ is aimed at professionals with the necessary experience and skills to become junior Linux adminis.
Mobile App Security+
This certification can be taken for either iOS or Android applications, and covers the necessary skills required to develop a secure software application for the selected platform.
Mobility+
Mobility+ is for professionals who administer mobile devices in a greater networking scenario, a commonplace situation that’s now found in most modern businesses.
Network+ is nearly as well-recognized as A+, as a popular industry-recognized certification for networking professionals who help to build, maintain and support various computer networks.
Project+ is CompTIA’s project management certification, less complex than some industry PM certifications, but still a robust program that covers the entire project life cycle framework.
This certification is a mid-level professional designation for IT/IS security professionals responsible for securing networks and performing risk management.
Acknowledged by industry stalwarts such as Dell, HP, Lenovo and IBM, Server+ is an evolution of the A+ certification, moving on from desktop PCs to cover server-grade hardware and software.
Storage+
Developed in concert with the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA), Storage+ is all about the hardware and software involved in safely backing up and restoring computer systems.
CompTIA Specialty Series
Cloud Essentials
This certification is not as technically detailed as the Cloud+ certification, but still covers cloud computing in terms of its associated business value and risks.
Healthcare IT Technician
CompTIA created this specialization to cover implementing and managing IT systems in US-based healthcare organizations.
Social Media Security Professional
As more businesses and governments utilize social media networks, there is a growing need for IT professionals who know how to leverage these systems safely, which is what this CompTIA specialization covers.
CompTIA Mastery Series
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP)
This expert-level certification builds upon the foundation of the Security+ designation, offering even greater coverage of advanced IT/IS security skills and knowledge.
CompTIA boot camps
IT pros looking for a quick route to CompTIA credentials might find that boot camp training courses can get them there in a hurry. CompTIA authorized training partners provide the CompTIA-approved curriculum and certified instructors.
Boot camps are available for different certifications, and the CompTIA website shows which certification is appropriate for a candidate’s skill levels and areas of expertise. Training providers may also provide a skills assessment to make sure students have the correct preparation for the course.
It’s important to be aware of prerequisites for a particular CompTIA boot camp. For these in-depth courses, a variety of background knowledge is essential. Those seeking to prepare for the A+ cert should have basic, entry-level IT knowledge, while those aiming at the Network+ accreditation should have more advanced experience in network architecture and administration. IT pros interested in Security+ training will likely find a varied background with administrator experience is required.
Some boot camps offer packages for more than one certification. For example, one seven-day boot camp training package is targeted at both the CompTIA A+ Essentials and Technician exam and the Network+ exam.
With CompTIA boot camps, those seeking certification can gain intensive training designed to prepare them for the exams quickly. The goal is total immersion and distraction-free training, with all the materials provided so candidates can focus on learning.
