CompTIA certifications are held by about 2 million professionals who want to prove their IT expertise. As a result, Organizations all around the globe trust CompTIA certification to help them train their technical personnel, but creating certification examinations is a difficult task. With the rate at which technology evolves, it’s essential to keep the exams up to date to assure that IT professionals have the knowledge they need now and in the future.
Every three years, new CompTIA tests are released to keep the material of the exams up to date. CompTIA tests have been authorized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to demonstrate adherence to stringent exam standards and regular changes, which help keep exam content up to date with the fast-paced technology industry’s demands. A new test is published every three years, satisfying certification requirements and avoiding content from becoming obsolete. So, in order to keep you up to speed, we’ll discuss the current CompTIA certification tests as well as those that will be phased out shortly in this blog.
CompTIA Certifications Exam Updates Overview
The CompTIA exam development process is lengthy, requiring over 5,000 hours of input from the exam development team and subject matter experts (SMEs), who participate in focus groups that involve writing and review to assist find the best material, constructing questions, and checking their validity. Approximately 30 to 45 SMEs will work with CompTIA to establish a new or revised certification program during the course of the development cycle. However, let’s check out the list of certification exams that CompTIA offers.
1. Core Skills Certifications
Every IT position requires basic knowledge on topics such as operating systems, hardware, networking, and more. No matter which route you pursue, CompTIA’s fundamental IT skills certifications level the playing field and create the groundwork for a successful career in IT.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
Exam Code: FCO-U61
Launch Date: September 4, 2018
Description:
The new CompTIA IT Fundamentals exam focuses on discovering and describing the fundamentals of computing, IT infrastructure, software development, and database. The + has been added to this new edition to help in standing out in the marketplace and to symbolize CompTIA’s quality and standards.
Retirement: Usually three years after launch
CompTIA A+
Exam Code: 220-1001 & 220-1002 (CORE SERIES)
Launch Date: January 15, 2019
Description:
To obtain certification, candidates must complete both 1001 and 1002. Exams from different series cannot be combined. Mobile devices, networking technologies, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing, as well as network troubleshooting, are all covered in the CompTIA A+ 220-1001 exam.
And, the CompTIA A+ 220-1002 exam covers,
- Firstly, operating system installation and configuration
- Secondly, enhanced security
- Thirdly, software troubleshooting
- Lastly, operational procedures.
Retirement: To Be Declared – Usually three years after launch
CompTIA Network+
This covers two exams N10-007 and N10-008.
Exam Code: N10-007
Launch Date: March 2018
Description:
CompTIA Network+ N10-007 offers enhanced coverage of numerous topics with:
- Firstly, using security concepts for assisting networking experts in collaborating with security practitioners.
- Secondly, best practices in cloud computing and common service models
- Thirdly, newer hardware and virtualization approaches are covered.
- Lastly, individuals should have a diverse set of talents in order for the network to remain resilient.
Retirement: June 2022
Exam Code: N10-008
Launch Date: September 15, 2021
Description:
CompTIA Network+ certifies the technical abilities required to set up, manage, and troubleshoot the critical networks that organizations rely on.
Retirement: Commonly three years after launch
CompTIA Security+
This covers two exams SY0-501 and SY0-601.
Exam Code: SY0-501
Launch date: October 4, 2017
Description:
The candidate will be able to,
- Firstly, install and configure systems to secure applications, networks, and devices
- Secondly, perform threat analysis and respond with suitable mitigation techniques
- Thirdly, participate in risk mitigation activities
- Lastly, operate with an awareness of applicable policies, laws, and regulations.
Retirement: English Exam: July 31, 2021, Other languages retire: Q1 2022
Exam Code: SY0-601
Launch Date: November 12, 2020
Description:
The candidate will have the abilities for,
- Firstly, assessing the security posture of an organization’s surroundings
- Secondly, suggesting and applying suitable security solutions
- Thirdly, checking and protecting hybrid environments, including,
- cloud
- mobile
- IoT
- Then, operating with an understanding of applicable laws and rules, including governance, risk, and compliance principles
- Lastly, discovering, examining, and responding to security events and incidents
Retirement: Usually three years after launch
2. Infrastructure Pathway
IT infrastructure is the foundation of IT operations and is required for every company to operate. However, when you use the CompTIA Infrastructure Career Pathway overall, you can verify the abilities required throughout IT operations, enhancing your understanding and expanding the number of IT infrastructure positions to which you may contribute.
CompTIA Cloud+
This covers two exams CV0-002 & CV0-003.
Exam Code: CV0-002
Launch Date: February 9, 2018
Description:
The CompTIA Cloud+ (CV0-002) certification emphasises cloud technology use and administration as part of wider system operations. It is assumed that a candidate would work in a number of sectors and weave together solutions that meet unique company demands.
Retirement: January 7, 2022
Exam Code: CV0-003
Launch date: June 9, 2021
Description:
CompTIA Cloud+ certifies the abilities required to create and operate secure cloud infrastructures that ensure corporate systems and data are available at all times.
Retirement: Usually three years after launch
CompTIA Linux+
Exam Code: XK0-004
Launch Date: April 2, 2019
Description:
CompTIA Linux+ certifies IT professionals who have worked with Linux servers and have expertise in configuring, monitoring, and maintaining them. Security, kernel modules, storage & virtualization, enterprise device management, git & automation, networking & firewalls, server-side & command line, server (vs. client-based) coverage, troubleshooting, and SELinux are all covered more in the new exam.
Retirement: To Be Declared – Usually three years after launch
CompTIA Server+
This covers two exams SK0-004 & SK0-005.
Exam Code: SK0-004
Launch Date: July 31, 2015
Description:
Server+ is a certification that covers networking, troubleshooting, server architecture, administration, storage, security, and disaster recovery.
Retirement: January 7, 2022
Exam Code: SK0-005
Launch Date: May 18, 2021
Description:
Server+ certifies IT professional’s ability to install, administer, and troubleshoot servers in data centers, on-premises, and hybrid settings.
Retirement: To Be Declared
3. Cybersecurity Pathway
The need for qualified cybersecurity specialists is expanding at a rapid rate, thanks to the ongoing rise in cyberattacks and the number of new connected devices. Cybersecurity experts must develop their practical, hands-on abilities in order to be able to prevent rather than merely identify security occurrences and difficulties.
CompTIA CySA+
Exam Code: CS0-002
Launch Date“ April 21, 2020
Description:
Candidates earning the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification will have the skills for,
- Firstly, using intelligence and threat detection techniques
- Secondly, examining and interpreting data
- Thirdly, discovering and addressing vulnerabilities
- Then, recommending preventative measures
- Lastly, effectively responding to and recovering from incidents.
Retirement: Usually three years after launch
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
This covers two exams CAS-003 & CAS-004.
Exam Code: CAS-003
Launch date: April 2, 2018
Description:
CASP+ is a certification that covers the technical knowledge and abilities needed to design, create, integrate, and deploy secure solutions in complex settings to support a resilient organization.
Retirement: April 5, 2022
Exam Code: CAS-004
Launch Date: October 6, 2021
CASP+ provides the technical knowledge and abilities needed to plan, engineer, integrate, and deploy secure solutions across complex settings in order to enable a resilient company while taking governance, risk, and compliance needs into account.
Retirement: Usually three years after launch
CompTIA PenTest+
This covers two exams PT0-001 & PT0-002.
Exam Code: PT0-001
Launch Date: July 31, 2018
Description:
Candidates earning the CompTIA PenTest+ certification will have the knowledge for:
- Firstly, planing and scoping an assessment
- Secondly, comprehending legal and compliance needs
- Thirdly, undertaking vulnerability scanning and penetration testing
- Then, examining data
- Lastly, effectively reporting and communicating results.
Retirement: April 2022
Exam Code: PT0-002
Launch Date: October 28, 2021
Description:
The CompTIA PenTest+ certifies that the candidate has the knowledge and abilities to design and scope a penetration testing engagement, including vulnerability scanning, comprehend legal and compliance requirements, assess results, and provide a written report with remedial procedures.
Retirement: Usually three years after launch
4. Data Analytics Path
CompTIA Data+ is a data analytics certification for professionals who are just starting out in their careers and are responsible for building and supporting data-driven corporate decision-making.
CompTIA Data+
Exam Code: DA0-001
Launch Date: February 2022
Description:
The CompTIA Data+ exam verifies that the candidate has the knowledge and skills to transform business requirements into data-driven decisions by mining and manipulating data, applying basic statistical methods, and analyzing complex datasets while adhering to governance and quality standards throughout the data life cycle.
Retirement: Usually three years after launch
5. Additional Certifications
IT professionals require professional abilities such as project management and training in addition to the specific skills certified in the CompTIA career pathways.
CompTIA Project+
Exam Code: PK0-004
Launch Date: March 15, 2017
Description:
CompTIA Project+ is for business professionals who coordinate or manage small-to-medium-size projects. The exam verifies that you have the knowledge and abilities needed to manage the project life cycle, ensure appropriate communication, manage resources, manage stakeholders, and keep track of project documents.
Retirement: N/A
CompTIA CTT+
Exam Code: TK0-201, TK0-202 & TK0-203
Description:
- TK0-201: CTT+ Essentials
- Then, TK0-202: CTT+ Classroom Performance Based Exam
- TK0 -203: CTT+ Virtual Classroom Performance Based Exam
The CTT+ certification exam examines class teaching abilities, including planning, facilitation, and assessment of physical or virtual classrooms. You have to pass two tests to receive the certification. You must pass TK0-202 or TK0-203 in addition to TK0-201.
CompTIA Cloud Essentials+
Exam Code: CLO-002
Launch Date: November 2019
Description:
By evaluating business use cases, financial impacts, cloud technologies, and deployment models with knowledge of cloud computing, CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ validates the candidate knowledge and skills required for making clear decisions about cloud technologies and their business impact.
Retirement: Usually three years after launch
Above we have understood the CompTIA certifications exams in detail. Now, let’s take a look at some of the important areas of CompTIA Certifications.
Understanding the Continuing Education (CE) Program
1. Renewal Cycle:
Your certification is valid for three years from the day you received it, and it must be renewed before it expires.
2. Continuing Education Units (CEUs):
For renewal, each certification requires a specified amount of CEUs. You can earn CEUs by participating in recognized activities.
3. Continuing Education Fees:
Unless you renew by achieving a qualified higher-level CompTIA certification or passing CertMaster CE, CE costs are necessary for renewal and must be paid prior to submitting CEUs.
4. Multiple CompTIA Certification Renewal:
You only need to complete the renewal requirements for your highest-level CompTIA certification if you have more than one. Your lower-level CompTIA certifications will automatically renew when you renew your highest-level certification.
CompTIA Exam: Launch and Retirement
CompTIA initiates the transition from the previous version of the exam to the new one after the exam development process is completed. The previous edition does not disappear as soon as the new one is released; both exams are available for a period of time.
- The day on which a new exam with updated content is released is referred to as the launch date.
- And, retirement is when an old test is retired, it is no longer available and is taken out of circulation.
When a new version of the exam is released, the previous version remains available for at least six months (sometimes longer depending on other market factors).
Things you should know:
- IT professionals who have been preparing for the previous version of the exam can choose whether to finish studying for and taking the old version before it is no longer accessible or pivot and prepare for the new version.
- Secondly, when new examinations are released every three years, there are sometimes considerable modifications. Exam domains are sometimes have massive modifications, while other times these changes occur in the specifics of the exam goals. It all depends on how the field has changed.
