As the world is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is wondering what’s going to happen next. However, businesses and organizations that were easily able to adopt remote work have less impact from the pandemic. For some companies, working from home is a new way of running their business. CompTIA, a leading provider of IT certifications and training worldwide, has recognized the importance of technology in keeping people connected. They are soon going to let candidates take their CompTIA certification exams from their homes, whenever they want, in a safe testing setup.
But, many individuals are not aware of the measures taken and the updates in the CompTIA certifications due to COVID-19. Related to this, in this blog we will talk about the CompTIA certifications as well the various measures taken by CompTIA in response to COVID-19.
CompTIA: Certifications Updates
With the COVID-19 pandemic going on, the world of certifications is also facing many challenges. That is to say, there has been a huge effect on the testing centers and the certifications exam. But, CompTIA has turned out to be very responsive in taking the measures by continuing the certifications. However, CompTIA represents the candidate’s skills and knowledge with offering certifications from entry-level to expert level. It provides four IT certifications series depending on the level of skills. They are:
Core Skills Certifications
CompTIA core level certifications provide baseline knowledge on topics like operating systems, hardware, networking, and more. Moreover, the core IT skills help the candidates to get a successful career in IT. There are four certifications that come under the core level. They are:
CompTIA IT Fundamentals
CompTIA IT Fundamentals is for candidates having professional IT skills and knowledge for performing tasks. However, this exam is for candidates who are high-level end-users and for individuals wish to pursue professional-level certifications, such as A+. Let’s check the exam details for IT Fundamentals.
- Firstly, the exam code for CompTIA IT fundamentals is FC0-U61 that was launched on September 4, 2018.
- Secondly, in the exam, there will be 75 multiple-choice questions.
- Thirdly, the time duration for the exam is 60 Minutes.
- You have to score a minimum of 650 (on a scale of 900) to pass the exam.
- The exam is available in the English language.
- However, the exam usually retires after three years of launch.
- Lastly, the testing provider is Pearson VUE and the exam will cost you $126 USD.
CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ is for professionals who have problem-solving skills. However, the CompTIA A+ Core Series requires candidates to pass two exams that include Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) exam. The exams will demonstrate baseline security skills for IT support professionals and so on. Let’s quickly check the latest exam details.
- Firstly, candidates must complete both 220-1001 and 220-1002 exams to earn certification.
- Secondly, both exam’s launch date is January 15, 2019.
- There will be 90 questions per exam that will be of type Multiple choice questions (single and multiple response), drag and drops, and performance-based.
- Fourthly, the time duration is 90 Minutes per exam.
- The passing Score for 220-1001 is 675 (on a scale of 100-900) and for 220-1002 is 700 (on a scale of 100-900).
- However, candidates are required to have practical experience in the lab or in the field for a period of 9 to 12 months for both of these exams.
- The exam is available in English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Thai and Spanish language.
- The exam usually retires three years after launch.
- Lastly, the testing provider is Pearson VUE and the exam price is $232 USD per exam.
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Network+ ensures that IT professionals have the knowledge and skills to design and implement functional networks with configuring, managing, and maintaining essential network devices. The latest exam details are:
- Firstly, the exam code is N10-007 that was launched in March 2018.
- Secondly, there will be 90 questions in the exam of the type that include Multiple Choice Questions (single and multiple response), drag and drops, and performance-based.
- Thirdly, the time duration for the exam is 90 Minutes.
- You have to score a 720 (on a scale of 100-900) to pass the exam.
- To take this exam, you must have a CompTIA A+ Certification and a minimum of 9 to 12 months of networking experience.
- The exam is available in English, German, Japanese language. And for development, it also includes Spanish, Portuguese language.
- The exam usually retires three years after launch.
- Lastly, the testing provider is Pearson VUE and the exam will cost $338 USD.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ teaches security experts practical problem-solving skills through hands-on troubleshooting. Cybersecurity professionals who pass this exam can effectively identify and resolve security issues. However, this exam is designed for candidates who have the knowledge and skills to set up and secure systems for applications, networks, and devices.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) English language exam is retiring on July 31, 2021. A new exam Security+ (SY0-601) is now available.
The exam details are:
- Firstly, the exam code for this is SY0-501 and the exam was launched on October 4, 2017.
- Secondly, there will be 90 questions that will be of Multiple choice and performance-based type.
- Thirdly, the time duration for the exam is 90 minutes. In which you have to score a minimum of 750 (on a scale of 100-900).
- To take this exam, you need to hold a CompTIA Network+ certificate and have two years of experience in IT administration, with a focus on security.
- The exam is available in English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Simplified Chinese language.
- The exam usually retires three years after launch.
- Lastly, the testing provider is Pearson VUE and the exam will cost $370 USD.
Infrastructure Level Certifications
IT infrastructure is necessary for IT operations and various businesses to function. This includes three important certifications that validate the skills needed across IT operations by masterING and broadening the number of IT infrastructure roles in which you can contribute. They are:
CompTIA Server+
CompTIA Server+ is a vendor-neutral certification covering the major server platforms and the latest server technologies including virtualization, security, and network-attached storage. This certification validates the skills necessary to be a server administrator with mastering concepts of virtualization, storage, security, and troubleshooting. Let’s see the latest exam details.
- Firstly, the exam code is SK0-004 and it was launched on July 31, 2015.
- Secondly, there will be 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Thirdly, the time duration for the exam is 90 Minutes.
- You have to score a minimum of 750 (on a scale of 100-900) to pass the exam.
- Then, it is required that you should hold A+ Certification and have 18 to 24 months of IT experience.
- There is no retirement date announcement for this exam.
- The exam is available in English, Simplified Chinese, Japanese language.
- Lastly, the testing provider is Pearson VUE and the exam cost is $338 USD.
CompTIA Linux+
CompTIA Linux+ is designed for the IT pro who uses Linux to manage everything from cars and smartphones to servers and supercomputers. In this, the candidates only have to pass one exam for certification. The exam details are:
- Firstly, the exam code is XK0-004 and it was launched on April 2, 2019.
- Secondly, there will be 90 questions that include Performance-based, Multiple Choice (Single Response), Multiple Response, and Fill-in-the-Blank type of questions.
- Thirdly, the time duration for the exam is 90 Minutes.
- You have to score a minimum of 720 (on a scale of 100 to 900) to pass the exam.
- For this exam, you need to have both CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ certificates with 12 months of Linux admin experience.
- The exam is available in the English language.
- However, the exam usually retires three years after launch.
- Lastly, the testing provider is Pearson VUE and the exam will cost $338 USD.
CompTIA Cloud+
CompTIA Cloud+ confirms that you have the skills to keep cloud infrastructure running smoothly. It also checks if you have the knowledge and abilities that system administrators need to do well in data center roles.
For CompTIA Cloud+, the new CompTIA Cloud+ (CVO-003) will be available in May. More information about this exam will be updated on the exam page.
The exam details are:
- Firstly, the exam code is CV0-002 that was launched on February 9, 2018.
- Secondly, there will be 90 questions that will be performance-based and multiple-choice types.
- Thirdly, the time duration for the exam is 90 Minutes. In which you have to score a minimum of 750 (on a scale of 100-900) to pass the exam.
- For this exam, you need to have 2-3 years of experience in system administration.
- The exam is in English and Japanese language.
- This exam usually retires three years after launch.
- Lastly, the testing provider is Pearson VUE and the exam cost is $338 USD.
Cybersecurity Level Certifications
Due to rapid increase in cyberattacks the requirement for skilled cybersecurity professionals is growing fastly. Cybersecurity specialists must have hands-on skills to know how to address security incidents and issues. This includes three certifications that helps technical specialists achieve cybersecurity mastery.
CompTIA CySA+
CompTIA CySA+ uses behavioral analysis on networks to make security better. It finds things like malware and advanced threats to keep things safe. This certification shows that an IT pro can protect an organization and make security better. The old exam for this certification was CS0-001, but a new version came out on April 21, 2020.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) CS0-001 exam is retired on October 21, 2020. An update CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) CS0-002 exam is available.
Exam details for CS0-002 are:
- Firstly, there will be 85 questions in the exam that will be multiple choice and performance-based type.
- Secondly, the time duration for the exam is 165 minutes.
- Thirdly, to pass the exam you have to score 750 (on a scale of 100-900).
- For the CS0-002 exam, candidates should have Network+, Security+ knowledge with a minimum of 4 years of hands-on information security or related experience.
- The exam is in English and Japanese language.
- Lastly, the testing provider is Pearson VUE and the exam cost is $370 USD.
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
CASP+ is the performance-based certification for practitioners at the advanced skill level of cybersecurity. Moreover, CASP+ certified professionals figure out how to implement solutions within those policies and frameworks. Moreover, it covers the technical knowledge and skills required to conceptualize and implement secure solutions across complex environments.
Exam details are:
- Firstly, the exam code for this is CAS-003. This exam was launched on April 2, 2018.
- Secondly, there will be 90 questions that will be multiple-choice and performance-based.
- Thirdly, the time duration for the exam is 165 Minutes.
- For this exam, the candidates must have a minimum of ten years of experience in IT administration, including at least five years of hands-on technical security experience.
- The exam is in Japanese and English language.
- The exam usually retires three years after launch.
- Lastly, the exam will cost $466 USD.
CompTIA PenTest+
CompTIA PenTest+ ensures that each candidate has the skills, knowledge, and ability to perform tasks on systems. Moreover, this proves that the candidates have the knowledge and skills required to plan and scope an assessment, perform vulnerability scanning, and communicate results. Let’s check the exam details:
- Firstly, the exam code is PT0-001. This exam was launched on July 31, 2018.
- Secondly, there will be 85 questions of type performance-based and multiple choice.
- The time duration of the exam is 165 minutes.
- In this exam, you have to score a minimum of 750 (on a scale of 100-900).
- For this exam, you need to have Network+, Security+, or equivalent knowledge with a minimum of 3-4 years of hands-on information security or related experience.
- You can give the exam in English and the Japanese language.
- The exam usually retires three years after launch.
- Lastly, the exam cost is $370 USD.
Additional Certifications
CompTIA’s professional skills certifications cover additional specialized skill sets that help take your career to the next level. There are three certifications in this:
CompTIA Project+
The CompTIA Project+ exam is meant for business folks who oversee small to medium-sized projects. It certifies that you know how to handle the whole project from start to finish, communicate well, manage resources, and keep records. Here are the latest exam details:
- Firstly, the exam code is PK0-004.
- Secondly, there will be 95 questions in the exam. The question type will be multiple-choice questions (single and multiple responses), and drag and drop.
- Thirdly, the duration of the exam is 90 Minutes.
- To pass the exam you have to score 710 (on a scale of 100-900).
- For this exam, you should have at least 12 months of cumulative project management experience or equivalent education.
- The exam was launched on March 15, 2017, and is available in English and Japanese language.
- Lastly, the exam will cost $338 USD.
CompTIA CTT+
CTT+ certification provides advanced training standards to validate a candidate’s skills in a traditional or virtual classroom environment. However, the CTT+ certification exam tests in and out of class teaching skills, including preparation, facilitation, and virtual classroom evaluation. And, to earn the certification, two exams must be passed. That is, in addition to TK0-201, you’ll have to pass either TK0-202 or TK0-203.
Exam Details for CTT+ Essentials TK0-201:
- Firstly, there will be 95 questions in the exam. It will be of type multiple-choice questions (single and multiple responses), and drag and drops.
- Secondly, the time duration for this exam is 90 minutes.
- To pass the exam you have to score 655 (on a scale of 100-900).
- For this, you need to have 6 to 12 months of trainer/instructor experience.
- This exam is available in English, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish language.
- Lastly, the exam will cost you $338 USD.
Exam details for CTT+ Classroom performance based exam TK0-203 and TK0-203:
- Firstly, the length of the instruction recording must be between 17 minutes and 22 minutes.
- Secondly, to pass the exam you have to score 36 (on a scale of 48).
- For this, you need to have 6 to 12 months of trainer/instructor experience.
- Fourthly, when it comes to this exam, you can submit recordings in several languages: English, German, Dutch, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Vietnamese, or Thai.
- Lastly, the exam will cost you $360 USD.
CompTIA Cloud Essentials+
CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about cloud technologies. It also tests your ability to assess how cloud tech can affect a business, including understanding business needs, financial effects, cloud tech, and how to use it.
Do you know? CLO-001 exam will get retire on June 12, 2020, in the English language and for Japanese, Chinese, and Thai it will retire on November 12, 2020. And for Portuguese, the retirement date is December 31, 2020. This exam will be replaced by the CLO-002 exam.
The exam details for CLO-002 are:
- Firstly, the CLO-002 exam was launched on November 12, 2019.
- Secondly, there will be 75 multiple choice questions in the exam.
- Thirdly, the duration of the exam is 60 Minutes.
- To pass the exam you have to score 720 (on a scale of 100-900).
- For this exam, you need to have six months to a year of work experience as a business analyst in an IT environment with some exposure to cloud technologies.
- The exam is available in the English language.
- Lastly, the exam will cost $126 USD.
CompTIA: COVID-19 Measures
CompTIA is dealing with the latest pandemic that came due to COVID-19 in a planned manner. Moreover, it is committed to its members, certification holders and the IT community at large with safety measures. However, the test delivery status has shown a big change globally due to the virus spread. But, all the situations and decisions are taken care of related to the test in accordance with the government and authorities. Moreover, CompTIA is providing many facilities to the professionals and to the candidates taking the certifications. Let’s know more about it.
Free Resources for Professionals
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of life, including certification exams. CompTIA has addressed some of the concerns faced by people who can’t take their exams due to test center closures. They have extended the deadline for using exam vouchers. Also, for those considering remote testing, CompTIA has provided the required resources and testing choices. These include:
Network Troubleshooting
As for a fully remote workforce it is required that computer networks have the bandwidth, speed and capacity to keep users working in the manner. For this, there are some troubleshooting resources to help you keep things business as usual:
- Firstly, the remote network checklist. This will make sure your network can handle the increase of remote workers.
- Secondly, the network troubleshooting guide. This free guide walks you through the steps of network troubleshooting to identify the issue.
- Lastly, network segmentation. However, if your network isn’t segmented then, this article covers the basics for how to get started.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is best during working remotely. In case you are new to the cloud then, here are some resources that will help you:
- Firstly, cloud basics to learn about cloud types, solutions, and vendors.
- Secondly, a cloud networking guide. This includes the basics of how to set up a cloud network.
- Then, cloud security tips. This will help to learn about cloud security.
Cybersecurity
There are chances of cyberattacks and hacker access when working remotely. So, make sure your network, data, and workforce are secure with these cybersecurity resources.
- Firstly, security awareness training.
- Then, network security tutorial.
- Lastly, DDoS Guide for IT Pros.
Online Testing
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has a big effect on its certification exams and the testing centers. Related to that, the company is collaborating with Pearson VUE, to make its exams available via Pearson VUE’s OnVUE online proctoring solution. Moreover, the testing and scheduling were made available starting April 15. The online testing will allow certification candidates to test anytime and from anywhere according to their availability. Above all, Pearson VUE’s OnVUE remote proctoring ensures that all candidates are tested under the same security monitoring with security protection. For those candidates who are already registered, they can reschedule the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center at any time.
You should know that all CompTIA exam vouchers with expiration dates from March 17 through April 30, 2020, have been extended to June 30, 2020. Moreover, all CompTIA exam vouchers with an expiration date from May 1 through May 31, 2020, have been extended through July 31, 2020.
Pearson VUE: Health and safety requirements at test centers
At the testing centers, the safety measures are followed as per the recommendations from the CDC and the World Health Organization for preventing the spread of COVID-19. The candidates are only allowed to take the test at the testing only if they follow the below precautions provided:
- First, if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has it.
- Second, if you’ve had any flu-like symptoms in the past two weeks, like fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Additionally, you will need to confirm that you meet these health conditions and follow safety rules during the test. Most importantly, bring and wear your own face mask at the test center and during the exam.
- Lastly, keep a distance of more than 6 feet from others in the waiting area and during the check-in process.
You should know that the essential workers like doctors, nurses, first responders, grocery store employees, delivery workers, and others are critical to fighting COVID-19. Moreover, they are serving communities and supplying people with goods and services vital to everyday life. So, study well and Stay safe!
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