Top 10 CompTIA Certifications
A guide to the most valuable CompTIA certifications, broken down by IT career path.
This article will be updated annually with the best CompTIA certifications.
CompTIA certifications have long been a staple for IT professionals looking to solidify their skills and advance their careers. Their global recognition, career-focused subject matter, vendor-neutrality, and respect among employers and workers make them the first choice for many in the field.
But which CompTIA certification(s) should you pursue?
This guide will provide an overview of today’s best CompTIA certifications, organized by IT career path and skill level, to help you decide which credentials are right for you.
IT Help Desk & Technical Support
A common launchpad into the IT field, help desk technicians and tech support specialists serve as the first line of defense, troubleshooting technical issues for users, setting up software and hardware, and ensuring smooth technological operations.
The best CompTIA certifications for help desk and tech support roles are:
CompTIA ITF+
Ideal for total beginners who are unsure of their technical career goals, CompTIA's ITF+ certification offers a broad introduction to the IT field, covering the foundations of software, hardware, databases, and security. Becoming ITF+ certified can also help illuminate the next step in your CompTIA certification plan and IT career path.
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Recommended Experience: None
CompTIA A+
A cornerstone for technical support roles, A+ certification covers PC maintenance and repair, mobile device management, computer networking, and the setup and troubleshooting of popular software and hardware. A+ certification is also a great starting point for advanced credentials from CompTIA and other IT certifications.
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Recommended Experience: 9+ months of IT experience or equivalent training
Systems & Network Administration
SysAdmins and network administrators install, configure, and maintain an organization's networks and servers, ensuring efficient digital communication, consistent data flow, and optimal system performance.
The best CompTIA certifications for network and systems administrators are:
CompTIA Network+
Network+ certification validates essential IT infrastructure and networking skills, including the design, configuration, management, troubleshooting, and security of large-scale networks. Network+ is a requirement for many network administration jobs.
- Skill Level: Beginner - Intermediate
- Recommended Experience: CompTIA A+ certification and 9+ months of hands-on networking experience
CompTIA Linux+
Given the prominence of Linux’s open-source operating system in the modern enterprise, Linux+ certification is ideal for systems administrators seeking to manage this popular infrastructure effectively.
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Recommended Experience: CompTIA A+, Network+ & Security+ certifications, and 12+ months of experience with Linux severs
CompTIA Server+
Tailored for IT professionals working in server environments and data centers, Server+ certification covers crucial topics like server installation and management, cloud computing, data storage, troubleshooting, security, and disaster recovery.
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Recommended Experience: CompTIA A+ certification and 2+ years of experience in a server environment
IT Operations
IT operations specialists oversee the day-to-day technological functions of an organization, ensuring that systems, applications, and infrastructures run smoothly and efficiently while driving organizational goals.
The best CompTIA certifications for IT operations specialists are:
CompTIA Project+
A long-time favorite of IT project managers, CompTIA’s Project+ certification proves knowledge in project management fundamentals, change management, project risk management, and essential skills in the sought-after Agile methodology.
- Skill Level: Beginner - Intermediate
- Recommended Experience: 6 - 12 months working in project management (or equivalent project management education)
CompTIA Cloud+
With the meteoric rise of cloud computing, Cloud+ is a valuable CompTIA certification for IT professionals working in or transitioning to cloud-based operations. Cloud+ certification validates expertise in cloud deployment, cloud operations, cloud security, and troubleshooting a cloud environment.
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Recommended Experience: CompTIA Network+ and Server+ certifications, and 2+ years working in network or systems administration
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity professionals safeguard an organization's data and systems from cyber threats, monitor for vulnerabilities, and implement defense strategies and countermeasures to mitigate security breaches.
The best CompTIA certifications for cybersecurity specialists are:
CompTIA Security+
Providing a deep dive into foundational security concepts, Security+ certification is a must-have for those beginning their career in IT security. The Security+ exam touches on everything from responding to common threats and vulnerabilities to cybersecurity operations and info-sec architecture.
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Recommended Experience: CompTIA Network+ and 2+ years of experience in IT administration and/or cybersecurity
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
Going beyond the basics, CySA+ certification validates the skills to detect cybersecurity vulnerabilities, respond to attacks, and improve organizational security operations. CySA+ is the best CompTIA certification for aspiring cybersecurity analysts, one of today’s hottest IT career paths.
- Skill Level: Intermediate - Advanced
- Recommended Experience: CompTIA Network+ and Security+ (or equivalent knowledge) and 4+ years of hands-on experience in information security roles
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
Aimed at seasoned cybersecurity professionals, the CASP+ is an expert-level credential that covers the expertise to design and manage enterprise security solutions. Skills validated by CompTIA’s CASP+ certification exam include enterprise security architecture, cloud security, risk management, security engineering, cryptography, and security governance & compliance.
- Skill Level: Expert
- Recommended Experience: 10+ years of IT experience, including five or more years working in cybersecurity
Conclusion
Your IT career path will largely dictate which CompTIA certifications are best for you. Regardless of whether you’re just stepping into the tech world or are a seasoned professional, CompTIA likely offers an industry-respected credential to enhance and validate your expertise.
The best CompTIA certifications for each career path and skill level are:
| COMPTIA CERTIFICATION | SKILL-LEVEL | IT CAREER PATH |
|---|---|---|
| CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) | Beginner | IT Help Desk and Technical Support |
| CompTIA A+ | Beginner | |
| CompTIA Network+ | Beginner - Intermediate | Systems and Network Administration |
| CompTIA Linux+ | Intermediate | |
| CompTIA Server+ | Intermediate | |
| CompTIA Project+ | Beginner - Intermediate | IT Operations |
| CompTIA Cloud+ | Intermediate | |
| CompTIA Security+ | Intermediate | Cybersecurity |
| CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) | Intermediate - Advanced | |
| CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) | Expert |
As the technological landscape continues to evolve, a lifelong learning plan featuring the latest and greatest CompTIA certifications will help you advance your IT career. Happy learning!
