With transcending technologies and digital innovations, it is important for professionals to focus on sharpening their tech skills by gaining industry-based knowledge. CompTIA certifications have become one of the hottest buzzwords in the tech domain and command high respect for IT certifications. Getting certified in the appropriate fields is one of the fastest and safest ways to climb the career ladder quickly.
What is CompTIA certification?
CompTIA offers a vendor-neutral certification program that has amassed immense appreciation across the IT industry. CompTIA offers multiple certifications ranging from foundational IT skills via CompTIA A+, to wireless and wired network management skills in the CompTIA Network + certification, to Advanced Security Practitioner Certification. These CompTIA certifications are grouped based on skillset.
CompTIA courses are ideal for a candidate working in the IT industry and primarily practicing in systems administration, computer security, or the server environment.
CompTIA certifications fall primarily under four areas such-
1. Core certifications
These exclusively focus on the core foundational skills.
CompTIA provides four certifications in this area-
IT Fundamentals +
- This pre-career certification essentially focuses on a foundational IT framework. It is perfect for candidates with a basic understanding of the functioning of a PC. It is the ideal certification for individuals beginning their IT careers.
CompTIA A+ certification
- It is one of the most sought certifications that prepares the candidates to troubleshoot, and problem solves multiple issues ranging from mobile devices and security to networking and operating systems.
CompTIA Network + certification
- Individuals with the needed experience can begin with Network + certifications right away. Professionals must be acquainted with media, topologies, networking technologies, security, installation, configuration, etc. It also meets the ISO 17024 standard and is recognized by the U.S. DoD.
CompTIA Security +
- Encompasses network security concepts, vulnerability, threats, identity management, access control, cryptography, etc. Security plus certification requires the cert candidates to obtain the Network plus credential and a minimum of two years of IT administration experience. Candidates must pass the SY0-501 exam.
2. Infrastructure certifications
These are curated to complement the Network + credentials.
There are three certifications in the segment-
CompTIA Linux +
- Aims explicitly at Linux network administrators with at least twelve months of experience. The experience includes package management, installation, GNU, and Unix command. Candidates must pass LX0-103 and LX0-104 to acquire this credential.
CompTIA Cloud +
- It covers hybrid cloud, virtual system administration, and deployment of network storage sources. This certification explicitly targets IT professionals with 2-3 years of work experience in networking, storage, or data center administration. Candidates need to pass the CV0-002 exam.
CompTIA Server +
Is specially designed for server administrators who have eighteen months of experience in in-service hardware and software technologies. It has amassed recognition by DOD and Microsoft. To achieve this credential, candidates must clear the SK0-004 exam. The A+ certification is highly beneficial and is often recommended.
3. Cybersecurity certifications
CompTIA Cybersecurity analyst
- With cybercrime, the requirement for adept information security analysts, has increased manifold. It is curated for individuals to meet the constant need for qualified information security analysts. The candidates are experienced in using system threat-detection tools and behavioral and data analytics to secure various applications and systems from threats and other risks. They are also efficient in analyzing results and creating solutions to protect against malware, advanced persistent threats, etc. To earn this certification, individuals must pass a performance-based exam.
CompTIA Advanced security practitioner
- This is a master-level performance. This performance-based credential specifically targets seasoned IT security professionals whose prominent role is to plan, design, and implement promising security solutions. A candidate should have ten years of experience as an IT administrator plus five years of technical security experience. This certification is also accepted by the US Army and the US navy, and one must pass the CAS-003 exam.
CompTIA PenTest +
- This intermediate-level credential is offensive and focuses on using penetration testing to identify and manage network risks across multiple gamuts. The network + and security + credentials are recommended, and two years of work experience in information security is valuable.
4. Additional Professional Certifications
CompTIA Project +
- This primarily focuses on project management and is suitable for project managers familiar with project life cycles. A year’s worth of experience in project management is required, and candidates must pass a multiple-choice exam, PK0-004.
CompTIA Cloud essentials
- It is targeted toward candidates who understand the nitty-gritty of Aspects of cloud computing from a commercial standpoint and how to transition from on-premises to cloud storage.
CompTIA CTT +
- Is ideal for candidates interested in technical training as it encompasses instructor skills, such as presentation, preparation, communication, etc. One must clear CompTIA CTT + essentials (TK0-201 and either TK0-202 or TK0-203)
Job prospects after attaining these certifications-
- Hardware, services, and infrastructures
- IT management and strategy
- Information security, cloud, and network technologies
- Software developments
- Web and mobile
Conclusion
CompTIA certifications and CompTIA training are a gateway to a prosperous career in the IT sector. It fairly acquaints an individual with the intricacies of cybersecurity, networking, or cloud computing and equips one with real-world skills.