Frequently asked questions about CompTIA certifications
We share insights on questions customers often ask about CompTIA certifications:
What is a CompTIA certification for?
Or what is the purpose of a CompTIA certification? CompTIA has four IT certification series that test different knowledge standards – from entry-level certification to expert. They validate one's skills and knowledge in various areas of information technology, such as cloud computing, networking. and cyber security.
Some insights on the purpose of popular and industry-leading certifications available with Lumify Work:
CompTIA A+ certification is performance-based and supports the ability to connect users to the data they need to do their jobs regardless of the devices being used.
CompTIA Network+ certification helps take your IT infrastructure to the next level, covering troubleshooting, configuring and managing networks and related hardware components.
CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. This serves as a crucial step in the CompTIA cyber security career pathway.
CompTIA PenTest+ certification will certify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to plan and scope a penetration testing engagement.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is a certification for cyber professionals tasked with incident detection, prevention, and response through continuous security monitoring.
CompTIA Linux+ covers an evolving job role that focuses more on how Linux powers the cloud.
Are CompTIA certifications worth it?
Are they enough to get a job? A common question we hear is whether CompTIA certifications are worth it. We answer that they most definitely are. Simply having a CompTIA certification on your resume can place you above non-certification holders in line for an interview. And when you’re trying to win your first IT job, that’s a big deal.
While other industries have been making budget cuts during the pandemic, many high-demand IT professionals proved they had the skills needed to make themselves indispensable.
But there are additional things to consider too. For example, employers are going to want to know how many years of experience you have.
Are CompTIA certifications recognised in Australia?
CompTIA serves the IT industry as the world’s largest developer of vendor-neutral IT certification exams. Certification programmes receive worldwide use and recognition. From increased customer satisfaction to reduced employee turnover rates, businesses that certify their staff notice a number of positive results within their company.
CompTIA’s ISO/ANSI accreditation requires that the organisation develop new exam questions after a certain period. Keeping this accreditation is essential because CompTIA believes in adhering to the best-known quality standards in the industry.
This accreditation is a big reason why CompTIA certifications meet the U.S. Department of Defense requirements. The result is a product that you can trust and is globally recognised and can be shown confidently to your existing or future employers.
For example, A+ certification, CompTIA Security+ certification, and others are recognised globally, even in Australia. The people who hold the almost 1.2 million CompTIA A+ certifications issued to date are a testament to the value of this credential.
A look at SEEK and LinkedIn job listings shows that many IT positions specify CompTIA certifications as requirements.
Which CompTIA certification should you get first?
For more than 20 years, CompTIA A+ has been the gold standard for beginning an IT career. CompTIA A+ remains one of the most important endorsements of ability and work ethic that an aspiring IT professional can earn in a constantly changing and evolving field.
As with all CompTIA certifications, A+ is vendor-neutral.
Beyond this, you can explore your role and the kinds of IT projects you thrive in. Reflecting on this will help you identify next-level CompTIA certifications you can take.
How do you get a CompTIA certification?
You can earn a CompTIA certification by passing one or two separate exams, depending on the certification you're aiming for. While there is no single way to ensure that you pass the exam, we share some common-sense advice that can increase your chances.
Step 1: Understand what’s expected of you
This can include taking the one or two courses required in preparation for the exam. We also recommend reviewing the specific CompTIA product page, the exam objectives and the study guide. You can also learn about the experiences of certification holders on online communities and networks. If the certification is an advanced role with specific requirements, you can review those. For example, the CompTIA CySA+ exam will ask you questions related to:
Configuring and using threat detection tools
Performing data analysis
Interpreting the results to identify vulnerabilities, threats, and risks to an organisation
Step 2: Understand the gap between what you already know and what’s expected of you
Step 3: Understand how you can close your knowledge gap
Are CompTIA certification exams hard?
Regarding difficulty levels, we've found that A+ and other CompTIA-issued exams and certifications are about as challenging as any other professional accreditation or exam.
Students' experience with CompTIA certification exams can vary depending on their prior knowledge and experience. But with preparation including instructor-led training from Lumify Work, study materials, review, and practice, a student can pass the exam and boost their prospects in an IT career or a role within a project.
How long does a CompTIA certification last?
When it comes to the expiration of CompTIA certifications, most are valid for three years from the date you pass the exam.
An exception is the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) certification that will never expire. A candidate will always be considered “certified for life”.
Where do you take a CompTIA exam?
You can take a CompTIA Certification Exam either online or in-person. Online testing offers you the ease and convenience to test for your certification from any quiet, distraction-free, and secure location at anytime. In-person testing provides you with testing options at any of the thousands of Pearson VUE test centres located around the world.
