CompTIA Certifications & Exams (2026)
Every CompTIA certification exam compared by track, format and validity — which one to take first — and 500-question practice tests for A+ Core 1, A+ Core 2, Network+ and Tech+. Start free, no credit card required.
How CompTIA Certifications Are Structured
CompTIA certifications are among the most common stepping stones into IT. Unlike vendor certifications (Cisco, AWS, Google Cloud), they are deliberately vendor-neutral, so the concepts transfer to whatever hardware, operating systems or cloud your employer uses. The core trio — A+, Network+ and Security+ — is widely listed in entry-level help desk, NOC and SOC job postings.
CompTIA organises its catalogue into tracks. The Core track (Tech+, A+, Network+, Security+) builds foundational IT skills. Infrastructure (Cloud+, Linux+, Server+) and Cybersecurity (CySA+, PenTest+, SecurityX) are the specialisation paths, and Data & Analytics covers Data+ and DataX. SecurityX and DataX form the expert-level Xpert Series.
Most CompTIA exams mix multiple-choice and performance-based questions (PBQs) — short simulations where you configure, troubleshoot or drag-and-drop. Security+ is also approved under the US DoD 8140 framework for many federal cybersecurity roles, which keeps it in steady demand.
All CompTIA Certification Exams Compared
Every active CompTIA certification by track, with exam code, format and validity. Exams with a CertSharp practice test are linked.
Core
| Certification | Who it's for | Exam format | Valid for | CertSharp practice test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Tech+FC0-U71 | Complete beginners, pre-A+ | 60 min | Does not expire | 500 questions → |
| CompTIA A+ Core 1220-1201A+ requires passing both Core 1 and Core 2 | Help desk, desktop support, entry IT | Up to 90 Q · 90 min | 3 years | 500 questions → |
| CompTIA A+ Core 2220-1202A+ requires passing both Core 1 and Core 2 | Help desk, desktop support, entry IT | Up to 90 Q · 90 min | 3 years | 500 questions → |
| CompTIA Network+N10-009 | Junior network admins, NOC technicians | Up to 90 Q · 90 min | 3 years | 500 questions → |
| CompTIA Security+SY0-701 | Entry security roles, junior SOC | Up to 90 Q · 90 min | 3 years | Not yet |
Infrastructure
| Certification | Who it's for | Exam format | Valid for | CertSharp practice test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Cloud+CV0-004 | Cloud and systems engineers | Up to 90 Q · 90 min | 3 years | Not yet |
| CompTIA Linux+ | Linux administrators | — | 3 years | Not yet |
| CompTIA Server+ | Server and data center technicians | — | 3 years | Not yet |
Cybersecurity
| Certification | Who it's for | Exam format | Valid for | CertSharp practice test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA CySA+CS0-003 | SOC analysts, threat hunters | Up to 85 Q · 165 min | 3 years | Not yet |
| CompTIA PenTest+PT0-003 | Penetration testers, red teams | Up to 90 Q · 165 min | 3 years | Not yet |
| CompTIA SecurityXCAS-005Formerly CASP+; part of the Xpert Series | Senior security engineers and architects | Up to 90 Q · 165 min | 3 years | Not yet |
Data & Analytics
| Certification | Who it's for | Exam format | Valid for | CertSharp practice test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Data+DA0-002 | Early-career data analysts | — | 3 years | Not yet |
| CompTIA DataXDY0-001Part of the Xpert Series | Experienced data scientists | — | 3 years | Not yet |
Professional
| Certification | Who it's for | Exam format | Valid for | CertSharp practice test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Project+PK0-005 | IT project coordinators and leads | Up to 90 Q · 90 min | Does not expire | Not yet |
“Up to” is CompTIA's published maximum question count; exams include performance-based questions. Exam fees vary by certification and region and change periodically, so check the CompTIA Store for current pricing. Confirm the current exam code on CompTIA's site before buying a voucher.
CompTIA Certification Practice Tests on CertSharp
500 exam-style questions per exam. Try 30 free questions per session, no credit card needed.
CompTIA Tech+
FC0-U71
500 scenario-based questions mapped to the current FC0-U71 exam objectives, each with a detailed explanation.
CompTIA A+ Core 1
220-1201
500 scenario-based questions mapped to the current 220-1201 exam objectives, each with a detailed explanation.
CompTIA A+ Core 2
220-1202
500 scenario-based questions mapped to the current 220-1202 exam objectives, each with a detailed explanation.
CompTIA Network+
N10-009
500 scenario-based questions mapped to the current N10-009 exam objectives, each with a detailed explanation.
Tech+ vs A+ vs Network+: Which Entry-Level CompTIA Exam?
The three most common first CompTIA certifications, side by side.
| Tech+ (FC0-U71) | A+ (220-1201 + 220-1202) | Network+ (N10-009) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Zero IT background, IT-curious | Help desk, entry IT | Junior network / NOC roles |
| Prerequisite knowledge | None | Basic computer literacy | A+-level IT literacy |
| Exams to pass | 1 | 2 (Core 1 and Core 2) | 1 |
| Exam length | 60 min | 90 min each | 90 min |
| Valid for | Does not expire | 3 years | 3 years |
| CertSharp bank | 500 questions → | Core 1: 500 questions →Core 2: 500 questions → | 500 questions → |
Most candidates climb this ladder in order: Tech+ if starting from zero, then A+ for the broad hardware, OS and support foundation, then Network+ to specialise in networking. Skip straight to Network+ if you already have hands-on help-desk experience.
Which CompTIA Certification Should I Take First?
CompTIA's Core track is designed as a ladder. The most common recommended path is:
- Optional: Tech+ (FC0-U71) — only if you are starting with no IT background.
- A+ — Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). The broad entry-level credential for support roles.
- Network+ (N10-009) — networking concepts, implementation, operations, security and troubleshooting.
- Security+ (SY0-701) — the entry point to cybersecurity roles.
Beyond the Core track, choose by direction:
- SOC analyst → CySA+ (CS0-003): threat detection, SIEM analysis, vulnerability management and incident response.
- Offensive security → PenTest+ (PT0-003): penetration-testing methodology, recon, exploitation and reporting.
- Senior security engineer or architect → SecurityX (CAS-005, formerly CASP+), CompTIA's expert-level security certification.
- Cloud, Linux or infrastructure → Cloud+, Linux+ or Server+. Cloud+ pairs well with a vendor cloud cert such as AWS or Google Cloud.
- Networking specialist → after Network+, consider Cisco's CCNA. See Network+ vs CCNA.
A practical note: pair each certification with hands-on work — a home lab, help-desk experience, or documented projects. One certification plus demonstrable skills beats several certifications with nothing to show alongside them.
How to Register for a CompTIA Exam
CompTIA exams are delivered through Pearson VUE, but you buy the exam voucher from CompTIA first. The flow is the same for every CompTIA cert — only the exam code and price change.
- Buy a voucher from the CompTIA Store. Each voucher is tied to one specific exam code, e.g. N10-009 for Network+. A+ needs two vouchers, one for Core 1 and one for Core 2.
- Schedule through Pearson VUE. Redeem the voucher to book a slot — online via OnVUE remote proctoring, or at a physical Pearson VUE test center.
- Check the current price. Fees differ by exam and region and change periodically; vouchers bundled with CompTIA training, and academic pricing, can lower the cost.
- Prepare ID and environment. A government-issued photo ID is required. Online testing needs a quiet private room, a webcam, and a clear workspace that the proctor inspects before launch.
On a failed attempt, CompTIA lets you retake immediately for your first retake; a 14-day wait applies from the third attempt onward, and each attempt needs a new voucher. Most CompTIA certifications are valid for three years under the Continuing Education (CE) program — renew with CEUs or by earning a higher-level CompTIA cert rather than re-sitting the same exam.
CertSharp vs Official CompTIA Practice (CertMaster)
CompTIA's own practice products — CertMaster Practice (adaptive question-and-answer) and CertMaster Learn (a full course) — map exactly to the objectives. They answer a different question than CertSharp does:
- Question volume. CertSharp gives you 500 original questions per exam, so you reason through new scenarios rather than recognising repeated items.
- Difficulty. CertSharp is calibrated slightly harder than the live exam, so a steady 80% is a strong readiness signal. CertMaster sits closer to exam level.
- Explanations. Every CertSharp item explains why each distractor is wrong, not just the correct answer — which is where CompTIA's “best answer” phrasing usually trips people up.
- Price. CertMaster Practice is sold per certification. CertSharp is $11.99 once for a cert's full bank, or $9.99/month Pro for every cert.
They complement each other: CertMaster Learn if you want a structured course from scratch, CertSharp for high-volume mock testing with teaching explanations. Try CertSharp's 30 free questions per session before deciding.
CompTIA Exam Guides & Study Plans
In-depth guides and study plans from the CertSharp team.
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Exam Guide 2026 — Cost, Format, Passing Score
Everything on the 2026 CompTIA Network+ exam: up to 90 questions, 90 minutes, $369 cost, 720/900 passing score, PBQs, domain weights, and retake policy.
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CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Study Plan 2026 — 8 Weeks to Pass
8-week study plan for CompTIA Network+ N10-009 — domain weights, what changed from N10-008, weekly milestones, and how to know you are ready to sit.
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15 CompTIA Network+ Practice Questions with Explanations (2026)
15 free CompTIA Network+ practice questions across all five exam domains, with correct answers, full explanations, and trap-distractor breakdowns.
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Is CompTIA Network+ Worth It in 2026? The Honest Case For and Against
A pro/con breakdown of whether CompTIA Network+ is worth your time and $369 in 2026, plus a scoring rubric and salary data.
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How to Pass CompTIA Network+ on the First Try — 7 Mistakes That Fail Candidates (2026)
The 7 most common mistakes that cause Network+ candidates to fail on their first attempt, and exactly how to avoid each one.
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CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Cheat Sheet 2026 — Ports, Subnetting, Protocols
Complete reference for the CompTIA Network+ exam: port numbers, subnetting quick-reference, OSI model, cable and wireless standards, and trap-question patterns.
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CompTIA Network+ vs Cisco CCNA — Which Networking Cert Should You Get in 2026?
Decision-tree comparison of CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA — cost, format, difficulty, salary, and which to get first for your career path.
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Cisco CCST Cybersecurity vs CompTIA Security+ — Which Security Cert Should You Get in 2026?
Decision-tree comparison of Cisco CCST Cybersecurity and CompTIA Security+ — cost, format, DoD approval, and which to get first for your security career path.
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Subnetting Explained — CIDR, VLSM, and How to Calculate Subnets Fast (2026 Guide)
Plain-language guide to IPv4 subnetting: CIDR notation, the host-bits formula, worked examples, VLSM, and the exam traps candidates fall into.
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The CIA Triad Explained — Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (2026 Guide)
Plain-language guide to the CIA triad: what confidentiality, integrity, and availability mean, worked examples of each being violated, and how it is tested on CCST Cybersecurity and Security+.
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CompTIA Certification FAQs
Common questions about CompTIA certifications and exams.
Which CompTIA certification should I take first?
What CompTIA certifications are there?
What is the CompTIA Xpert Series?
How much do CompTIA exams cost?
How long are CompTIA certifications valid?
Are there free CompTIA certification practice tests?
Why CertSharp for CompTIA Prep?
Performance-Based Ready
Troubleshooting scenarios mirror real exam PBQs — not just definition recall.
Theory Meets Practice
Every explanation connects theory to practice — why a subnet mask breaks a network, not just what it is.
Current Exam Objectives
Cloud networking, Zero Trust, Wi-Fi 6/6E, and modern threat patterns — aligned to the current N10-009 and A+ 220-1201/1202 objectives.