CompTIA
CompTIA provides vendor-neutral IT certifications that are recognized by employers worldwide. The CompTIA certification track from A+ through Security+ is the most common entry path into IT careers and meets DoD 8570 requirements for US government and defense contractor roles.
12 Certifications6 Paths
Certifications
foundational
associate
Career Paths
IT Support Technician
6–12 months
The fastest path to an IT support job. A+ is required or preferred by most IT support employers and Network+ validates the networking knowledge needed for helpdesk and desktop support roles. A focused two-cert path that gets you hired.
IT Project Manager
6–12 months
For IT professionals who manage projects as part of their role. A+ establishes the IT foundation and Project+ validates entry-level project management skills without requiring the work experience needed for PMP or CAPM.
Complete IT Beginner
12–18 months
The complete beginner path into IT. ITF+ introduces basic IT concepts, A+ is the industry standard entry-level credential, Network+ adds networking depth, and Security+ is the most widely held cybersecurity certification globally. This sequence is the foundation of an IT career.
Cybersecurity Analyst
12–18 months
Builds toward cybersecurity analyst roles. Security+ is the entry point into cybersecurity, CySA+ adds threat detection and incident response depth, and CASP+ is the expert-level practitioner credential for senior security engineering roles.
Penetration Tester
12–18 months
Targets penetration testing and ethical hacking roles. Security+ establishes the security foundation, CySA+ adds defensive security context, and PenTest+ validates the ability to plan and execute penetration testing engagements across multiple environments.
Linux Cloud Admin
12–18 months
Targets Linux administration and cloud operations roles. A+ provides the IT foundation, Network+ adds networking fundamentals, Linux+ validates enterprise Linux skills, and Cloud+ adds vendor-neutral cloud infrastructure expertise.
Find your CompTIA certification path