Do CompTIA certificates expire?

Yes, most CompTIA certifications, including A+, Network+, and Security+, expire after three years from the date earned and must be renewed through their Continuing Education (CE) Program to remain active, using activities like earning CEUs, passing a higher-level CompTIA exam, or completing CertMaster CE. If they expire and you miss the 30-day grace period for final CEU uploads, you must retake the current version of the exam to regain certification.

How long do CompTIA certs last?

Your CompTIA A+ certification is good for three years from the date you pass your certification exam. Through our continuing education program, you can easily renew CompTIA A+ and extend it for three years. Read on to learn more about the certification period and how to renew CompTIA A+.

Which CompTIA certifications do not expire?

Which CompTIA certifications do not expire? CompTIA ITF+, Cloud Essentials+, Project+, Server+, and CTT+ never expire.

What happens if CompTIA certification expires?

Expiration: Certifications expire three years from the certification date. Candidates must pass the latest exam version to regain certification if not renewed. Grace period: A 30-day grace period is provided to pay any outstanding CE fees or submit CEUs earned within the original three-year renewal cycle.

Is CompTIA still relevant in 2025?

Yes, CompTIA certifications remain highly relevant in 2025, especially for foundational IT roles like Help Desk (A+), Networking (Network+), and Security (Security+), acting as crucial entry points and building blocks for broader IT careers, with updates like the A+ launch in March 2025 ensuring they cover evolving tech, although some argue for more advanced certs for senior roles. 

Do I.T. Certifications Expire? How Long Do They Last?

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

Yes, making $200,000 a year in cybersecurity is achievable, especially in senior roles like CISO, Security Architect, or Lead Software Security Engineer, or with specialized skills in high-demand areas, though it's less common and typically requires significant experience, certifications, and potentially strategic career moves like moving into sales engineering or management. Entry-level to mid-level roles usually start lower, but a clear career path with continuous learning can lead to six-figure incomes and beyond, with some tech giants even offering $200k+ for early-career security engineers. 

Is CompTIA A+ the hardest?

No, CompTIA A+ is not the hardest; it's CompTIA's entry-level certification, considered easier than Network+ or Security+, but its broad scope (hardware, software, networking, security) and performance-based questions make it challenging for beginners, requiring significant, focused study across many topics. The main difficulty lies in its sheer breadth and the need to apply knowledge, not just memorize facts, especially for those new to IT, but it's achievable with consistent effort. 

Can I list expired certifications on my resume?

Expired certifications can be relevant if they demonstrate long-term expertise or foundational skills, but make sure to clearly indicate their expired status. If the expired certification is no longer relevant to your current career path, it's best to leave it off your resume.

What is the highest paid CompTIA certification?

The Top 10 Highest Paying CompTIA Certifications

1. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) ...
2. CompTIA Cloud+ ...
3. CompTIA Security+ ...
4. CompTIA Project+ ...
5. CompTIA Network+ ...
6. CompTIA Linux+ ...
7. CompTIA PenTest+ ...
8. CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)

What is the hardest CompTIA certification to get?

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+): Still considered one of the most difficult due to its advanced topics. CompTIA Security+: Moderate difficulty, but highly sought after in 2025 for cybersecurity roles. CompTIA Network+: Slightly easier than Security+, but still challenging for beginners.

What is the highest paid IT certification?

The highest-paying IT certifications generally fall into cloud computing, cybersecurity, and risk/governance, with top contenders including AWS Certified Security - Specialty, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect, CISSP, CISM, and CCSP, often leading to significant salary boosts, especially for experienced professionals managing complex IT infrastructures and security programs. 

Is security+ worth IT in 2025?

And is CompTIA Security+ worth it in 2025? Absolutely. From government compliance to private-sector demand, its career value is stronger than ever. If you're planning to take Security+, start with a clear schedule and trustworthy practice resources.

Which CompTIA certs never expire?

CompTIA Cloud Essentials+

The Cloud Essentials+ certification never expires for some reason. You can read the details on the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ information page. Of course, we teach the course here, so check it out if you want to learn all the basics of Cloud networking.

Which is harder, net+ or ccna?

The CCNA exam is generally considered more difficult than Network+. It tests not just concepts but also specific knowledge about Cisco hardware and software. You'll need to understand network configuration, troubleshooting, and how to work with Cisco's command-line interface.

What is the 7 second rule in resume?

The "7-second resume rule" means recruiters often spend only about 7 seconds on an initial scan to decide if a resume warrants a closer look, making it crucial to have a highly scannable, keyword-rich, and accomplishment-focused document to pass both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human eyes quickly. To pass this test, focus on a clear design, use bolded keywords and metrics (numbers/percentages) in concise, action-verb-led bullet points, and tailor everything to the specific job description to highlight your unique value and fit.
 

What are 2025 resume buzzwords to avoid?

For 2025 resumes, avoid generic buzzwords like hardworking, team player, results-driven, passionate, and proven track record, as recruiters prefer concrete, quantified achievements (e.g., "Reduced costs by 15%") over self-proclaimed traits, using action verbs like "Implemented" or "Achieved" to show impact instead of just stating qualities or duties.
 

What are red flags on resumes?

Resume red flags are warning signs like typos, unexplained employment gaps, job-hopping, generic content, focusing on duties instead of achievements, poor formatting, unprofessional emails, and failing to tailor it, signaling a lack of attention to detail or relevant experience, which can get your resume rejected quickly. Hiring managers look for clarity, relevance, and proof of impact, so anything that obscures your value or raises questions about your reliability (like frequent, short stints or no quantifiable results) serves as a red flag. 

Do employers care about CompTIA A+?

Many companies recognize CompTIA A+ as a baseline certification for entry-level IT jobs, and some even require it for these positions. However, it's essential to consider that while CompTIA A+ can help you get your foot in the door, gaining experience and continuing education will be crucial for career growth.

What percent of people pass CompTIA A+?

CompTIA doesn't publish pass rates, but others have reported them around 70% to 80%. Candidates who complete the proper preparation and study will be well-positioned to pass the CompTIA A+ exams.

Is CompTIA A+ hard in 2025?

This is a common question asked by aspiring IT professionals. CompTIA A+ Certification covers various topics, including hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting. While the difficulty level of the exam can vary depending on your prior knowledge and experience, it is generally considered a challenging exam.

Which CompTIA is good for life?

Good for Life Certification

• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Security+

Is CompTIA A+ or Security+ better?

When comparing CompTIA A+ vs Security+, it's vital to distinguish that A+ is an IT entry-level certification while Security+ is an entry-level cyber security certification. The latter drills down into cyber security-specific topics, while A+ covers a broad range of IT topics.

What jobs can I get with S+?

These include positions such as:

• Cybersecurity analyst.
• Security engineer.
• Penetration tester.
• Information assurance technician.
• IT auditor, and more.