Should I start with ITF+ or A+?

Start with ITF+ if you're a complete beginner needing basic tech concepts; go straight to A+ if you have some IT knowledge and want an industry-standard, job-focused certification, as A+ is more recognized by employers for entry-level IT roles. ITF+ is a good primer for A+, building confidence and familiarity with CompTIA exams, but A+ offers deeper, practical skills needed for employment.

Should I start with ITF+ or A+?

CompTIA A+ is a good starting point for your IT career and will equip you with the basic skills to perform a job. ITF+ covers foundational concepts, terminology, infrastructure, security, database fundamentals, and software development. If you have a basic understanding of IT, choose A+.

Do I need itf+ if I have a+?

If you're already comfortable with basic computer concepts and ready to dive into technical troubleshooting, A+ might be your direct path. But if you need to build confidence and understanding first, ITF+ provides exactly the foundation that makes everything else achievable.

Can I get a job with just ITF+?

The ITF+ is 'valid' to get a job with, but no one will hire you because of it. It's not a cert that any employers recognize because it is the most basic foundational cert you can possibly get. You are better off just attempting to get a job based on your credentials (degree) than that.

Should I skip CompTIA ITF+?

If you already have experience working in IT or are familiar with concepts, you will most likely want to consider skipping ITF+ and focus on getting A+-certified. CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for those ready to work in IT or who already have some on-the-job experience.

5 Boring CERTIFICATIONS But They're Career Gold

Can PenTest+ get you a job?

Career Opportunities: With a CompTIA PenTest+ certification, you can pursue roles like security consultant, cloud penetration tester, web app penetration tester, network security specialist, network security operations, threat intelligence analyst, vulnerability analyst and penetration tester.

Is CompTIA ITF+ retiring?

The ITF+ will be retired by mid-2025. While the ITF+ certification was an entry-level option for those new to IT, the CompTIA Tech+ brings a more hands-on, practical approach to IT concepts, reflecting the growing need for practical skills across all sectors of business.

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

Yes, earning $200,000 a year in cybersecurity is absolutely achievable, especially in senior, specialized, or high-demand roles like CISO, Security Architect, Lead Security Engineer, Cloud Security Engineer, Sales Engineer, or penetration testers in large companies or high-cost-of-living areas, often requiring significant experience, advanced skills (coding, cloud, leadership), and sometimes certifications, with top earners exceeding this significantly. 

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

You can earn $3,000 a month without a degree in skilled trades (electrician, HVAC, mechanic), healthcare support (dental/medical assistant, LPN), tech (IT support, coding bootcamps), sales (real estate, automotive, tech), transportation (trucking, delivery), and specialized roles like security, customer service, or administrative assistant, often through training, certifications, or on-the-job experience, with many remote options available. 

Is CompTIA still worth IT 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. 

Is CompTIA Tech+ replacing ITF+?

The Tech+ certification will officially replace ITF+ on July 31, 2025. It's been updated to provide entry-level IT professionals a broader skill set, including cybersecurity, digital literacy and the importance of data in decision-making.

Can I do N+ without A+?

Each serves a different purpose and provides unique benefits, teaching foundation-level skills that modern IT employers look for. However, these certifications each teach different skills, and do not need to be taken in a specific order.

Which CompTIA should I start with?

Typically, many people start with the A+ certification, as it provides a broad understanding of foundational IT concepts and can open doors to entry-level IT jobs and support roles. It also serves as a stepping stone for more specialized certifications like Network+ and Security+.

Is CompTIA A+ even worth IT?

The CompTIA A+ certification remains a solid investment for anyone entering the IT field. It's also really valuable for people with experience but no formal certification who are finding it hard to land their dream job in IT.

What tech jobs pay $400,000 a year?

Tech jobs paying $400k+ usually involve senior, specialized roles in high-demand fields like AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Cloud, and Data Science, often at large companies (like Netflix, OpenAI) or in leadership positions (Director, Principal Engineer, CTO), with compensation frequently including substantial stock options alongside high base salaries. Roles include Staff/Principal Engineers, Solutions Architects, Data Scientists, Security Engineers, and Engineering Managers, requiring deep expertise, leadership, and strategic impact. 

Is 30 too late for cyber security?

No, 30 is not too old to get into cybersecurity; it's a growing field where skills, motivation, and experience (even from other industries) are valued more than age, with many people successfully starting in their 30s, 40s, or even later, leveraging diverse backgrounds and focusing on certifications (like CompTIA Security+) and hands-on labs (TryHackMe, HackTheBox) for entry-level roles. Success depends on commitment to learning, building a portfolio, and choosing a specific path like SOC Analyst or GRC, rather than age. 

What is the 90 10 rule in cyber security?

The 90/10 rule in cybersecurity emphasizes that 90% of security relies on human behavior, policies, and awareness, while only 10% comes from technology like firewalls or antivirus software, highlighting that users (employees, individuals) are the most critical, yet often weakest, link in defense against threats like phishing and social engineering. It means effective cybersecurity hinges more on strong user training, adherence to best practices, and robust organizational procedures than on technical tools alone. 

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

The most prominent "$400,000 job without a college degree" discussed in recent news is a Walmart Supercenter Store Manager, where compensation can reach that level through a combination of increased base pay (around $128k average), significant bonuses (up to 200% of base), and annual stock grants (up to $20k) for top performers, making the role lucrative for those rising from hourly work. Other paths to high income without a degree include skilled trades, tech sales, and specialized roles like power plant operators, often achieved through skills-based training, certificates, or apprenticeships rather than a traditional four-year degree.
 

What makes 90% of millionaires?

About 90% of millionaires create wealth through real estate investing, leveraging tangible assets, rental income, and appreciation, often alongside smart business ownership and disciplined personal finance like 401(k) investing, rather than relying solely on high salaries, with many becoming self-made through consistent effort and asset accumulation, though some data suggests the claim might be overstated for all millionaires, with a mix of strategies like entrepreneurship and stocks also key. 

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

To earn $2000 daily, you need high-value skills or scalable hustles like specialized freelancing (AI training, high-end writing), sales (physician moonlighting, medical sales), building online assets (e-commerce, digital products, YouTube), or flipping high-value items, moving beyond basic gigs like surveys or simple driving to truly high-earning potential.
 

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. 

Can I put 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 hardest CompTIA?

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.