Which CompTIA cert is best for beginners?

The CompTIA A+ certification is the best, most highly recommended starting point for beginners, acting as the industry standard for launching an IT career. It provides a broad foundation in hardware, operating systems, and troubleshooting necessary for help desk roles. A+ is the "rite of passage" for IT, offering better career value than the easier, less comprehensive ITF+.

Which CompTIA cert to 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+.

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+.

Should I take SY0 601 or 701?

You should take the Security+ 701 because the 601 version was retired in July 2024, making the 701 the current, relevant exam that covers modern cybersecurity skills like zero-trust and mobile security, aligning with today's threats and employer needs. The 701 focuses on practical, updated knowledge, even with fewer objectives, and is the standard for new certifications. 

Is CompTIA Security+ worth IT for beginners?

CompTIA boasts that Security+ opens the door to a career in cyber security, and with the right supporting experience, it certainly can. While passing the Security+ exam alone won't guarantee a job, it remains one of, if not the, most widely recognized entry-level certification in this field.

Skip the CompTIA A+ Certification (do this instead)

Is CompTIA A+ or Security+ harder?

Comparison with A+ and Network+

Security+ proves more challenging than both CompTIA A+ and Network+. Here's why: The exam builds on A+ and Network+ concepts but adds security layers to each topic.

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. 

Which CompTIA exam is the hardest?

There's no single "hardest" CompTIA exam, as it depends on your background, but Security+, Linux+, and CASP+ are frequently cited as very challenging due to their broad, deep, or advanced technical concepts and scenario-based questions. Security+ is tough for its breadth of cybersecurity knowledge, Linux+ for its deep OS commands, and CASP+ for its high-level enterprise security focus, making them harder than entry-level A+ or Network+ for many. 

Can I get a job with just network+?

Yes, the CompTIA Network+ certification absolutely helps you get an IT job, validating foundational skills for roles like Network Technician, Help Desk Specialist, IT Support, and Network Administrator, serving as a strong starting point or complement to hands-on experience, and proving competency to employers for various entry-level to advanced positions in networking and telecommunications. 

Is 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.

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. 

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.

Is SY0 601 still valid?

Yes, your SY0-601 certification is still valid for its standard three-year period from your pass date, but the SY0-601 exam was retired by CompTIA on July 31, 2024, replaced by the new SY0-701 version. You can no longer take the SY0-601 exam, but if you passed it before the retirement date, your certification remains active until three years from your exam date, requiring CEUs for renewal. 

What is the best entry-level CompTIA certification?

CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification training is widely considered the starting point for anyone new to IT. It's often described as the “gold standard” among help desk certifications because it covers the foundational knowledge employers expect from entry-level candidates.

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.

What's the easiest CompTIA exam?

Here are the easiest CompTIA certifications for beginners: CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+): Why It's Easy: ITF+ is designed for absolute beginners with no prior IT experience. It covers basic concepts like hardware, software, networking, and cybersecurity in a straightforward manner.

Is CompTIA A+ good for beginners?

CompTIA A+ certification is recognized as the industry standard for foundational IT knowledge. It's often the first step for beginners in the industry looking to land an entry-level job in IT. If you're just starting your IT journey, CompTIA A+ certification is definitely worth it.

What is the 80 20 rule in cyber security?

The 80/20 rule in cybersecurity, or the Pareto Principle, suggests that 80% of security risks come from 20% of causes, prompting focus on high-impact areas like user training (phishing) or critical vulnerabilities for maximum risk reduction with limited resources. While effective for prioritizing, some argue it's outdated as modern, sophisticated threats demand a 100% coverage mindset for all digital assets, especially with AI and IoT. The principle helps identify critical controls, but ignoring the other 20% can leave significant gaps, so it's used as a guide for prioritization, not neglect.
 

Which certification has the highest salary?

The highest paying certifications are often in tech (cloud, cybersecurity) like AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect, CISM, CISSP, and PMP for project management, alongside specialized healthcare roles such as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), with options like Six Sigma Black Belt also offering significant earning potential.
 

How long to study for Security+?

Studying for CompTIA Security+ usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, but can range from 2 weeks to 3+ months, depending heavily on your prior IT/cybersecurity experience, with experienced pros needing less time and beginners needing more for the vast amount of terminology and concepts. Aim for 15-20 hours per week, focusing on official objectives, hands-on labs, and plenty of practice tests to solidify knowledge. 

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 AI replacing cyber security jobs?

While there is concern that automation may lead to job displacement, the reality is more nuanced. Experts expect AI to augment cybersecurity roles instead of replacing them. Accurate interpretation of AI findings and informed decision-making based on those insights require human oversight.

Why do people quit cybersecurity?

Many cybersecurity professionals are quitting due to a combination of high-pressure work environments, chronic understaffing, and a lack of organizational support and recognition—not primarily because of salary or a lack of opportunities.