Which CompTIA is good for life?

CompTIA has phased out most "Good-for-Life" (GFL) certifications, requiring renewals for most exams taken after 2011; however, older A+, Network+, and Security+ certs (pre-2011) remain GFL, and you can also earn GFL status by passing Server+ or Project+ before October 1, 2025, or by achieving higher-level certs that renew lower ones, like CASP+ or Cloud+. Most current certs need renewal via Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every three years to stay valid.

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. 

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+.

Is Project+ good for life?

CompTIA Server+ and Project+ will be moving from “Good for Life” certifications to part of our Continuing Education (CE) Program, starting October 1, 2025.

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. 

CompTIA Exams vs. Real IT Jobs: What They Don't Tell You

What CompTIA certs are for life?

Good for Life Certification

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

What is a PMP salary?

PMP (Project Management Professional) certification significantly boosts earning potential, with U.S. median salaries often ranging from $112,000 to over $150,000 annually, varying by experience, industry, and location, with top earners exceeding $170k; PMP holders earn considerably more (around 22% higher on average) than non-certified peers, with median incomes increasing substantially with years of experience. 

Can I pass PMP in 3 months?

Yes, passing the PMP in 3 months is achievable with a focused, smart study plan, requiring about 150-200 total hours, averaging 2-3 hours daily, emphasizing practice exams, understanding the PMI mindset, and consistency over simply studying harder, not just longer. A good strategy involves completing mandatory training early, then dedicating significant time to PMBOK/Agile study and ample mock exams with detailed review to fill knowledge gaps. 

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.

What is the hardest CompTIA exam?

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 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.

What is CySA+ salary?

A CompTIA CySA+ certification typically leads to salaries ranging from $80,000 to over $120,000 annually, depending heavily on role (Cyber Analyst, SOC Analyst, Engineer), experience, and location, with roles like Threat Intelligence Analyst and Security Engineer often earning more. Holders often see a 10-20% salary increase over non-certified peers, with figures pushing higher for those with experience or in high-demand areas like the DC Metro or California. 

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. 

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.

Is PMP better or MBA?

An MBA is a more prestigious and recognizable degree than a PMP certificate, making it a better choice for those who want to pursue a high-level career in the business industry. An MBA graduate can gain knowledge on many aspects of business administration, which can make it easier to change their career trajectory.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Yes, absolutely, making $100k as a Project Manager is very achievable, especially with experience, certifications (like PMP), and by working in high-demand industries like tech or construction, with many mid-to-senior roles and even some remote positions offering six figures or more. While averages vary, many PMs earn well above $100k, with top earners in specific sectors reaching much higher, though entry-level roles generally start lower. 

What is better, Six Sigma or PMP?

PMP (Project Management Professional) focuses on managing entire projects from start to finish (scope, risk, stakeholders, budget), ideal for project leaders, while Lean Six Sigma targets process improvement, reducing defects, and eliminating waste using data, perfect for operations/quality roles; PMP is broader for project success, Six Sigma is deeper for process efficiency, but many professionals benefit from both, using PMP for project delivery and Six Sigma for continuous improvement.
 

What is the highest paid CompTIA certification?

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) is the highest-paid CompTIA certification. It targets senior cybersecurity professionals and validates advanced skills in enterprise security, risk management, and threat analysis, leading to higher salary potential than other CompTIA credentials.

Which is harder, sec+ or CySA+?

CySA+ is generally considered harder than Security+ because it focuses on advanced cybersecurity skills and practical applications CySA+ dives deeper into tools like SIEMs, packet analysis, and log management, requiring more technical knowledge.

Is network+ worth IT in 2025?

Yes, CompTIA Network+ remains valuable in 2025 as a foundational certification for entry-level IT roles (like Help Desk, Network Support) and as a stepping stone for more advanced networking or cybersecurity careers, validating essential vendor-neutral skills, improving earning potential, and opening doors to roles like Network Administrator or Systems Analyst, though some career paths (like specialized Cisco roles) might favor CCNA, making job market research key. 

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 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.
 

Is PenTest+ higher than CySA+?

If the goal is to become a certified ethical hacker, then the PenTest+ is the best way to go. The CySA+ is an intermediate security certification for jack-of-all-trades.