Which IT certifications do not expire?

Some IT certifications that don't expire include Microsoft Fundamentals (like AZ-900), CompTIA Server+, CompTIA Project+, and certain Linux+/LPI & eLearnSecurity/ Offensive Security certs, plus specific foundational/architect-level ones like Oracle OCM, Red Hat Architect (RHCA) & Cisco CCAr, though many others (like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, AWS, Cisco CCNA) typically renew every 1-3 years.

Which CompTIA certs do not expire?

However, these certifications are based on the exam objectives at the time they were earned and may not reflect the most current industry standards. Note: If you earned a CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ certification prior to January 1, 2011, the certification is considered GFL and does not expire.

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 CCNA still worth in 2025?

Yes, the CCNA is still very much worth it in 2025 for a networking career, offering essential foundational skills, strong job prospects in network administration and security, and a great ROI as a gateway to advanced certifications, despite the evolving landscape with cloud and automation. While some manual tasks are changing, the core understanding of network fundamentals provided by the CCNA remains critical for supporting modern, complex IT environments and cybersecurity roles, making it a valuable entry-point and foundational credential. 

How long is CCNA valid for?

How Long is the CCNA Certificate Valid? Your certification is valid for three years after your date of issue. To recertify before your certificate's expiration date, you must satisfy several recertification criteria. You don't have to do anything to keep your CCNA certification active.

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

Is CCNA or CCNP higher?

CCNA is an associate-level certification that evaluates a professional's understanding of switching and routing fundamentals. In contrast, CCNP is an advanced certification that demands a more in-depth knowledge of WANs, LANs, and their integration.

How long do CompTIA certs last?

A decade ago, CompTIA certifications could last a lifetime. However, now CompTIA certs have to be renewed on a three-year cycle. There are multiple ways that you can renew your certs, and they all include collecting CEUs.

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. 

Is CCNA harder than CompTIA?

Yes, CCNA is considerably harder than CompTIA A+. While A+ focuses on basic computer hardware and troubleshooting, CCNA delves into complex networking concepts and specific Cisco configurations. The jump from A+ to CCNA is significant, which is why many people use Network+ as an intermediate step.

Is CCNA changing in 2026?

Very helpful. In this regard, I came across the news that beginning Feb. 3, 2026, Cybersecurity certifications will get new names: CCNA Cybersecurity and CCNP Cybersecurity. Exam topics will remain the same.

What is the best certification to get in 2025?

The below professional certifications could elevate your career in 2025 and beyond:

1. Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ...
2. Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) ...
3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA) ...
4. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) ...
5. CompTIA A+ ...
6. Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications.

Is network+ enough for a job?

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 is the best IT certification to have?

The best IT certifications depend on your career stage, with popular entry-level options being CompTIA A+, Google IT Support Professional Certificate, and AWS Cloud Practitioner, while advanced, high-paying certs include CISSP, CISM, AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Google Cloud Professional Architect, and CCIE, covering foundational IT, cloud, security, networking, and management, so pick based on your goals in areas like cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), security (Security+, CISSP), or networking (CCNA, CCNP). 

Which certificate is high in demand?

High-demand certificates are currently in Technology (Cloud, Cybersecurity, AI/Data Science), Healthcare (Nursing, Medical Coding, Techs like Radiology/Phlebotomy), Skilled Trades (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing), and Project Management, with specific popular ones including AWS, CompTIA, CISSP, PMP, and various medical support roles due to rapid digital transformation and ongoing essential service needs across industries. 

Is network+ worth it in 2025?

Yes, the CompTIA Network+ certification remains very much worth it in 2025 for gaining foundational IT networking knowledge, validating skills for entry-level roles (Help Desk, Support Techs), boosting salaries (avg. ~$80k+), and serving as a strong stepping stone for more advanced vendor-specific or security certifications like CCNA or Security+. It opens doors, shows employers core competency, and helps future-proof your career, especially if you're new to networking. 

Should I do CompTIA or Cisco?

While CompTIA certifications are ideal for developing broad, vendor-neutral knowledge across support, networking and security, CCNA training equips your team with deeper technical skills for Cisco environments and more complex infrastructure needs.

Can I pass CCNA in a week?

According to most, it is indeed possible to study for and pass the CCNA exam in a week, albeit gruelling.

Is CCNA still relevant in 2025?

If your goal is to build a serious career in enterprise networking, infrastructure security, or even cloud networking, then yes, Cisco certifications are still worth it in 2025.

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.

Is cybersecurity a 9 to 5 job?

No, cybersecurity is generally not a strict 9-to-5 job; while some roles have regular hours, the field demands constant vigilance, often requiring on-call duties, incident response, and continuous learning, making irregular hours, nights, and weekends common, especially for critical roles like incident response and security operations (SecOps). Roles like development or project management might stick closer to standard hours, but the nature of cyber threats means breaches and updates don't respect business hours, so a 24/7 mindset and readiness are often required. 

What certifications never expire?

IT Certifications that Never Expire

• Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) ...
• Oracle Certified Master (OCM) ...
• Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) ...
• LPI – Linux Essentials. ...
• LPI – Web Development Essentials. ...
• Cisco Certified Support Technician – CCST. ...
• Microsoft Fundamentals. ...
• CompTIA Cloud Essentials+

Is CompTIA A+ worth IT in 2025?

Yes—CompTIA A+ remains highly relevant in 2025, especially for help desk, support, and junior IT roles. It's still one of the most recognized certifications for proving entry-level technical competency.

How much does CompTIA A+ cost?

How much does CompTIA A+ cost? The retail price for CompTIA A+ (220-1101 and 220-1102) is $253 USD (as of February 1, 2024) per exam, and you need to pass two exams to earn your CompTIA A+ certification.