Which CompTIA Certification Should You Get?
With a dozen CompTIA certifications to choose from, picking the right one can be overwhelming. Answer these five quick questions and we'll recommend the best certification for your experience level and career goals — then point you straight to free practice questions and a study guide.
The CompTIA certification path explained
Whether or not you take the quiz, here is how the main CompTIA certifications fit together — roughly from beginner to advanced.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start with CompTIA certifications?
For most people new to IT, CompTIA A+ is the recommended starting point because it covers the broad foundational skills employers expect from support and technician roles. If you are completely new and just exploring whether IT is for you, ITF+ is a gentler introduction.
Do I need A+ before Security+?
No. A+ is not an enforced prerequisite for Security+. CompTIA recommends Network+ plus about two years of security-focused IT experience before attempting Security+, but there are no mandatory prerequisites and you can take the exams in any order.
Which CompTIA certification is best for cybersecurity?
Security+ is the standard entry point into cybersecurity and meets the DoD 8570/8140 baseline. From there, CySA+ suits security analysts and SOC roles, PenTest+ targets penetration testing and red teaming, and CASP+/SecurityX is aimed at senior security engineers and architects.
Is CompTIA ITF+ worth it?
ITF+ (IT Fundamentals+) is aimed at absolute beginners and students deciding whether to pursue an IT career. It is useful for that exploratory audience, but most job-seekers skip straight to A+, which carries more weight with employers.
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