CompTIA Core Skills
About this Career Path
CompTIA Career Path
CompTIA Core IT Skills
The essential IT foundation — from hardware support and networking to cybersecurity analysis. CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral, globally recognized, and DoD-approved. The perfect starting point for any IT career.
Why CompTIA?
CompTIA certifications are the most recognized vendor-neutral IT credentials in the world. Unlike cloud-specific certifications, CompTIA skills apply across every technology stack — making them invaluable in government, healthcare, financial services, and enterprise IT. They are mandated by the US Department of Defense (DoD 8570/8140) for all personnel handling information systems.
"CompTIA certifications open doors across every industry. Security+ is the #1 certification for entry-level cybersecurity roles in the US government and defense sector."
Who This Path Is For
- IT beginners starting a career in help desk, support, or networking
- Military and government personnel required to hold DoD 8570 compliance
- Career changers entering IT or cybersecurity without prior experience
- Professionals wanting vendor-neutral credentials to complement cloud certifications
Certification Roadmap
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)
The gateway certification for IT support and help desk roles. Covers hardware, networking basics, mobile devices, virtualization, and cloud fundamentals.
- 90 questions — 90 minutes | Passing score: 675 / 900
- Covers: mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, cloud basics
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)
Completes the A+ certification covering operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Required alongside Core 1 for full A+ certification.
- 90 questions — 90 minutes | Passing score: 700 / 900
- Covers: Windows OS, macOS, Linux, security, scripting, software troubleshooting
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
Builds networking expertise essential for any IT or security role. Covers network infrastructure, operations, security, and troubleshooting.
- 90 questions — 90 minutes | Passing score: 720 / 900
- Covers: network topologies, TCP/IP, VLANs, wireless, firewalls, network security
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
The most popular cybersecurity certification globally. Validates core security skills and is the baseline requirement for almost every entry-level cybersecurity position in the US.
- 90 questions — 90 minutes | Passing score: 750 / 900
- Covers: threats, vulnerabilities, cryptography, PKI, identity management, risk management
CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003)
Validates threat detection, analysis, and response skills at an analyst level. Bridges the gap between entry-level security and advanced penetration testing or architecture roles.
- 85 questions — 165 minutes | Passing score: 750 / 900
- Covers: threat intelligence, vulnerability management, incident response, SIEM, SOC operations
How CertLand Prepares You
Salary & Market Demand
| Role | Certification | Avg. US Salary |
|---|---|---|
| IT Support Specialist / Help Desk | A+ | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| Network Administrator | Network+ | $65,000 – $90,000 |
| Security Analyst (Entry) | Security+ | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst (SOC) | CySA+ | $90,000 – $120,000 |
Start Your IT Career with CompTIA
No prior experience needed. Start with A+ and build toward CySA+. 1,700+ practice questions across the entire path.
Exams in this Path
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) - 340 Questions
Practice exam for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) certification. Covers mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and hardware and network troubleshooting.
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) - 340 Questions
Practice exam for the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) certification. Covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) - 340 Questions
Practice exam for the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 certification. Covers networking concepts, network implementation, network operations, network security, and network troubleshooting.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) - 340 Questions
Practice exam for the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 certification. Covers general security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations, and security program management.
CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003) - 340 Questions
Practice exam for the CompTIA CySA+ CS0-003 certification. Covers security operations, vulnerability management, incident response and management, and reporting and communication.