CompTIA Certification Guide: Overview and Career Paths
Headquartered near Chicago, CompTIA is a nonprofit trade association made up of more than 2,000 member organizations and 3,000 business partners. Although the organization focuses on educating and certifying IT professionals, CompTIA also figures prominently in philanthropy and public policy advocacy.
CompTIA certification program overviewCompTIA’s vendor-neutral certification program is one of the best recognized in the IT industry. Since CompTIA developed its A+ credential in 1993, it has issued more than two million certifications.
In early 2018, CompTIA introduced its CompTIA Infrastructure Career Pathway. While you’ll still see the same familiar certifications that form the bedrock of the CompTIA certification portfolio, this new career pathway program more closely aligns CompTIA certifications to the real-world skills that IT professionals need to ensure success when managing and supporting IT infrastructures.
CompTIA certifications are grouped by skill set. Currently, CompTIA certs fall into four areas: Core, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity and Additional Professional certifications
.
Core Certifications: Designed to build core foundational skills, CompTIA offers four Core certifications: IT Fundamentals (a pre-career certification focused on IT foundation framework), CompTIA A+ (focused on user support and device connectivity), CompTIA Network+ (targeting core system connections with endpoint devices), and CompTIA Security+ (focused on entry level cybersecurity skills).
Infrastructure Certifications: Designed to complement the Network+ credential, you’ll find three Infrastructure certifications: CompTIA Server+ (focused on issues related to server support and administration), CompTIA Cloud+ (covering hybrid cloud, virtual system administration and deploying network storage resources), and CompTIA Linux+ (focused on Linux operating system administration and management).
Cybersecurity Certifications: CompTIA offers three cybersecurity credentials: CompTIA CSA+ (CySA stands for Cyber Security Analyst, and targets IT security behavioral analysts), CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner; focuses on professionals who design and implement security solutions), and the CompTIA PenTest+ (Penetration testing, targets professionals who conduct penetration and vulnerability testing).
Additional Professional Certifications: This category includes several credentials which don’t readily fit into any of the foregoing CompTIA career paths, including: CompTIA Project+, CompTIA CTT+ and CompTIA Cloud Essentials.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals is ideal for beginners with a basic understanding of PC functionality and compatibility as well as familiarity with technology topics, such as hardware basics, software installation, security risks and prevention, and basic networking. It’s also ideal as a career planning or development tool for individuals beginning their IT careers or those seeking to make a career change. A single exam is required to earn the credential. CompTIA launched a new IT Fundamentals exam (Exam FC0-U61) in September 2018. This new exam focuses on computing basics, database use, software development and IT infrastructure.
The English version of the prior exam (Exam FC0-U510) retires on July 15, 2019. Exams in other languages retire on December 1, 2019.
CompTIA A+
The CompTIA A+ certification has been described as an “entry-level rite of passage for IT technicians,” and for a good reason. This certification is designed for folks seeking a career as a help desk, support, service center or networking technician. It covers PC and laptop hardware, software installation, and configuration of computer and mobile operating systems. A+ also tests a candidate’s understanding of basic networking, troubleshooting and security skills, which serve as a springboard for CompTIA networking or security certifications or those offered by other organizations.
According to CompTIA, more than one million IT professionals hold the A+ certification. The A+ is required for Dell, Intel and HP service technicians and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense. CompTIA released new “Core” exams for the CompTIA A+ credential on January 15, 2019. These new exams provide additional focus on operational procedure competency and baseline security topics. Candidates must pass the Core 1 (exam 220-1001) and Core 2 (Exam 220-1002) exams. The Core 1 exam targets virtualization, cloud computing, mobile devices, hardware, networking technology and troubleshooting. The Core 2 exams focus on installation and configuring operating systems, troubleshooting software, operational procedures and security.
CompTIA Network+
Many IT professionals start with the A+ certification. While the A+ credential is recommended, if you have the experience and don’t feel a need for the A+, you can move directly to the CompTIA Network+ certification. It’s geared toward professionals who have at least nine months of networking experience. A candidate must be familiar with networking technologies, media, topologies, security, installation and configuration, and troubleshooting of common wired and wireless network devices. The Network+ certification is recommended or required by Dell, HP and Intel, and is also an accepted entry-point certification for the Apple Consultants Network. The Network+ credential meets the ISO 17024 standard and just like the A+, it is recognized by the U.S. DoD. A single exam is required to earn the certification.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ covers network security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, access control, identity management, cryptography, and much more. Although CompTIA does not impose any prerequisites, the organization recommends that cert candidates obtain the Network+ credential and have at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus. To obtain the Security+ certification candidates must pass the exam, SY0-501.
Infrastructure Certifications
CompTIA Linux+
The CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI certification is aimed at Linux network administrators with at least 12 months of Linux administration experience. Such experience should include installation, package management, GNU and Unix commands, shells, scripting, security and more. The A+ and Network+ certifications are recommended as a preamble to this certification but are not mandatory. Candidates must pass two exams (LX0-103 and LX0-104) to earn this credential. The exams must be taken in order, and candidates must pass exam LX0-103 before attempting LX0-104. In 2018, CompTIA began testing a new beta exam (XK1-004). The beta exam offering ended October 22, 2018. New exams generally follow beta exam tests so interested candidates should check the Linux+ web page for updates.
CompTIA Cloud+
As the cloud computing market continues to grow by leaps and bounds, the CompTIA Cloud+ certification has been keeping pace. This certification targets IT professionals with two to three years of experience in storage, networking or data center administration. A single exam, CV0-002, is required. It tests candidates’ knowledge of cloud technologies, hybrid and multi cloud solutions, cloud markets, and incorporating cloud-based technology solutions into system operations.
CompTIA Server+
CompTIA Server+ aims at server administrators with 18 to 24 months of experience with server hardware and software technologies, and the A+ certification is recommended. The Server+ credential is recommended or required by HP, Intel and Lenovo for their server technicians. It is also recognized by Microsoft and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). A single exam, SK0-004, is required to achieve this credential.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Certifications
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
As cybercrime increases, the requirement for highly skilled information security analysts will continue to increase as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports anticipated growth of 28 percent for information security analysts between 2016 and 2026, the fastest rate of growth for all occupations. One of the newer additions to the CompTIA certification portfolio is the Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification. The CySA+ credential is specifically designed to meet the ever-growing need for experienced, qualified information security analysts.
CySA credential holders are well versed in the use of system threat-detection tools, as well as the use of data and behavioral analytics to secure applications and systems from risks, threats and other vulnerabilities. CSA+ certification holders are not only able to monitor network behavior, but analyze results and create solutions to better protect against advanced persistent threats (APTs), intrusions, malware and the like.
CompTIA describes CySA+ as a bridge cert between the Security+ credential (requiring two years’ experience) and the master-level Advanced Security Practitioner Certification (CASP), which requires 10 years of experience. To earn a CySA, candidates must pass a performance-based exam.
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
While CompTIA no longer uses the “master” designation, the highly sought-after CASP certification is most certainly a master-level credential. Targeting practitioners, CASP is the only performance-based, hands-on certification currently available from CompTIA. This certification is designed for seasoned IT security professionals who plan, design and implement security solutions in an enterprise environment.
Although this certification doesn’t impose any explicit prerequisites, it’s not a bad idea to earn the Network+ and Security+ certifications before tackling the CASP exam. You should also have 10 years of IT administration experience plus a minimum of five years of technical security experience (thus securing this certification’s place as a “master” credential).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Network Solutions and Verizon Connect, among other companies, require CASP certification for certain positions. The U.S. Army and U.S. Navy also accept CASP+ as an industry-based certification required by employees and contractors who perform IT work in DoD data centers. The CASP certification requires that candidates pass the CAS-003 exam, which consists of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
CompTIA PenTest+
The newest addition to the CompTIA certification family is the CompTIA PenTest+. An intermediate-level credential, PenTest+ is designed to complement the CySA. While CySA is defensive in nature (focusing on threat detection and response), the PenTest+ credential is offensive, focusing on using penetration testing to identify and manage network vulnerabilities across multiple spectra.
There are no mandatory prerequisites, but the Network+ and Security+ (or equivalent skills) are highly recommended, along with a minimum of two years of information security experience. Candidates pursuing the cybersecurity career path may take the PenTest+ or CiSA credential in any order.
The exam was released in July 2018, and is focused on communicating and reporting results, analyzing data, conducting penetration testing and scanning, and planning assessments. The exam also tests a candidate’s knowledge of legal and compliance requirements.
Additional Professional Certifications
CompTIA Project+
The CompTIA Project+ certification focuses exclusively on project management and is ideal for project managers who are familiar with project lifecycles from planning to completion, who can finish a project on time and under budget. Project managers interested in this certification should have at least one year of project management experience overseeing small- to medium-sized projects. The Project+ credential requires that candidates pass a multiple-choice exam, PK0-004.CompTIA Cloud Essentials
The CompTIA Cloud Essentials certification is geared toward individuals who understand the business aspects of cloud computing and how to move from in-house to cloud storage. In addition, they should be familiar with the impacts, risks and consequences of implementing a cloud-based solution. A single exam is required to earn the credential.
CompTIA CTT+
The CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) certification is perfect for anyone interested in technical training. It covers instructor skills, such as preparation, presentation, communication, facilitation and evaluation, in vendor-neutral fashion. Adobe, Cisco, Dell, IBM, Microsoft and Ricoh all recommend CTT+ to their trainers and accept it in lieu of their own in-house trainer certifications.
Two exams are required for the CTT+ credential: CompTIA CTT+ Essentials (TK0-201) and either CTT+ Classroom Performance Trainer (TK0-202) or CTT+ Virtual Classroom Trainer (TK0-203).
The CTT+ Classroom Performance Trainer and CTT+ Virtual Classroom Trainer are performance-based exams. In this case, you must submit a video or recording of your classroom (or virtual classroom sessions).
In addition to certification levels, CompTIA groups its certifications into several career paths:
Information security
The CompTIA Certifications page lets you pick a certification level and/or a career path and then returns a list of certifications to focus on. For example, one of the most popular career paths in IT is network administration. CompTIA’s Network and Cloud Technologies career path offers numerous certifications that can help you advance your network administration career, such as IT Fundamentals, A+ and Network+ (Core certs), along with Cloud+ and Linux+ (Infrastructure certifications) and Cloud Essentials.
Those interested in network security (one of the fastest growing fields in IT) should consider the certifications in CompTIA’s Information Security career path. This includes all four of the Core credentials (IT Fundamentals, A+, Network+ and Security+) along with all cybersecurity certifications (CySA+, PenTest+ and CASPer).
CompTIA provides a comprehensive IT certification roadmap that encompasses certifications from CompTIA as well as a variety of other organizations, including Cisco, EC-Council, Microsoft, (ISC)2, ISACA, Mile2 and more.
Because CompTIA credentials do not focus on a single skill (such as networking or virtualization), CompTIA credential holders may find themselves in a variety of job roles depending on their experience, skill levels and areas of interest. Here are just a few of the possible careers that CompTIA credential holders may find themselves engaged in:
A+: Typically, A+ credential holders find work in support roles, such as support administrators, support technicians or support specialists.
Network+: Network+ professionals primarily work in network-related roles, such as network analysts, administrators or support specialists. Credential holders may also work as network engineers, field technicians or network help desk technicians.
CySA Security Analyst: Common roles for professionals interested in cybersecurity, information security and risk analysis may engage in roles that include security engineers, cybersecurity analysts or specialists, threat or vulnerability analysts, or analysts for security operations centers (SOCs).
Security+: Security spans a variety of jobs, such as network, system or security administrators, security managers, specialists or administrators, and security consultants.
Server+: Roles for server professionals include storage and server administrators, as well as server support or IT/server technicians.
Linux+: Linux professionals often work in roles such as Linux database administrators, network administrators or web administrators.
Cloud+/Cloud Essentials: Cloud+ credential holders typically work as cloud specialists, developers or system and network administrators. Cloud Essentials professionals tend to work in areas related to cloud technical sales or business development.
CASP+: Common roles for CASP credential holders include cybersecurity specialists, InfoSec specialists, information security professionals and security architects.
Project+: Project+ credential holders typically engage in project leadership roles, such as project managers, coordinators and directors, or team leads.
While the examples above are by no means exhaustive, they provide an overview of some available careers. Your career choices are limited only by your interests, imagination and determination to achieve your personal goals.
CompTIA training and resourcesCompTIA provides various and extensive training options, including classroom training, study materials and e-learning. A wide range of CompTIA Authorized Training Provider Partners (CAPPs), such as Global Knowledge, Learning Tree International and more, operate all over the world. Classroom and online/e-learning offerings range in cost from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the particulars. Visit the CompTIA Training page for more details.
CompTIA works with third parties to offer self-study materials (the search tool is available here). Content that has been through a vetting process is branded with the CompTIA Approved Quality Content (CAQC) logo. Other materials that allow you to study at your own pace, such as audio segments, lesson activities and additional resources, are available through the CompTIA Marketplace.
Finally, every CompTIA A+, Linux+, Network+, Server+, Security+ and IT Fundamentals certification candidates must check out CertMaster, CompTIA’s online test prep tool. CertMaster helps you determine which topics you know well and those you need to brush up on, and suggests training to help you fill in the gaps.
CompTIA certification program overviewCompTIA’s vendor-neutral certification program is one of the best recognized in the IT industry. Since CompTIA developed its A+ credential in 1993, it has issued more than two million certifications.
In early 2018, CompTIA introduced its CompTIA Infrastructure Career Pathway. While you’ll still see the same familiar certifications that form the bedrock of the CompTIA certification portfolio, this new career pathway program more closely aligns CompTIA certifications to the real-world skills that IT professionals need to ensure success when managing and supporting IT infrastructures.
CompTIA certifications are grouped by skill set. Currently, CompTIA certs fall into four areas: Core, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity and Additional Professional certifications
.
Core Certifications: Designed to build core foundational skills, CompTIA offers four Core certifications: IT Fundamentals (a pre-career certification focused on IT foundation framework), CompTIA A+ (focused on user support and device connectivity), CompTIA Network+ (targeting core system connections with endpoint devices), and CompTIA Security+ (focused on entry level cybersecurity skills).
Infrastructure Certifications: Designed to complement the Network+ credential, you’ll find three Infrastructure certifications: CompTIA Server+ (focused on issues related to server support and administration), CompTIA Cloud+ (covering hybrid cloud, virtual system administration and deploying network storage resources), and CompTIA Linux+ (focused on Linux operating system administration and management).
Cybersecurity Certifications: CompTIA offers three cybersecurity credentials: CompTIA CSA+ (CySA stands for Cyber Security Analyst, and targets IT security behavioral analysts), CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner; focuses on professionals who design and implement security solutions), and the CompTIA PenTest+ (Penetration testing, targets professionals who conduct penetration and vulnerability testing).
Additional Professional Certifications: This category includes several credentials which don’t readily fit into any of the foregoing CompTIA career paths, including: CompTIA Project+, CompTIA CTT+ and CompTIA Cloud Essentials.
- CompTIA Core Certifications
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals
CompTIA IT Fundamentals is ideal for beginners with a basic understanding of PC functionality and compatibility as well as familiarity with technology topics, such as hardware basics, software installation, security risks and prevention, and basic networking. It’s also ideal as a career planning or development tool for individuals beginning their IT careers or those seeking to make a career change. A single exam is required to earn the credential. CompTIA launched a new IT Fundamentals exam (Exam FC0-U61) in September 2018. This new exam focuses on computing basics, database use, software development and IT infrastructure.
The English version of the prior exam (Exam FC0-U510) retires on July 15, 2019. Exams in other languages retire on December 1, 2019.
CompTIA A+
The CompTIA A+ certification has been described as an “entry-level rite of passage for IT technicians,” and for a good reason. This certification is designed for folks seeking a career as a help desk, support, service center or networking technician. It covers PC and laptop hardware, software installation, and configuration of computer and mobile operating systems. A+ also tests a candidate’s understanding of basic networking, troubleshooting and security skills, which serve as a springboard for CompTIA networking or security certifications or those offered by other organizations.
According to CompTIA, more than one million IT professionals hold the A+ certification. The A+ is required for Dell, Intel and HP service technicians and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense. CompTIA released new “Core” exams for the CompTIA A+ credential on January 15, 2019. These new exams provide additional focus on operational procedure competency and baseline security topics. Candidates must pass the Core 1 (exam 220-1001) and Core 2 (Exam 220-1002) exams. The Core 1 exam targets virtualization, cloud computing, mobile devices, hardware, networking technology and troubleshooting. The Core 2 exams focus on installation and configuring operating systems, troubleshooting software, operational procedures and security.
CompTIA Network+
Many IT professionals start with the A+ certification. While the A+ credential is recommended, if you have the experience and don’t feel a need for the A+, you can move directly to the CompTIA Network+ certification. It’s geared toward professionals who have at least nine months of networking experience. A candidate must be familiar with networking technologies, media, topologies, security, installation and configuration, and troubleshooting of common wired and wireless network devices. The Network+ certification is recommended or required by Dell, HP and Intel, and is also an accepted entry-point certification for the Apple Consultants Network. The Network+ credential meets the ISO 17024 standard and just like the A+, it is recognized by the U.S. DoD. A single exam is required to earn the certification.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ covers network security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, access control, identity management, cryptography, and much more. Although CompTIA does not impose any prerequisites, the organization recommends that cert candidates obtain the Network+ credential and have at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus. To obtain the Security+ certification candidates must pass the exam, SY0-501.
Infrastructure Certifications
CompTIA Linux+
The CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI certification is aimed at Linux network administrators with at least 12 months of Linux administration experience. Such experience should include installation, package management, GNU and Unix commands, shells, scripting, security and more. The A+ and Network+ certifications are recommended as a preamble to this certification but are not mandatory. Candidates must pass two exams (LX0-103 and LX0-104) to earn this credential. The exams must be taken in order, and candidates must pass exam LX0-103 before attempting LX0-104. In 2018, CompTIA began testing a new beta exam (XK1-004). The beta exam offering ended October 22, 2018. New exams generally follow beta exam tests so interested candidates should check the Linux+ web page for updates.
CompTIA Cloud+
As the cloud computing market continues to grow by leaps and bounds, the CompTIA Cloud+ certification has been keeping pace. This certification targets IT professionals with two to three years of experience in storage, networking or data center administration. A single exam, CV0-002, is required. It tests candidates’ knowledge of cloud technologies, hybrid and multi cloud solutions, cloud markets, and incorporating cloud-based technology solutions into system operations.
CompTIA Server+
CompTIA Server+ aims at server administrators with 18 to 24 months of experience with server hardware and software technologies, and the A+ certification is recommended. The Server+ credential is recommended or required by HP, Intel and Lenovo for their server technicians. It is also recognized by Microsoft and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). A single exam, SK0-004, is required to achieve this credential.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Certifications
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
As cybercrime increases, the requirement for highly skilled information security analysts will continue to increase as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports anticipated growth of 28 percent for information security analysts between 2016 and 2026, the fastest rate of growth for all occupations. One of the newer additions to the CompTIA certification portfolio is the Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification. The CySA+ credential is specifically designed to meet the ever-growing need for experienced, qualified information security analysts.
CySA credential holders are well versed in the use of system threat-detection tools, as well as the use of data and behavioral analytics to secure applications and systems from risks, threats and other vulnerabilities. CSA+ certification holders are not only able to monitor network behavior, but analyze results and create solutions to better protect against advanced persistent threats (APTs), intrusions, malware and the like.
CompTIA describes CySA+ as a bridge cert between the Security+ credential (requiring two years’ experience) and the master-level Advanced Security Practitioner Certification (CASP), which requires 10 years of experience. To earn a CySA, candidates must pass a performance-based exam.
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
While CompTIA no longer uses the “master” designation, the highly sought-after CASP certification is most certainly a master-level credential. Targeting practitioners, CASP is the only performance-based, hands-on certification currently available from CompTIA. This certification is designed for seasoned IT security professionals who plan, design and implement security solutions in an enterprise environment.
Although this certification doesn’t impose any explicit prerequisites, it’s not a bad idea to earn the Network+ and Security+ certifications before tackling the CASP exam. You should also have 10 years of IT administration experience plus a minimum of five years of technical security experience (thus securing this certification’s place as a “master” credential).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Network Solutions and Verizon Connect, among other companies, require CASP certification for certain positions. The U.S. Army and U.S. Navy also accept CASP+ as an industry-based certification required by employees and contractors who perform IT work in DoD data centers. The CASP certification requires that candidates pass the CAS-003 exam, which consists of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
CompTIA PenTest+
The newest addition to the CompTIA certification family is the CompTIA PenTest+. An intermediate-level credential, PenTest+ is designed to complement the CySA. While CySA is defensive in nature (focusing on threat detection and response), the PenTest+ credential is offensive, focusing on using penetration testing to identify and manage network vulnerabilities across multiple spectra.
There are no mandatory prerequisites, but the Network+ and Security+ (or equivalent skills) are highly recommended, along with a minimum of two years of information security experience. Candidates pursuing the cybersecurity career path may take the PenTest+ or CiSA credential in any order.
The exam was released in July 2018, and is focused on communicating and reporting results, analyzing data, conducting penetration testing and scanning, and planning assessments. The exam also tests a candidate’s knowledge of legal and compliance requirements.
Additional Professional Certifications
CompTIA Project+
The CompTIA Project+ certification focuses exclusively on project management and is ideal for project managers who are familiar with project lifecycles from planning to completion, who can finish a project on time and under budget. Project managers interested in this certification should have at least one year of project management experience overseeing small- to medium-sized projects. The Project+ credential requires that candidates pass a multiple-choice exam, PK0-004.CompTIA Cloud Essentials
The CompTIA Cloud Essentials certification is geared toward individuals who understand the business aspects of cloud computing and how to move from in-house to cloud storage. In addition, they should be familiar with the impacts, risks and consequences of implementing a cloud-based solution. A single exam is required to earn the credential.
CompTIA CTT+
The CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) certification is perfect for anyone interested in technical training. It covers instructor skills, such as preparation, presentation, communication, facilitation and evaluation, in vendor-neutral fashion. Adobe, Cisco, Dell, IBM, Microsoft and Ricoh all recommend CTT+ to their trainers and accept it in lieu of their own in-house trainer certifications.
Two exams are required for the CTT+ credential: CompTIA CTT+ Essentials (TK0-201) and either CTT+ Classroom Performance Trainer (TK0-202) or CTT+ Virtual Classroom Trainer (TK0-203).
The CTT+ Classroom Performance Trainer and CTT+ Virtual Classroom Trainer are performance-based exams. In this case, you must submit a video or recording of your classroom (or virtual classroom sessions).
In addition to certification levels, CompTIA groups its certifications into several career paths:
Information security
- Network and cloud technologies
- Hardware, services and infrastructure
- IT management and strategy
- Web and mobile
- Software development
- Training
- Office productivity
The CompTIA Certifications page lets you pick a certification level and/or a career path and then returns a list of certifications to focus on. For example, one of the most popular career paths in IT is network administration. CompTIA’s Network and Cloud Technologies career path offers numerous certifications that can help you advance your network administration career, such as IT Fundamentals, A+ and Network+ (Core certs), along with Cloud+ and Linux+ (Infrastructure certifications) and Cloud Essentials.
Those interested in network security (one of the fastest growing fields in IT) should consider the certifications in CompTIA’s Information Security career path. This includes all four of the Core credentials (IT Fundamentals, A+, Network+ and Security+) along with all cybersecurity certifications (CySA+, PenTest+ and CASPer).
CompTIA provides a comprehensive IT certification roadmap that encompasses certifications from CompTIA as well as a variety of other organizations, including Cisco, EC-Council, Microsoft, (ISC)2, ISACA, Mile2 and more.
Because CompTIA credentials do not focus on a single skill (such as networking or virtualization), CompTIA credential holders may find themselves in a variety of job roles depending on their experience, skill levels and areas of interest. Here are just a few of the possible careers that CompTIA credential holders may find themselves engaged in:
A+: Typically, A+ credential holders find work in support roles, such as support administrators, support technicians or support specialists.
Network+: Network+ professionals primarily work in network-related roles, such as network analysts, administrators or support specialists. Credential holders may also work as network engineers, field technicians or network help desk technicians.
CySA Security Analyst: Common roles for professionals interested in cybersecurity, information security and risk analysis may engage in roles that include security engineers, cybersecurity analysts or specialists, threat or vulnerability analysts, or analysts for security operations centers (SOCs).
Security+: Security spans a variety of jobs, such as network, system or security administrators, security managers, specialists or administrators, and security consultants.
Server+: Roles for server professionals include storage and server administrators, as well as server support or IT/server technicians.
Linux+: Linux professionals often work in roles such as Linux database administrators, network administrators or web administrators.
Cloud+/Cloud Essentials: Cloud+ credential holders typically work as cloud specialists, developers or system and network administrators. Cloud Essentials professionals tend to work in areas related to cloud technical sales or business development.
CASP+: Common roles for CASP credential holders include cybersecurity specialists, InfoSec specialists, information security professionals and security architects.
Project+: Project+ credential holders typically engage in project leadership roles, such as project managers, coordinators and directors, or team leads.
While the examples above are by no means exhaustive, they provide an overview of some available careers. Your career choices are limited only by your interests, imagination and determination to achieve your personal goals.
CompTIA training and resourcesCompTIA provides various and extensive training options, including classroom training, study materials and e-learning. A wide range of CompTIA Authorized Training Provider Partners (CAPPs), such as Global Knowledge, Learning Tree International and more, operate all over the world. Classroom and online/e-learning offerings range in cost from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the particulars. Visit the CompTIA Training page for more details.
CompTIA works with third parties to offer self-study materials (the search tool is available here). Content that has been through a vetting process is branded with the CompTIA Approved Quality Content (CAQC) logo. Other materials that allow you to study at your own pace, such as audio segments, lesson activities and additional resources, are available through the CompTIA Marketplace.
Finally, every CompTIA A+, Linux+, Network+, Server+, Security+ and IT Fundamentals certification candidates must check out CertMaster, CompTIA’s online test prep tool. CertMaster helps you determine which topics you know well and those you need to brush up on, and suggests training to help you fill in the gaps.
An Overview of Project Charters
We've partnered with Master of Project Academy to bring you a real Project Charter Template you can download. They also offer 50 other design operation templates. When you originally duty a aeroplane, you do n’t need to give a seating map or list of names to the airline company. But you need to know how numerous passengers you have, the cost of the trip, and your destination. The design duty is analogous to that for your design. Table of contents What is a project charter? What does the project charter contain? Main components of a project charter Why are project charters useful? Key sections of a project charter One-page project charter example Tips for writing a project charter Next steps for your project charter Tools for planning and upholding a project charter What is a project charter? A design duty is a short document that explains the design in clear, terse wording for high position operation. Project exemptions outline the wholeness of systems to help brigades snappily understand the pretensions, tasks, timelines, and stakeholders. It is an essential deliverable in any design and one of the first deliverables as specified by the PMBOK Guide and other stylish practice norms. The document provides crucial information about a design, and also provides blessing to start the design. Thus, it serves as a formal advertisement that a new approved design is about to commence. Contained also in the design duty is the appointment of the design director, the person who's overall responsible for the design. What does the design duty contain?
When preparing the design duty, use the SMART system. Be Specific, ensure your pretensions are Measurable, Attainable, Applicable to the design, and Timely. The design duty includes Purpose and objects of the design in clear, terse language . Conditions of the design at a veritably high position and without important detail Design description in a paragraph or two that explains the design Given high- position, major orders of pitfalls for the design . Schedule of events with the launch and end dates Major events or mileposts along the path. Budget or summary of how much the design will bring Conditions from the association for blessing, including what to authorize, who'll authorize, and how to get the blessing . Crucial players or stakeholders in charge of which corridor of the design and who'll authorize the plans to go through An preface of the design director, design guarantor, and their authority position Main factors of a design duty A design duty is a living document outlining the issues, targets and frame of a process enhancement trouble. A duty should have six main factors that frame the document. Each of these elements helps define the reasons for the design, explains how it improves the business, enumerates what ways are necessary to complete, and identifies the stakeholders responsible for the design. The design duty factors are Problem statement Business case Thing statement Timeline Scope Team members Why are design exemptions useful? The main reason every design needs a design duty at the very launch is because without it, there's no evidence or sanctioned document that a sanctioned design director defined and presented a design and gained its blessing from stakeholders to do. A design duty also provides several benefits Formally authorizes the design to commence Creates a common vision and participated understanding of the design Empowers the design director to lead the design Identifies the high- position objects and compass of the design Defines what success will look like at the end of the design Earnings support for the design by publicizing it to the whole association Ensures that crucial stakeholders are apprehensive of the design Secures budget and coffers for the design Serves as the point of reference for the design platoon Crucial sections of a design duty Utmost design operation methodologies and fabrics define the use of a design duty but don't define the factual contents of the template. This is accessible, because systems differ in a variety of ways, similar in size, criticality, type, or approach. But the accepted principle in writing a design duty is that the document should help clarify the what, why, who, when, and what cost aspects or questions of the design. Representing the PMBOK Guide, the addition of following sections in a design duty will answer these aspects and questions Project information This section includes the name of the design, its ID (if associations use one), the name of the design director, and its guarantor (s). It can also include fresh but brief design description details. Business need, problem, or occasion . This section tries to identify what the main motorist for the design is for it to live. It provides the environment or situation why the guarantor allowed about starting the design. Project objects and benefits This lists the pretensions that the design will try to achieve. A companion for writing the objects is to use the SMART acronym; they should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bounded. Project association This section identifies the people governing the design. It should easily show the crucial places for its operation and direction. Using a RACI map can be helpful. High- position design compass This section outlines the boundaries of the design at a high position. It's important to identify not only its compass, but also what's out of compass. Specifying crucial deliverables of the design should also fall in this section. High- position design timescale The design duty should list the crucial stages and estimated duration of the design at a high position, including its mileposts. Still, the design director should exercise caution in writing the design schedule, assuming that the design will incontinently start after the blessing. High- position design budget This section identifies the budget conditions of the design at a high position. It should include capital and profit expenditure cast. Crucial hypotheticals This section lists the main hypotheticals that the design platoon took. It's important also to assess how these hypotheses can impact the design should the platoon realize later that the hypotheses they made were false or inaccurate. Crucial design risks This lists the main pitfalls that may impact the design if they materialize. It assumes that the design platoon can not avoid encountering the linked pitfalls. Success criteria This section identifies the crucial criteria to help assess if the design is successful or not. The measurable terms describe an outgrowth that's respectable to the end stoner, client, and stakeholders. One- runner design duty illustration When creating a design duty, it's important to understand the environment. Project exemptions are generally veritably lengthy documents. This is to ensure that it fully describes the background of the design, the different options considered, the details of the compass, and other factors. For large systems, a fresh one- runner Project Charter Summary provides the summary of the most important sections of the full design duty. For small systems, this one- runner template is a respectable volition. This short design duty is also useful when communicating with directors, who are generally not interested in all of the details and particulars. The sections of the document are as follows Design Name Design Description Target Date Costs Earnings Project Team Key Milestones Tips for writing a design duty Writing effective design exemptions comes with experience. Still, it's possible to write good enough bones beforehand by following some advice from professionals who have spent their careers learning how to write great design exemptions. Keep it brief Try to keep the design duty simple and brief. Most probably, the further runners it contains, the lower chances it'll get read. Be unequivocal Try to get to the point as early as possible. Project guarantors and other stakeholders are busy professionals who may not show interest or enthusiasm reading a vague summary of a design. Make it with your guarantor Most frequently, the guarantor hands it over to the design director to write the design duty. Still, the design duty is always better with the involvement of the guarantor, whether in support or actually-creating and reviewing the document. Coming way for your design duty After creating the design duty, let the guarantor subscribe to it without detention. Without the sign-off, there's no formal blessing and authorization — and no design. Also, it's judicious to partake the document instantly after blessing. When further people in the association know what the design is about, the easier it's to have sympathizers on- board. Since the design duty is a crucial document in the inauguration phase of a design, creating a great design duty lays the right foundation for the design and provides a lesser chance it'll do easily in its remaining phases.
Five Effective Steps to Performance Improvement
If a company wants to be successful, it needs to have a lot of things in place. Managers use the Performance Improvement Process to keep track of flaws and fix them. Let's learn about PIP's importance, when it's very important, and how to use the Performance Improvement Process Plan well. Performance Improvement is a process that helps people get better at their jobs. It is part of Performance Management, and managers use it to help employees make less mistakes and improve their productivity and behavior so they can meet expectations and meet the goals of the company. Performance improvement happens at a team level, a department level, and even at the whole company level. Why is the Performance Improvement Process so important? Unsatisfactory performance can happen for many different reasons, and implementing a solution without knowing the root of the problem can be very dangerous. Such a situation calls for a process to be used to come up with the best solutions. A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a plan to improve your performance. People in the employee's HR and manager sign off on this document, which says what steps should be taken by them to improve their performance. The employees shouldn't be angry about it because it has clear goals and a deadline, so it should be easy for them to work with.
How do you set up a PIP? Some employees are so stressed when they get this document because they think it's a bad sign, and they don't know why. They think it's a sign of being fired or getting a lower job. That's why, HR people need to think about what kind of performance-improvement method they want to use before they do. Study all the different parts and think about the following: 1- Is there a need for a PIP plan in this case? Even though it might seem harsh, maybe the employee has been having a hard time in the past. Reach out to them and see if there's anything you can do for them before you try to help them.In the event that you saw no way out of issuing a PIP, go ahead and do it! Your job is to make sure that work is done on time, and today's competitive world needs employees who pay attention. 2- Keep an open mind during the process of monitoring: You can be sure that your decision will be influenced by your feelings. Remember! Not only are you taking care of a single employee, but this is going to have an impact on the company's performance and public perception as well. Take into account only the employee's work and be fair with the way you do it. 3-The third thing to do is help both the employee and the manager as they work on the process:
If it was going to happen, let it! However, be there during the process, because employees will need someone to cheer them on to do better. 4- Make clear goals, deadlines, and criteria for getting help in the PIP: You already have a person who has been lost, and your job is to give them a well-written report. People who want to get things done should set clear, attainable, and realistic goals, as well as flexible deadlines that are right for the size of the tasks. You don't want them to do a bad job in order to meet the deadline. Finally, talk about how they'll be judged. This will help them focus on improving these points. When should a PIP be used? Improve your own performance When an employee is having problems, making plans is the best way to help them. Managers should be able to tell when their employees aren't doing well. Some of the signs that an employee is having a hard time are less productivity, less involvement, more time off, or not being on time. It should start when there is a clear trend of poor performance. PIP is used in the following situations: First, when a new employee starts working for the company:
If you can explain all the terms and expectations at the start of your job, it will be easier to do so. There are set goals, and the employee can work toward them and try to improve his performance by working on getting rid of the things that aren't working for him.
2- If an employee has been a good worker in the past but has recently shown an unusual tendency to do poorly, this could be a sign. He'll tell you this, of course, after you reach out to him to figure out why their performance has dropped. Remember to tell the employee how important his work has been to the company and how you'll help as the company improves. As their productivity starts to drop or they start taking more time off, this is when you should talk to your boss. Productivity is what keeps the company going, so if an employee isn't giving his best anymore, this must be fixed right away. What are the benefits of setting up a PIP? There are a lot of businesses that use performance improvement plans to look at how their employees are doing and figure out how they could be better. A performance improvement plan may help you get these things: 1- Keeping the best people: If you don't want to go through a long process of looking for good people and sorting through their CVs, don't. A good Performance Improvement Plan helps you keep your long-term employees because they learn from their mistakes and work on their flaws. This will show your employee how much you care about them, and they'll do their best to live up to the standards you set for them. 2- You can improve your skills. During the growth of a business, employees need to work on their skills. You may not need to hire new people if your performance improvement plan identifies areas where more education and training will be most beneficial to your current employees. This means that you may not need to hire new people.
3- set higher goals for yourself: Take a close look at how you do now and decide which of them you need to improve on in a performance improvement plan.Employees should be told about the new business standards because of the higher standards. Protection against claims of unfair or unlawful dismissal: This is number four. No, I haven't heard that. Performance issues are caused by a lot of paper and processes. Without a way to measure performance, it can be hard to fire someone without being seen as harsh, unfair, or unreasonable.Effective Steps in the Performance Improvement Process How can you make an Employee Performance Improvement Plan work better? If you make some plans, they might not work out the way you want them to. This could be because of poor planning or a lack of clear goals. Here are five things you can do to make your PIP work better: First, write down your goals. By being clear, the employee has a complete understanding of their goals and dreams. In contrast, not giving them enough information will make them more confused. Employees must know what they want and what they want to do. It should be easier to reach your goals if you make them as specific as possible. 2- People talk to each other. There is a lot of work that goes into the Performance Improvement Plan for each of our employees. Employees and managers should be able to freely talk about their current problems and how they plan to reach the company's bigger goals.Employees may get tired of the strategy and act maliciously against it. When you are a manager, make sure that your employee understands what you want them to do.Keep in touch with your boss as an employee to make sure you are following the PIP as well as you can. 3- Keep in touch: Regular check-ins are very important to the success of an improvement plan, almost as a precursor to the next point. In addition to giving structure, regular check-ins also give staff constant guidance, which helps them stay on track and keep their work on track, too. 4- Make the consequences clear: It is also important to make sure that the employee understands that if their performance doesn't improve after they use the performance improvement plan, there will be clear consequences.There must be clear, unambiguous, and visible consequences set out in the beginning. 5- Make sure you get the training and help you need. The whole point of improving performance is to change employees' behavior in a certain area.A part of this is to keep an eye on him and give him enough information about the parts he needs to work on. Don't underestimate how important it is to help your employees learn new skills and improve their lives. Remember, this is all for your company. You won't have to go through the whole Performance improvement process if you have regular check-ins, regular help, and enough training. However, when things are bad, PIP shows the employees that you care and that it is important to do everything you can for the company. If you want to learn from experts in Performance improvement, then this is the place for you.
Reasons for Project Failure
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