Question 1

Where should I start with CompTIA certifications?

Accepted Answer

Complete beginners should start with Tech+ (FC0-U71, $134) which covers basic computing concepts. For IT careers, start with A+ (two exams: 220-1201 Core 1 and 220-1202 Core 2, $265 each) for hardware/software skills. Career changers with some experience can start directly with Network+ (N10-009, $390) or Security+ (SY0-701, $425).

Question 2

Do CompTIA certifications expire?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all CompTIA certifications are valid for 3 years from the pass date. Renew via the Continuing Education (CE) program ($150 over 3 years + 50 CEUs), retake the current exam, or pass a higher-level certification which automatically renews lower ones. Retaking the exam costs $390-$425 depending on the cert.

Question 3

Does CompTIA offer online proctoring?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all CompTIA exams are available via online proctoring through Pearson VUE OnVUE in addition to in-person test centers. You need a quiet room, a webcam, and a stable internet connection. System requirements are checked before scheduling.

Question 4

What are the passing scores and question counts for CompTIA exams?

Accepted Answer

Scored on a 100-900 scale. Passing scores vary: A+ Core 1 requires 675/900, Core 2 requires 700/900; Network+ requires 720/900; Security+ requires 750/900; CySA+ requires 750/900. Exams typically have 90 questions (85 for CySA+ and PenTest+) over 90 minutes (165 minutes for CySA+ and PenTest+).

Question 5

How much do CompTIA exams cost in 2026?

Accepted Answer

A+ is $265 per exam ($530 total for both). Network+ is $390. Security+, CySA+, and PenTest+ are $425 each. Cloud+ and Linux+ are $390. SecurityX (formerly CASP+) is $494-$509. Academic discounts up to 50% are available for students with a valid .edu email. Exam+retake bundles save ~10-15%.

Question 6

What is the hardest CompTIA certification?

Accepted Answer

SecurityX (formerly CASP+, exam CAS-004, $494-$509) is the most advanced, requiring 10+ years of IT experience and covering enterprise security architecture, risk management, and advanced cryptography. It uses a pass/fail format. Among the intermediate certs, CySA+ (CS0-003, $425) is considered the most difficult due to its focus on hands-on threat detection skills.

Question 7

What is the retake policy for CompTIA exams?

Accepted Answer

There is no waiting period for the first retake. If you fail, you pay full price for a new voucher. CompTIA offers exam+retake bundles for roughly 10-15% more than a single voucher, which covers two attempts. There is no limit on the number of retakes, but each attempt requires a full-price voucher.

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