As the leading IT industry association,
CompTIA has created a variety of
educational programs and initiatives to benefit IT professionals, educators and
business owners. Explore the following links to see how you can enhance your IT
education today.
CompTIA Certification Programs
CompTIA certifications are a recognized credential throughout the IT industry,
validating foundation-level IT knowledge and skills. CompTIA offers twelve
certification programs in key technology areas.
CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+® Certification
CompTIA A+ certification validates the latest skills needed by today's computer
support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification
recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers.
CompTIA A+ certification confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such
as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic
networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and
environmental issues and communication and professionalism.
CompTIA A+ ensures the right people have the right skills. While many of the
essential skills are universal, there are additional skills required to support
the needs of businesses. By offering certification options for specific job
scenarios, CompTIA A+ gives individuals the ability to grow their careers in a
certain area, and employers the flexibility to choose the exam combination that
best fits their needs.
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Network+® Certification
CompTIA Network+ validates the knowledge and skills of networking professionals.
It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that recognizes a
technician's ability to describe the features and functions of networking
components and to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, operate and configure
basic network infrastructure. Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended
that CompTIA Network+ candidates have at least nine months of experience in
network support or administration or adequate academic training, along with a
CompTIA A+ certification.
The demand for skilled networking support professionals continues to grow, and
CompTIA Network+ is a valuable credential to help launch or enhance a networking
career. In fact, many IT certifications integrate CompTIA Network+ into their
curriculums. Microsoft added CompTIA Network+ into their Microsoft Certified
Systems Administrator (MCSA) program, and other corporations such as Novell,
Cisco and HP also recognize CompTIA Network+ as part of their certification
tracks.
CompTIA Network+ and Related CompTIA
Certifications
CompTIA Network+ prepares networking professionals to earn vendor-neutral
certifications in other areas of expertise. CompTIA Network+ certified
professionals who want to diversify their base knowledge in other areas should
also consider pursuing CompTIA Security+, Server+ or Convergence+.
CompTIA Server+
CompTIA Server+™ Certification
CompTIA Server+ validates the knowledge and skills of advanced IT technicians.
It is an international, vendor-neutral certification for individuals with 18-24
months of experience with Industry Standard Server Architecture (ISSA)
technology. CompTIA Server+ certifies technical knowledge in areas such as RAID,
SCSI and multiple CPUs, as well as capabilities with server issues, including
disaster recovery. Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA
Server+ candidates hold a CompTIA A+ certification.
Many corporations recognize the importance of staffing technicians who can
competently perform basic server support. Companies such as CDW Computer Centers
and CompuCom value the CompTIA Server+ certification and require it of their IT
employees.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+™ Certification
CompTIA Security+ validates knowledge of systems security, network
infrastructure, access control, assessments and audits, cryptography and
organizational security. It is an international, vendor-neutral security
certification that is taught at colleges, universities and commercial training
centers around the world.
Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA Security+ candidates
have at least two years of on-the-job technical networking experience, with an
emphasis on security. The CompTIA Network+ certification is also recommended.
Because human error is the number one cause for a network security breach,
CompTIA Security+ is recognized by the technology community as a valuable
credential that proves competency with information security.
CompTIA RFID+
CompTIA RFID+™ Certification
CompTIA Radio Frequency Identification (RFID+) certification validates the
knowledge and skills of professionals who work with RFID technology. It is an
international, vendor-neutral credential that recognizes a technician's ability
to install, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot the hardware and software
functionality of RFID products. Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended
that CompTIA RFID+ candidates have a minimum of six to 24 months of RFID or
other auto-id technology experience.
RFID is quickly becoming the standard technology for tracking goods in the
supply chain, but it will only be effective if it is executed by properly
trained and certified individuals. CompTIA RFID+ provides a baseline for the
knowledge and skills required of RFID workers, giving business owners the
opportunity to hire qualified professionals, and individuals a credential to
prove their ability.
CompTIA CTT+
CompTIA CTT+™ Certification
CompTIA CTT+ (Certified Technical Trainer) certification validates excellence in
instruction. It is a vendor-neutral certification that is applicable to training
professionals in all industries. CompTIA CTT+ recognizes the mastery of core
instructor skills, including preparation, presentation, communication,
facilitation and evaluation in both a classroom and virtual classroom
environment.
Certified instructors are essential for students who want to receive top-notch
training, and employers agree that a professional training staff is valuable to
the company. Adobe, Dell, Microsoft, Novell and Ricoh recommend that their
trainers be CompTIA CTT+ certified. The Training Associates also look for
CompTIA CTT+ certification when hiring trainers.
CompTIA CDIA+
CompTIA CDIA+® Certification
CompTIA Certified Document Imaging Architech (CDIA+) validates the knowledge of
professionals who deliver document imaging solutions. It is a vendor-neutral
certification that proves expertise in the technologies and best practices used
to plan, design, and specify a document imaging, management system.
CompTIA Linux+
CompTIA Linux+™ Certification
CompTIA Linux+ is a vendor-neutral certification, generic across distributions,
that validates the knowledge of individuals with a minimum of six to 12 months
of practical Linux experience. Professionals holding the current CompTIA Linux+
credential can explain fundamental management of Linux systems from the command
line, demonstrate knowledge of user administration, understand file permissions,
software configurations, and management of Linux-based clients, server systems
and security.
Because of the growing popularity of enterprise-ready platforms such as Linux,
both employers and professionals realize the importance of skill validation. The
industry recognizes that CompTIA Linux+ certification is a good indicator of
foundational proficiency in everyday management of Linux-based clients and basic
management of server systems.
CompTIA Project+
CompTIA Project+™ Certification
CompTIA Project+ is a globally recognized project management certification that
provides validation of fundamental project management skills. It covers the
entire project life cycle from initiation and planning through execution,
acceptance, support and closure. Unlike some project management certifications,
CompTIA Project+ can be acquired in a quick and cost-effective manner. There are
no prerequisites, and candidates are not required to submit an application or
complete additional hours of continuing education.
CompTIA Project+ gives project managers the skills necessary to complete
projects on time and within budget, and creates a common project management
language among project team members.
CompTIA Convergence+
CompTIA Convergence+™ Certification
CompTIA Convergence+ validates the knowledge and skills in the area of
Communications Technologies (CT), where datacomm, telephony/telecommunications,
video and broadcast multimedia technologies combine into a single IP-based
delivery system. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that
recognizes a technician's ability to design, implement and manage both data and
voice networking. Although not a prerequisite for CompTIA Convergence+
certification, it is recommended that CompTIA Convergence+ candidates are
CompTIA Network+ certified and have 18 to 24 months of work experience in areas
that include data networking, VoIP, and other convergence related technologies.
The demand for skilled technology professionals with knowledge in convergence
technology continues to grow, as more businesses adopt IP Telephony Solutions.
CompTIA Convergence+ is a valuable credential to enhance a career with
convergence technology. Corporations such as Avaya recognize CompTIA
Convergence+ as part of their certification tracks.
CEA-CompTIA DHTI+
CEA-CompTIA DHTI+™ Certification
CEA-CompTIA Digital Home Technology Integrator (DHTI+) validates the knowledge
and skills of home technology professionals. It is an international,
vendor-neutral certification that recognizes a technician's ability to
configure, integrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and comprehend the basic design
concepts of electronic and digital home systems. It is recommended that
CEA-CompTIA DHTI+ candidates have 18-24 months experience in some area of home
integration technology.
CompTIA PDI+
CompTIA PDI+™ Certification
CompTIA Printing and Document Imaging (PDI+) validates the knowledge and skills
necessary to support printing and document imaging devices including printers,
copiers, scanners, multi-functional devices and fax machines. It is a
vendor-neutral certification that recognizes a technician's understanding of
basic electromechanical components and tools, print engine and scan processes
and components, color theory and connectivity/networking. The exam also covers
soft skills such as customer service, professionalism, safety and environment.
While there are no prerequisites for the CompTIA PDI+ certification exam, it is
recommended that entry-level candidates have foundation-level knowledge or
hands-on experience working with printing and document imaging devices.
CompTIA PDI+ provides a solid foundation for a career involving the service and
support of printing and document imaging devices. Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs) and service providers find that CompTIA PDI+ certification
ensures that their technicians have the core knowledge and skill sets to provide
effective repair activities.
MCSE
