Overview
CompTIA certifications test practical IT skills that do not depend on one vendor's products. A+ covers IT support, Network+ covers networking and Security+ covers core cyber security. Exams mix multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
Who it is for
- People starting a career in IT support or help desk work
- Network and systems technicians
- Junior security analysts and administrators
- Employers who want a vendor-neutral benchmark of skills
Versions
A+ (V15)
Two exams: Core 1 (220-1201, hardware and networking) and Core 2 (220-1202, operating systems and security). Launched 25 March 2025.
Network+ (V9)
One exam, N10-009. Networking concepts, operations and troubleshooting. Launched 20 June 2024.
Security+ (V7)
One exam, SY0-701. Core security skills. English version retires 11 June 2027.
Security+ (V8)
New exam SY0-801, launching on or around 17 November 2026.
Other CompTIA exams
Includes Linux+, Cloud+, CySA+, PenTest+, Data+ and SecurityX, among others.
Where it is accepted
- Entry-level and mid-level IT job applications worldwide
- IT support, networking and security roles in government and industry
- Meeting employer or contract requirements for baseline IT and security skills
Always check the current requirements of the university, employer, regulator or visa authority you are applying to.
Test format
| Section | What it involves |
|---|---|
| A+ Core 1 (220-1201) | Up to 90 questions: multiple-choice, drag-and-drop and performance-based. 90 minutes. |
| A+ Core 2 (220-1202) | Up to 90 questions: multiple-choice, drag-and-drop and performance-based. 90 minutes. |
| Network+ (N10-009) | Up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions. 90 minutes. |
| Security+ (SY0-701 / SY0-801) | Up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions. 90 minutes. |
Total time: 90 minutes per exam (A+ needs two exams).
Scores and validity
- Scoring
- Scaled score from 100 to 900. Pass marks: A+ Core 1 675, A+ Core 2 700, Network+ 720, Security+ 750.
- Validity
- Valid for three years from the date of certification. Renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education programme (CEUs, CertMaster CE, a higher certification or retaking the exam).
How long results take is shown at the top of this page.
Fees
Security+ exam voucher (CompTIA list price, USD)
USD 439
Source (opens in a new tab)Network+ exam voucher (CompTIA list price, USD)
USD 399
Source (opens in a new tab)A+ exam voucher, per exam (two exams needed; CompTIA list price, USD)
USD 274
Source (opens in a new tab)
| Item | Official fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Security+ exam voucher (CompTIA list price, USD) | USD 439 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
| Network+ exam voucher (CompTIA list price, USD) | USD 399 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
| A+ exam voucher, per exam (two exams needed; CompTIA list price, USD) | USD 274 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
Fees are set by the test owner, were checked on 21 October 2026, and can change. Confirm the price when you book. GAPICT never takes exam fees.
On test day
Identification
Valid government-issued photo ID in the name used to register. Check the CompTIA and Pearson VUE ID rules before test day.
Arrive early, bring only what the test owner allows, and expect identity checks and a photo at check-in. Read our test day guide and exam day FAQs.
How to book
Exam seats for CompTIA are booked and paid on the test owner's own system. Delivered through: Pearson VUE.
- 1
Buy a voucher from CompTIA and schedule through CompTIA Central / Pearson VUE (pearsonvue.com/comptia).
- 2
Create or sign in to your account on the official booking site.
- 3
Choose your exam, then a test centre, date and time.
- 4
Pay the exam fee to the test owner and keep your confirmation email.
- 5
Check the ID rules and arrive early on test day.
You book and pay in your Pearson VUE account. Rescheduling deadlines (often 24–48 hours) and fees are set by each exam programme.
Need help booking?
We can walk you through the test owner's registration, step by step.
GAPICT's status with these organisations
- Pearson VUEEnquiry made
CompTIA FAQs
How many exams do I need for A+?
Which Security+ exam should I take?
How long is a voucher valid?
Do CompTIA certifications expire?
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 21 October 2026. If anything here differs from the test owner's website, the owner's website is correct.
- CompTIA Security+ V7 (opens in a new tab)
- CompTIA Security+ V8 (opens in a new tab)
- CompTIA A+ Core 1 (V15) (opens in a new tab)
- CompTIA A+ Core 2 (V15) (opens in a new tab)
- CompTIA Network+ (opens in a new tab)
- CompTIA Certification Renewal Policy (opens in a new tab)
- Pearson VUE: CompTIA (opens in a new tab)
CompTIA and related names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the test. GAPICT is independent of CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), is not endorsed by it, and is not currently an authorised centre for this test.