Jon Baleva Jan 25, 2024
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Entrance Tips

CompTIA Certification Career Path: A Roadmap to Cybersecurity Success

Are you working in the computer and information technology (IT) industry? If yes, CompTIA is a significant certification to boost your IT career and has the potential to earn a higher salary. If you are unfamiliar with CompTIA, here you go. 

CompTIA means the Computing(Comp) Technology Industry Association (TIA), the leading provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications globally. CompTIA is dedicated to helping IT professionals lead the charge in our digitally connected world. CompTIA has so far issued more than 2 million IT certifications worldwide. 

As a leading tech association, CompTIA offers many types of certifications that meet industry standards. To clearly understand the CompTIA Certification Path, you must first understand the different types of CompTIA Certifications. 

What are the different types of CompTIA Certifications? 

There are several CompTIA Certification Courses in demand in 2023. CompTIA has many certifications starting with the basic CompTIA certification, which is CompTIA A+ (A Plus). The CompTIA A+ is an entry-level certification generally earned by computer service technicians. Most, if not all, CompTIA certifications are entry-level, attracting students and those new to the IT field.

CompTIA offers various other certifications in addition to the A+.

CompTIA Certification Guide Certifications
An entry-level certification is generally earned by computer service technicians.
  • CompTIA A+
CompTIA Certifications are for those with basic knowledge of computers, and these certifications are considered core exams.
  • CompTIA IT Fundamentals
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Security+
If you are aimed at advanced certification exams and are more for individuals who are focused on infrastructure.
  • CompTIA Cloud+
  • CompTIA Linux+
  • CompTIA Server+
If you are looking for a certification focused on security, CompTIA offers three certifications, and they are:
  • CompTIA CySA+
  • CompTIA SASP
  • CompTIA PenTest+
While if you want to focus your IT career on professional-based certifications, the following CompTIA certifications will help.
  • CompTIA Project+
  • CompTIA CTT+
  • CompTIA Cloud Essentials

What are the Benefits of CompTIA Certifications?

CompTIA certification is not bound to a specific technology like Microsoft, Cisco, VMware or other vendor-specific certifications. This is one of the most significant benefits and is also a good way for beginners to start in the IT field. There are many reasons to choose CompTIA Certifications for an IT Career. But are CompTIA certifications worth it? Let us check. 

Many aspiring IT professionals have concerns that the entry-level certs won't get them anywhere. The common complaint is that there are already too many people with CompTIA certification and the widespread fear is that the certifications are too basic. At the same time, others worry that CompTIA certifications won't help them get a job or a promotion and do not set them apart from other IT pros in the field. However, these might seem like disadvantages for CompTIA candidates, the benefits that the certifications bring outweigh these concerns. 

Let's take a look at some of the real benefits of a CompTIA certification.

  • Build a Solid Foundation of Knowledge and Skills

You might save time by starting at a higher certification level, but often this can delay your progress because you are missing the necessary fundamentals. It's like skipping algebra and going straight for calculus, and it just won't work. Therefore, CompTIA certifications help you build a solid foundation of essential knowledge and skills that will help you advance your career.

  • Demonstrate Skills and Knowledge on Specific Areas of Computers

CompTIA certifications are a way for IT professionals to demonstrate their knowledge of computers or specific areas of computers. Computers are utilized in almost all industries and jobs today, so the employee must show that they are as knowledgeable as possible in computers.

  • Find New Career Opportunities and Increase Your Salary

Many companies and organizations have made CompTIA certifications mandatory for certain positions. In addition, many job ads list certifications as basic requirements. Surveys also show that certified professionals earn more on average than non-certified IT pros in the same roles.

  • Get Extra Credit

Some colleges and universities offer college credit for students who obtain CompTIA certifications. At the same time, prominent companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, HP and others recognize some CompTIA certifications (like the A+ and Network+) in their certification tracks. 

  • Build Your Credibility and Confidence 

By achieving certification, you gain proof that you know what you're talking about, which gives you more credibility and determination to advance your career. For those new to the IT field, the most significant advantage of CompTIA certifications is increasing your confidence and you have plans to obtain CompTIA Certifications from an approved CompTIA delivery partner that will help your career.

How To Choose the Best CompTIA Certification Path?

With so many certifications to take, you might find it daunting and confusing to choose the best certification for you. So here, I will make it clear how to select the best CompTIA Certification and career path. 

In early 2018, CompTIA introduced its CompTIA Infrastructure Career Pathway. 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. In addition, CompTIA has now made it easier by setting up the certification exams in a series so that you can earn them as more knowledge is gained. Once one certification is obtained, you can focus on the next exam in that group. Then, depending on your career goals, you can take as many of the exams as needed.

CompTIA certifications are grouped by skill set. Currently, CompTIA certifications fall into four eas: 

  • Core Certification
  • Infrastructure Certifications
  • Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Additional Professional certifications
CompTIA certifications are grouped by skill set CompTIA certifications Area Focused On
Core Certifications:Core certifications are designed to build your core foundational skills. CompTIA offers four Core certifications such as
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
CompTIA Security+ Focused on entry-level Cybersecurity skills
Infrastructure Certifications:Infrastructure certifications are designed to complement the Network+ credential. You will find three Infrastructure certifications such as:
CompTIA Server+ Focused on issues related to server support and administration
CompTIA Cloud+ covering hybrid cloud, virtual system administration and deploying network storage resources
CompTIA Linux+ Focused on Linux operating system administration and management
Cybersecurity Certifications: CompTIA offers three cybersecurity credentials:
CompTIA CySA+ CSA stands for Cyber Security Analyst and targets IT, behavioural security analysts
CASP+ Covering hybrid cloud, virtual system administration and deploying network storage resources
CompTIA PenTest+ Focused on Linux operating system administration and management
Additional Professional Certifications The category of other professional certifications includes several credentials which don't readily fit into any of the preceding CompTIA career paths, including CompTIA Project+, CompTIA CTT+ and CompTIA Cloud Essentials.

Based on the above-given criteria, you may choose the best certification career path that fits your knowledge level, qualifications and experience. 

CompTIA Certification Career Path & CompTIA Career Roadmap

CompTIA certifications offer two distinct career paths: Infrastructure or Cybersecurity.

Infrastructure Certifications provide training in the fundamentals of IT operations. The infrastructure career path offers a combination of CompTIA Server +, Linux+ and Cloud+ to deepen your knowledge and expertise of skills needed within IT infrastructure roles. 

Whether you are starting your career in IT or changing your career, it can be an intimidating endeavour in the IT field. Here we have listed the various CompTIA Certification Path and CompTIA Career Roadmap to help you visualize your next move from beginner to intermediate to advanced IT jobs.

CompTIA Certification Career Path CompTIA Career Roadmap
CompTIA IT Fundamentals IT Support Specialist (Beginner Level),Software & Web Developers (Beginner), Data Specialist (Beginner)
CompTIA A+ IT Support Specialist (Beginner Level), IT Networking Specialist (Beginner Level)
CompTIA Network+ IT Support Specialist (Intermediate Level), IT Networking Specialist (Beginner), Cybersecurity Specialist (Beginner)
CompTIA Security+ IT Support Specialist (Intermediate Level), IT Networking Specialist (Beginner), Cybersecurity Specialist (Beginner)
CompTIA Cloud+ IT Networking Specialist (Advanced)
CompTIA Linux+ IT Support Specialist (Advanced Level), IT Networking Specialist (Intermediate)
CompTIA Server+ IT Support Specialist (Advanced Level), IT Networking Specialist (Intermediate)
CompTIA CySA+ Cybersecurity Specialist (Intermediate)
CompTIA CASP+ Cybersecurity Specialist (Advanced)
CompTIA PenTest+ Cybersecurity Specialist (Intermediate)
CompTIA Project+ IT Networking Specialist (Intermediate), Cybersecurity Specialist (Intermediate)
CompTIA CTT+ Career Technical Training Instructor
CompTIA Cloud Essentials IT Networking Specialist (Intermediate)
CompTIA Partner Certifications IT Support Specialist (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Level), IT Networking Specialist (Beginner,Intermediate, Advanced), Cybersecurity Specialist (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced), Software & Web Developers (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced), Data Specialist (Beginner)

CompTIA Certification Paths in Cybersecurity

CompTIA Certifications and certified professionals are high requirements for the future of Cybersecurity. Cybercrimes are on the rise, and vulnerabilities are constantly being exposed. As a result, organizations need to take a proactive stance to protect assets and employ skilled cybersecurity professionals. 

Due to the increase in cyberattacks, skilled professionals with knowledge on the topic are more in demand than ever. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of information security jobs will increase 31% from 2019 to 2029, making it one of the fastest-growing fields. The CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway helps IT pros achieve cybersecurity mastery from beginning to end. When you earn cybersecurity certifications, you prove to employers that you are the best candidate for the job and have the skills needed to protect the organization from cyberattacks and threats. 

Below I have given the Cybersecurity pathway, which will nurture your practical and hands-on skills to tackle the issue. We can categorise them into three sections as given below: 

  1. Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certification

As an entry-level certification, you can take up the CompTIA Security+ certification. CompTIA Security+ establishes the foundational knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs. It emphasizes the hands-on practical skills used by junior IT auditors, systems administrators, network administrators, and security administrators with performance-based questions. 

  1. Intermediate-Level Cyber Security Certifications

After earning CompTIA Security+, cybersecurity professionals can take the next step by pursuing an intermediate-level cybersecurity certification, such as CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) or CompTIA PenTest+.

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst certification assesses the skills needed to apply behavioural analytics to networks to improve the overall state of IT security. The Certification covers tools such as packet sniffers, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) systems.

CompTIA PenTest+ is intended for cybersecurity professionals such as penetration testers and vulnerability assessment analysts who are tasked with scanning, identifying, exploiting, reporting and managing vulnerabilities on a network.

  1. Advanced-Level Cybersecurity Certification

IT pros can pursue CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) to prove their mastery of cybersecurity skills required at the 5- to 10-year experience level. CASP+ is the pinnacle of cybersecurity certifications and includes performance-based questions.

It is intended for those who wish to remain immersed in hands-on enterprise security, incident response and architecture, for example, instead of strictly managing cybersecurity policy and frameworks.

The primarily related job roles are senior security engineers and security architects, but CompTIA CASP+ can also help validate skill sets necessary for digital forensics analysts and network enterprise architects.

Check out the major locations where Edoxi offer Cyber Security Courses;

Cyber Security Courses in Dubai | Cyber Security Courses in SharjahCyber Security Courses in Qatar

Job Roles of a CompTIA Professional

A CompTIA Certified professional's job roles are many according to the level of Certification, job roles handled, and experience. Each CompTIA IT certification validates the skills needed for specific IT jobs.

CompTIA Certified professional   CompTIA Certified Professional Handle
CompTIA A+ certified professional
  • Field Service Technician
  • Help Desk Technician
  • IT Specialist
  • Technical Support Specialist
  • IT Support Manager
  • CompTIA A+ certified professionals can perform critically IT support tasks
CompTIA Network+ certified professional
  • Junior Network Administrator
  • Junior Systems Engineer
  • Network Support Specialist
  • Systems Analyst
  • Tier II Support
  • CompTIA Network+ certified professional could handle job roles that involve troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks.
CompTIA Security+ certified professional
  • Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Junior Penetration Tester
  • Network Administrator
  • Security Administrator
  • Systems Administrator
  • CompTIA Security+ certified professional validates his/her baseline skills needed for core security functions
CompTIA Server+ Certification
  • IT/Server Technician
  • Network Administrator
  • Network Engineer
  • Server Support Technician
  • Systems Administrator
  • Data Center Technician
  • Server Administrator
  • CompTIA Server+ Certification validates your skills needed to work on server technologies.
CompTIA Linux+ certification
  • Database Administrator
  • Data Scientist
  • Linux Administrator
  • Network Administrator
  • Systems Administrator
  • Technical Support Specialist
  • Web Administrator
  • CompTIA Linux+ certification validates your skills needed to support Linux systems.
CompTIA Cloud+ Certification
  • Cloud Architect
  • Cloud Engineer
  • Cloud Specialist
  • Cloud Systems Administrator
  • Systems Engineer
  • Network Engineer
  • Solution Architect
  • CompTIA Cloud+ Certification covers skills for maintaining and optimizing cloud services.
CompTIA CySA+ certification
  • Application Security Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Security Engineer
  • Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
  • Threat Hunter
  • CompTIA CySA+ certification applies behavioral analytics to prevent, detect and combat cyber threats.
CompTIA PenTest+ certification
  • Penetration Tester
  • Security Analyst (II)
  • Threat Intelligence Analyst
  • Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
  • Network Security Operations
  • CompTIA PenTest+ certification assesses your skills for determining network resiliency against cyberattacks.
CASP+ Certification
  • Applications Security Engineer
  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
  • Security Engineer
  • Security Architect
  • Technical Lead Analyst
  • CASP+ Certification can validate your advanced-level risk management and enterprise cybersecurity skills.
CompTIA Project+ Certification
  • Business Analyst
  • Project Coordinator/Manager
  • Project Team Member
  • Manager, Director, Team Leader
  • CompTIA Project+ Certification covers essential project management concepts from multiple frameworks
CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Certification
  • Business Analyst
  • Business Development Manager
  • Managed Service Provider (MSP) Personnel
  • Technical Support Staff
  • CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ Certification can validate your understanding of the components of a cloud assessment.
CompTIA CTT+ certification
  • Academic Instructor
  • Career Technical Training Instructor
  • Training Consultant
  • Training Developer/Instructor
  • CompTIA CTT+ certification validates your skills needed to teach in traditional and virtual classrooms.

Salary of a CompTIA Professional

CompTIA certifications will undoubtedly help you progress in the IT support industry and attract the attention of employers. However, how much you earn will ultimately depend on the direction that you want to go in. The earning potential for CompTIA Certification holders

CompTIA Job VS CompTIA Salary

Job Titles Average Annual Salary in the US
IT Support Specialist
  • Desktop Support Specialist
  • IT Technician
  • Field Service Technician
  • Beginner-$39,885
  • Intermediate- $47,657
  • Advanced - $59,234
IT Networking Specialist

  • IT Specialist
  • Network Support Technician
  • Jr. System Administrator
  • Beginner- $61,294
  • Intermediate- $74,304
  • Advanced- $85,053
Cybersecurity Specialist
  • System/s Administrator
  • Network Engineer
  • System/s Engineer
  • Beginner- $80,251
  • Intermediate- $94,379
  • Advanced- $105,033
Software & Web Developer
  • Web Developer
  • Junior Software Developer
  • Beginner- $81,323
  • Intermediate- $98,849
  • Advanced- $107,037
Database Specialist
  • Reporting Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Beginner - $63,076
  • Intermediate- $78,110
  • Advanced- $90,652

Are CompTIA Certifications worth it?

CompTIA certifications are recognised in the industry and are internationally accepted. Employers, from the government to Fortune 500 companies, value CompTIA as an authority in cybersecurity certifications. It is a great way to progress in your career and move up the ladder. Therefore, it is worth it. If you wish to earn any of these CompTIA Certifications, the best way is to join a training institution. The best way to study for CompTIA certification exams is to get expert's training. While you are equipped with fundamental IT knowledge, a CompTIA certification, no matter which one you choose, will enable you to land more extensive and better roles and make you stand out against the competition.

Locations Where Edoxi Offers CompTIA Course

Here is the list of other major locations where Edoxi offers CompTIA Course

CompTIA Training in Dubai | CompTIA Training in Qatar | CompTIA Training in Sharjah | CompTIA Training in Muscat

 

SENIOR TRAINER: NETWORKING AND PROGRAMMING

Jon Baleva is an IT professional with 20 years of experience in programming and networking. He is an expert in Python & IT Security domains as well as in Operating Systems (OS). He has trained professionals and students in IT Programming courses, Microsoft Azure, Linux   & MAC OS. He is also a writer who writes on tech-related topics for various tech magazines in Philippine. He is now an IT Trainer with Edoxi Training Institute, Dubai.

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