CompTIA now spans far more than the familiar A+, Network+ and Security+ sequence. The current portfolio includes foundational technology, infrastructure, data, cybersecurity and operational-automation credentials. The useful question is not which badge appears first in a chart; it is which exam matches the work you want to perform and the practical evidence you can build.
This roadmap covers examinations that CompTIA lists as available on 2 October 2026. It also marks announced transitions that are not yet generally live. DataSys+ DS0-002 launches on 13 October 2026, Security+ SY0-801 launches on 17 November 2026, and SecOT+ SOT-001 is scheduled for December. Candidates should not buy future-version study material or a voucher until the exact exam is available and the code is confirmed at checkout.
India and United States candidates study the same published objectives, but voucher country, currency, tax, testing location and redemption rules can differ. A voucher bought for the wrong country or currency may not be usable. This guide therefore combines career selection, preparation and a country-aware purchase checklist instead of creating repetitive location pages.
Scope note: this roadmap covers currently available CompTIA certification exams on 2 October 2026 and clearly marks overlapping or announced versions. It excludes completion certificates and training-only products that should not be marketed as Pearson VUE certification exams.
Which CompTIA path fits your role?
Start with the decisions you make at work and the evidence you can build. A more advanced title is not automatically the better first choice.
Start with Tech+ or A+ when you are entering IT
Tech+ helps you explore the field. A+ goes deeper into practical support and requires both current Core exams for certification. Choose A+ when you want to troubleshoot real devices, operating systems, networks and user incidents.
Build and document a small workstation lab: install an operating system, configure accounts, connect a network, harden the endpoint, diagnose a fault and explain the escalation path.
Choose Network+, Linux+, Server+ or Cloud+ for infrastructure
Network+ builds the shared network model. Linux+ and Server+ focus on platform administration. Cloud+ connects deployment, operations and security across cloud environments. Pick the exam closest to the systems you operate.
Create a segmented network, deploy a Linux service, collect logs and metrics, perform a backup and restore, and troubleshoot a failed dependency using recorded evidence.
Choose Data+, DataSys+ or DataAI by the data decision
Data+ is analytics-oriented, DataSys+ is database-administration oriented, and DataAI combines data work with AI lifecycle decisions. They are related, but one does not replace the hands-on scope of another.
Prepare a small dataset, document quality rules, load it into a database, write an analysis, visualize a decision and record lineage, access and retention controls.
Use Security+ as a foundation, then specialize
Security+ is a broad baseline. CySA+ emphasizes defense and analysis, PenTest+ authorized offensive assessment, SecurityX senior architecture, CloudNetX cloud networking and SecAI+ AI-system security. Choose by daily responsibility, not by a simple difficulty ladder.
Build a legal lab where you harden a service, identify a weakness, collect telemetry, investigate an alert, recommend remediation and communicate business risk.
Choose Project+ or AutoOps+ for delivery and operations
Project+ fits technology delivery coordination. AutoOps+ fits professionals automating operational workflows. Both require controlled change, measurable outcomes and clear documentation, but their technical depth differs.
For Project+, produce a charter, risk register and change record. For AutoOps+, automate one repeatable operation with validation, logging, rollback and least privilege.
Treat version selection as part of the exam
CompTIA sometimes overlaps exam generations. The code on your appointment determines the objectives you must study. A new version announcement does not automatically retire the current code on the same day.
Save the official exam page, objective version, appointment code, language retirement date and voucher terms together before building a study schedule.
19 paths and exam decisions in one place
Use the exact code shown when one exists. Always recheck the provider’s current catalog before paying because names, versions, availability and retirement dates can change.
| Level / track | Certification or exam | Code | Best fit | Preparation emphasis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FoundationalTechnology literacy | CompTIA Tech+ V6FC0-U71-CE is also listed; confirm the delivery option | FC0-U71 | Learners exploring technology roles before committing to support, networking, software, data or security. | Core computing, devices, software, databases, networking, security and basic development concepts. |
| CoreIT support | CompTIA A+ Core 1 V15 | 220-1201 | Help-desk, desktop-support and field technicians building hardware, networking and troubleshooting foundations. | Mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, cloud concepts and hardware/network troubleshooting. |
| CoreIT support | CompTIA A+ Core 2 V15Pass both 220-1201 and 220-1202 from the same current series | 220-1202 | Support technicians completing the second examination required for the current A+ credential. | Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures. |
| CoreNetworking | CompTIA Network+ V9 | N10-009 | Network-support, infrastructure and junior administration roles needing vendor-neutral networking judgement. | Networking concepts, implementation, operations, security and troubleshooting with diagrams and command evidence. |
| CoreCybersecurity | CompTIA Security+ V7Current English exam; V8 launches 17 Nov 2026 and V7 retires 11 Jun 2027 | SY0-701 | Security, infrastructure and support professionals building a broad cybersecurity decision foundation. | Threats, architecture, operations, identity, governance, risk and incident-response scenarios. |
| InfrastructureLinux administration | CompTIA Linux+ V8 | XK0-006 | Linux administrators, cloud operators and security practitioners who manage Linux systems. | System management, services, security, automation, orchestration and troubleshooting in a safe lab. |
| InfrastructureServer administration | CompTIA Server+ | SK0-005 | Data-center, server-support and infrastructure professionals responsible for hardware and operating reliability. | Server hardware, administration, security, disaster recovery and systematic troubleshooting. |
| InfrastructureCloud operations | CompTIA Cloud+ V4 | CV0-004 | Cloud and infrastructure practitioners working across architecture, deployment, operations, security and DevOps. | Multi-cloud design, deployment, operations, security, DevOps fundamentals and troubleshooting. |
| Professional skillsIT project delivery | CompTIA Project+ V5 | PK0-005 | Technical contributors and project coordinators who manage smaller technology initiatives. | Project concepts, lifecycle, documentation, tools, communication, change, governance and IT context. |
| DataData analytics | CompTIA Data+ V2 | DA0-002 | Analysts who acquire, prepare, analyze, visualize and govern data for business decisions. | Data concepts, environments, acquisition, cleaning, analysis, visualization, reporting and governance. |
| DataDatabase administration | CompTIA DataSys+ V1V2 DS0-002 launches 13 Oct 2026; verify which version your appointment uses | DS0-001 | Database and data-platform practitioners responsible for deployment, management, security and continuity. | Database fundamentals, deployment, management, security, business continuity and troubleshooting. |
| CybersecuritySecurity analytics | CompTIA CySA+ V4 | CS0-004 | Defensive analysts who monitor telemetry, investigate events, manage vulnerabilities and improve controls. | Security operations, vulnerability management, incident response, reporting and stakeholder communication. |
| TransitionSecurity analytics | CompTIA CySA+ V3English retires 22 Dec 2026 | CS0-003 | Candidates already prepared for V3 and able to sit before the English retirement date. | Use the V3 objectives only for a CS0-003 appointment; do not mix them silently with CS0-004 material. |
| CybersecurityPenetration testing | CompTIA PenTest+ | PT0-003 | Authorized security testers and vulnerability practitioners who plan, execute and report assessments. | Engagement management, reconnaissance, vulnerability discovery, exploitation, post-exploitation and reporting in legal labs. |
| AdvancedSecurity architecture | CompTIA SecurityXCurrent name for the credential formerly branded CASP+ | CAS-005 | Experienced security architects and senior practitioners making enterprise architecture, operations and governance decisions. | Architecture, security engineering, operations, governance, risk and complex cross-domain scenarios. |
| ProfessionalCloud networking | CompTIA CloudNetX | CNX-001 | Network and cloud professionals designing, securing and operating connectivity across cloud environments. | Cloud-network architecture, deployment, operations, security, optimization and troubleshooting. |
| ProfessionalData and AI | CompTIA DataAIFormerly introduced as DataX; use the current DataAI name | DY0-001 | Data professionals who need to apply data engineering, analytics and AI concepts to business systems. | Data foundations, pipelines, analytics, AI lifecycle, governance, quality, risk and responsible implementation. |
| ProfessionalAI security | CompTIA SecAI+ | CY0-001 | Cybersecurity professionals protecting AI systems and using AI responsibly in security operations. | AI threat models, secure design, data and model protection, monitoring, governance and response. |
| ProfessionalOperations automation | CompTIA AutoOps+ | AT0-001 | IT operations professionals automating infrastructure, service workflows, observability and remediation. | Automation design, scripting concepts, orchestration, APIs, observability, governance and safe operational change. |
What candidates often misunderstand
These distinctions prevent the most expensive mistake: studying for or buying access to the wrong exam.
A career pathway is not a mandatory exam ladder
CompTIA publishes pathways to help candidates understand progression, but employers and projects value the skills behind the credential. An experienced network engineer may not need every entry exam before CloudNetX, while a career changer may benefit from Tech+, A+ and Network+ first.
Use job descriptions and practical gaps as evidence. If a target role asks for troubleshooting, identity, ticketing and endpoint administration, A+ may create more immediate value than jumping to an advanced security exam. If the role requires cloud routing, transit design and hybrid connectivity, Network+ concepts plus hands-on cloud networking are more relevant.
- Select by target responsibilities and current evidence.
- Treat experience recommendations as useful readiness signals.
- Verify any employer, contract or regulatory requirement separately.
Exam version transitions require two dates
A launch date tells you when a new examination becomes available. A retirement date tells you how long the older examination remains available in a particular language. During overlap, both may be valid routes to the same credential, but the objectives, learning products and voucher compatibility may differ.
On 2 October 2026, DS0-002, SY0-801 and SOT-001 are future releases rather than ordinary current bookings. CS0-003 is still temporarily available in English even though CS0-004 is current. Write the exact code on every plan, product request and appointment check.
- Do not buy only by certification name.
- Match course material to the appointment code.
- Recheck launch and retirement dates on the official page.
Performance-based readiness needs a lab
Many CompTIA exams use performance-based items in addition to multiple-choice questions. A browser quiz can diagnose terminology and decision gaps, but it cannot replace configuration, investigation, command-line work or time spent interpreting an unfamiliar interface.
A credible preparation portfolio should show the task, starting condition, decision, evidence, validation and rollback. Mask secrets and personal data. Repeat the lab after changing one condition so you learn the underlying model rather than memorizing a screenshot.
- Use authorized environments and your own data.
- Explain why the chosen action is safer than the alternatives.
- Keep troubleshooting notes that another person can follow.
Cloud Essentials+ is no longer a certification exam
CompTIA stopped offering the Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 certification exam on 25 September 2025. A current Cloud Essentials Career Builder learning product should not be represented as an active Pearson VUE certification exam or voucher.
Candidates seeking general cloud literacy can use current learning products, while candidates seeking an active certification should evaluate Cloud+, CloudNetX or a role-specific provider credential. ITCertPath is removing the retired exam from current-path claims rather than preserving an inflated exam count.
- Retired practice can remain a clearly labeled learning archive only if it still helps.
- Do not buy a CLO-002 voucher.
- Verify the credential and code before any payment.
Independent practice must be described honestly
ITCertPath practice content is independent and is not copied, recalled or live CompTIA exam content. Several existing CompTIA practice paths use a smaller reviewed concept pool presented through multiple scenario variants. Those paths can help with repeated concept review and timing, but they should not be marketed as dozens of completely independent concepts.
Use practice results as a diagnostic. Review the explanation, return to the official objectives, perform a related lab and then answer a fresh scenario. Familiarity with a repeated wrapper is not the same as exam readiness.
- Official objectives define scope.
- A score is evidence only when questions are genuinely unfamiliar.
- Hands-on transfer matters more than repeating one bank.
One official program, different checkout and delivery checks
Country guidance should help a candidate complete the same official pathway. It should not create thin location pages or imply a local classroom where none exists.
Choose India before buying a voucher
CompTIA's country selector routes India candidates to its emerging-market storefront and normally presents local-market purchasing in INR. Use the official India selection and the actual testing country at checkout; do not buy a lower-priced code from another region and assume it will redeem in India.
Confirm the exact exam code, voucher currency, expiration date, language, Pearson VUE delivery options and any tax shown in the current checkout. Exam retirement can end eligibility before a voucher's printed expiry, so a transition candidate should schedule with enough margin.
- Select India in the official storefront and certification account.
- Match the voucher to the code on the appointment.
- Use the India WhatsApp route for course and booking guidance, never for unofficial questions or access.
Use the U.S. storefront and verify USD terms
United States candidates should use CompTIA's U.S. locale and verify the final USD checkout, tax, exam code and delivery choice. Country- and currency-specific voucher restrictions still apply, even when the certification title is globally recognized.
Before scheduling through Pearson VUE, verify identification, online-testing requirements, appointment time zone, rescheduling policy and the retirement date for the selected code. Do not assume a voucher can be transferred, refunded or used for a different series.
- Use the U.S. country and currency at purchase and redemption.
- Run the online-proctoring system test before choosing online delivery.
- Keep the order, voucher and appointment confirmations until the result is recorded.
Verify before paying
ITCertPath provides independent selection and preparation guidance. The certification owner controls eligibility, registration, exam delivery, scoring and the credential.
- 01
Open the official CompTIA certification directory and confirm that the certification exam is currently available. A course or Career Builder product is not automatically a certification exam.
- 02
Write down the exact code and version. For A+, confirm both 220-1201 and 220-1202. During Security+, DataSys+ or CySA+ transitions, match every study product to the appointment code.
- 03
Choose the correct testing country and currency. CompTIA voucher terms make purchases final and may restrict redemption by country, currency, exam series and expiration.
- 04
Check the exam retirement date as well as the voucher expiration date. The earlier applicable deadline controls whether an attempt can be scheduled.
- 05
Verify Pearson VUE test-center or online-proctored availability, identification, system requirements, time zone and rescheduling rules before selecting an appointment.
- 06
Use original practice and authorized labs. Reject copied dumps, recalled questions, guaranteed-pass claims and sellers who cannot state the code, country, validity and redemption route.
A study sequence that produces usable skill
Adjust the duration to your starting point. Keep the sequence: scope, learn, practise, review and verify.
Choose the role
Map a target job's responsibilities to the current CompTIA portfolio. Record why one exam fits better than nearby alternatives.
Freeze the code
Download the official objectives for the exact code and note launch, retirement, country, language and delivery details.
Build each domain
Learn the model, perform a safe lab, capture evidence and explain the decision in your own words before moving on.
Diagnose honestly
Use original or clearly labeled concept-review practice. Track domain and reasoning gaps instead of chasing a memorized percentage.
Repair and transfer
Return to official sources, change the lab conditions and solve a new scenario without relying on the previous answer pattern.
Verify and schedule
Recheck the code, country, currency, expiration, retirement, ID and testing environment before payment and appointment confirmation.
Training, practice and registration guidance
Move between learning and exam decisions without losing the exact certification or code you selected.
CompTIA certification hub
Connect current exam choices to ITCertPath training, Security+ guides and clearly described practice paths.
Continue →CompTIA voucher guidance
Verify country, currency, code, retirement and redemption details before requesting an exam quote.
Continue →Security+ SY0-701 training
Build a structured cybersecurity foundation with practical decisions and guided review.
Continue →Security+ concept-review practice
Use the timed path as a diagnostic and connect missed concepts to official objectives and labs.
Continue →Security+ learning guides
Study identity, controls, cryptography, resilience, assessment and incident-response comparisons.
Continue →Official CompTIA certifications
Verify current exams, objectives, launch dates, retirement dates and candidate information.
Open official source ↗CompTIA certification FAQs
Which CompTIA certification should a beginner take first?
Tech+ is designed for broad technology exploration, while A+ targets practical IT support. A learner already working with networks, Linux, data or security may choose a role-specific path after comparing the official candidate profile and objectives.
Do I need A+, Network+ and Security+ in that order?
No universal rule requires that sequence. It is a useful foundation for many learners, but the right order depends on experience, target role and employer requirements. Build any prerequisite knowledge you lack even when an exam does not enforce a formal prerequisite.
Which CompTIA exams are currently available in October 2026?
The current portfolio includes FC0-U71, 220-1201, 220-1202, N10-009, SY0-701, XK0-006, SK0-005, CV0-004, PK0-005, DA0-002, DS0-001, CS0-003 during its transition, CS0-004, PT0-003, CAS-005, CNX-001, DY0-001, CY0-001 and AT0-001. Always recheck the official directory before purchasing.
Should I book Security+ SY0-701 or wait for SY0-801?
SY0-701 remains the current exam on 2 October 2026. SY0-801 launches on 17 November 2026, while English SY0-701 is scheduled to retire on 11 June 2027. Choose based on preparation and appointment timing, then use materials matched to the exact code.
Is Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 still an active certification?
No. CompTIA stopped offering the CLO-002 certification exam on 25 September 2025. Current Cloud Essentials learning should not be sold or described as an active certification voucher.
Can a CompTIA voucher bought in the USA be used in India?
Do not assume so. CompTIA states that voucher purchases can be country- and currency-specific. Select the actual testing country and correct storefront, then confirm the redemption terms before payment.
Are ITCertPath CompTIA questions copied from live exams?
No. ITCertPath provides independent learning questions based on public objectives. Existing CompTIA paths use a reviewed seed pool with scenario variants, so treat them as concept-review diagnostics rather than claims of many unrelated live-exam questions.
Does ITCertPath issue CompTIA certification or official vouchers?
No. CompTIA controls its certification program and Pearson VUE exam delivery. ITCertPath provides independent training, practice and country-aware voucher guidance; official availability and terms must be verified before payment.
Official sources and freshness
This guide was reviewed on 2 October 2026. Provider pages remain the source of truth for exam codes, candidate requirements, prices, delivery methods and policies.