The CompTIA Certification Path in 2026: A+, Network+, Security+ and What Comes Next
Skip the roadmap - test yourself on a real step
A complete Security+ SY0-701 practice exam: 90 questions with interactive PBQs and an Exam Coach report. Free A+ and Network+ papers are linked on each step below.
SECPLUS-EXAM-FULL
Try a free Security+ exam
Already have an account? Log in to redeem
Networking
Connect the new access switch.
Three connections need three different interfaces.
Security Operations
Follow the evidence. Contain the incident.
A finance user opened an invoice attachment. Something followed.
Software Troubleshooting
Update the managed mobile app without losing unsent records.
Capacity and app-source policy are two independent gates.
PBQs from the Security+, A+ Core 1 and A+ Core 2 packs, each graded outcome by outcome. Each free full-length exam includes PBQs like these.
The CompTIA certification path runs A+ → Network+ → Security+, then CySA+ or PenTest+, then SecurityX, with Tech+ as an optional first step. None is a formal prerequisite: start at A+ if you are new to IT, at Network+ or Security+ if you already work in IT support. The core three cost $1,386 in exam fees at October 2026 prices, and earning a higher certification renews the lower ones. Security+ moves to SY0-801 on 17 November 2026.Prices and versions checked against CompTIA's pages on 12 October 2026.
In this guide
The CompTIA path, step by step
Every step is optional; CompTIA has no formal prerequisites. Prices are CompTIA's US list prices, checked October 2026.
-
Tech+ (formerly ITF+)
IT fundamentals for people who have never worked in IT. Most candidates with any hands-on experience skip it and start at A+.
-
A+ · 220-1201 and 220-1202
Hardware, operating systems, security, troubleshooting and support. The certification help desk and IT support job ads ask for most.
Free A+ Core 1 practice exam → -
Network+ · N10-009
Networking in depth: subnetting, routing and switching, network services, security and troubleshooting. Leads to network support roles, or on to Cisco's CCNA.
Free Network+ practice exam → -
Security+ · SY0-701, then SY0-801
The baseline security certification: threats, architecture, operations and governance. SY0-801 launches on 17 November 2026; SY0-701 retires in English on 11 June 2027.
Free Security+ practice exam → -
CySA+ or PenTest+
Specialise: CySA+ (CS0-004) for security analysts in a SOC, PenTest+ for offensive testing. CompTIA recommends about four years in an analyst role for CySA+.
Security+ vs CySA+ → -
SecurityX (formerly CASP+)
Expert level, for senior security engineers and architects.
Infrastructure branch: Linux+, Server+ and Cloud+ ($399 each) sit beside Network+ for system administrators and cloud roles.
Where to start
| Your situation | Start at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Never worked in IT | A+ | It is broad enough to make the rest make sense, and it maps to entry-level jobs |
| Working in help desk or IT support | Network+ or Security+ | A+ covers what you already do every day |
| Aiming at networking | Network+, or straight to CCNA | CCNA vs Network+ |
| Aiming at security | Security+ | The most requested security certification; Network+ first if networking is new to you |
| Already hold Security+ and work in a SOC | CySA+ | Security+ vs CySA+ |
How renewal stacks
A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+ and SecurityX are valid for three years. You renew by earning continuing education units (20 for A+, 30 for Network+, 50 for Security+) and paying the CE fee, by completing CompTIA's CertMaster CE, or by earning a higher-level certification, which renews the lower ones you hold. Climbing the path keeps the earlier steps current.
What the core path costs
| Path | Exam fees |
|---|---|
| A+ | $548 |
| A+ and Network+ | $947 |
| A+, Network+ and Security+ | $1,386 |
| Network+ and Security+ (skipping A+) | $838 |
Each retake is a full voucher again, so one avoided retake pays for practice exams several times over. Per-exam detail: A+, Network+ and Security+ exam cost and format.
Practice exams for every step we cover
FigigExams has a complete practice exam free for each CompTIA step above that we cover, then $39 once per certification (per core for A+):
| Certification | Free exam | Full pack |
|---|---|---|
| A+ Core 1 | APLUS1-EXAM-FULL | 4 exams, 354 questions, 19 PBQs |
| A+ Core 2 | APLUS2-EXAM-FULL | 3 exams, 262 questions, 15 PBQs |
| Network+ | COMPTIA-NET-001 | 1 exam, 90 questions |
| Security+ | SECPLUS-EXAM-FULL | 4 exams, 357 questions, 17 PBQs |
We do not cover Tech+, CySA+, PenTest+ or SecurityX.
Find your step with a full-length paper
90 questions with interactive PBQs and an Exam Coach report that shows how close you are. Free, no credit card.
Try a free Security+ exam$39 once per certification (per core for A+), lifetime, future versions included.
Frequently asked questions about the CompTIA path
What is the CompTIA certification path?
The usual order is Tech+ (optional) then A+, Network+ and Security+, followed by CySA+ or PenTest+ and finally SecurityX. CompTIA has no formal prerequisites, so you can start at whichever step matches your experience.
Which CompTIA certification should I get first?
A+ if you have never worked in IT. If you already work in help desk or IT support, most people start at Network+ or Security+.
Do I need A+ before Security+?
No. CompTIA recommends Network+ and two years of experience before Security+, but neither is required. Many candidates already working in IT go straight to Security+.
How much does the CompTIA trifecta cost?
$1,386 at list prices checked in October 2026: $548 for the two A+ exams, $399 for Network+ and $439 for Security+.
Does a higher CompTIA certification renew the lower ones?
Yes. Under CompTIA's continuing education programme, earning a higher-level certification renews the lower-level certifications you hold, so Security+ renews Network+ and A+.
Is Security+ changing?
Yes. CompTIA Security+ V8 (SY0-801) launches on 17 November 2026, and SY0-701 retires in English on 11 June 2027.