IT offers numerous opportunities for career growth, but it can be tough to decide which step to take next. To help your students better understand which certifications can get them to the next level in their career, CompTIA developed its career pathways.

Along the pathways, each certification builds upon the last to help students move ahead in their career.

CompTIA Core Skills Certifications

Whether they’re new to IT or just need a refresher, the following certifications validate the foundational skills needed by all IT students. They cover topics like operating systems, hardware, networking and more that apply to every IT discipline.

• CompTIA IT Fundamentals • CompTIA Network+ • CompTIA A+ • CompTIA Security+ 

CompTIA Infrastructure Career Pathway

A solid IT infrastructure is necessary for any business to function. For years, employers have used the following CompTIA certifications to identify IT pros who can support and manage data center and network operations.

• CompTIA Server+ • CompTIA Linux+ • CompTIA Cloud+

CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway

With the increase in cyberattacks and the number of new connected devices, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals is growing at a rapid pace. The following cybersecurity certifications help technical specialists achieve cybersecurity mastery, from beginning to end.

• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) • CompTIA PenTest+
• CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

CompTIA Additional Certifications

In addition to the specialized skills validated along the CompTIA career pathways, IT students can benefit from additional skills, like project management or instruction. The following certifications cover these versatile skillsets that help take careers to the next level.

• CompTIA Project+ • CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) • CompTIA Cloud Essentials