The CertOwl Blog
Honest guides to CompTIA certifications: what the exams cost, how hard they really are, and how to pass them without braindumps. Written by the founder of CertOwl.
Is the CompTIA A+ worth it in 2026? An honest look
The CompTIA A+ costs about $548 in vouchers and takes months to study for. Who it pays off for in 2026, who should skip it, and what it gets you.
A+CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201): what's actually on the exam
Everything on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) exam. The five domains, question types, the 675 passing score, and where most people lose points.
A+CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2: the difference, and which to take first
Core 1 covers hardware and networking, Core 2 covers operating systems and security. How the two A+ exams differ and which order to take them in.
A+How many questions are on the CompTIA A+ exam? Format explained
Each CompTIA A+ exam has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, but most people see fewer. How the question count, PBQs and the 100-900 scoring scale really work.
A+How hard is the CompTIA A+? Pass rates and why people fail
CompTIA doesn't publish official A+ pass rates. What the real difficulty looks like, the most common reasons people fail, and how to avoid them.
A+How long does it take to study for the CompTIA A+? Realistic timelines
Realistic CompTIA A+ study timelines for beginners and IT-adjacent people, an 8-week plan per exam, and why booking the exam early is the best study hack.
A+CompTIA A+ exam cost in 2026: the real total, not just the voucher
The CompTIA A+ costs about $274 per exam in 2026, and you need two. Full cost breakdown including retakes, study materials, discounts and how to pay less.
GeneralFailed a CompTIA exam? The retake policy and what to do next
CompTIA's retake policy explained. No wait after a first fail, 14 days from the third attempt, full price every time. Plus a plan for passing the retake.
Network+Do you need the A+ before the Network+? (No, but read this first)
The CompTIA Network+ has no prerequisites. Who can skip the A+ and go straight to N10-009, who shouldn't, and what the Network+ exam looks like in 2026.
Security+CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) in 2026: format, difficulty, and why the military requires it
The CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam explained. Question count, the 750 passing score, 2026 pricing, and how DoD 8140 made it mandatory for thousands of jobs.
Network+How hard is the CompTIA Network+? What to expect from N10-009
The CompTIA Network+ sits a clear step above the A+ in difficulty. What makes N10-009 hard, where candidates lose points, and how much study time you need.
Network+CompTIA Network+ exam cost in 2026: what you'll really pay
The CompTIA Network+ voucher costs $399 in 2026. Where the price went up, how resellers sell it for less, and what retakes and study materials add.
Network+How long does it take to study for the CompTIA Network+?
Study timelines for the CompTIA Network+ by starting point, from IT professionals to complete beginners, and a weekly plan that actually holds up.
Network+Subnetting explained for beginners (the way it finally clicks)
Subnetting from zero: what a subnet mask really does, how CIDR notation works, and a five step method that solves CompTIA Network+ questions fast.
Network+Network+ vs CCNA: which networking cert should you get first?
Network+ is vendor-neutral and beginner-friendly; CCNA is Cisco-specific and deeper. Compare cost, difficulty and jobs to pick your first networking cert.
Security+How hard is CompTIA Security+? An honest difficulty guide
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) is a moderate exam: 90 questions, 90 minutes, pass at 750 of 900. See what makes the PBQs and Security Operations tricky.
Security+CompTIA Security+ exam cost in 2026: the real total
A CompTIA Security+ voucher costs $439 in 2026. What authorized resellers charge, what a failed attempt adds, and the renewal fees nobody mentions.
Security+Is CompTIA Security+ worth it in 2026?
Security+ costs $439 plus weeks of study. Where the certification genuinely pays off, where it does not, and why the salary figures you see quoted mislead.
Security+How long does it take to study for the CompTIA Security+?
Realistic Security+ (SY0-701) study timelines by starting point, the total hours most people need, and a weekly plan that survives a busy schedule.
Security+What jobs can you get with Security+ and no experience?
Which jobs hire Security+ holders with no experience in 2026: SOC tier 1, help desk, junior GRC and DoD 8140 government roles, with real pay numbers.
Security+DoD 8140 explained: which CompTIA certifications count
What DoD 8140 is, how it replaced 8570, which seven CompTIA certification families qualify, and how Security+ became the fastest route into defense cyber jobs.
GeneralWhich CompTIA certification should you get first?
A+, Network+ or Security+ first? A decision guide by starting point, with real 2026 prices, study times and the one case where skipping the A+ is right.
GeneralThe CompTIA certification path, explained for 2026
The full CompTIA certification path for 2026: A+, Network+ and Security+, then CySA+, PenTest+ or SecurityX, with real prices and where to join the ladder.
GeneralAre CompTIA certifications worth it? A straight answer
When CompTIA certifications pay off, when they are a waste of money, and how the prices, renewal fees and realistic salaries stack up in 2026.
GeneralHow to schedule your CompTIA exam, step by step
How to book a CompTIA exam through Pearson VUE: vouchers, choosing a test center or online session, the 24 hour reschedule rule and exam day ID.
GeneralCompTIA exam online or at a test center? How to pick
Online CompTIA exam or a Pearson VUE test center? The real differences: room rules, no breaks online, tech risk, and who each option actually suits.
GeneralHow to renew your CompTIA certification, all four routes
CompTIA certifications expire after three years. The four renewal routes, what CEUs are, the real fees, and the pyramid rule that renews all at once.
Security+Security+ passing score: what 750 out of 900 really means
The Security+ passing score is 750 on a 100 to 900 scale. Why that is not 83 percent, how scaled scoring and PBQs work, and what to aim for instead.
GeneralIs the CompTIA trifecta worth it? An honest breakdown
The CompTIA trifecta means A+, Network+ and Security+. What all three cost in 2026, how long they take, who needs the full set, and who should skip ahead.
CySA+Is CompTIA CySA+ worth it in 2026?
CySA+ costs $439 and assumes four years in a SOC. Who it pays off for in 2026, who should wait, and how it differs from Security+ in practice.
CySA+CySA+ vs Security+: which one, and when
CySA+ and Security+ now cost the same, which makes them look interchangeable. What each exam actually tests, which comes first, and how to tell where you are.
CySA+How hard is CompTIA CySA+? A realistic 2026 answer
CySA+ difficulty depends on your analyst hours, not your study hours. What CS0-004 tests, how the four domains weigh, and who finds it hard in 2026.
PenTest+PenTest+ vs CEH: format, price and which to pick
PenTest+ costs a third of CEH and tests hands-on skills, yet CEH still opens certain doors. How the two exams differ and how to choose in 2026.
PenTest+How hard is CompTIA PenTest+? What the exam really asks
PenTest+ difficulty measured properly: what PT0-003 tests, why Attacks and Exploits dominates, who finds it hard and how long to prepare in 2026.
A+Jobs with CompTIA A+: what you can realistically get
The jobs a CompTIA A+ opens: help desk, desktop support and field service. What they pay against BLS data, and the skills employers ask for beside the badge.
A+CompTIA A+ vs Google IT Support: which one first?
CompTIA A+ costs about $548 in exams, the Google IT Support certificate about $49 a month. They are different kinds of credential, and only one is an exam.
Security+Security+ acronyms: what to learn and what to skip
CompTIA lists over 300 acronyms in the SY0-701 objectives. Which ones actually earn marks, why memorising expansions is not enough, and how to drill them.
Security+Security+ PBQs: what they are and how to beat them
Security+ PBQs explained: simulations, how many to expect on SY0-701, how partial credit works, and a time plan so they never eat your exam.
Security+Security+ domains: what the five sections cover
The five SY0-701 domains and their weights, from Security Operations at 28 percent to General Concepts at 12, what each covers and how to split your study.
Security+Does Security+ expire? The three year clock explained
Security+ expires three years after you pass unless you renew. The four renewal routes, what each costs, and what happens if you let the cert lapse.
Security+Security+ salary: what you really earn in 2026
What Security+ holders really earn in 2026: entry SOC ranges, the experienced analyst median, why the averages mislead, and what moves your number.
Security+Security+ with no IT experience: a realistic starting map
No IT job yet? Security+ has no prerequisites. What the exam expects, realistic timelines by starting point, and the two gaps that sink beginners.
Security+Security+ vs CISSP: which one fits where you are now
Security+ and CISSP compared on entry rules, exam format, three year cost and roles, plus why Security+ still waives a year of CISSP experience in 2026.