Starting out
Tech+ assumes no experience and is open. A+ is the support credential, and it takes two exams.
Tech+ · A+
CompTIA certifications
A terminal you can watch bring a host back to baseline
Tech+ and Security+ are open. A+, Network+, and the rest of the pathway are listed and coming. Security+ practice includes simulations: you inspect a host, change it, and the score comes from the state you leave behind.
- Tech+ (FC0-U71) and Security+ (SY0-701) are open
- Simulations scored from the host, with partial credit
- Each open exam uses the pass mark CompTIA publishes for that exam
Tech+ practice is free as well. No card required.
SimulationSecurity+ · app01
app01 failed its baseline review. The print service is still running and must not come back after a reboot. /etc/app.conf holds database credentials and is readable by every user. The appsvc group needs read access. Nobody else does.
admin@app01:/etc$
A Security+ simulation. Original task. The score is the host you leave behind, and more than one command sequence can pass.
Scoring
The pass mark belongs to the exam, not to CompTIA as a whole
Security+ passes at 750 on a scale of 100 to 900. Tech+ passes at 650 on a scale of 900. Those are different scales, and a readiness figure on either exam is Acedify's estimate against that exam's published mark.
CompTIA does not publish how many questions you need right to reach either mark. Coming-soon exams stay off this page until we can print their own published mark.
- Security+
- 750 on 100–900
- Tech+
- 650 on a scale of 900
- Questions
- Cap, not a fixed count
Simulations
The hero is a host, not a multiple-choice item
CompTIA describes Security+ as a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions. A simulation approximates a tool, such as a terminal. Partial credit may apply, and more than one solution path can be accepted.
The task in the hero is original. The print service has to stay down across a reboot, and the config file has to be readable by the appsvc group and nobody else. Stopping the service without disabling it leaves the reboot check open.
What the sample scores
The service is not running, and it is not enabled.
The socket is not enabled, so port 631 is not listening.
The config file is mode 0640.
What we leave off the page
How many simulations are on a form.
Whether a simulation is worth more than a multiple-choice item.
How many items you need correct to reach 750.
Where to start
Pick the work, then the exam
Infrastructure
Networks, Linux, servers, and cloud operations.
Network+ · Linux+ · Server+ · Cloud+ · CloudNetX
Cybersecurity
Security+ is the one you can practice today, simulations included. The specialist exams follow it.
Security+ · CySA+ · PenTest+ · SecurityX · SecAI+
Data and delivery
Analysis, databases, projects, and operations automation.
Data+ · DataSys+ · DataAI · Project+ · AutoOps+
Exams
Tech+ and Security+ are open. The rest are coming.
Names are the certifications CompTIA lists. Cards marked coming soon do not invent a question count or a pass mark.
Core
FC0-U71
Tech+
LiveAvailable now
IT concepts for someone new to the field. No prior experience assumed. Practice is open.
A+
Coming soon
Hardware, operating systems, and support. One credential, two exams.
Network+
Coming soon
How networks are built, secured, and fixed.
Infrastructure
Linux+
Coming soon
Linux administration.
Server+
Coming soon
Server hardware, administration, and recovery.
Cloud+
Coming soon
Deploying and operating cloud environments.
CloudNetX
Coming soon
Cloud networking.
Cybersecurity
SY0-701
Security+
LiveAvailable now
Broad cybersecurity. Practice is open, including terminal simulations.
CySA+
Coming soon
Security operations and analysis.
PenTest+
Coming soon
Planning and reporting an authorized test.
SecurityX
Coming soon
Security architecture for experienced practitioners.
SecAI+
Coming soon
Security for AI systems.
SecOT+
AnnouncedComing soon
Operational technology security. CompTIA lists this as pre-order.
Data
Data+
Coming soon
Data analysis and reporting.
DataSys+
Coming soon
Database administration.
DataAI
Coming soon
Data work that includes an AI lifecycle.
Professional
Project+
Coming soon
Running a technology project.
AutoOps+
Coming soon
Automating IT operations.
Pricing
Practice free. Pay when you want a timed mock.
Free
- Untimed practice on Tech+ and Security+
- Explanations on every item, including simulation review
Pro
- Timed mocks at each open exam’s length
- A readiness range against that exam’s published pass mark
- Per-domain preparedness
One subscription covers CompTIA, AWS, Microsoft, Salesforce, Databricks, Google Cloud, the Claude certifications, TOEFL, IELTS and the SAT.
Exam fees are separate and go to CompTIA. We're prep, not registration.
Practice Security+ freeFAQ
CompTIA questions
Start with the exam that is open
Security+ and Tech+ are free to practice. The rest of the pathway is on the list above.
Practice Security+ free