Your certification path
Certifications are required and happen as part of your cohort, one per quarter. Everyone starts with the same three-quarter foundation: A+, then Network+, then Security+. After Security+, you choose a specialty track that fits your team. Select a certification below to learn more on CompTIA's site. Quarters count from the start of the cohort, and the timing is proposed.
The foundation: one certification per quarter
Start with A+, then Network+, then Security+. Select a certification to see the details on CompTIA's site.
Quarter 1: CompTIA A+
IT fundamentals: hardware, operating systems and troubleshooting. The heaviest quarter, with two exams.
Quarter 2: CompTIA Network+
Networking concepts: how networks are built, connected and troubleshot. The bridge between IT fundamentals and security.
Quarter 3: CompTIA Security+
Core security concepts: threats, controls and incident response. The baseline for every security role, and your gateway to a specialty track.
Certification questions
Yes, as of now. Certifications are a required part of the program, and you earn them as part of your cohort, one per quarter. Specialty and advanced certifications are still under discussion.
Everyone follows the same three-quarter foundation: CompTIA A+ in the first quarter, Network+ in the second, and Security+ in the third. A+ is the heaviest quarter because it has two exams. Quarters count from the start of your cohort, and the timing is proposed.
[Confirm exam costs and how vouchers or reimbursement work.] Exam costs are still being confirmed.
Study time is intended to be protected, so you can prepare for each exam during your normal work. [Confirm how much study time you get each quarter and how to log it.]
You choose a specialty track that fits your team, such as network and zero trust, security operations, cloud and data, identity, risk and governance, or offensive and app security. The certifications listed for each track are possible options, not requirements, and specialty and advanced certifications are still under discussion. [Add how your coach and manager help you choose.]
Talk to your coach early so you can plan together. [Confirm the retake policy, who covers retake costs, and whether you can move to the next quarter's timeline.]