The Most Difficult CompTIA Exam, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the exam you think is the most difficult!
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 06:37
Choosing the right CompTIA certification can be a challenging decision for IT professionals aiming to advance their careers. Each exam has its unique set of challenges and focuses on different areas of expertise. Identifying which exams are the toughest helps candidates prepare effectively and set realistic expectations for their study time and resource allocation.
By providing a forum where users can vote on the difficulty of these exams, we offer a dynamic resource that reflects current opinions and trends in the IT field. This crowd-sourced ranking serves not only as a guide to potential test-takers but also highlights the areas where even seasoned IT professionals might struggle. Your votes contribute to a broader understanding and help others make informed decisions about their certification paths.
What Is the Most Difficult CompTIA Exam?
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174votesThe CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) is an advanced-level security certification offered by CompTIA. It is designed for experienced IT professionals who want to demonstrate their mastery of technical knowledge and skills in enterprise cybersecurity. CASP validates the expertise required to conceptualize, design, and engineer secure solutions across complex enterprise environments.
- Exam Code: CAS-003
- Exam Format: Multiple choice and performance-based questions
- Exam Duration: 165 minutes
- Number of Questions: 90
- Passing Score: Passing score is scaled from 100-900, with a minimum required score of 750
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235votes
CompTIA Cloud+
CompTIACompTIA Cloud+ is a professional-level certification exam designed for IT professionals who work in a cloud computing environment. It validates the skills required to securely implement and maintain cloud technologies.- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Prerequisites: CompTIA Network+ or equivalent knowledge
- Exam Code: CV0-003
- Exam Format: Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
- Number of Questions: Maximum of 90
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318votesCompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is an intermediate-level certification that validates the skills and knowledge required to configure and use threat-detection tools, perform data analysis, and interpret results to identify vulnerabilities, threats, and risks to an organization's information systems.
- Number of Questions: 85 multiple-choice and performance-based questions
- Passing Score: 750 (on a scale of 100-900)
- Exam Cost: USD 359
- Exam Code: CS0-002
- Exam Length: 165 minutes
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421votes
CompTIA Linux+
CompTIACompTIA Linux+ is a professional level certification that validates the skills and knowledge required for administering Linux systems. It covers a wide range of topics related to Linux operating system, including installation, configuration, command-line usage, file management, scripting, and security.- Exam Code: XK0-004
- Number of Questions: 90
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes
- Passing Score: 720 (on a scale of 100-900)
- Exam Format: Multiple choice, performance-based
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519votes
CompTIA Network+
CompTIACompTIA Network+ is a widely recognized professional certification for network technicians. It validates the essential knowledge and skills required to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. The exam covers tasks such as network installation, configuration, and troubleshooting, along with network security, knowledge of TCP/IP protocols, network topologies, and network devices.- Certification Name: CompTIA Network+
- Certification Code: N10-007
- Exam Format: Multiple choice and performance-based
- Number of Questions: 90
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes
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611votes
CompTIA PenTest+
CompTIACompTIA PenTest+ is an advanced cybersecurity certification that focuses on penetration testing and vulnerability management. It validates the skills and knowledge required to plan, scope, and manage successful penetration tests and vulnerability assessments.- Exam Code: PT0-001
- Number of Questions: 85
- Question Types: Multiple choice and performance-based
- Exam Duration: 165 minutes
- Passing Score: 750 (on a scale of 100-900)
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76votes
CompTIA Project+
CompTIACompTIA Project+ is a globally recognized certification that validates project management skills and knowledge. It focuses on the essential project management competencies required to successfully initiate, manage, and complete projects.- Exam Code: PK0-004
- Certification Name: CompTIA Project+
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes
- Number of Questions: 95
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87votes
CompTIA Security+
CompTIACompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that validates the foundational skills and knowledge required to perform core security functions and pursue a career in IT security. It covers essential topics related to network security, compliance, cryptography, identity management, threats, vulnerabilities, and more.- Exam Code: SY0-601
- Number of Questions: Maximum of 90
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes
- Passing Score: 750 (on a scale of 100-900)
- Exam Cost: $349 USD
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1011votes
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+
CompTIACompTIA IT Fundamentals+ is an entry-level certification that covers the basic knowledge and skills required to work in IT support roles. It focuses on essential IT concepts and terminology, as well as foundational skills in areas such as hardware, software, networking, and security.- Certification Validity: 3 years
- Exam Code: FC0-U61
- Number of Questions: 75
- Exam Length: 60 minutes
- Passing Score: 650 out of 900
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Ranking factors for difficult exam
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Exam objectivesReview the exam objectives or certification goals to understand the scope and depth of the knowledge areas and skills required. A broader range of objectives may indicate a more challenging exam.
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PrerequisitesCheck for any recommended or required prerequisites, such as prior certifications or experience. Exams with more prerequisites can be more difficult because they build on prior knowledge.
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Exam formatConsider the format of the exam, including the types of questions (multiple-choice, performance-based, etc.), the number of questions, and the time limit. Some exam formats can be more challenging than others.
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Pass rateLook for pass rates if available. A lower pass rate may indicate a more difficult exam.
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Study materialsEvaluate the availability and quality of study materials, including official guides, practice exams, and training courses. A lack of study materials or more expensive resources can make the exam more challenging.
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Level of certificationCompTIA certifications can be categorized into entry-level, intermediate, and expert levels. Generally, higher-level certifications require a deeper understanding of the subject matter and may be more difficult.
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Relevance to job rolesThe difficulty of an exam can relate to its relevance to specific job roles and the skills required for those roles. Certifications that align more closely with specific job roles may be more challenging but also highly valued by employers.
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Exam updatesDetermine if recent updates or changes have been made to the exam content or format, making it more difficult or easier than before.
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Personal experience and knowledgeUltimately, the difficulty of an exam is subjective and depends on an individual's background, experience, and prior knowledge of the subject matter. What is challenging for one person may be easier for another, depending on their skills and expertise.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult CompTIA exam. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or exam is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
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- 207 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each exam once every 24 hours. The rank of each exam is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most difficult comptia exam
CompTIA, or the Computing Technology Industry Association, is a well-known provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications. These certifications are recognized globally and are highly valued by employers. CompTIA offers a range of certification exams, each focusing on a different aspect of IT knowledge and skills.
In terms of difficulty, opinions vary among test-takers and professionals alike. However, there are a few exams that are commonly considered to be the most challenging. These include the CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), and the CompTIA Cloud+ exams.
The CASP+ exam is designed for experienced cybersecurity professionals and covers topics such as risk management, enterprise security architecture, and research and collaboration. The CySA+ exam, on the other hand, focuses on identifying and responding to security threats and vulnerabilities in a network environment. The Cloud+ exam tests knowledge and skills related to cloud computing, including deployment, management, and security.
While these exams may be considered the most difficult, it's important to note that each individual's experience may vary depending on their level of knowledge, experience, and study habits. Ultimately, the key to success in any CompTIA exam is thorough preparation and dedication to mastering the material.
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