Cpher

Pro-tier AWS cert focused on CI/CD, IaC, monitoring/incident response, security automation. CodePipeline, CodeBuild, CodeDeploy, Systems Manager, X-Ray, OpsWorks heavily tested. Strong HR signal for AWS-focused DevOps / SRE / platform roles.

Adrian Cantrill's DOP course (~60h) is the standard 2024 prep. Stephane Maarek lighter alternative. Tutorials Dojo DOP-C02 practice exams essential. Most candidates report needing prior SAA + Developer Associate to make DOP manageable.

Strong learning-value: covers OSI, TCP/IP, routing, switching, troubleshooting from the ground up. Recommended bridge between A+ and Sec+. Cisco engineers sometimes still take it for the broader vendor-neutral context.

Latest version (220-1101/1102) added cloud and cybersecurity modules. Still heavy on legacy hardware (RAM types, port pinouts) that real techs rarely encounter. Useful as resume keyword for ATS filtering.

Renewal is annoying — must retake within 36 months. Linux Foundation offers a $0 retake within 12 months if you fail first attempt (effectively two attempts in one fee).

Genuinely teaches breadth — hardware, networking, OS, troubleshooting. For hands-on people who like to know their stuff, the learning-value is real. Tougher than people expect — failure rate around 25–30% per attempt.

Outside helpdesk roles (DevOps, SWE, security), A+ is generally seen as overkill or irrelevant. Many recommend skipping and going straight to Net+/Sec+ if you have a CS/IT degree.

High total cost ($500+) for a foundational cert is the most common complaint. Voucher discounts and bundles via CompTIA Marketplace can bring it down 20–30%. Career-switchers report it's genuinely useful for breaking in.

Standard helpdesk entry cert. Required by many MSPs and corporate IT departments for tier-1 roles. Two exams (Core 1 + Core 2) at ~$253 each = $506 total. Professor Messer free videos + Mike Meyers Total Seminars course are the standard combo.

Renewal options are flexible — earn 50 CEUs in 3 years (other certs, courses, blog posts) or retake. Recurring tip: take Network+ first if your networking is weak; Sec+ assumes solid networking baseline.