CompTIA Server+ is a great certification that validates skills in IT professionals who want to have an in-depth knowledge of server technology, management, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting.
In this post, we cover the exam objectives for CompTIA Server+, how you can prepare for it, some tips, and much more. Let’s start.
Understanding CompTIA Server+ Certification
The CompTIA Server+, or the SK0-005, is a basic certification that an IT professional can take to add value to their resume.
This entry-level certification focuses on servers and revolves around on-premise data center architecture while also emphasizing the cloud.
There are no robust eligibility requirements for taking the exam, however, it is recommended to have two to four years of experience in the IT field along with the CompTIA A+ certification.
Benefits of becoming Server+ certified
CompTIA Server+ Exam Objectives
The CompTIA Server+ exam focuses on proactively defending and continuously improving the security of an organization.
- 1
System hardware
System hardware focuses on your knowledge of racking, power cabling, network cabling, server chassis types, and server components. The main server components include a hardware compatibility list, CPU, GPU, memory bus types, interface types, and expansion cards.
- 2
Software
Software means understanding common problems like system hanging, freezing, slow performance, and more. It also includes the causes of common problems like memory leaks, buffer overruns, unstable drivers, or software.
- 3
Storage
Storage includes things like capacity planning, RAID levels and types, shared storage, hard drive media types, and more. Shared storage mainly focuses on network attached storage and storage area network and also tests your knowledge of interface types.
- 4
IT Environment
For this, you have to understand and implement best practices for data center environmental controls. It’s also important to explain and apply server hardware and software maintenance practices and also keep networking concepts in mind.
- 5
Disaster Recovery
This requires you to summarize data security concepts such as encryption paradigms, retention policies, boot loader, passwords, UEFI/BIOS passwords, etc. You will also be expected to explain important concepts pertaining to identity and access management.
- 6
Troubleshooting
The objective of troubleshooting is to explain the theory and relevant methodology. You will also have to troubleshoot common problems like Kernel panic, random lockups, and more. Storage, connectivity, and security troubleshooting problems are also part of this section.
Structure of Exam Objectives
Server Hardware Installation and Management: 18%
This section includes several scenarios in which you have to install physical hardware, deploy and manage storage such as shared storage, capacity planning, etc.
It also gives a scenario for performing server hardware maintenance like out-of-band management, hot-swappable hardware, and more.
Server Administration: 30%
This section also includes scenarios like installing server operating systems, configuring servers to use network infrastructure services, and configuring and maintaining server functions and features.
It also tests your knowledge of the purpose and operation of virtualization and licensing concepts.
Security and Disaster Recovery: 24%
This section summarizes data security and physical security concepts. It also tests your knowledge of auditing, multifactor authentication, user accounts, etc.
You should also be able to explain data security risks and mitigation strategies and explain the importance of disaster recovery.
Troubleshooting: 28%
This section gives several scenarios like troubleshooting common hardware failures, storage problems, common OS and software problems, network connectivity issues, and security problems.
It also focuses on different tools and techniques to address these troubleshooting problems.
Preparing for CompTIA Server+ Certification
It’s important to prepare yourself well for the exam and score the best possible score. Here are some resources that can help you during preparation.
1. Recommended study materials
CBT nuggets | CompTIA IT Server Course
This offers great study materials along with great practice exams. You can also start with a free week before paying for the course and see if the teaching methods and material provided help you.
2. Practice tests and mock exams
Udemy | TOTAL: CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005): 4 Practice Tests 200 Q's
This included 4 practice tests with 200 questions in total. You can practice each test with 50 questions in 90 minutes. The passing grade is 85%, and the domains are weighted like in the actual exam.
3. Online Course providers
CompTIA | CompTIA Server+ Certification Training
This is the official training you can get to prepare for the exam. It contains different interactive modules like CertMaster Practice along with instructor-led training that you can take.
4. Video tutorials
CompTIA | How to Pass CompTIA Server+ SK0-005
This is a great video tutorial that gives you insight into how to pass the exam with a great score. It takes insights from industry professionals and what you need to do to obtain the certification.
5. Guides and books
CompTIA | CompTIA IT Server + SKO-005 Certification Study Guide
This is an official study guide that has been designed from scratch to help you master the material included in the examination. It has clearly written and structured content that focuses on your exam success.
Exam Day Tips
Post-Exam Tips
Career Opportunities for CompTIA Server+ Certified Professionals
The exam consists of performance-based question that help you uplift your career and open many options. Let’s look at some common roles you can get after passing the exam and the average salaries.
Job Role | Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
Server Administrator | Manages and maintains server infrastructure, including installation, configuration, and monitoring | $65,000 - $100,000 |
Systems Administrator, Windows Server | Manages and supports overall IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and operating systems | $41,000 - $90,000 |
Support Technician, Information technology (IT) | Provides technical support for servers, addressing hardware and software issues | $39,000 - $94,000 |
IT Manager | Handles network infrastructure, including servers, routers, switches, and security devices | $73,000 - $131,000 |
Data Center Technician | Manages and maintains physical environment and equipment in data centers | $45,000 - $75,000 |
CompTIA Server+ vs. Other Certifications
There are several other certifications similar to CompTIA Server+. The table summarizes some of these certifications, what they focus on, and the target professionals.
Certification | Focus | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
CompTIA A+ | General IT fundamentals | Entry-level IT professionals |
CompTIA Server+ | Server administration and management | IT professionals specializing in server support |
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) | Managing and deploying resources in Azure | IT professionals working with Azure |
VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization | Virtualization technologies and management in VMware | IT professionals specializing in VMware |
Conclusion
CompTIA Server+ is an excellent certification for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in server administration.
It is a valuable investment if you aim to transition into the field and acquire essential knowledge and skills.
The job market is also promising as the certification provides a solid foundation for pursuing more advanced certifications and unlocking further career prospects in the field of server administration.
