CompTIA certification training
CompTIA classes taught live, with exam vouchers included
Short, focused CompTIA certification training for adults moving into IT: A+ for IT support, Network+ for networking, and Security+ for cybersecurity. Every program is taught in real time by an IT professional, covers the exam objectives directly, and includes the exam voucher in tuition, so you are not paying separately to sit for the exam you trained for.
- Training careers nationwide since 2006
- Live instructors, never pre-recorded
- WIOA and DVR funding eligible
Choose your CompTIA program
Each one includes the exam voucher in tuition.
CompTIA programs
CompTIA certification programs offered
Each program is live, instructor-led, and part-time, with small live classes that start on a rolling basis, so you can train around a job search or a job. Every program also includes hands-on labs inside the live sessions, career coaching, and class recordings after each session.
CompTIA A+ Certificate
IT support specialists keep technology working for everyone else. Prepare for entry-level IT roles and the CompTIA A+ certification exams.
Core 1 and Core 2 exam vouchers included
Explore the program
CompTIA Network+ Certificate
Network technicians configure and troubleshoot the infrastructure that keeps organizations connected. Prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam with practical networking and security training.
Network+ exam voucher included
Explore the program
CompTIA Security+ Certificate
Security analysts protect systems, data, and users. Practice threat detection, hardening, and incident response in official CertMaster Labs and prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam.
Exam voucher and CertMaster Labs included
Explore the programThe CompTIA certification path
A+, Network+, and Security+: a credential stack that builds
The three core CompTIA certifications, sometimes called the CompTIA trifecta, are designed to build on each other. Taking them in sequence is one of the most direct ways to move into IT with credentials employers recognize at each level: A+ for support roles, Network+ for infrastructure roles, and Security+ for your first cybersecurity role.
CompTIA A+: IT support
The most widely recognized entry-level IT certification and the usual requirement for help desk, desktop support, and IT support specialist roles. Covers hardware, Windows, macOS, and Linux, networking basics, security, IT service management, troubleshooting, and AI tools in IT support. Two exams, Core 1 and Core 2; both vouchers are included.
CompTIA Network+: networking
Builds on IT fundamentals to cover networking in depth: network models, LAN and wireless configuration, IP addressing and subnetting, VLANs and routing, network security, and troubleshooting, with hands-on labs in GNS3, Wireshark, pfSense, and VirtualBox. Prepares you for network support, field technician, NOC, and junior network administrator roles.
CompTIA Security+: cybersecurity
The common baseline certification for cybersecurity work. Covers threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations, and program management and oversight, with official CertMaster Labs and courseware included. Prepares you for SOC analyst, security analyst, and incident response roles.
Many students complete the A+ and enroll in Network+ right after, and rolling enrollment means there is no cohort calendar to wait for between programs. A+ and Network+ together are $5,750 in tuition with both sets of exam vouchers included. If you already have IT experience or hold the A+, you can start with Network+, and students with solid networking knowledge can go straight to Security+.
All three certifications are recognized under the Department of Defense 8140 workforce qualification framework, which replaced DoD 8570. That matters if you are targeting federal government, military, or defense contractor IT roles; confirm the exact requirement for a specific position with the hiring agency or contractor. Admissions can help you plan timing across all three.
Compare
CompTIA certification cost, length, and what is included
Compare the three programs side by side, from tuition and exam vouchers to prerequisites and the roles each one prepares you for.
| Program | CompTIA A+ | CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA Security+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Starting an IT career from scratch | Moving into networking and infrastructure | Moving into cybersecurity |
| Length | About 6 weeks | About 7 weeks | About 8 weeks |
| Live hours | 36 | 42 | 48 |
| Schedule | 2 sessions/week, 3 hrs each | 2 sessions/week, 3 hrs each | 2 sessions/week, 3 hrs each |
| Tuition | $2,850 | $2,900 | $5,295 |
| As low as | $97/mo* | $99/mo* | $180/mo* |
| Exam vouchers | Core 1 + Core 2 included | Network+ (N10-009) included | Security+ included |
| Study materials | Purchased separately | Purchased separately | Courseware and CertMaster Labs included |
| Prerequisites | No IT experience required | Computer comfort; A+ helpful, not required | Networking basics; A+ or Network+ helpful |
| DWC certificate | IT Support Specialist Certificate | Network Technician Certificate | CompTIA Security+ Certificate |
| Roles it prepares you for | Help desk technician, IT support specialist, desktop support technician | Network support technician, field technician, NOC technician, junior network administrator | SOC analyst (Tier 1), security analyst, incident response analyst |
*Example only: the full tuition financed over 36 months at 13.99% APR, Climb's lowest current rate; $100 registration fee applies; subject to credit approval. Scholarships, WIOA, DVR, the Community Heroes Discount, and employer billing can lower your cost. Small live classes typically start within 2 to 3 weeks of enrollment; class start timing depends on enrollment and cannot be guaranteed. Exam retakes are purchased directly from CompTIA.
Who these programs are for
Built for adults who want the most direct path into IT
None of these programs requires a degree or years of IT experience. What they require is focused engagement for six to eight weeks and a willingness to sit and pass an industry exam at the end.
Career changers from customer service, retail, healthcare administration, and military service backgrounds are well represented. The problem-solving mindset, calm under pressure, and service orientation those roles build transfer directly into IT support work, and the CompTIA certifications add the technical credential that turns that background into a hirable profile.
The programs also fit people already doing IT work informally who want a credential employers can verify. If you have been troubleshooting computers and networks without a certification, these programs are built for exactly that situation.
No paid software is required for A+ or Network+; the lab tools are free, and Security+ includes CertMaster Labs. You need a reliable Mac or PC, high-speed internet, a webcam, and a microphone.
What makes DWC different
CompTIA training with a real instructor in the room
Not a video library and not a self-paced module: live classes, hands-on labs, and support from enrollment to exam day.
Taught live, every session
A real IT professional teaches in real time. When a subnet is not behaving the way the exam objective says it should, you get an answer from someone who has configured one.
Small classes, real feedback
Classes are small enough that your instructor knows where you are in the material and your questions get answered in class.
Exam vouchers included
The exam voucher is built into tuition for every CompTIA program, so you never pay separately to sit for the exam you trained for.
Two credentials, not one
A professional certificate issued by Digital Workshop Center, plus the CompTIA certification itself when you pass the exam.
Career coaching included
Resume, LinkedIn, interview preparation, and job search strategy with a career coach, plus admissions, student, and tech support.
Class recordings after every session
Recordings are available after each session for review, so a work conflict does not leave you behind.
Paying for CompTIA training
Five ways to pay for a CompTIA program
The CompTIA programs are among the most accessible in the DWC catalog from a funding standpoint, and many students complete them at little or no out-of-pocket cost. Not sure what you qualify for? Our admissions team can help you sort it out.
TT
It provided me with resources and knowledge that I could not find in self-paced certification programs or even college courses. It's very well organized and structured.
Tristan T., CompTIA A+ student
FAQ
CompTIA certification questions, answered
Still curious? Attend a free info session or call 970-980-8091.
Which CompTIA certification should I get first?
Start with CompTIA A+ if you are new to IT. It covers the hardware, operating system, and support fundamentals that Network+ and Security+ build on. If you already hold the A+ or have hands-on IT experience, CompTIA Network+ is the right next step, and students with solid networking knowledge can go straight to CompTIA Security+. An admissions advisor can help you find your starting point.
What is the CompTIA certification path?
The common path is A+, then Network+, then Security+. A+ qualifies you for IT support roles, Network+ for networking and infrastructure roles, and Security+ for entry-level cybersecurity roles. The three are sometimes called the CompTIA trifecta, and DWC offers all three as live online programs.
How much do CompTIA classes cost at DWC?
Tuition is $2,850 for CompTIA A+, $2,900 for CompTIA Network+, and $5,295 for CompTIA Security+, and each includes the exam voucher. Financed through Climb Credit over 36 months at 13.99% APR, that is as low as $97, $99, or $180 per month, subject to credit approval. WIOA, vocational rehabilitation, scholarships, the Community Heroes Discount, and employer billing can lower the cost.
Is the exam voucher really included in tuition?
Yes. The A+ program includes both the Core 1 and Core 2 exam vouchers, covering one attempt at each of the two exams required for A+ certification. The Network+ and Security+ programs each include one exam voucher. Retakes are the student's responsibility and are purchased directly from CompTIA. Exam scheduling guidance is provided in the final module of each program.
Are study materials included?
For A+ and Network+, CompTIA-approved study materials are purchased separately, and admissions recommends current resources when you enroll. Security+ tuition includes the official CompTIA courseware and CertMaster Labs.
How long do the CompTIA programs take?
CompTIA A+ is 36 hours over about 6 weeks, Network+ is 42 hours over about 7 weeks, and Security+ is 48 hours over about 8 weeks. Each meets twice a week for 3-hour live sessions.
When can I start?
All three are small live classes with rolling enrollment, so there is no cohort calendar to wait for. Classes typically start within 2 to 3 weeks of enrollment. Class start timing depends on enrollment and cannot be guaranteed.
Do I need prior IT experience?
Not for A+, which is designed for adults starting from scratch. Network+ has no formal prerequisite, but you should be comfortable with computers, and A+ or similar experience helps. Security+ goes best with networking basics such as IP addressing, routing, and switching. If you are unsure, talk with an admissions advisor first.
Are these CompTIA classes online or in person?
All three programs are taught live online through Zoom in small classes, with an instructor in real time and hands-on labs inside the sessions. Class recordings are available after each session. Programs are open to students nationwide.
What credentials do I earn?
Each program awards two credentials. The first is a professional certificate issued by Digital Workshop Center: the IT Support Specialist Certificate for A+, the Network Technician Certificate for Network+, and the CompTIA Security+ Certificate for Security+. The second is the CompTIA certification itself, issued by CompTIA when you pass the exam.
Do these certifications meet DoD 8140 requirements?
CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ are all recognized under the Department of Defense 8140 workforce qualification framework, which replaced DoD 8570, and are common requirements for federal, military, and defense contractor IT roles. Confirm the exact requirement for a specific position with the hiring agency or contractor.
Are the CompTIA programs eligible for WIOA funding?
Yes. All three programs are eligible for WIOA funding through local American Job Centers, with eligibility determined individually based on your employment status and income. DWC provides full program documentation for case managers. Start with our WIOA-approved training programs guide or contact admissions.
Is there a scholarship for veterans?
Yes. The Next Mission Scholarship takes 80% off tuition for qualifying veterans and service members and covers all three CompTIA programs. The Tech Skills and Women in Tech scholarships and the Community Heroes Discount are also available. Scholarships are reviewed by an independent scholarship committee.
Will more CompTIA programs be added?
CompTIA Security+ is the newest addition, completing the A+, Network+, and Security+ path. DWC plans to keep expanding its CompTIA catalog; contact admissions for information on upcoming programs.
Ready to start your CompTIA certification?
Meet an instructor at a free info session, ask about the curriculum and the IT job market, and see exactly what each program covers. Or request program information and an admissions advisor follows up within one business day.
Program details are current as of publication and may change; each program page has the latest. Class start timing for small live classes depends on enrollment and cannot be guaranteed. Funding eligibility is determined by the funding agency. CompTIA, A+, Network+, and Security+ are trademarks of CompTIA. Download the program guides for full curriculum details.