☁️ CompTIA Cloud+

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

🧩 2. Certification Level and Type

  • Level: Intermediate

  • Type: Technical (Cloud Infrastructure / Operations / Security)

📜 3. Purpose and Goals

  • What skills does it certify?
    Deploying, configuring, and securing cloud infrastructure, supporting cloud operations, maintaining availability and automation in hybrid environments

  • Target roles or profiles:
    Cloud Administrator, Systems Engineer, Network Engineer (Cloud), Infrastructure Support Analyst

  • Practical applications:
    Setting up virtualized environments, securing cloud systems, configuring network/cloud connectivity, disaster recovery planning

🎓 4. Prerequisites

  • Recommended prior certifications:
    CompTIA Network+, Server+, or Security+ (not mandatory)

  • Suggested experience:
    2–3 years of hands-on experience in IT systems administration or networking

  • Required technical knowledge:
    TCP/IP, virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V), storage solutions, IAM, scripting fundamentals, cloud models (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS)

📚 5. Content and Curriculum

  • Key domains/modules:

    1. Cloud Architecture and Design

    2. Security

    3. Deployment

    4. Operations and Support

    5. Troubleshooting

  • Technologies/tools:
    Hypervisors (KVM, ESXi), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), automation tools (Terraform, PowerShell, Bash), security controls, backup and recovery solutions

  • Framework mapping:
    Aligns with NIST SP 800-145, ISO/IEC 17788, and covers elements of NIST CSF (Protect, Respond, Recover)

🧪 6. Learning Approach

  • Style: Mixed (theory + practical simulations)

  • Labs/environments: Optional via CompTIA CertMaster Labs or third-party training providers

  • Materials:

    • CompTIA CertMaster Learn

    • CompTIA Official Study Guide (Sybex)

    • Udemy, Professor Messer, Dion Training

  • Recommended platforms: TryHackMe (“Cloud Fundamentals”), Practice Labs, LinkedIn Learning

📝 7. Exam Format and Details

  • Exam code: CV0-003 (latest version)

  • Mode: Online proctored or in-person via Pearson VUE

  • Duration: 90 minutes

  • Questions: Maximum 90 (multiple choice + performance-based)

  • Languages: English

  • Passing score: 750 / 900

  • Retake policy: No mandatory wait period

  • Certification validity: 3 years

💰 8. Estimated Cost

  • Exam fee: $358 USD

  • Training cost: ~$50–$500 USD depending on method

  • Renewal cost: Submit 50 CEUs or renew via CertMaster CE ($189)

🌍 9. Industry Recognition

  • Demand/popularity: Moderate to high for infrastructure/cloud engineer roles in vendor-neutral environments

  • Organizations that value it: MSSPs, cloud MSPs, telecom, healthcare, logistics, military/defense contractors

  • Comparison:

    • Broader scope than AWS/Azure certs (but less deep per platform)

    • Strong foundational pairing with vendor-specific certs

    • More practical/system-focused than CCSK or CCSP (which are governance-heavy)

💼 10. Career Opportunities

  • Job roles:
    Cloud Systems Administrator, Infrastructure Analyst, Cloud Support Engineer, Data Center Technician

  • Suggested paths:
    → Network+/Server+ → Cloud+ → AWS SAA / AZ-104 / GCLD
    → Cloud+ + Security+ = Infrastructure & Cloud Security readiness

💵 11. Average Salary

  • USA: $80,000–$100,000/year

  • Europe: €50,000–€75,000/year

  • Salary impact: Boosts entry-to-mid-level cloud/infrastructure profiles

  • (Sources: CompTIA Salary Survey, Glassdoor, Dice.com)

📅 12. Renewal and Maintenance

  • Validity: 3 years

  • Renewal options:

    • Submit 50 CEUs via continuing education

    • Complete CompTIA CertMaster CE

    • Earn a higher-level CompTIA or industry cert (e.g., CySA+, CASP+)

🧭 13. Final Recommendations

  • Ideal for:
    IT professionals transitioning from on-prem to cloud infrastructure roles, especially in hybrid/cloud-native organizations

  • When to pursue:
    After foundational IT certs (Network+, Server+) and before vendor-specific certs (AWS/Azure/GCP)

  • Tips:
    Focus on architecture, virtualization, and cloud automation. Practice deployment scenarios. Study security best practices across IaaS and PaaS.