CompTIA Server+ Certification: Complete Guide 2025
SK0-005
CompTIA Server+ certification is built for IT professionals who support physical and virtual servers in data centers, on-premises environments, and hybrid infrastructure. The SK0-005 exam tests real-world skills across server administration (30%), troubleshooting (28%), security and disaster recovery (24%), and hardware installation and management (18%). With up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions in 90 minutes, Server+ is a strong benchmark for Server Administrators, Systems Administrators, and Data Center Technicians who want practical, job-ready validation.
Exam Details
Resources
Everything you need to pass
Comprehensive preparation materials for your CompTIA Server+ exam
Exam Content
Exam Domains & Topics
Master these 4 domains to pass your exam
Server Hardware Installation and Management
Server Administration
Security and Disaster Recovery
Troubleshooting
Who Should Take This Exam?
- IT professionals seeking CompTIA expertise
- Infrastructure practitioners
- Cloud architects and engineers
- DevOps and infrastructure specialists
- Technical leads and solution architects
- Career changers entering cloud computing
Study Timeline
8-12 weeks
Recommended duration
Foundation · Weeks 1-2
Review exam objectives & core concepts
Deep Dive · Weeks 3-6
Study each domain with hands-on labs
Practice & Review · Weeks 7-8
Take practice exams & target weak areas
Career
Career Opportunities
Roles and salary potential for CompTIA Server+ certified professionals
Related Job Titles
$75,000
Average Annual Salary
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Prerequisites
There are no strict formal prerequisites for the CompTIA Server+ certification. However, CompTIA recommends having foundational knowledge of infrastructure concepts and some hands-on experience before attempting the exam. Candidates who invest time in study materials and practice exams typically perform best.
CompTIA Server+ FAQs
Common questions about the SK0-005 certification exam
The CompTIA Server+ is a professional certification offered by CompTIA that validates your expertise in the relevant technology domain. The exam code is SK0-005. This certification demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage solutions using CompTIA technologies.
The CompTIA Server+ exam typically contains 90 questions. These questions are a mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The passing score for the CompTIA Server+ exam is 750/900. Note that CompTIA uses a scaled scoring system, so focus on understanding all exam domains thoroughly rather than just achieving the minimum score.
The CompTIA Server+ exam duration is 90 minutes (2 hours). This includes time for reviewing your answers. We recommend practicing with timed mock exams to manage your time effectively.
The CompTIA Server+ exam costs $358. Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. CompTIA occasionally offers discounts or voucher programs for certification exams.
The CompTIA Server+ certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain your certification, you'll need to recertify before it expires, either by passing the current exam version or through CompTIA's continuing education program.
While CompTIA doesn't always require formal prerequisites, we recommend having hands-on experience with the relevant technologies. Familiarity with core concepts and practical experience will significantly improve your chances of passing the exam.
Yes, the CompTIA Server+ exam is proctored and can be taken either at a testing center or online through remote proctoring. Online proctoring allows you to take the exam from home while being monitored via webcam. Ensure you have a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection if choosing the online option.
If you don't pass the CompTIA Server+ exam on your first attempt, you can retake it. CompTIA typically has a waiting period between attempts (usually 14 days for the first retake). Use this time to review the areas where you struggled and take additional practice exams.
To prepare for the CompTIA Server+ exam, we recommend: 1) Review the official exam guide and objectives, 2) Gain hands-on experience with the technologies, 3) Use practice exams to identify knowledge gaps, 4) Study each exam domain thoroughly, and 5) Join study groups or forums to discuss challenging topics with other candidates.
Sources
About the CompTIA Server+ Certification
The CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005) is a associate-level certification offered by CompTIA. This certification validates your expertise in infrastructure and is recognized globally by employers seeking qualified professionals. The exam consists of 90 questions to be completed in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 750/900. The exam fee is $358, and the certification is valid for 3 years.
Why Get CompTIA Server+ Certified?
- Career Advancement: Certified professionals earn an average of $75,000 per year. CompTIA-certified professionals are among the most sought-after in the infrastructure industry.
- Industry Recognition: CompTIA certifications are respected worldwide by employers, demonstrating verified competency in infrastructure technologies and practices.
- Skill Validation: The CompTIA Server+ exam rigorously tests your knowledge across 4 domains, ensuring you have the practical skills employers demand.
CompTIA Server+ Exam Format & Details
The SK0-005 exam is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Candidates are given 90 minutes to complete the exam, which contains approximately 90 questions. A score of 750/900 is required to pass. As an associate-level certification, it requires a solid understanding of the core technologies and some hands-on experience.
Exam Domains & Topics
The CompTIA Server+ exam covers 4 key domains. Understanding the weight of each domain helps you allocate your study time effectively:
- Server Hardware Installation and Management (18% of exam)
- Server Administration (30% of exam)
- Security and Disaster Recovery (24% of exam)
- Troubleshooting (28% of exam)
Who Should Take the CompTIA Server+ Exam?
This certification is designed for professionals in the following roles:
- IT professionals seeking CompTIA expertise
- Infrastructure practitioners looking to validate their skills
- Professionals preparing for a career in infrastructure
- Technical specialists aiming to advance their career with an industry-recognized credential
- Team leads and managers who need to understand infrastructure concepts
Career Opportunities & Salary
Earning the CompTIA Server+ certification opens doors to roles such as Server Administrator, Systems Administrator, Data Center Technician. Certified professionals earn an average salary of $75,000 per year, reflecting the high demand for infrastructure skills in today's job market.
Recertification & Renewal
The CompTIA Server+ certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain your credential, you will need to meet CompTIA's renewal requirements before your certification expires. This may include earning continuing education credits, passing a recertification exam, or earning a higher-level certification.
Exam Registration & Cost
The SK0-005 exam costs $358. You can register through CompTIA's official website or an authorized testing center. Most candidates choose between in-person testing at a Pearson VUE or PSI center and online proctored exams taken from home. Be sure to review the exam policies, including identification requirements and prohibited items, before your test date.
How to Prepare for SK0-005
Most candidates need 4-8 weeks of dedicated study to prepare for the CompTIA Server+ exam. Start by reviewing the official exam objectives, then work through each domain systematically. Regular practice with exam-style questions is essential for building confidence and identifying weak areas. Combine reading with hands-on practice to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Hydranode offers comprehensive preparation materials including practice exams, study guides, and free practice tests to help you pass on your first attempt. Our AI-powered practice questions are designed to match the format and difficulty of the actual SK0-005 exam, giving you realistic preparation and instant feedback on your performance.