As IT professionals, we’re constantly looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve and advance our careers without breaking the bank. I’m excited to share my experience with CompTIA’s beta exam program, which allowed me to earn three certifications for just US$150 between 2021 and 2022.

Over the stated period I earned my Pentest+, Project+, and CySA+ certifications through CompTIA’s beta exam program, at cost of US$50 each, and I was delighted by the value it offered. By taking advantage of the beta exams, I was able to save significantly on exam costs while still gaining the same level of knowledge, skill and end-goal certification. The regular cost for Pentest+, Project+ and CySA+ are US$404, US$369 and US$404 respectively. That’s a whopping savings of US$1,027.

So, how did I discover this opportunity? I learned about the Pentest+ beta exam through a post on a popular online community called Reddit. Later, I received email invitations from CompTIA to take part in the Project+ and CySA+ beta exams.

The beta exam process is similar to regular exams, but with a shorter preparation timeline. You’ll need to prepare and sit the exam within a specific timeframe, usually 2-3 months. This can be challenging, but it’s a great opportunity to test your skills and knowledge under pressure. Christmas in 2022 wasn’t as enjoyable for my household because I had to prepare for the CySA+ exam which was scheduled for 8pm on Boxing Day.

One of the benefits of taking the beta exams is that they’re often launched approximately 6-7 months before the current version of the certification is retired. This means you can get a head start on earning the latest certifications, which are refreshed every 3 years to keep alignment with the changes in the technology landscape.

I also appreciated the flexibility of taking the beta exams. You can sit the exams at a testing centre or via online remote proctoring through Pearson Vue, in the comfort of your own home. I preferred the remote proctoring option, which allowed me to take the exams in a familiar and distraction-free environment.

Another advantage of the certifications I earned is that they have a positive impact on each other. Passing the Pentest+ exam renewed my Security+ certification that I earned in 2020, and passing the CySA+ exam renewed both my Security+ and Pentest+ certifications. The Project+ certification, on the other hand, is a lifetime certification, which means I won’t need to renew it every 3 years like the others.

One important note to keep in mind is that beta exams don’t provide immediate results like regular exams do. Instead, the data collected from beta testers is analyzed to determine the scoring ranges and finalize the questions that will be served in future exams. This means you’ll have to wait roughly 4 months to receive your results, which will be released when the new version of the certification is launched.

Benefits of CompTIA beta exams:

• Cost-effective way to earn new certifications
• Opportunity to gain experience and build confidence
• You contribute to shaping the administration of the refreshed certification
• Same certifications and skills as regular exams
• Flexibility to take exams online or at a testing center
• Certifications are refreshed every 3 years to keep alignment with the changes in the technology landscape

Tips for success:

• Take note of when a certification will be refreshed and stay informed about upcoming beta exams through CompTIA’s website and social media accounts.
• Plan your study schedule carefully to meet the deadline
• Don’t be discouraged by failure – use it as a learning opportunity. Even if you fail the beta exam you will have an idea of the types of questions to expect when you retake the exam.

By taking advantage of CompTIA’s beta exam program, you can maximise your IT budget and elevate your career. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck in your IT journey!