IT / Hardware
CompTIA Server+
A vendor-neutral server infrastructure certification covering server hardware, installation, management, security, disaster recovery and troubleshooting in data center and hybrid environments.
At a Glance
- Provider
- CompTIA
- Level
- Intermediate
- Category
- IT / Hardware
- Estimated Effort
- Self-paced preparation varies according to existing server and infrastructure experience.
- Assessment
- Maximum of 90 questions including multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
Overview
CompTIA Server+ is a vendor-neutral certification focused specifically on server hardware and infrastructure. The current exam is SK0-005. Its subject matter is particularly relevant to hands-on data center IT roles because it covers server installation, hardware, administration, security, storage, disaster recovery and troubleshooting. Unlike general data center credentials, Server+ concentrates primarily on the IT/server layer rather than power, cooling and broader facility operations.
What It Covers
Server+ covers server hardware installation and management, server administration, security and disaster recovery. Topics include physical server components, storage, server operating environments, high availability, troubleshooting, security, virtualization and operational practices associated with server infrastructure.
Who It's For
IT professionals responsible for installing, administering, maintaining or troubleshooting server hardware and infrastructure. It can also be relevant to experienced Data Center Technicians seeking deeper server-focused knowledge.
Prerequisites & Experience
Stated Prerequisites
No formal certification prerequisite.
Experience Expectations
Not a formal provider requirement.
CompTIA recommends A+ knowledge or equivalent and approximately two years of hands-on experience working in a server environment. These are recommended preparation guidelines rather than mandatory registration prerequisites.
Exam & Assessment
- Exam Code
- SK0-005
- Format
- Maximum of 90 questions including multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
- Question Count
- Maximum 90 questions
- Duration
- 90 minutes
- Passing Score
- 750 on a scale of 100–900
- Delivery Method
- Pearson VUE testing. Available delivery options depend on region and current CompTIA/Pearson VUE policy.
Cost & Commitment
- Cost
- US$399 at current published U.S. pricing
- Estimated Effort
- Self-paced preparation varies according to existing server and infrastructure experience.
Pricing varies by country and may change. Verify current regional Server+ pricing directly with CompTIA before purchasing.
Pricing and exam details change. Check the official provider page before registering or purchasing.
Why It May Be Useful
Server+ is particularly relevant to hands-on data center IT work because its focus includes physical servers, hardware, storage, installation, administration, security and troubleshooting. It can help bridge the gap between broad foundational IT knowledge and the server-specific responsibilities encountered in many Data Center Technician environments.
When It May Not Be Necessary
Server+ is not a universal requirement for Data Center Technician roles. Experienced server technicians may already possess much of the covered knowledge. It also does not replace data-center-specific knowledge of power, cooling, critical environments, safety or facility operations.
Relevant Career Roles
Strongly Relevant
- Data Center Technician
IT Infrastructure
Its server hardware, installation, storage and troubleshooting focus closely aligns with many hands-on Data Center Technician responsibilities.
- Senior Data Center Technician
IT Infrastructure
Provides server-focused infrastructure knowledge relevant to advanced hardware troubleshooting and technical escalation responsibilities.
Useful
- Network Technician
Networking
Provides useful server and infrastructure context for network technicians working in integrated data center environments, although it is not a dedicated networking certification.
- Data Center Operations Manager
Operations
Can provide useful server-infrastructure context for operations managers responsible for teams supporting physical IT environments.
Situational
- Data Center Project Manager
Project Management
May provide useful server infrastructure context for project managers coordinating hardware deployments, migrations and refresh programs.
- Technical Program Manager
Program Management
May support TPMs who need stronger understanding of physical server infrastructure affected by large deployment or lifecycle programs.
Career Disciplines
IT Infrastructure · Operations
Official Provider
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Certification information is career guidance. Requirements, cost and value vary by employer, site and region.