CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005): The Complete Guide
Server+ is CompTIA's vendor-neutral certification for the people who build, run, secure, and troubleshoot servers — the physical and virtual machines behind every data center and hybrid environment. This guide gathers the current exam facts, walks through what each domain expects, and points you toward focused resources for the parts candidates find hardest. The linked articles go deeper; this is the map.
Server+ is a mid-level, hands-on credential. It sits above A+ and complements Network+, and it's aimed at professionals who already work with servers and want to validate that skill set with a recognized, platform-independent certification.
What Server+ validates
Server+ confirms you can manage the full server lifecycle across on-premises, data center, and hybrid environments. A successful candidate can install and manage server hardware; administer server operating systems, storage, and virtualization; apply security controls and disaster recovery; and troubleshoot server problems methodically. The emphasis spans both the physical (racking, cabling, storage, RAID) and the operational (OS administration, high availability, scripting basics, backup and recovery).
Because it's hands-on, the exam includes performance-based questions that reward real experience over memorization.
The current exam at a glance
The current version is SK0-005 (sometimes marketed as "V5"). It launched on May 18, 2021, and remains the active version.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam code | SK0-005 |
| Number of questions | Up to 90 |
| Question types | Multiple-choice and performance-based (PBQs) |
| Length | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 750 on a 100–900 scale |
| Languages | English, Japanese |
| Recommended experience | A+ or equivalent knowledge, plus ~2 years of hands-on server experience |
| Validity | Good for Life — does not expire |
One standout feature: Server+ is a Good-for-Life credential. Unlike most CompTIA certifications, which expire every three years, once you pass Server+ you're certified for good — no renewal fees, no continuing education required. We cover that and the rest of the format in the exam format guide.
The four domains and their weights
SK0-005 is organized into four domains:
- Server Hardware Installation and Management — 18%. Physical installation, racking and cabling, storage, and hardware maintenance.
- Server Administration — 30%. The largest domain: server OS administration, storage and virtualization, network services, scripting basics, and high availability.
- Security and Disaster Recovery — 24%. Physical and logical security controls, hardening, backup, and disaster recovery.
- Troubleshooting — 28%. Diagnosing hardware, software, storage, security, and networking problems on servers.
We break all four down objective by objective in the domains guide.
Do you need prerequisites?
No certification is required to register. CompTIA recommends A+ level knowledge plus roughly two years (18–24 months) of hands-on server experience. This isn't a beginner exam — it assumes you've actually worked with servers, which is why the performance-based questions and troubleshooting scenarios reward practical familiarity.
Where Server+ fits
Server+ complements rather than competes with Network+. Many infrastructure professionals hold both: Network+ for networking fundamentals, Server+ for server-specific skills. We compare them and explain where Server+ sits in Server+ vs Network+.
How to prepare
Server+ rewards hands-on practice above all. A realistic plan blends structured learning with lab time on real or virtual servers.
- Follow a structured schedule. See the Server+ study plan.
- Build hands-on and PBQ readiness. The PBQ and hands-on prep guide covers labs and the skills worth rehearsing.
- Choose materials deliberately. Our study resources overview compares CertMaster Learn, Labs, and Practice.
Careers and value
Server+ maps to roles like systems administrator, server administrator, network operations specialist, data center technician, and IT infrastructure roles. It's recognized within workforce frameworks including NICE and the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework. We dig into roles, the cloud-era relevance question, and whether it's worth it in is Server+ worth it.
Getting started
The official self-paced course covers every objective and is a solid backbone, especially paired with hands-on labs.
Start here: CompTIA Server+ CertMaster Learn (SK0-005). When you're ready to book, you can pick up a Server+ exam voucher, or the voucher-plus-retake bundle for a safety net. As an Authorized CompTIA Partner, we carry official materials only.
A note on voucher eligibility: Voucher eligibility depends on your exam testing location, per CompTIA policy. Testing in an emerging-market region? We don't sell those here — contact us.
FAQ
Is SK0-005 the current version of Server+? Yes. SK0-005 launched in 2021 and remains the active version.
How many questions, and how long? Up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, mixing multiple-choice with performance-based questions.
What score do I need to pass? 750 on a 100–900 scaled range.
Does Server+ expire? No. Server+ is a Good-for-Life credential — it doesn't expire, and no continuing education is required.
Do I need experience or another certification first? No prerequisites, but CompTIA recommends A+ level knowledge and about two years of hands-on server experience.
Is Server+ still relevant with cloud computing? Yes — understanding servers underpins cloud and hybrid infrastructure. We discuss this directly in the careers guide.
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