The CompTIA SK0-005 exam is designed to test the competence of candidates in the installation, management, as well as troubleshooting of servers utilized in data centers. It also checks individuals’ expertise in core hardware and software technologies of on-premise and hybrid server environments, including cloud computing, scripting, and high availability. The candidates who excel in the SK0-005 test are awarded the CompTIA Server+ certification that allows them to work on any platform because it does not focus on a specific one.

Professionals Suited To Take The Test

Individuals who have attained the CompTIA A+ certificate are welcome to register for the test. If you can demonstrate that you have experience in IT of about two years, then you can apply for the SK0-005 exam as well. This is recommended experience which means that any individual who wishes to learn more about servers can take the evaluation. However, having some years of hands-on experience under your belt will ease your way to earning the vendor-neutral Server+ certification.

Details Of The Server+ Exam

The CompTIA SK0-005 exam is a new one as it was launched in May, 2021. And till the end of 2021, you still can take the SK0-004 exam. As for details of the SK0-005 evaluation, it has a duration of 1.5 hours and within this allocated timeframe, candidates are expected to complete 90 questions. The test comprises both multiple-choice and performance-based items. To pass the evaluation and qualify for the associated accreditation, test-takers have to attain a score of 750 on a scale of 100 to 900 points. This exam is available in English and Japanese languages and it is administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers or online. Candidates who wish to register for this CompTIA exam are charged $338. Before sitting for the exam, applicants need to acquire a good understanding of how it is formatted and what is covered in its syllabus.

Topics Covered

The SK0-005 exam is designed to evaluate individuals extensively on several topics related to installation, management, as well as troubleshooting of servers. The content of the certification test is classified into four main subject areas that are as follows:

• Installation of Server Hardware & Management (18%)
• Server Administration (30%)
• Security & Disaster Recovery (24%)
• Troubleshooting (28%)

In the first topic covered in the SK0-005 evaluation, candidates are supposed to be knowledgeable on the installation of physical hardware. This encompasses competence in racking, installation of power and network cables, varieties of server chassis, as well as the components found in servers. Next, they are required to have expertise related to the implementation and management of storage. Examinees will be tested on the types and tiers of RAID. Other skills evaluated here involve capacity planning, classes of hard drive media, types of interface, as well as shared storage. This domain moves on to the maintenance of server hardware. What is covered in this subtopic includes Out-of-Band management, administration of local hardware, hot-swapped hardware, among other competencies.

The next domain focuses on the installation of operating systems used in a server. This is where candidates have to demonstrate their skills in identifying the minimum OS requirements and hardware compatibility before installation can commence. After that, the subject area seeks to find out competencies in the configuration of servers to utilize network infrastructure solutions such as IP, VLAN, and default gateways, among others. Next, test-takers have to know how to configure and manage the functions as well as characteristics of a server. The other knowledge that is evaluated within this section entails the high availability of servers for easy access to business data and systems. Candidates should also have a solid comprehension of how virtualization works, including its functions. Further, the domain checks know-how on the scripting basics for server administration. The examinees should also be able to describe the significance of asset management as well as documentation. And finally, the domain evaluates candidates’ knowledge of licensing concepts.

In the third section, the SK0-005 evaluation looks at the concepts of data security in summary and then moves on to the physical security of a server. Next, it focuses on how access & identity are managed for server administration. Candidates should also be able to describe various security risks and how they can be addressed. Besides, they should have the skills necessary to conduct server hardening while applying various methods such as OS, application, hardware hardening, and so on. Moreover, test-takers should know how servers are decommissioned. Lastly, they are tested on the significance of backups and restores in addition to disaster recovery.

The fourth subject area evaluates how candidates are knowledgeable of the theory and methodology of troubleshooting. Examinees should be able to troubleshoot regular issues associated with hardware as well as diagnose them in storage and solve them. Next, the domain focuses on ordinary problems pertaining to the operating system and software. Furthermore, candidates are evaluated on network connectivity glitches and their ability to identify and resolve them. And finally, the exam section deals with security issues. Test-takers are evaluated on the various common problems and what causes them as well as the tools that are used to secure the server.

Career Opportunities

All organizations that have large quantities of data to store require a server. Even those that have migrated their IT services to the cloud still use them. As a result, professionals who have the knowledge as well as skills to install, maintain, optimize, and diagnose a server are in high demand. There are several job roles that you can step into after passing the SK0-005 exam and earning the Server+ designation. These are outlined below:

• Systems Administrator
• Server Administrator
• Data Center Technician
• IT technician
• Network Administrator
• Data Center Engineer

These jobs offer a path to career development and potentially higher salaries. For instance, the PayScale website shows that the annual average pay for the CompTIA Server+ certification holder is around $68,000 per annum. However, the actual salary depends on numerous factors, including the type of organization and years of experience.

After acing the CompTIA SK0-005 exam, you can pursue advanced certification within the infrastructure pathway, Cloud+. Since the CompTIA Server+ is the only certification by this vendor that should not be renewed, you can simply choose any other validation to opt for from its certification program.