CompTIA Project+

CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005) validates the essential project management skills needed to successfully manage small to medium-sized IT projects. It is the only industry certification designed specifically for IT professionals who coordinate and manage projects as part of their broader job responsibilities, rather than dedicated project managers.

The certification covers both predictive (waterfall) and adaptive (Agile/Scrum) methodologies, with a strong emphasis on IT-specific project environments including cloud migration, software development, infrastructure deployment, and GRC compliance. Project+ is vendor-neutral and framework-agnostic, drawing from PMBOK, PRINCE2, and Agile frameworks to provide a well-rounded foundation in project management concepts.

The CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam consists of a maximum of 90 questions, combining multiple-choice and performance-based question types. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam, and a score of 710 on a scale of 100-900 is required to pass (approximately 79%). Performance-based questions may include drag-and-drop, matching, ordering, and scenario-based exercises that test practical application of project management concepts. The exam is available in English, Japanese, and Thai. The retail price is approximately $358 USD.

Common pitfalls for Project+ candidates include underestimating the significant Agile content in PK0-005, which expanded considerably from the previous version. Many candidates with traditional waterfall backgrounds struggle with Agile artifacts, ceremonies, and hybrid methodology questions. The Basics of IT and Governance domain (18%) often trips up candidates who lack familiarity with ESG considerations, information security frameworks, compliance requirements (PCI-DSS, NIST, CMMC), CI/CD pipelines, and cloud service models. Candidates should also ensure they understand the differences between waterfall and Agile documentation artifacts, risk management frameworks and quantitative vs. qualitative risk analysis, and the specific roles and responsibilities within both predictive and adaptive project teams.

CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 is delivered through Pearson VUE test centers worldwide or via online proctoring (OnVUE) from home or office. There is no waiting period between the first and second exam attempts, but a 14-calendar-day waiting period is required before the third and subsequent attempts, with full exam price charged for each retake. As of October 1, 2025, new Project+ earners receive the Project+ CE credential which requires renewal every 3 years through 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a $150 renewal fee. Holders who earned the certification before October 1, 2025 retain their lifetime credential. The certification prepares candidates for roles such as IT Project Coordinator, Junior IT Project Manager, and IT Manager. CompTIA recommends 6-12 months of hands-on project management experience, and community consensus suggests 60-80 hours of focused study preparation.