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Exam Information
Official specifications published by CompTIA
Exam Format
90 min
Maximum 90
750
Professional
Registration
$369 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
3 years
Earn 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within 3 years; Pass a current CompTIA Server+ exam; Pass a higher-level CompTIA certification exam (e.g., Linux+, Cloud+)
SK0-005 Exam Topics and Domains
SK0-005 is organized into 4 weighted domains. Expect to work with Driver repositories, Antivirus/anti-malware, Asset tracking systems, Backup software, and more.
1
Server Hardware Installation and Management
18%
Given a scenario, install physical hardware
Racking and Physical InstallationPower ConsiderationsEnvironmental FactorsServer Components
- Install and configure physical server hardware following industry best practices
- Implement proper cable management and documentation procedures
- Calculate power requirements and configure redundant power systems
- Manage environmental factors for optimal server operation
Given a scenario, deploy and manage storage
RAID Levels and ConfigurationsStorage TypesStorage Protocols and Performance
- Configure and manage various RAID levels based on performance and redundancy requirements
- Deploy and configure different storage types (DAS, NAS, SAN)
- Implement storage protocols and optimize performance
- Plan storage capacity and implement tiering strategies
Given a scenario, perform server hardware maintenance
Out-of-Band ManagementComponent ReplacementBIOS/UEFI ConfigurationPhysical Security and Environmental Monitoring
- Use out-of-band management tools for remote server administration
- Perform hardware component replacement with minimal downtime
- Configure BIOS/UEFI settings for optimal server operation
- Implement physical security and environmental monitoring
2
Server Administration
30%
Given a scenario, install server operating systems
OS Installation MethodsPartition and File SystemsPost-Installation Tasks
- Install server operating systems using various deployment methods
- Configure disk partitions and file systems appropriately
- Perform post-installation configuration and updates
- Verify hardware compatibility and driver installation
Given a scenario, configure servers to use network infrastructure services
IP ConfigurationVLANs and Network SegmentationName Resolution and Network ServicesNetwork Teaming and Load Balancing
- Configure IP addressing, subnetting, and default gateways
- Implement VLAN configuration and network segmentation
- Configure DNS, DHCP, NTP, and other network services
- Implement network teaming for redundancy and performance
Given a scenario, configure and maintain server functions and features
Server RolesDirectory ServicesService Management and Scheduled TasksRemote Access and Monitoring
- Install and configure server roles and features
- Manage directory services and Group Policy
- Configure service management and task automation
- Implement remote access and server monitoring
Explain the key concepts of high availability for servers
ClusteringLoad BalancingFault Tolerance and Redundancy
- Understand clustering concepts and configurations
- Implement load balancing for scalability and availability
- Design fault-tolerant systems with appropriate redundancy
- Define and meet RTO/RPO objectives
Summarize the purpose and operation of virtualization
Hypervisor TypesVirtual Machine ManagementVirtual NetworkingContainerization
- Understand hypervisor types and their use cases
- Manage virtual machines including creation, migration, and snapshots
- Configure virtual networking for isolated and secure environments
- Understand containerization and its benefits
Summarize scripting basics for server administration
Script Types and LanguagesScript ComponentsCommon Administrative Tasks
- Write basic scripts for server administration tasks
- Use variables, loops, and conditionals effectively
- Automate common administrative tasks
- Implement error handling and script security
Explain the importance of asset management and documentation
Asset Inventory and CMDBDocumentation TypesChange Management
- Maintain accurate asset inventory and CMDB
- Create and maintain essential documentation
- Follow change management procedures
- Implement ITIL best practices
Explain licensing concepts
License TypesOpen Source and Cloud LicensingLicense Compliance and Management
- Understand various software licensing models
- Manage licenses for compliance
- Optimize licensing costs
- Navigate software audits
3
Security and Disaster Recovery
24%
Summarize data security concepts
EncryptionPKI and Certificate ManagementData Classification and DLP
- Implement encryption for data at rest and in transit
- Manage PKI and digital certificates
- Classify data and implement DLP policies
- Execute secure data destruction procedures
Summarize physical security concepts
Physical Access ControlsEnvironmental and Surveillance ControlsServer Room Security
- Implement physical access controls for server facilities
- Configure environmental and surveillance systems
- Secure server rooms and equipment
- Maintain chain of custody for assets
Explain important concepts pertaining to identity and access management for server administration
User Accounts and GroupsPassword and Account PoliciesAuthentication MethodsAccess Control and Auditing
- Manage user accounts and groups securely
- Configure password and account policies
- Implement MFA and SSO solutions
- Apply least privilege and audit access
Explain data security risks and mitigation strategies
Security ThreatsVulnerability and Patch ManagementNetwork Security
- Identify and mitigate common security threats
- Implement vulnerability and patch management
- Design secure network architecture
- Deploy IDS/IPS and SIEM solutions
Given a scenario, apply server hardening methods
Operating System HardeningNetwork and Application HardeningWeb and Database HardeningSecurity Tools
- Harden operating systems following best practices
- Secure network and application layers
- Implement web and database security measures
- Deploy security monitoring tools
Summarize proper server decommissioning concepts
Data and Service MigrationData SanitizationDocumentation and Disposal
- Plan and execute data and service migrations
- Perform secure data sanitization
- Properly dispose of hardware and maintain documentation
- Comply with environmental and regulatory requirements
Explain the importance of backups and restores
Backup Types and StrategiesBackup Media and TestingRecovery Procedures
- Implement comprehensive backup strategies
- Select appropriate backup media and test backups
- Execute recovery procedures effectively
- Secure backups and manage retention policies
Explain the importance of disaster recovery
Business Continuity PlanningRecovery Strategies and ObjectivesTesting and Maintenance
- Develop comprehensive disaster recovery plans
- Define and meet RTO/RPO objectives
- Implement appropriate recovery strategies
- Test and maintain DR plans regularly
4
Troubleshooting
28%
Explain the troubleshooting theory and methodology
Troubleshooting ProcessProblem Management
- Apply systematic troubleshooting methodology
- Document troubleshooting processes effectively
- Perform root cause analysis
- Implement preventive measures
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common hardware failures
POST and Boot FailuresMemory and Performance IssuesStorage and Power FailuresThermal and Compatibility Issues
- Diagnose POST and boot failures
- Troubleshoot memory and performance issues
- Resolve storage and power problems
- Address thermal and compatibility issues
Given a scenario, troubleshoot storage problems
Disk and RAID FailuresPerformance and Capacity IssuesFile System and Connectivity IssuesBackup Failures
- Troubleshoot RAID and disk failures
- Diagnose storage performance issues
- Resolve file system and connectivity problems
- Address backup and restore failures
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common OS and software problems
Boot and Service ProblemsPermission and Software ConflictsPerformance and Update ProblemsDriver Problems
- Troubleshoot boot and service issues
- Resolve permission and software conflicts
- Diagnose performance problems
- Address driver and update failures
Given a scenario, troubleshoot network connectivity issues
Physical and IP ConfigurationName Resolution and VLAN IssuesRouting and Firewall IssuesNetwork Services and Diagnostic Tools
- Diagnose physical and IP configuration issues
- Troubleshoot name resolution and VLAN problems
- Resolve routing and firewall issues
- Use network diagnostic tools effectively
Given a scenario, troubleshoot security problems
Access and Authentication IssuesMalware and Security BreachesLog Analysis and ComplianceIncident Response
- Troubleshoot access and authentication problems
- Detect and respond to malware and security breaches
- Analyze security logs for anomalies
- Execute incident response procedures
How do I earn this certification?
Passing SK0-005 earns the CompTIA Server+ Certified certification. It sits in the Infrastructure track.
Next Level Options
CASP-005 - CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)Advanced security architecture and engineering
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for SK0-005 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2021-05-18
- Announcement date: 2021-05-18
Updates
- Windows Server 2022 2022 Current Server+ exam aligns with Windows Server 2019/2022 features • Release date: 2021-08-18
- VMware vSphere 8 8.0 Virtualization concepts remain current with vSphere 7/8 generation • Release date: 2022-10-11
- PowerShell 7 7.x PowerShell scripting basics covered in Server+ align with PowerShell 5.1+ and 7.x • Release date: 2020-03-04
- Kubernetes 1.28+ Basic containerization concepts in Server+ curriculum remain relevant • Release date: Ongoing
Who should take this exam?
- CompTIA A+ certification or equivalent knowledge
- 18-24 months of hands-on experience in a server environment
- Experience with server hardware installation and configuration
- Basic knowledge of networking concepts
- Familiarity with Windows Server and Linux operating systems