In 2021, CompTIA quietly acquired TestOut Corporation — meaning "CompTIA TestOut" is now literally the same company. If you've seen TestOut PC Pro, Network Pro, or Security Pro listed as course options at a community college or vocational program, you're looking at CompTIA's own training software, built around their certification exam objectives. That context matters a lot when deciding whether to use it.
This guide covers what CompTIA TestOut actually includes, which certifications it prepares you for, how the LabSim platform works, and where it fits (or doesn't) in a realistic study plan.
What CompTIA TestOut Actually Is
TestOut started as an independent company in 1994, building simulation-based IT training software for schools and universities. Their product, LabSim, became a staple in US vocational IT programs because it let students practice on virtual hardware and networks without a physical lab. CompTIA's acquisition folded that capability into their own training ecosystem.
Today, CompTIA TestOut products serve two roles:
- CompTIA exam prep: Each TestOut course aligns tightly with a CompTIA certification's exam objectives. PC Pro covers A+ (220-1101/1102), Network Pro covers Network+ (N10-009), Security Pro covers Security+ (SY0-701).
- Standalone TestOut certifications: Some courses include a TestOut certification exam. Passing TestOut PC Pro earns you a TestOut PC Pro certificate in addition to preparing you for CompTIA A+. These TestOut certs have limited industry recognition on their own, but they're a useful milestone while you work toward the CompTIA credential.
The key differentiator is LabSim: a browser-based simulation environment where you configure routers, troubleshoot virtual PCs, set up Active Directory, and respond to security incidents — without touching real hardware. For students who don't have a home lab, this is genuinely useful. For experienced IT workers, it covers the same ground faster with flashcards and practice tests.
CompTIA TestOut Course Lineup
TestOut PC Pro → CompTIA A+
PC Pro is TestOut's flagship course. It covers both A+ exam domains: hardware/software troubleshooting (Core 1, 220-1101) and operating systems/security/cloud (Core 2, 220-1102). The LabSim labs walk through tasks like replacing RAM, configuring BIOS settings, setting NTFS permissions, and diagnosing network connectivity issues in a virtual environment.
CompTIA A+ is the most common entry-level IT certification and the logical starting point for anyone targeting help desk, desktop support, or field technician roles. Average salary for A+ holders in the US runs $45,000–$60,000 at the entry level, with significant variance by region and employer.
TestOut Network Pro → CompTIA Network+
Network Pro maps to Network+ (N10-009) objectives. Covers subnetting, TCP/IP, routing protocols, wireless standards, and network troubleshooting. The labs include packet capture exercises and router configuration simulations. This is typically the second certification in a CompTIA progression after A+, though it can be taken first if you have networking background.
TestOut Security Pro → CompTIA Security+
Security Pro prepares for Security+ (SY0-701), which is the DoD 8570 baseline certification and a requirement for many federal IT and cybersecurity positions. The course covers threat analysis, cryptography, identity and access management, and incident response. Security+ is often the certification that moves someone from general IT into a cybersecurity career track, with associated salary bumps of $15,000–$30,000 depending on role.
Other TestOut Courses
CompTIA TestOut also offers courses aligned with Linux+ (Linux Pro), Server+ (Server Pro), and CySA+. The breadth covers most of the CompTIA certification path from entry level through intermediate security and analyst roles.
How LabSim Compares to Other Study Methods
TestOut's simulation approach has real advantages in specific situations — and real drawbacks in others.
Where LabSim works well:
- Students in formal programs (colleges, vocational schools) where TestOut is the assigned curriculum
- People who have no access to physical hardware or a home lab
- Visual learners who retain more from doing than reading
- Beginners who need structured, step-by-step task completion
Where it falls short:
- LabSim is a closed simulation — it doesn't teach you to think around problems the way a real Cisco router or a broken Windows install does
- The interface can feel dated compared to modern video-based platforms like Udemy or CBT Nuggets
- Licensing is often sold through institutions, making individual access less straightforward than buying a $15 Udemy course during a sale
- Practice exam volume is lower than dedicated exam prep platforms like ExamCompass or MeasureUp
If you're self-studying outside a school program, you can replicate most of what TestOut offers by combining a video course (for conceptual coverage), free virtualization tools like VirtualBox or GNS3 (for hands-on practice), and a dedicated practice test bank for exam readiness. That stack is often cheaper and more flexible.
Top Courses for CompTIA TestOut Exam Prep
If you're preparing for the CompTIA certifications that TestOut courses align with, these Udemy courses are among the highest-rated options available and cover current exam objectives:
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Full Course & Practice Exam
Covers the updated A+ Core 1 objectives with full video instruction and an integrated practice exam. Rated 9.4/10 — a strong pairing with any hands-on lab practice you do through TestOut's simulator.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) 6 Practice Tests [2026]
Six full practice exams mapped to the 220-1201 objectives. If you're using TestOut PC Pro for the labs but want more exam simulation volume, this fills that gap directly. Rated 9.4/10.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam Prep 2026 - For Beginners
Beginner-friendly Security+ prep that covers SY0-701 domains from scratch. Pairs well with TestOut Security Pro if you want both simulation practice and structured video instruction. Rated 9.5/10.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) 1,000+ Practice Questions 2026
Over 1,000 practice questions aligned to the current SY0-701 exam. Security+ has a reputation for tricky scenario-based questions — volume practice here is one of the highest-ROI things you can do. Rated 9.5/10.
CompTIA SecAI+ Fundamentals: AI Cybersecurity Basics CY0-001
CompTIA's newest certification targets AI-specific cybersecurity threats and governance. TestOut doesn't yet have a dedicated course for this cert, making this Udemy offering one of the few structured prep options available. Rated 9.6/10.
CompTIA SecurityX (CAS-005) 6 Practice Exams
For the advanced SecurityX (formerly CASP+) certification. Six full-length practice exams — TestOut doesn't currently offer a LabSim product at this level, so dedicated exam practice is essential. Rated 9.0/10.
FAQ
Is CompTIA TestOut the same as CompTIA?
Since CompTIA acquired TestOut in 2021, they are the same company. However, TestOut certifications (like TestOut PC Pro) and CompTIA certifications (like CompTIA A+) are still separate credentials. Passing a TestOut certification does not automatically earn you the corresponding CompTIA certification — you still need to pass CompTIA's proctored exam separately.
Is a TestOut certification worth anything to employers?
Mostly as a milestone, not as a standalone credential. The industry recognizes CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ — TestOut PC Pro, Network Pro, and Security Pro are much less known outside of academic IT programs. List them on a resume as training completed, not as primary certifications. Your goal should be the CompTIA credential.
Can I use CompTIA TestOut without being enrolled in a school?
TestOut primarily sells to educational institutions on a license basis. Individual licenses are available directly through TestOut.com, but pricing is significantly higher than comparable self-study options. For self-directed study, video courses on Udemy plus free virtual lab tools typically offer better value unless your school already provides TestOut access at no cost.
How long does it take to complete a TestOut course?
TestOut PC Pro is typically a full semester course in formal programs — roughly 120–180 hours of content. Self-paced, most people complete it in 6–12 weeks with consistent daily study. Network Pro and Security Pro are similar in scope. If you're targeting a specific exam date, plan backwards from that date and budget study time accordingly.
Does TestOut have a pass guarantee?
Some TestOut courses sold through institutions include exam vouchers and a pass guarantee: if you complete the course and fail the CompTIA exam, you can retake the exam at no additional cost. Terms vary by institution and licensing agreement, so confirm with your program before counting on this.
What's the difference between TestOut LabSim and Packet Tracer or GNS3?
TestOut LabSim is a proprietary, guided simulation environment designed to walk students through specific lab scenarios with structured feedback. Cisco's Packet Tracer and open-source GNS3 simulate real network equipment more accurately but have a steeper learning curve and no built-in CompTIA exam alignment. For exam prep, LabSim is more focused. For building real networking skills that translate to production environments, Packet Tracer and GNS3 win.
Bottom Line
CompTIA TestOut is a solid choice if your school or employer provides access — the LabSim hands-on environment is genuinely better for beginners than reading a textbook. But it's not a shortcut to a CompTIA certification, and the TestOut credential alone won't move the needle with most employers.
The practical path: use TestOut if it's already available to you, supplement with high-quality video instruction and dedicated practice exam banks for exam day readiness, and make sure your actual goal is the CompTIA credential (A+, Network+, Security+), not just the TestOut completion certificate. CompTIA certifications have real labor market value — TestOut is a training tool that helps you get there, not the destination itself.
If you're self-studying without institutional TestOut access, the Udemy courses listed above cover the same exam objectives at a fraction of the cost, and you can build your own hands-on lab with free tools.