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Unauthorized Training Materials FAQ

Welcome to the CompTIA Unauthorized Training Materials FAQ page. This resource is designed to help both candidates preparing for exams and instructors guiding students understand what unauthorized training materials are, why avoiding them is critical, and what steps to take if you encounter these materials. Here, you’ll learn how to identify approved study resources, protect the integrity of CompTIA certifications, and get support if you have questions or concerns. Remember—using the right materials ensures a fair testing process and keeps the value of your certification strong. If you ever need help, CompTIA’s Exam Security team is ready to assist you.

Understanding unauthorized training materials

Unauthorized materials are:

  • Copies of real CompTIA exam questions and answers
  • “Brain dump” websites or forums that share real test content
  • Study resources that break copyright laws or aren’t approved by CompTIA

Tip: Use only study guides, books, or courses from CompTIA or official partners.

There are many brain dump sites because some individuals and companies steal and share confidential exam content to make money or gain attention, violating protocols and copyright laws. These sites spread quickly online, making enforcement challenging. CompTIA diligently works to find, report, and remove unauthorized materials, but relies on test takers to help keep exams fair and secure. If you encounter brain dumps or unauthorized content, please report it.

  • Incorrect or outdated information could hurt your exam results
  • Using “brain dumps” or leaks is a serious policy violation
  • You could lose your certification and be barred from future exams
  • There could be legal consequences

Using and vetting study resources

Absolutely! As long as you don’t create, post, or share real exam questions or answers.

Yes, with caution, and if:

  • They do not share real exam questions or answers
  • They follow CompTIA’s copyright and exam policies

Tip: Use the CompTIA Training Resource Review Tool to look up a resource before you study with it.

You could lose your certification or face the same consequences as during your first certification.

What to do if you encounter unauthorized content

Thank you for letting us know. Here’s what happens next:

  • We’ll review your report confidentially and may ask for more details.
  • You’ll have a chance to explain your situation.
  • We’ll share the outcome and direct you to approved study resources.

Our goal is fairness and helping you succeed the right way. If you have questions, please contact us.

  • Do not use or share the materials with others
  • Report the materials to CompTIA Exam Security right away  

CompTIA appreciates your help in protecting the fairness and integrity of our exams. When you report something, our Exam Security team will review the information and provide guidance on any next steps

  • Stop your exam and contact us—this helps protect the validity of your certification and keeps the exam fair for everyone.
  • We’ll help you with what to do next.

CompTIA’s actions and support

CompTIA is dedicated to protecting the integrity of our certification exams. We actively monitor for unauthorized training materials across the world wide web, investigate reports from candidates and partners, and take action to remove or block content that violates our policies. We also educate candidates and training providers about the importance of using approved resources and following exam security rules. Our Exam Security team works closely with legal, industry, and training partners to address issues and help keep our exams fair for everyone.