CertMaster labs can be complex and resource intensive. Please ensure that you meet or exceed these recommended specifications.
| Technical Specifications | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Processor/CPU |
Minimum: Intel Core i3, 8th generation or newer Alternative Minimum: AMD Ryzen 3, 2000 series or newer Recommended: Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 |
| CPU Speed | Approximately 2.4 GHz or faster |
| RAM |
Minimum: 8 GB Recommended: 16 GB |
| Internet Bandwidth | 3.6 Mbps per user minimum |
| Operating Systems | Windows 10, 64-bit, or newer Intel-based macOS Linux OS ChromeOS, subject to the Chromebook requirements below |
|
Supported Browsers Latest versions |
Chrome Edge Firefox Safari |
| Virtual Machines | Graphics acceleration must be enabled Device must support WebGL 2.0 and WebAssembly |
| Allowed Domains |
*.comptia.orgAdditional lab or CDN domains may apply depending on network configuration. |
Note for Chromebook/ChromeOS:
Chromebook CPU Requirements
Minimum (Required)
• Intel Celeron N4000 series or newer
Not Supported / Not Recommended
• ARM-based Chromebooks
Recommended (Preferred)
• Intel Core i3 or i5 (11th generation or newer)
ChromeOS Version Requirements
• ChromeOS version 115+
• Device must not be past its Auto Update Expiration (AUE)
Display Requirements
• Minimum Resolution: 1366 × 768
• Recommended Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (1080p)
Note: Courses may run on computers not meeting listed specifications, but slowness or unresponsiveness may occur. If you don’t meet the recommended specifications, we recommend trying the labs on a faster computer and internet connection, if available, to see if performance improves.
How to Find your Computer Specifications
On a Windows computer, we recommend going to the System Information utility. In Windows 8 and 10 you can simply click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of the screen and start typing, “System information” and then just select it. In Windows 7 you can run the msinfo32 command by holding down the Windows key on the keyboard, pressing the “R” key, and then typing msinfo32 and hitting enter. The information you are looking for is highlighted in the image below.
On a Mac, basic system information can be found by clicking the Apple menu and then clicking About This Mac. To find the actual name of your CPU on a Mac, follow the steps outlined here: https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/find-mac-cpu-model/
How to Find Your Internet Speed
To check internet speeds, we recommend freshly restarting the computer, resetting your router, and turning off any other devices that use your internet connection to reduce the possibility of interfering factors. Then navigate to https://fast.com (chosen for its simplicity and acceptable accuracy).
Labs require a minimum internet speed of 3.6 Mbps per user. Reliable internet connectivity is important for optimal performance and loading times. After initial loading is completed, the lab uses very little internet, although it is important to maintain an internet connection. (Do not close your laptop or put it to sleep during a lab or your results may not communicate properly to our server.)
Fast.com will automatically begin to run its test and tell you your download speed. If you suspect the result you see is inaccurate, reload the test once or twice. If you see Kbps instead of Mbps, then your internet speed is inadequate. 1000 Kbps = 1 Mbps. If you find that you are below the minimum internet speed, see section 7.5 for more ideas.