CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ is the industry standard entry-level certification for IT support and operational roles, covering hardware, operating systems, and troubleshooting.
What Is This Certification?
A+ validates baseline IT skills across devices, networking, OS, security, and troubleshooting. It is often the first cert for help-desk and technical-support roles and is refreshed to cover modern remote/workforce tech.
Eligibility & Requirements
No prerequisites. Recommended for those starting an IT career.
Exam Format & Structure
Two exams (Core 1 and Core 2), 90 questions each, 90 minutes each, multiple choice and performance-based. Pearson VUE.
Cost & Fees
$253 USD per exam ($506 for both).
Validity & Renewal
Valid 3 years. Renew via CEUs or a higher CompTIA cert.
Salary & Career Outlook
Help-desk and support roles commonly pay $40,000–$60,000; A+ is the usual entry ticket.
Compare CompTIA A+
See how this certification stacks up against others:
Top Training Providers & Resources
- CompTIA CertMaster
- Professor Messer (free)
- Udemy
- Mike Meyers
Is CompTIA A+ Worth It?
CompTIA A+ is worth it if you are breaking into IT support, help desk, or technical operations — it is the most recognized entry cert and frequently a listed requirement for those jobs. It is less worth it if you already have IT experience or aim directly at networking/security/cloud, where a more targeted cert saves time. The trade-off: it is broad but shallow, so it proves you can be productive on day one rather than making you an expert. For career changers with no experience, A+ is the safest, most employers-aligned first cert. Follow it with Network+ or Security+ to keep momentum.
How to Prepare
Prep 1–2 months per exam. 1) Use Professor Messer's free A+ videos plus a paid course (Mike Meyers) for structure. 2) Build a cheap home lab: disassemble/assemble a PC, install Windows/Linux, practice the OS settings the exam covers. 3) Study the official objective domains for Core 1 (hardware, networking, mobile, troubleshooting) and Core 2 (OS, security, software, ops). 4) Do performance-based practice — the PBQs test real tasks, not trivia. 5) Take full practice exams for both cores; schedule Core 1 then Core 2. Hands-on repetition is what separates pass from fail.
How to Get CompTIA A+ Certified
- Confirm you meet the requirements: No prerequisites. Recommended for those starting an IT career.
- Download the official exam blueprint / handbook from CompTIA and map it to a study plan.
- Choose prep that fits you — official materials, a video course, and/or a bootcamp — and set a weekly schedule.
- Study the core topics and, where hands-on, practice until the skills are automatic.
- Take full-length practice exams and target a steady pass-rate before booking. Exam format: Two exams (Core 1 and Core 2), 90 questions each, 90 minutes each, multiple choice and performance-based. Pearson VUE.
- Book the exam ($253 USD per exam ($506 for both).) at a test center or online proctor, then sit and pass it.
- Receive your credential from CompTIA and add it to your resume, LinkedIn, and this profile.
- Track renewal: Valid 3 years. Renew via CEUs or a higher CompTIA cert. — log continuing education early.
Career Paths & Job Titles
- CompTIA A+ Specialist
- Help Desk / Support Technician
- Systems or Network Administrator
- Cloud / DevOps Associate
- IT Project Coordinator
Skills You'll Gain
- Reading the exam blueprint / objectives
- Hands-on with the core platform or toolset
- Troubleshooting and best-practice configuration
- Security and compliance fundamentals
- Documenting and explaining technical decisions
Who Should Get This Certification?
career changers, students, and working IT pros who want a recognized, resume-ready credential
Good fit if…
- You want a credentialed, resume-ready proof of skill in this field.
- The CompTIA A+ is required or preferred for the roles you're targeting.
- You learn well from structured study + practice and can commit the prep time.
- You're starting out and want the gentlest recognized on-ramp.
Maybe skip if…
- You need deep, multi-year expertise — this is a foundational/entry-to-mid credential, not a replacement for experience.
- The topic isn't relevant to your actual career goal.
- You can't meet the eligibility or renewal requirements — check those with the provider first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need A+ for an IT career?
It is not legally required, but many employers list it for entry support roles and it proves baseline competence.
Is A+ hard?
Manageable for beginners; study 1–2 months per exam with hands-on practice.
What is the CompTIA A+ and who is it for?
CompTIA A+ is offered by CompTIA. A+ validates baseline IT skills across devices, networking, OS, security, and troubleshooting. It is often the first cert for help-desk and technical-support roles and is refreshed to cover modern remote/workforce tech. It is aimed at No prerequisites. Recommended for those starting an IT career.
How much does the CompTIA A+ exam cost?
The exam costs $253 USD per exam ($506 for both). Budget for potential retakes and any exam-prep materials you choose separately.
How long is the CompTIA A+ valid, and how do I renew it?
Valid 3 years. Renew via CEUs or a higher CompTIA cert. Renewal requirements vary, so confirm the current policy with CompTIA before your renewal date.
What does the CompTIA A+ exam format look like?
The exam is structured as follows: Two exams (Core 1 and Core 2), 90 questions each, 90 minutes each, multiple choice and performance-based. Pearson VUE. Knowing the format in advance lets you pace yourself and practice the question types you'll face.
Am I eligible for the CompTIA A+?
Eligibility: No prerequisites. Recommended for those starting an IT career. Review the official CompTIA handbook because eligibility rules and documentation can change.
How long should I study for the CompTIA A+?
Most candidates prepare over a focused window that depends on background and the exam's depth. Use the official exam blueprint from CompTIA, pair it with a reputable prep course, and take full-length practice exams until you're consistently above the pass threshold.
What is the salary outlook after earning the CompTIA A+?
Help-desk and support roles commonly pay $40,000–$60,000; A+ is the usual entry ticket. Salaries also depend on region, experience, and related credentials, so treat this as a directional range rather than a guarantee.
Is the CompTIA A+ worth it for my career?
That depends on your goals. CompTIA A+ is worth it if you are breaking into IT support, help desk, or technical operations — it is the most recognized entry cert and frequently a listed requirement for those jobs. It is less worth it if you already have IT experience or aim directly at networking/security/cloud, where a more targeted cert saves time. The trade-off: it is broad but shallow, so it proves you can be productive on day one rather than making you an expert. For career changers with no experience, A+ is the safest, most employers-aligned first cert. Follow it with Network+ or Security+ to keep momentum.
Do I need hands-on experience before taking the CompTIA A+?
Hands-on practice strongly improves pass rates even when not strictly required. Spin up the relevant labs or sandbox, follow the exam objectives from CompTIA, and build muscle memory before test day.
Which comes after the CompTIA A+?
After this credential, candidates typically pursue the next-level associate or professional track from CompTIA, or a complementary cloud/security/agile cert. Check CompTIA's certification path to sequence credentials efficiently.
Can I take the CompTIA A+ exam online?
Most IT certs from CompTIA offer both testing-center and online-proctored options. Online proctoring has strict environment rules (clean desk, ID, stable connection), so verify requirements before booking.