What CompTIA A+ certification is and what it takes to earn it

CompTIA A+ certification is a vendor-neutral credential that shows you can support computers, networks, and mobile devices at an entry level. It is one of the most widely recognized certifications in IT support roles. To earn it, you pass two separate exams — one covering hardware and troubleshooting, the other covering operating systems and networking — and you must have at least nine months of hands-on IT support experience (or three years in any IT role) before you sit for the exams.

The certification does not require a degree or formal schooling, only exam passage and documented experience. Most people study for four to six weeks before testing. The exams cost about $240 each, and you can retake either one if you do not pass on your first attempt.

CompTIA A+ is often the first step toward higher certifications like Network+ or Security+, and many employers list it as a requirement or strong preference for help desk, technical support, and field service roles. It is also one of the few certifications that the U.S. Department of Defense recognizes for certain government contractor positions.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have at least nine months of paid IT support experience before you can sit for the CompTIA A+ exams, or three years in any IT role.
  • The certification requires passing two separate exams (Core 1 and Core 2), each covering different areas of hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
  • Study materials range from free YouTube videos to paid bootcamps, with most people spending four to six weeks preparing.
  • Once you pass both exams, your certification lasts three years, after which you must renew by passing an exam again or completing continuing education.
  • The total cost is roughly $480 for both exams, plus whatever you spend on study materials, which can range from nothing to several hundred dollars.

Verify you meet the experience requirement

CompTIA requires documented work experience before you test. You need either nine months of paid IT support experience or three years in any IT role. This means you must have worked in a job where you were solving technical problems, configuring devices, or supporting users — not just worked in an IT department doing administrative tasks.

You do not need to have the job title "IT Support" or "Help Desk." Work as a field technician, desktop support specialist, system administrator, or even a retail tech support role counts. The key is that your job description included hands-on technical work. When you register for the exam, CompTIA will ask you to confirm your experience, but they do not typically verify it with your employer unless you are explore for a government contract role.

If you do not yet have nine months of experience, you have two options: wait until you reach that threshold, or look for an entry-level IT support role (help desk, field service, or retail tech support) to build your hours. Many people earn their certification while working in these roles, not before.

Choose your study materials and learning path

CompTIA A+ study materials exist at every price point. Free options include YouTube channels like Professor Messer (video lectures covering the entire exam), CompTIA's own sample questions, and Reddit communities where people share study notes. Paid options range from $50 to $500 and include online courses (Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning), textbooks, practice exam software, and in-person or online bootcamps.

Most people combine resources: they watch free videos for the basics, buy a practice exam tool to test themselves, and use a textbook or course for topics they struggle with. The CompTIA A+ exam objectives (the official list of what you need to know) are published on CompTIA's website and should guide what you study, regardless of which materials you choose.

Bootcamps exist but are not necessary. A bootcamp costs $2,000 to $5,000 and compresses study into two to four weeks of full-time or part-time classes. They work well if you learn better in a structured environment with an instructor, but many people pass the exam using only free and low-cost materials. The deciding factor is usually your learning style and how much time you can dedicate each week.

Study the two exam domains

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (exam 220-1101) covers hardware, networking basics, mobile devices, and troubleshooting methodology. You will study how computers are built, how networks connect devices, how to diagnose why something is not working, and how to follow a logical process to solve problems. This exam is heavier on hands-on knowledge — you should understand what a motherboard does, how RAM works, and how to use diagnostic tools.

CompTIA A+ Core 2 (exam 220-1102) covers operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), software installation, security, and customer service. You will study how to install and configure Windows, how to manage user accounts, how to recognize malware, and how to communicate with non-technical people. This exam includes more scenario-based questions where you read a situation and choose the best next step.

Both exams are 90 minutes long and include roughly 80 to 90 questions. You need a score of about 675 out of 900 to pass each one (the exact passing score changes slightly with each exam version). You can take them in any order, though most people take Core 1 first because it builds foundational knowledge that Core 2 assumes.

Register for the exams and schedule your test date

You register for CompTIA A+ exams through Pearson VUE, the testing company that administers them. Go to the Pearson VUE website, create an account, and search for CompTIA A+ exams. You will see both Core 1 and Core 2 listed. Each exam costs about $240, though prices vary slightly by region and sometimes CompTIA runs promotions.

When you register, you confirm that you meet the experience requirement. You then choose a test date and location — exams are offered at testing centers in most cities, and many centers also offer remote proctored testing (you take the exam at home with a proctor watching via webcam). Schedule your first exam at least three to four weeks out to give yourself study time. You can register for the second exam when ready after passing the first, or wait and register later.

On exam day, bring a government-issued photo ID and arrive 15 minutes early. You will not be allowed to bring notes, phones, or outside materials into the testing room. The testing center provides a whiteboard and marker for scratch work.

Take practice exams and review weak areas

Practice exams are the single most important part of preparation. They show you what the real exam feels like, reveal which topics you have not mastered, and build your speed and confidence. Most study materials include practice questions, and standalone practice exam software (like Examtopics, Crucial Exams, or CompTIA's own CertMetrics) costs $30 to $80 for access to hundreds of questions.

Take your first practice exam after two to three weeks of study, before you feel ready. You will likely score lower than you want — that is normal and useful. Review every question you missed, not just the answer but why the other options were wrong. If you scored below 70 percent, spend another week on those topics before taking a second practice exam. Repeat until you consistently score 80 percent or higher on practice exams.

The week before your real exam, take one full-length practice exam under timed conditions, in a quiet room, without breaks. This trains your brain for the actual test environment and builds endurance for 90 minutes of focused thinking.

Maintain your certification after you pass

Once you pass both exams, your CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years from the date you passed your second exam. After three years, you must renew. Renewal options include retaking both exams, taking a single renewal exam (which costs less and covers updates to the field), or completing CompTIA Continuing Education credits by taking other CompTIA exams or approved training courses.

Many people renew by taking the next certification up the chain — Network+ or Security+ — which counts as renewal credit. Others take the renewal exam, which is shorter and cheaper than retaking the full A+ exams. Plan for renewal about six months before your three-year mark so you have time to study if you choose to retake an exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree or prior IT experience to get CompTIA A+?

You do not need a degree, but you do need nine months of paid IT support work experience (or three years in any IT role). If you do not have this yet, you can work toward it in an entry-level help desk or field service role while studying for the exam.

What happens if I fail one of the exams?

You can retake the exam. There is no limit on retakes, though CompTIA requires a waiting period (usually 14 days) between attempts. You pay the full exam fee each time you retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, especially if they review their weak areas between tries.

Can I take both exams on the same day?

Yes, you can schedule Core 1 and Core 2 back-to-back on the same day if you want, though most people take them on separate days or weeks. Taking them on the same day means you have less time to study for the second exam and less time to recover if you do not pass the first.

How much does CompTIA A+ cost in total?

The two exams cost about $480 combined. Study materials range from free (YouTube, free practice questions) to $500 or more (bootcamps, comprehensive courses). Most people spend between $100 and $300 on study materials, making the total cost $580 to $780.

Will CompTIA A+ help me get a job?

Many help desk and technical support roles list CompTIA A+ as preferred or required. It shows employers you have foundational knowledge and have passed a standardized test. However, the certification alone does not may provide a job — you still need to interview well and often need some work experience alongside the credential.