CompTIA A+ is a two-exam certification that proves you can install, configure, and troubleshoot computers and networks

CompTIA A+ tests your ability to work with hardware, operating systems, and basic networking — the foundation skills for entry-level IT jobs. You take two separate exams: one on hardware and mobile devices, the other on networking and troubleshooting. Passing both earns the credential, which most employers in IT support roles expect or prefer.

The certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it does not teach you one company's tools but instead covers skills that work across Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. It is one of the oldest IT certifications still in wide use, and many employers treat it as a baseline requirement for help desk, desktop support, or field technician positions.

Key Takeaways

  • CompTIA A+ requires passing two exams that cover hardware, operating systems, networking, and troubleshooting — not just one test.
  • The certification is vendor-neutral, so it teaches skills that explore across different manufacturers and operating systems rather than one company's products.
  • Most entry-level IT support roles list A+ as preferred or required, making it a common first step for people entering IT work.
  • You do not need prior IT experience to study for A+, though many people take it after working in tech support for a few months.
  • The exams cost money to take, and you must pass both within three years to keep the credential active.

What the two exams actually test

The first exam, called Core 1, covers hardware, mobile devices, and troubleshooting. You answer questions about how to replace a hard drive, what RAM does, how to connect a printer, how to diagnose why a computer will not start, and how to use Windows, macOS, and Linux at a basic level. The test is multiple choice and performance-based — some questions show you a scenario and ask what you would do next.

The second exam, called Core 2, focuses on operating systems, networking, security, and customer service. You learn about user accounts, file permissions, network protocols, wireless connections, malware removal, and how to talk to people who are frustrated with their technology. Both exams have the same format: multiple choice and hands-on scenarios.

CompTIA updates these exams every few years. The current versions (1101 and 1102) launched in 2022, so study materials from 2020 or earlier may cover topics that are no longer tested. When you register for the exam, CompTIA tells you which version you will take.

How long it takes to prepare and what it costs

Most people study for three to six months before taking the exams, though the timeline depends on how much IT experience you already have. If you have worked in tech support or built your own computers, you might need only two months. If you are starting from scratch, plan for six months or longer.

Study materials include books, online courses, practice exams, and video tutorials. Many are free or low-cost — YouTube has thousands of CompTIA A+ videos, and some community colleges offer free or subsidized prep courses. Paid options range from $50 to $300 for a full course. Each exam costs $226 to take, so the total exam fee is $452 for both tests.

You do not have to pass both exams in a set timeframe, but CompTIA requires you to pass the second exam within three years of passing the first. If you do not, your first exam expires and you have to retake both.

Who actually needs this certification

Help desk technicians, desktop support specialists, and field service technicians almost always need A+ or something equivalent. Many government contractors require it for anyone working on their IT systems. Some companies list it as preferred rather than required, meaning you can get hired without it but will have a harder time competing with candidates who have it.

If you are planning to move into network administration, cybersecurity, or cloud work later, A+ is often a stepping stone — employers expect you to have it before you move up. It is less common in software development or data roles, where different certifications matter more.

You do not need A+ to work in IT at all. Some people get hired into help desk roles based on experience alone, especially if they have worked in tech support informally or have a degree in a related field. But A+ makes you more hireable and usually leads to better pay in entry-level positions.

How the certification stays valid and what happens after

Once you pass both exams, your A+ credential is valid for three years. To keep it active after that, you can retake the exams, earn a higher-level CompTIA certification (which resets the clock), or earn certain vendor certifications like Microsoft or Cisco credentials that count as renewal credit.

Many people use A+ as a foundation and then pursue specialized certifications. Network administrators often move to CompTIA Network+ or Cisco certifications. Security-focused technicians pursue CompTIA Security+ or vendor-specific security credentials. Cloud roles often require cloud-specific certifications from AWS, Microsoft, or Google on top of A+.

How A+ compares to other entry-level IT paths

CompTIA A+ is not the only way to start an IT career. Some employers hire based on a degree in computer science or information technology instead. Others value hands-on experience — if you have spent two years fixing computers or managing networks, you may not need the certification at all.

Microsoft certifications (like the Azure Fundamentals or Microsoft 365 certifications) focus on Microsoft products specifically and are useful if you know you want to work in a Microsoft-heavy environment. Cisco certifications focus on networking. CompTIA A+ is broader and does not assume you will work with one company's products, which is why it remains the most common entry point.

The choice often comes down to your situation. If you have no IT experience and want to move into support roles quickly, A+ is a clear path. If you already work in tech support or have a related degree, you might skip it and move straight to a more specialized certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need IT experience before taking CompTIA A+?

No, but some experience helps. You can study for A+ with no background, though people who have built a computer, worked a help desk job, or troubleshot their own devices usually find the material easier to understand. If you are starting completely fresh, expect to spend more time on fundamentals.

Can I take just one of the two exams and come back to the other later?

Yes. You can take Core 1 first, then Core 2 months or even a year later. However, you must pass Core 2 within three years of passing Core 1, or Core 1 expires and you have to retake both.

What if I fail one of the exams?

You can retake it. Most people retake within a few weeks after studying the topics they struggled with. There is no limit on how many times you can retake an exam, though each attempt costs the full exam fee.

Will CompTIA A+ get me a job by itself?

A+ makes you more competitive for entry-level IT support roles, but employers also look at your work history, how you communicate, and whether you have worked with the specific systems they use. The certification opens doors; your interview and experience get you hired.

How often does CompTIA update the A+ exams?

CompTIA typically updates the exams every three years. The current versions (1101 and 1102) are valid through 2025. When new versions launch, you have a transition period to take the old version before it retires. CompTIA announces updates on their website well in advance.