CompTIA A+ Certification: Complete Guide to Exam, Cost, Training & Career (2026)

CompTIA A+ Certification is the industry-standard entry-level IT credential for launching a career in technical support, help desk, desktop administration, and IT operations. The current certification requires passing two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). It validates practical skills in hardware, networking, operating systems, cybersecurity, troubleshooting, and cloud technologies. Most beginners prepare in 8–16 weeks, and the certification is widely recognized by employers worldwide.

What is CompTIA A+ Certification?

CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral certification developed by CompTIA to verify foundational IT support skills. Unlike product-specific certifications, it teaches concepts that apply across Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile devices, cloud environments, and enterprise hardware.

If you've searched for what is CompTIA A+, what is CompTIA A+ certification, or what is a CompTIA A certification, the answer is simple:

CompTIA A+ proves you can install, configure, troubleshoot, and support modern IT systems in real-world business environments.

It is often the first certification employers recommend for:

• Help Desk Technicians
  
  
  
  

• IT Support Specialists
  
  
  
  

• Desktop Support Engineers
  
  
  
  

• Technical Support Analysts
  
  
  
  

• Field Service Technicians
  
  
  
  

• Junior System Administrators
  
  
  
  

Why is CompTIA A+ worth it?

The certification remains valuable because it measures practical troubleshooting rather than memorization. Many organizations use it as a hiring benchmark for entry-level IT positions.

Benefit

Why it matters

Industry recognition

Accepted globally by employers

Vendor-neutral skills

Works across multiple technologies

Strong career foundation

Opens pathways to Network+, Security+, and cloud certifications

Practical exam

Focuses on real troubleshooting scenarios

Entry-level friendly

No prior certification required

For someone changing careers into IT, CompTIA A+ certification training is often the fastest route to building credible technical skills.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2

The certification consists of two separate exams. Both must be passed to earn the credential.

Exam

Code

Focus

Core 1

220-1201

Hardware, networking, mobile devices, cloud, virtualization

Core 2

220-1202

Windows, Linux, macOS, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures

If you're comparing CompTIA A+ 1101 vs 1201, the 1201 series is the newer exam generation with updated objectives covering modern hardware, cloud computing, and current cybersecurity practices.

CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives (220-1201 & 220-1202)

Understanding the CompTIA A+ exam objectives is the smartest way to plan your study schedule.

Core 1 (220-1201) objectives

CompTIA A+ Core 1 emphasizes physical infrastructure and connectivity.

Key domains include:

• Mobile devices
  
  
  
  

• Laptop hardware
  
  
  
  

• Desktop components
  
  
  
  

• Networking fundamentals
  
  
  
  

• TCP/IP and Wi-Fi
  
  
  
  

• Printers and peripherals
  
  
  
  

• Cloud computing basics
  
  
  
  

• Virtualization
  
  
  
  

• Hardware troubleshooting
  
  
  
  

If you're specifically looking for CompTIA A 1201 objectives or CompTIA A exam objectives 1201, these topics make up the majority of the exam.

Core 2 (220-1202) objectives

This exam focuses on software and operational support.

Major areas include:

• Windows installation and management
  
  
  
  

• macOS and Linux fundamentals
  
  
  
  

• Security best practices
  
  
  
  

• Malware removal
  
  
  
  

• User account management
  
  
  
  

• Software troubleshooting
  
  
  
  

• Professional operational procedures
  
  
  
  

• Documentation and change management
  
  
  
  

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Format

The CompTIA A+ certification exam includes both multiple-choice and performance-based questions.

Exam detail

Core 1 & Core 2

Number of exams

2

Questions per exam

Up to 90

Exam duration

90 minutes

Question types

Multiple choice + performance-based

Passing score

Different scoring scale for each exam

Performance-based questions simulate real IT tasks, such as configuring networks or diagnosing hardware issues. This is what makes the CompTIA A+ test more practical than many academic exams.

CompTIA A+ Certification Cost

One of the most common questions is how much is the CompTIA A+ exam?

The total CompTIA A+ certification cost depends on your region, taxes, and voucher discounts.

Item

Typical cost

Core 1 exam voucher

Varies by country

Core 2 exam voucher

Varies by country

Training course

Optional

Practice tests

Optional

Instead of paying full price, many candidates purchase a CompTIA A+ exam voucher through authorized training providers, which may include discounts or bundled study materials.

How hard is the CompTIA A+ exam?

The exam is challenging for beginners because it tests applied knowledge rather than definitions.

Difficulty varies by background:

Experience

Expected difficulty

No IT experience

Moderate to High

Built or repaired PCs

Moderate

1+ year Help Desk

Moderate

IT Support professional

Easier

The biggest mistake candidates make is ignoring troubleshooting methodology. Many questions require identifying the best next action, not simply recognizing a technical term.

How long does it take to get CompTIA A+?

Most learners complete their CompTIA A+ certification course within 2–4 months.

Suggested study timeline

Study hours/week

Estimated duration

8–10

16 weeks

12–15

10–12 weeks

20+

6–8 weeks

A structured CompTIA A+ training program is usually more effective than studying random online videos because it follows the official exam objectives.

Best CompTIA A+ Study Guide Strategy

A complete CompTIA A+ study guide should combine theory with hands-on practice.

Study resources to prioritize

• Official exam objectives
  
  
  
  

• Hardware identification practice
  
  
  
  

• Windows administration labs
  
  
  
  

• Networking exercises
  
  
  
  

• Command-line practice
  
  
  
  

• Printer troubleshooting
  
  
  
  

• Security scenarios
  
  
  
  

Your CompTIA A+ certification study materials should always match the 220-1201 and 220-1202 objectives rather than older 1101 content.

CompTIA A+ Practice Test: How to Use It Effectively

Taking a CompTIA A+ practice test is useful only if you analyze your mistakes.

Effective practice routine

1. Study one objective domain.
   
   
   
   

2. Complete a CompTIA A+ practice exam.
   
   
   
   

3. Review every incorrect answer.
   
   
   
   

4. Repeat weak domains.
   
   
   
   

5. Take a full mock CompTIA A+ exam under timed conditions.
   
   
   
   

Avoid memorizing answers. The real CompTIA A+ certification test frequently changes question wording while testing the same underlying concepts.

How to take the CompTIA A+ exam

The certification process is straightforward.

Step-by-step process

1. Study the official exam objectives.
   
   
   
   

2. Complete a CompTIA A+ certification training course.
   
   
   
   

3. Practice with mock exams.
   
   
   
   

4. Purchase a CompTIA A+ voucher.
   
   
   
   

5. Schedule Core 1.
   
   
   
   

6. Pass Core 2.
   
   
   
   

7. Receive your certification.
   
   
   
   

You can take the exam either at an authorized testing center or through online proctored testing, depending on availability in your country.

Skills you'll gain after CompTIA A+

A quality CompTIA A+ course develops practical workplace skills including:

• PC assembly and upgrades
  
  
  
  

• SSD and RAM installation
  
  
  
  

• Windows deployment
  
  
  
  

• Active Directory basics
  
  
  
  

• Network troubleshooting
  
  
  
  

• Wi-Fi configuration
  
  
  
  

• Malware removal
  
  
  
  

• Mobile device support
  
  
  
  

• Customer service in IT environments
  
  
  
  

• Documentation and ticketing workflows
  
  
  
  

These are the exact competencies many employers expect from entry-level support technicians.

Career opportunities after CompTIA A+

Common job roles include:

Role

Typical focus

Help Desk Technician

User support

Desktop Support Engineer

Hardware & software

IT Support Specialist

Business IT operations

Technical Support Analyst

Troubleshooting

Field Service Technician

On-site support

Many professionals continue toward CompTIA Network+, Security+, Microsoft, or cloud certifications after gaining experience.

Does CompTIA A+ expire?

Yes. CompTIA A+ is not a lifetime certification.

The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) program by earning qualifying CEUs or completing approved renewal activities.

If you've searched does CompTIA A expire, the answer is yes—renewal is required to keep it active.

Ready to earn your CompTIA A+ certification?

Start with the 220-1201 and 220-1202 exam objectives, follow a structured CompTIA A+ certification training plan, and use realistic practice tests to measure progress. Building hands-on troubleshooting skills—not memorizing questions—is the strategy that consistently leads to passing the CompTIA A+ certification exam and beginning a successful IT career.