CompTIA A+ Certification Guide 2026: Exams, Cost, Training & Study Plan

CompTIA A+ certification is an entry-level IT credential that validates practical skills in hardware, networking, operating systems, security, cloud concepts, troubleshooting, and technical support. To earn it in 2026, candidates must pass two current exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Each exam allows up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. A+ is widely used for help desk, desktop support, and IT support roles and is especially useful for beginners building hands-on, job-ready technical foundations before specializing further professionally.

What Is CompTIA A+ Certification?

If you are researching what is CompTIA A+, what is CompTIA A+ certification, what is the CompTIA A+ certification, or even what is a CompTIA A+ certification, the simplest answer is that it validates foundational IT support skills rather than knowledge of one vendor's technology. The CompTIA A+ certification description covers installing, configuring, maintaining, securing, and troubleshooting computers, mobile devices, operating systems, basic networks, and end-user technology. People searching what is CompTIA A or what is CompTIA A+ certification are usually referring to the same A+ credential. The formal certification requires candidates to pass both current Core exams from the same exam series. The current V15 exams are 220-1201 Core 1 and 220-1202 Core 2, launched in March 2025. The earlier 220-1101 and 220-1102 English exams retired in September 2025.

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Structure

The CompTIA A+ certification exam is actually two separate exams. Passing only one does not earn the credential.

Exam

Current Code

Main Focus

Questions

Time

Passing Score

CompTIA A+ Core 1

220-1201

Hardware, networking, mobile devices, cloud and troubleshooting

Up to 90

90 minutes

675/900

Core 2

220-1202

Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and procedures

Up to 90

90 minutes

700/900

Questions may include multiple-choice, drag-and-drop and performance-based tasks designed to test practical decision-making rather than memorization alone.

This means preparing for a CompTIA A+ exam, CompTIA A exam, CompTIA A+ test, or CompTIA A+ certification test should include hands-on troubleshooting practice.

CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives for Core 1 and Core 2

The official CompTIA A+ exam objectives should be the foundation of your study plan. A reliable CompTIA A+ study guide, CompTIA A+ certification study guide, or set of CompTIA A+ study material should map directly to these domains.

Core 1: CompTIA A 220-1201

Candidates searching for CompTIA A 1201, CompTIA A 220-1201, CompTIA A Core 1, CompTIA A 1201 objectives, or CompTIA A exam objectives 1201 should focus on five domains:

Core 1 Domain

Weight

Mobile Devices

13%

Networking

23%

Hardware

25%

Virtualization and Cloud Computing

11%

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

28%

The biggest preparation mistake is dividing study time equally. Hardware, networking and troubleshooting account for most of Core 1, so practical diagnosis should receive more attention than simple terminology review.

Core 2 Objectives

Core 2 is divided into:

• Operating Systems – 28%

• Security – 28%

• Software Troubleshooting – 23%

• Operational Procedures – 21%

A strong set of CompTIA A+ certification study materials should therefore go beyond PC assembly. Candidates need Windows administration, command-line skills, malware response, access control, security practices, software troubleshooting, documentation and change-management knowledge.

CompTIA A+ 1101 vs 1201: Which Exam Should You Study?

For anyone comparing CompTIA A+ 1101 vs 1201, use 220-1201. The 220-1101 exam belongs to the retired V14 series. The current V15 Core 1 exam is 220-1201. Do not build your preparation around old 1101-only material because objectives and weighting have changed. Your CompTIA A+ certification training course should clearly state 220-1201 and 220-1202.

How Hard Is the CompTIA A Exam?

How hard is the CompTIA A exam? For beginners, it is challenging mainly because of its breadth.

You must move between hardware, Wi-Fi, IP configuration, mobile devices, Windows tools, Linux basics, cloud concepts, security and troubleshooting. Performance-based questions may also require you to interpret a scenario and select the correct technical action.

A better preparation sequence is:

1. Download the current CompTIA A+ objectives.

2. Learn each objective through structured CompTIA A+ training.

3. Perform labs involving operating systems, hardware and network configuration.

4. Use a CompTIA A+ practice test after each domain.

5. Take a timed CompTIA A+ practice exam.

6. Review every incorrect answer and identify the objective behind it.

7. Complete a realistic mock CompTIA A+ exam before scheduling the real test.

A CompTIA A practice test, CompTIA A practice exam, or CompTIA practice test A+ is most useful as a diagnostic tool—not as a question-memorization exercise.

CompTIA A+ Exam Practice: What Actually Improves Readiness?

Effective CompTIA A+ exam practice should test whether you can apply knowledge to unfamiliar situations.

For example, instead of memorizing what RAM does, you should be able to diagnose why a workstation fails to boot after a memory upgrade. Instead of memorizing Wi-Fi standards, you should recognize likely causes of intermittent wireless connectivity.

Your CompTIA A+ exam practice test strategy should include:

• Domain-specific quizzes

• Full timed practice exams

• Performance-based scenarios

• Windows and command-line exercises

• Hardware identification

• Network troubleshooting

• Review of incorrect answers

Avoid unauthorized “brain dumps.” CompTIA specifically warns against unauthorized materials containing real or reconstructed exam content.

CompTIA A+ Cost and Exam Voucher Pricing

Candidates commonly search CompTIA A+ cost, CompTIA A cost, CompTIA A+ exam cost, CompTIA A certification cost, CompTIA A+ certification cost, CompTIA A+ test cost, and how much is the CompTIA A exam.

As of 2026, the U.S. list price is approximately $274 per A+ exam voucher. Since you need one attempt for Core 1 and another for Core 2, the base exam cost is approximately $548 before training, retakes or optional study products. Regional pricing and taxes can differ.

Cost Item

Approximate U.S. Price

Core 1 voucher

$274

Core 2 voucher

$274

Minimum cost for both exams

$548

Training/materials

Varies

Retake

Additional voucher or eligible retake bundle

A CompTIA A+ voucher, CompTIA A+ exam voucher, or CompTIA A exam voucher normally applies to one exam attempt, so budget for two exams when planning the complete certification.

How to Take the CompTIA A Exam

If you are researching how to take the CompTIA A exam, the process is straightforward:

1. Prepare for 220-1201 Core 1.

2. Purchase an eligible exam voucher.

3. Schedule the exam through Pearson VUE.

4. Take it through an approved testing option.

5. Prepare for and pass 220-1202 Core 2.

6. Earn the complete CompTIA A+ certification after passing both.

The exams can be taken separately. You do not need to complete them on the same day. People searching new york comptia a+ certification follow the same certification requirements; New York candidates can select an available authorized testing option when scheduling.

How Long Does It Take to Get CompTIA A+?

There is no universal answer to how long does it take to get CompTIA A because previous IT experience matters considerably. A beginner may need 8–12 weeks or longer, while someone already working in desktop support may require substantially less preparation. For how long to study for CompTIA A, measure readiness by objective mastery rather than calendar days. If you consistently struggle with high-weight troubleshooting domains, adding another week of targeted lab practice is more valuable than rushing to meet an arbitrary exam date.

Is CompTIA A+ Worth It?

For someone entering IT support, is CompTIA A+ worth it? Often, yes.

It is particularly useful for:

• Students entering IT

• Career changers

• Help desk candidates

• Desktop support technicians

• Field service technicians

• Junior IT support professionals

Its strongest value is not that it guarantees employment. It creates a structured technical baseline and provides evidence that a candidate understands core support technologies. The certification can also provide a foundation before progressing into networking, cybersecurity, cloud or systems administration.

Does CompTIA A Expire?

Yes. If you are asking does CompTIA A expire, current A+ certifications operate on a three-year renewal cycle. CompTIA lists 20 CEUs as the continuing-education requirement for A+ renewal. Candidates can also use other qualifying renewal pathways under the Continuing Education program.

Choosing CompTIA A+ Certification Training

A good CompTIA A+ certification training program should not simply provide recorded theory.

Look for a CompTIA A+ certification course, CompTIA A+ course, or CompTIA A+ certification training course that includes:

• Current 220-1201 and 220-1202 coverage

• Structured lessons based on official objectives

• Hands-on troubleshooting exercises

• Scenario-based questions

• Updated CompTIA A+ study material

• Full-length practice exams

• Performance-based question preparation

• Explanations for wrong answers

• Progress assessment before exam day

The objective is to get CompTIA A certification by developing skills that remain useful after the exam—not by memorizing answers.

Build Your CompTIA A+ Preparation Around the Current Objectives

Start with the official objectives, separate your preparation into Core 1 and Core 2, and prioritize practical troubleshooting. Use quality CompTIA A+ certification study materials, labs and timed practice tests to expose weaknesses before spending money on an exam attempt. For anyone starting an IT support career in 2026, preparing for CompTIA A+ means focusing on the current 220-1201 and 220-1202 series, understanding the real two-exam cost, and building enough hands-on competence to solve technical problems—not simply recognize technical terms.