CompTIA A+ Certification: Cost, Exam, Training & Courses Guide

CompTIA A+ certification is a vendor-neutral, entry-level IT credential earned by passing two V15 exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Each exam has up to 90 questions and 90 minutes, including multiple-choice and performance-based items. Core 1 covers devices, networking, hardware, cloud, and troubleshooting; Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Candidates should budget for two exam vouchers, preparation time, and training costs. It is suitable for beginners entering help desk and IT support roles.

If you are planning to earn comptia a+ certification, you need to understand one important point first: A+ is not a single test. It is a two-exam certification that checks whether you can support real users, configure devices, troubleshoot faults, work with operating systems, and apply basic security practices.

The certification is suitable for beginners, career changers, students, and professionals who want to build a foundation before moving into networking, cybersecurity, cloud, or systems administration.

What Is CompTIA A+ Certification?

CompTIA A+ certification is a vendor-neutral credential for entry-level IT support roles. It focuses on practical knowledge used by technicians who install, maintain, configure, secure, and troubleshoot technology.

The current certification requires candidates to pass:

• Core 1: 220-1201

• Core 2: 220-1202

Both exams are part of the V15 series. CompTIA’s official objectives cover computer equipment, mobile devices, software, networking basics, cybersecurity methods, troubleshooting, documentation, cloud technologies, virtualization, and multi-operating-system environments.

A person with an A+ credential may apply for roles such as:

• Help desk technician

• IT support specialist

• Desktop support technician

• Computer technician

• Field service technician

• Technical support specialist

• Junior systems administrator

The certification does not replace practical experience. However, it gives employers a standardized way to assess your understanding of common IT support tasks.

CompTIA A+ Exam Format

The comptia a+ exam consists of two separate tests. You can take Core 1 and Core 2 on different dates, allowing you to prepare for each exam independently.

Exam

Code

Questions

Time

Passing Score

Main Focus

Core 1

220-1201

Maximum 90

90 minutes

675/900

Hardware, mobile devices, networking, cloud, and troubleshooting

Core 2

220-1202

Maximum 90

90 minutes

700/900

Operating systems, security, software, and operational procedures

The exams contain multiple-choice and performance-based questions. These questions may present a technical situation and ask you to identify the fault, select the correct tool, configure a device, or choose the most appropriate troubleshooting step.

The official Core 1 objectives list a recommended 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support role. This is guidance rather than a compulsory eligibility requirement.

Candidates may be able to test at a Pearson VUE location or use online proctoring through OnVUE, depending on regional availability and technical requirements. Always check the current scheduling and identification rules before booking.

Core 1 Syllabus: 220-1201

Core 1 focuses mainly on physical technology, connectivity, and hardware troubleshooting.

Core 1 Domain

Weight

Important Topics

Mobile Devices

13%

Laptops, batteries, accessories, wireless connectivity, synchronization, and mobile management

Networking

23%

TCP/IP, ports, protocols, Wi-Fi, IP addressing, network devices, and SOHO networks

Hardware

25%

CPUs, RAM, storage, motherboards, power supplies, cables, displays, and printers

Virtualization and Cloud Computing

11%

Virtual machines, hypervisors, containers, cloud models, and shared resources

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

28%

PC, printer, mobile, display, wired-network, and wireless problems

The largest Core 1 domain is Hardware and Network Troubleshooting. This tells you where to spend serious preparation time. You should be able to connect symptoms with probable causes.

For example, if a computer suddenly shuts down, possible causes may include overheating, a failing power supply, damaged components, or insufficient power. The exam may ask for the safest next step rather than the final repair.

Core 1 also expects practical knowledge of:

• Ethernet and wireless networking

• Network cables and connectors

• Routers, switches, access points, and firewalls

• Storage devices and RAID

• Display technologies

• Printers and printer connectivity

• Mobile device configuration

• Cloud and virtualization basics

The current Core 1 objectives assign 13% to mobile devices, 23% to networking, 25% to hardware, 11% to virtualization and cloud computing, and 28% to hardware and network troubleshooting.

Core 2 Syllabus: 220-1202

Core 2 moves from physical components to operating systems, security, software faults, and professional IT procedures.

The main domains are:

• Operating Systems – 28%: Windows, macOS, Linux, installation, configuration, system utilities, and command-line tools

• Security – 28%: Authentication, malware, permissions, endpoint security, wireless security, and safe practices

• Software Troubleshooting – 23%: Application problems, operating system faults, mobile software, and security issues

• Operational Procedures – 21%: Documentation, change management, backup, recovery, safety, and communication

Core 2 is not only about memorizing commands. It tests whether you can make a safe and professional decision.

For example, if a user reports that a computer is infected with malware, you may need to consider isolation, evidence preservation, scanning, recovery, user communication, and documentation. A technically possible action is not always the best first action.

The official Core 2 objectives give equal weight to operating systems and security, followed by software troubleshooting and operational procedures.

CompTIA A+ Certification Cost

The comptia a+ certification cost depends on your country, taxes, exchange rates, academic eligibility, discounts, training package, and retake options.

You need two exam vouchers:

1. One voucher for Core 1.

2. One voucher for Core 2.

Current U.S. retail voucher listings show approximately $274 per core exam, making the two-exam voucher cost about $548 before taxes, training, study materials, and retakes. Pricing can change, so verify the current amount with CompTIA or an authorized provider before purchasing.

Your complete budget may include:

• Core 1 exam voucher

• Core 2 exam voucher

• Online training

• Practice tests

• Study guides

• Hands-on lab access

• Retake protection

• Travel or equipment costs

A single voucher normally covers one exam only. Passing Core 1 does not remove the need to purchase and pass Core 2.

Who Should Take the A+ Cert Exam?

The a+ cert exam is a strong starting point for people who want to enter IT without an advanced technical background. You do not need a university degree or previous certification to begin.

You may be ready to study if you understand basic tasks such as:

• Installing or updating an operating system

• Connecting a computer to a network

• Replacing RAM or storage

• Setting up a printer

• Identifying common computer components

• Using basic Windows tools

• Understanding user accounts and permissions

• Troubleshooting simple connectivity problems

If these topics are completely new, start with basic computer practice before booking the a+ certificate exam. Hands-on experience will help you understand scenario-based questions more quickly.

Choosing CompTIA A+ Certification Training

Effective comptia a+ certification training should be aligned with the current 220-1201 and 220-1202 objectives. It should also explain why one answer is better than another.

When comparing comptia a+ courses, check whether they include:

• Separate Core 1 and Core 2 lessons

• Current V15 exam coverage

• Hardware demonstrations

• Networking and printer troubleshooting

• Windows, Linux, and macOS fundamentals

• Security and malware protection

• Performance-based question practice

• Timed mock exams

• Updated study materials

• Mentor or instructor support

• Hands-on labs

A good training program should help you connect study topics with real support tickets. For example, instead of memorizing DNS, DHCP, and IP addresses separately, learn how they work together when a user cannot access a website.

PassYourCert offers online preparation for the current A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams with updated study material, practice questions, mock tests, and practical guidance. Visit the CompTIA A+ Certification Training page to learn more.

Avoid unauthorized exam dumps or leaked questions. CompTIA warns that the use of unauthorized study material can lead to certification revocation and suspension from future testing.

How to Prepare for the CompTIA A+ Test Exam

Use a structured study plan instead of trying to memorize every technical term.

1. Confirm the exam version

Make sure your books, videos, practice questions, and training cover 220-1201 and 220-1202 V15. Older 220-1101 and 220-1102 materials may not fully match the current exams.

2. Study Core 1 by domain

Start with hardware and networking. These subjects connect directly to troubleshooting questions. Practice identifying components, cables, ports, connectors, storage devices, and network equipment.

3. Study Core 2 separately

Focus on operating systems, security, software problems, backups, documentation, safety, and support procedures. Do not study Core 2 as if it were only another hardware exam.

4. Build a small lab

Use a spare computer, virtual machine, home router, or test operating system. Practice installing software, creating users, changing settings, checking logs, testing connectivity, and resolving common errors.

5. Review wrong answers

When you miss a question, do not only record the correct option. Write down:

• Why your answer was wrong

• Why the correct answer fits

• Which clue in the scenario mattered

• What action should happen next

6. Take timed practice tests

Use practice tests to measure readiness. Schedule the official exam when you can consistently perform well across all major domains, not only in your strongest subject.

Is the A+ Certificate Test Worth It?

The a+ certificate test can be valuable when it supports a clear career plan. It is most useful for people targeting help desk, desktop support, field service, and junior technical support roles.

The credential becomes stronger when you combine it with practical evidence, such as:

• A home lab

• A troubleshooting portfolio

• Documented hardware upgrades

• A virtual machine project

• Basic network configuration practice

• Customer-service experience

• A clear technical résumé

After A+, many candidates continue with Network+, Security+, Linux+, cloud certifications, Microsoft credentials, or Cisco training. A+ gives you the foundation; your next certification should match the type of work you want to perform.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many exams are required for cert A+?

Two exams are required: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202).

Is CompTIA A+ suitable for beginners?

Yes. It is designed for entry-level IT learning, although beginners should allow enough time for hands-on practice.

Is the comptia a+ exam difficult?

The exam can be challenging if you rely only on memorization. Hardware troubleshooting, networking scenarios, operating systems, and performance-based questions require practical understanding.

Do I need experience before taking the exam?

No mandatory experience is required. CompTIA recommends approximately 12 months of hands-on IT support experience, but beginners can still prepare through training and lab practice.

Can I take Core 1 and Core 2 on the same day?

You may schedule them separately or close together, depending on appointment availability. Many candidates prefer to complete one exam before preparing for the next.

What is included in the CompTIA A+ certification cost?

The cost may include two exam vouchers, training, study guides, practice tests, lab access, retake protection, taxes, and possible travel expenses.

Take the Next Step

Before booking your comptia a+ certification, confirm the latest exam codes, calculate the cost of both vouchers, download the official objectives, and choose preparation that includes practice questions and troubleshooting exercises. To prepare for Core 1 and Core 2 with updated online training, study guides, mock tests, and expert support, visit https://passyourcert.net/certifications/comptia/aplus and Join Now!