What you need to do to earn CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is a two-exam certification that tests your knowledge of computer hardware, software, troubleshooting, and IT support. You pass two separate exams — Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) — each costing around $226, though prices vary by testing center. Most people study for four to six months before taking the exams, though the timeline depends on your background and how much time you can dedicate each week.

You do not need a degree or prior certification to take the exams. CompTIA recommends nine to twelve months of hands-on IT experience, but this is a recommendation, not a requirement — you can sit for the exams whenever you feel ready. The exams are offered year-round at testing centers in most cities, and you can also take them online from home through a proctored remote session.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass two separate exams (Core 1 and Core 2) within three years of each other to earn the full A+ certification.
  • Study materials range from free YouTube videos and CompTIA's official study guides to paid courses on platforms like Udemy, Professor Messer, and Coursera.
  • Each exam costs around $226, and you can take them at Pearson VUE testing centers or online with remote proctoring from your home.
  • Most people spend four to six months studying before attempting the exams, though this varies based on your IT background and available study time.
  • After passing both exams, you must renew your certification every three years by paying a renewal fee or retaking the exams.

Choosing study materials that fit your learning style

Free resources exist if you want to keep costs down. Professor Messer's YouTube channel covers both Core 1 and Core 2 with video lessons organized by exam objective. CompTIA's official study guide for each exam is available in print or digital format and walks through every topic the exam covers. The CompTIA A+ Study Guide by Todd Lammle is another widely used book that many people pair with video lessons.

Paid courses offer structure and sometimes include practice exams. Udemy sells individual courses for $10 to $15 during sales (prices are higher at full price). Coursera offers CompTIA A+ preparation courses, some of which are free to audit. Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning both have A+ tracks if you already subscribe. Many community colleges also offer CompTIA A+ prep courses, sometimes at a discount if you are enrolled as a student.

Practice exams are worth the investment because they show you the exam format and question style. CompTIA sells official practice exams through their website. Kaplan, Boson, and Examtopics also sell practice test bundles. Most people take at least two or three practice exams before sitting for the real test to build confidence and identify weak areas.

Registering for the exams and choosing where to test

You register through Pearson VUE, the company that administers CompTIA exams. Visit their website, create an account, and search for CompTIA A+ exams in your area. You will see available dates and times at nearby testing centers. If no center is convenient, you can take the exam online through Pearson VUE's OnVUE platform, which requires a webcam, microphone, and a quiet room with a clear desk.

Testing centers are typically located in cities and larger towns — libraries, community colleges, and dedicated testing facilities often host them. Online proctoring lets you test from home but requires you to show your ID to the proctor and clear your desk of all materials. Both options are equally valid; the exam and scoring are identical.

You can take Core 1 and Core 2 in any order, though most people take Core 1 first since it covers foundational hardware and networking concepts. You do not have to take them on the same day — many people take Core 1, study for a few weeks, then take Core 2. Both exams must be passed within three years of each other for the certification to count.

What to expect on exam day

Each exam lasts 90 minutes and contains between 80 and 90 questions. The questions are multiple choice and performance-based (where you interact with a simulated computer to complete a task). You will see your score immediately after finishing, though CompTIA takes a few days to officially post your results to your account.

Passing scores are around 675 out of 900 for each exam, though CompTIA does not publish the exact passing score. Most study guides and practice exams aim to get you scoring in the 750 to 800 range so you have a comfortable margin. If you fail an exam, you can retake it after 14 days, and you can take it as many times as needed.

Bring a valid photo ID and arrive 15 minutes early. You cannot bring study materials, phones, or notes into the testing room. The testing center provides scratch paper and a pen for notes during the exam. If you are testing online, the proctor will verify your identity and walk you through the rules before the exam starts.

Maintaining your certification after you pass

Once you pass both exams, your certification is active for three years. Before it expires, you can renew by paying a renewal fee (typically $150 to $200) through CompTIA's website, or you can retake one or both exams. Some people choose to retake the exams to stay current with the latest material, while others pay the renewal fee to keep costs lower.

CompTIA also offers continuing education credits as an alternative to renewal. If you earn enough credits through other CompTIA certifications, training courses, or approved activities, you can renew without paying the fee. Most people find the renewal fee simpler than pursuing additional certifications just to renew.

How long the whole process takes

From starting to study to holding your certification typically takes six to nine months. This breaks down roughly as: four to six months of study, one to two weeks between taking Core 1 and Core 2, and a few days for results to post. If you fail an exam and retake it, add another month of study and waiting time.

Your timeline depends on how much you already know. If you have worked in IT support or have built computers before, you might study for three months. If you are starting from no technical background, plan for six to eight months. Studying 10 to 15 hours per week is a common pace that lets most people finish in four to six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need IT experience before taking the A+ exams?

CompTIA recommends nine to twelve months of hands-on experience, but you do not need it to register or take the exams. Many people without IT jobs study the material and pass. However, the exams test practical troubleshooting and real-world scenarios, so some background helps. If you have none, plan for longer study time and consider building a home lab to practice on old computers.

Can I take both exams on the same day?

Yes, you can schedule both Core 1 and Core 2 on the same day at the same testing center, though most people do not. Taking them on the same day means 180 minutes of testing with a short break between exams, which is mentally exhausting. Most people take Core 1, study for two to four weeks, then take Core 2 to give themselves time to absorb the material and rest.

What happens if I fail an exam?

You can retake it after 14 days. There is no limit on how many times you can take the exam, though each attempt costs the full exam fee. Most people who fail spend two to four weeks studying their weak areas before retaking. Your score report shows which topics you struggled with, so you can focus your second study period on those areas.

Is the A+ certification worth the cost and time?

A+ is widely recognized in IT support and help desk roles and often appears in job postings. It typically leads to entry-level positions paying $30,000 to $45,000 annually, depending on location and employer. The total cost (exams, study materials, and time) is usually under $500, making it one of the cheaper certifications to pursue. Whether it is worth it depends on whether you want an IT support career.

Can I take the exams online from home?

Yes, through Pearson VUE's OnVUE platform. You need a computer with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection. The proctor will verify your identity, watch you throughout the exam, and monitor your room to ensure no unauthorized materials are present. The exam experience is the same as at a testing center, and your score counts equally.