What CompTIA A+ actually is and what it takes to earn it

CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral certification that shows you can install, configure, troubleshoot, and repair computers and mobile devices. You earn it by passing two separate exams: one on hardware and networking (Core 1), and one on operating systems and troubleshooting (Core 2). Both exams are multiple-choice and performance-based simulations, taken on a computer at a testing center.

The certification does not require a degree or prior work experience, though most people study for three to six months before attempting the exams. CompTIA recommends 9 to 12 months of hands-on IT experience, but you can sit for the exams without it. Each exam costs around $226, and you must pass both within three years of passing the first one.

A+ is one of the most widely recognized entry-level IT certifications. Many employers list it as preferred or required for help desk, desktop support, and junior systems administrator roles. It is also a stepping stone to more specialized certifications like Network+ or Security+.

Key Takeaways

  • CompTIA A+ requires passing two separate exams (Core 1 and Core 2), each covering different aspects of computer hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
  • You can study through free resources like YouTube and CompTIA's official study materials, or pay for structured courses through platforms like Udemy, Professor Messer, or community colleges.
  • Each exam costs around $226, and you have three years to pass both exams after passing the first one.
  • The certification is valid for three years; after that you must renew it by passing an exam again or earning a higher CompTIA certification.
  • No prior experience or degree is required to sit for the exams, though most people spend three to six months preparing.

Study materials and where to find them

CompTIA publishes official study guides and exam objectives on their website, which list exactly what topics appear on each exam. These are free to read and tell you whether you have covered everything. Many people start there to understand the scope, then move to other resources for deeper explanation.

Professor Messer offers free video lectures on YouTube covering both Core 1 and Core 2, organized by exam objective. His videos are concise and practical, and many people use them as their primary study source. Udemy sells structured courses (usually $10 to $15 during sales) that bundle video lectures, practice quizzes, and study notes. Community colleges often offer A+ prep courses, sometimes for free or low cost if you are enrolled as a student.

Practice exams are essential. CompTIA's official practice tests cost money, but sites like Exam Cram and Kaplan offer paid practice exams that closely mirror the real test format. Many study courses include practice questions built in. The performance-based simulations on the real exam are the hardest part for most people, so practice exams that include simulations are worth the cost.

How the exams work and what to expect on test day

Each exam is 90 minutes long and contains around 80 to 90 questions. Most are multiple-choice, but both Core 1 and Core 2 include performance-based simulations where you interact with a virtual computer to complete tasks like installing software, configuring network settings, or troubleshooting a problem. You need a score of around 675 out of 900 to pass; CompTIA does not publish the exact passing score, but this is the widely reported threshold.

You take the exams at a Pearson VUE testing center, which you find and book through CompTIA's website. Bring a government-issued photo ID and your confirmation email. You cannot bring notes, phones, or study materials into the testing room. The testing center provides a whiteboard and marker for scratch work. You will see your pass or fail result when ready after finishing.

If you fail an exam, you can retake it after 14 days. There is no limit to how many times you can attempt an exam, though each attempt costs the full exam fee. Most people pass on their first or second attempt if they have studied consistently.

The difference between studying alone and taking a structured course

Studying alone with free resources works if you are disciplined and have some IT background already. You control your pace and spend nothing except the exam fees. The downside is that you have to find and organize materials yourself, and there is no one to answer questions when you get stuck on a concept.

A structured course (paid or through a college) gives you a set curriculum, video instruction, quizzes to check your understanding, and sometimes access to an instructor or community forum. Courses force a schedule, which helps if you struggle with self-motivation. They cost money upfront, but many people finish faster and pass on the first attempt, which saves the cost of retaking an exam.

The middle ground is using free videos (Professor Messer) plus paid practice exams. This costs $30 to $50 total and gives you the structure of video lessons plus the confidence of realistic practice tests without committing to a full course.

Renewal and what happens after you pass

Your A+ certification is valid for three years from the date you pass your second exam. After three years, you must either retake both exams, take a single renewal exam, or pass a higher CompTIA certification (like Network+ or Security+) to keep your A+ active.

Many employers care about the certification itself rather than continuous renewal, so check what your target jobs actually require. Some positions list "current A+ certification" while others just want to see that you have earned it at some point. If you move into a specialized role, you may earn a higher certification that automatically renews your A+ without additional testing.

CompTIA also offers continuing education credits that can extend your certification without retesting, though this is less common for A+ holders than for higher-level certifications.

Cost breakdown and timeline

The two exam fees are your largest cost: roughly $226 each, or $452 total. If you use free study resources, that is your only expense. If you take a paid course, add $15 to $300 depending on the platform and depth. Practice exams beyond what is included in a course run $20 to $50 each.

Timeline depends on your starting point. If you have no IT experience, plan for four to six months of study at 10 to 15 hours per week. If you work in IT already, you might prepare in two to three months. Most people take Core 1 first, then Core 2 a few weeks later after passing the first exam.

Common mistakes people make when preparing

The biggest mistake is memorizing answers to practice questions without understanding the concepts. The real exam tests your ability to explore knowledge, not just recall facts. If you see a question about RAID configurations, you should understand why RAID 5 is different from RAID 1, not just remember which one is which.

Another common error is skipping the performance-based simulations during study. These are unfamiliar to many test-takers and require hands-on practice. If your study materials do not include simulations, find practice exams that do, or set up a virtual machine and practice the tasks yourself.

People also underestimate how much the exam covers. CompTIA A+ touches on hardware, networking, operating systems, security, mobile devices, and troubleshooting. Skipping entire topics because they seem less important usually backfires. Use the official exam objectives as your checklist and make sure you have studied everything on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, there is no requirement. CompTIA recommends 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience, but you can sit for the exams without any. However, if you have zero IT background, expect to study longer and find the performance-based simulations more challenging. Some people with no experience pass on their first attempt; others need more preparation time.

Can I take both exams on the same day?

You can schedule both exams on the same day at the same testing center, but most people do not. Taking them separately lets you focus on one exam at a time and gives you a chance to adjust your study plan based on how the first exam went. If you fail the first exam, you will not have wasted the fee on the second one.

What happens if I fail an exam?

You can retake it after 14 days. Each attempt costs the full exam fee. There is no limit to how many times you can try. Most people who fail study the weak areas and pass on the second attempt. If you fail twice, consider whether you need a different study approach or more time before trying again.

Is A+ worth it if I already have a college degree in a different field?

Yes, if you want to move into IT support or help desk work. A+ shows employers you have specific technical skills, which a general degree does not. Many employers require or strongly prefer it for entry-level IT positions, even if you have a degree in something else. It is also faster to earn than a second degree.

Can I use A+ to move into cybersecurity or cloud computing?

A+ is a foundation, not a direct path to those fields. It teaches you how computers work, which is useful background. To move into security, most people earn Security+ after A+. For cloud computing, you would typically move toward certifications like AWS or Azure after building some general IT experience. A+ opens the door to entry-level IT roles where you can gain that experience.