A+ is CompTIA's entry-level hardware and operating systems test
The CompTIA A+ is a two-part exam that covers computer hardware, operating systems (mainly Windows), networking basics, and troubleshooting. You take two separate tests — one on hardware and mobile devices, one on operating systems and software — and you need to pass both to hold the certification. It is the most widely recognized entry point into IT support roles, which means help desk positions, field technician jobs, and junior system administrator work.
The certification does not require you to have worked in IT before. You study on your own or through a course, take the exams at a testing center, and if you pass both, you hold the credential for three years. After three years, you either retake the exams or earn a higher CompTIA certification to keep it active.
A+ is not a cloud certification. It is a foundation certification that teaches you how physical computers and networks work — the layer below where cloud services run. If you are considering cloud certifications like AWS or Azure, A+ gives you the hardware knowledge those assume you already have.
Key Takeaways
- A+ requires passing two separate exams covering hardware, operating systems, networking, and troubleshooting, with no prior IT work experience required.
- The certification is valid for three years, after which you must retake the exams or earn a higher CompTIA credential to keep it current.
- A+ teaches physical computer and network fundamentals that cloud certifications assume you understand, making it useful preparation for cloud roles.
- Many employers in help desk and field support roles list A+ as preferred or required, though some will hire without it if you can demonstrate the knowledge another way.
- The exam costs around $240 per test, and study materials range from free online resources to paid courses that cost $200 to $500.
What the two A+ exams actually cover
The first exam, called CompTIA A+ Core 1, focuses on hardware and mobile devices. You learn about computer components (motherboards, RAM, storage, power supplies), how to assemble and troubleshoot them, mobile device repair, printers, and basic networking hardware like routers and switches. The test also covers security basics — things like password policies, encryption, and physical security of equipment.
The second exam, CompTIA A+ Core 2, covers operating systems (primarily Windows 10 and Windows 11, with some macOS and Linux), software installation and updates, user account management, system performance troubleshooting, and operational procedures. This is where you learn how to actually support users — resetting passwords, installing software, backing up data, and diagnosing why a computer is running slowly.
Both exams include hands-on scenario questions where you read a situation and pick the right troubleshooting step. You are not memorizing facts; you are learning how to think through a problem when a user calls saying their printer will not work or their computer will not start.
How long it takes to study and what it costs
Most people study for A+ for two to four months, depending on whether they have any IT background. If you have never opened a computer case or used Windows command line, budget closer to four months. If you have worked in tech support or built your own computer, you might be ready in six to eight weeks.
Each exam costs around $240 when you register through CompTIA's testing partner (usually Pearson VUE). You pay per exam, so the total for both is roughly $480. Some employers or training programs cover the exam fees, so ask before you pay out of pocket.
Study materials range widely in price. CompTIA's official study guides cost $30 to $50 per book. Online courses from platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning run $15 to $400 depending on the instructor and how much hand-holding you want. YouTube has free A+ study channels, though they vary in quality. Many people combine free YouTube videos with a $50 book and pass without spending more than $100 total.
Who actually hires people with A+ and what they pay
Help desk roles are the main path. Companies with IT departments need people to answer user calls, reset passwords, troubleshoot software, and escalate hardware problems. A+ is the standard credential for this work. You will also see it listed for field technician positions — people who travel to offices or homes to fix computers and printers — and junior system administrator roles at smaller companies.
Salary varies by region and employer size. Help desk positions with A+ typically start between $28,000 and $38,000 per year in the United States, though this varies significantly by cost of living. In high-cost areas like San Francisco or New York, the range is higher. Some help desk roles do not require A+ at all; they hire based on a phone screening or a practical test of your troubleshooting skills.
Large companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Dell often hire for support roles without requiring A+, but they may ask you to earn it within your first year on the job. Smaller IT consulting firms and managed service providers (companies that manage IT for other businesses) are more likely to list A+ as a requirement in the job posting.
A+ versus other entry-level IT paths
You do not have to get A+ to work in IT support. Some people start with a help desk job, learn on the job, and move into higher roles without any certification. Others earn a two-year IT degree from a community college, which covers similar material but takes longer and costs more. Still others take a bootcamp focused on a specific tool or platform.
The advantage of A+ is that it is widely recognized across companies and industries. An A+ certification on your resume means the same thing to an employer in Atlanta as it does in Seattle. A degree or bootcamp certificate is more specific to that school, so employers have to evaluate it individually.
If you are certain you want to work in cloud infrastructure or software development, you might skip A+ and go straight to AWS or Azure certifications. But those assume you understand how networks and operating systems work — knowledge A+ teaches. Many people find A+ a useful foundation before specializing.
How to prepare and what to expect on test day
Start by taking a free practice exam online to see which topics you already know and which ones need work. CompTIA publishes sample questions, and many study sites have full-length practice tests. This tells you whether you need four months or four weeks.
Pick a study method that matches how you learn. If you learn by watching, find a video course. If you learn by reading and taking notes, buy a study guide. If you learn by doing, find a site with hands-on labs where you can actually open virtual computers and practice troubleshooting. Most people use a mix — video for concepts, a book for details, and practice exams to test yourself.
On test day, you go to a Pearson VUE testing center (usually in a strip mall or office building). You bring a photo ID, leave your phone and bag in a locker, and sit at a computer for about 90 minutes per exam. The questions are multiple choice and scenario-based. You get your score when ready after you finish. If you pass (the passing score is around 675 out of 900), you are certified. If you do not, you can retake it after 14 days.
Whether A+ makes sense for your situation
A+ is worth pursuing if you want a help desk or field support job and do not already have IT work experience. The credential opens doors that are harder to open without it. It is also worth it if you plan to move into cloud or network administration later — the foundation knowledge saves you time when you study for those higher certifications.
A+ is less necessary if you already have IT work experience (even informal — building computers for friends, managing a small business network), because you can often move into support roles based on that experience alone. It is also less necessary if you are targeting a specific role that does not list it — some companies hire based on a practical skills test instead.
The cost and time are reasonable for what you get. Three to four months of study and $500 total is a small investment compared to a two-year degree, and the credential is recognized when ready by employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need A+ to get a help desk job?
No, but it makes it easier. Many companies hire help desk staff without A+ if you can pass a phone screening or practical test. A+ on your resume moves you to the front of the pile and sometimes lets you skip the practical test. If you are competing with other candidates, A+ is the tiebreaker.
How long is A+ valid once I pass?
Three years. After that, you either retake both exams, earn a higher CompTIA certification (like Network+ or Security+), or let it expire. If you let it expire and want it back, you retake the exams from scratch.
Can I take the A+ exams online from home?
Yes. CompTIA allows remote proctored exams through Pearson OnVUE, which means a proctor watches you via webcam while you take the test at home. You need a quiet room, a working webcam, and a stable internet connection. The rules are strict — no second monitor, no notes, no phone — but it is an option if no testing center is near you.
What if I fail one of the two exams?
You can retake just the exam you failed after 14 days. You do not have to retake both. If you pass Core 1 but fail Core 2, you study Core 2 topics, retake Core 2, and once you pass, you are certified. You do not lose your Core 1 pass.
Is A+ enough to move into cloud roles like AWS?
A+ gives you the foundation, but cloud roles require cloud-specific knowledge. Most people with A+ move to Network+ or Security+ next, then pursue AWS Solutions Architect or Azure Administrator certifications. A+ is the base layer, not the final step.