CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification in the world. It validates foundational knowledge in hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting, exactly what employers look for in IT support and help desk candidates. Over 1.4 million people currently hold the A+ certification, and it’s required or preferred by employers from the U.S. Department of Defense to Dell, HP, and Intel. If you’re starting an IT career with zero experience, CompTIA A+ is one of the most common first steps.
Here’s everything you need to know about it, what the exams cover, what it’s worth in the job market, how to prepare, and whether it’s the right move for you.
What Is CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral IT certification issued by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), a nonprofit trade organization that has operated since 1982. “Vendor-neutral” means the certification covers concepts that apply across manufacturers and environments, not tied to one company’s products.
The current exam series is the CompTIA A+ Core Series V15, released in March 2025. It consists of two separate exams:
- Core 1 (220-1201): Hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, cloud computing, and hardware troubleshooting
- Core 2 (220-1202): Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures
You must pass both exams to earn the A+ certification. The previous series (220-1101 and 220-1102) retired in 2025, so make sure any study materials you buy are written for the 1201/1202 exams.
Who Is CompTIA A+ For?
Career changers coming from unrelated fields (trades, retail, healthcare, food service, military) who need to establish a technical baseline. Recent grads from non-technical fields who want to move into technology. IT support professionals without credentials who want to formalize what they already know.
What A+ is NOT: it’s not a deep-dive into cybersecurity, advanced networking, or software development. It’s a foundation, broad, practical, and intentionally accessible.
The CompTIA A+ Exam Breakdown
Core 1 (220-1201) Exam Objectives
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | 13% |
| Networking | 23% |
| Hardware | 25% |
| Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% |
| Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 28% |
Passing score: 675 out of 900. Up to 90 questions, 90 minutes.
Core 2 (220-1202) Exam Objectives
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 28% |
| Security | 28% |
| Software Troubleshooting | 23% |
| Operational Procedures | 21% |
Passing score: 700 out of 900. Up to 90 questions, 90 minutes.
Question Types
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs): Single or multiple correct answers. Scenario-based, not pure recall. Performance-based questions (PBQs): Simulations, drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, or lab scenarios. These require hands-on thinking, not memorization.
What Jobs Does CompTIA A+ Qualify You For?
Help desk technician, IT support specialist, desktop support administrator, field service technician, computer support specialist, service desk analyst, system support specialist, end-user computing technician.
What Does CompTIA A+ Pay?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer support specialists, the job category most closely aligned with A+ certification, earn a median annual wage of $60,340 as of May 2024. Entry-level positions often start in the $40,000 to $50,000 range; experienced professionals in senior support or specialized roles can earn $65,000 to $80,000+. Individual results vary based on role, experience, location, and employer.
Is CompTIA A+ Worth It?
For someone serious about entering IT, yes, with one important clarification. The A+ is worth it as a stepping stone, not as a standalone achievement. We cover this question in depth in Is CompTIA A+ Worth It?, but here’s the short version.
What it does: Gets you hired for entry-level IT support and help desk roles where employers specifically require or strongly prefer it; establishes credibility with employers; opens the certification path (Network+, Security+, and beyond); satisfies DoD requirements under Directive 8140.
What it doesn’t do: It won’t put you in a cybersecurity or network engineering role on its own; it won’t guarantee a high salary immediately; it won’t substitute for hands-on experience.
How Long Does It Take to Earn CompTIA A+?
Complete beginners: 3 to 4 months of dedicated study. People with some tech familiarity: 2 to 3 months. People with IT support experience: 4 to 8 weeks of focused exam prep.
How to Study for CompTIA A+
Start with the official exam objectives, which CompTIA publishes as a free PDF, and make sure they’re the 220-1201/1202 versions. Use multiple resource types: a textbook or study guide, video training, practice exams, and hands-on practice.
Build a home lab: pick up a used desktop for $30 to $80, install multiple operating systems, practice building and disassembling hardware, set up a small home network, troubleshoot intentionally introduced problems.
Take practice exams seriously. Aim for consistent scores of 85%+ on practice exams before you schedule the real thing.
How Much Does the CompTIA A+ Exam Cost?
Each CompTIA A+ exam costs approximately $246 per attempt as of 2026. Since there are two exams, the total cost to earn the certification is approximately $492 if you pass both on the first attempt.
CompTIA A+ vs. Other Entry-Level Certifications
CompTIA Tech+ (the successor to IT Fundamentals/ITF+): A true beginner certification, one step below A+. Google IT Support Certificate: Accessible and affordable but less universally recognized than A+ among hiring managers. For most career changers, the vendor-neutral A+ is the most flexible and widely recognized first credential.
FAQ: CompTIA A+ Certification
Is CompTIA A+ hard to pass?
It’s challenging but very passable for motivated candidates. Most people who fail their first attempt underestimate the PBQ section or didn’t study from the official exam objectives. Build a home lab, work through the official objectives domain by domain, and consistently score 85%+ on practice exams.
Can I pass CompTIA A+ without experience?
Yes. CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on experience, but it’s a recommendation, not a requirement. Many candidates with no prior IT experience pass A+ after 2 to 4 months of structured study.
How long is CompTIA A+ valid?
CompTIA A+ is valid for three years. You can renew by earning 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or passing a current version of the exam.
Do employers actually care about CompTIA A+?
Yes, particularly for help desk, IT support, and desktop support roles. Dell, HP, and Intel require it for their own technicians. The U.S. DoD includes it in Directive 8140 as a baseline credential.
What comes after CompTIA A+?
Most IT professionals follow A+ with CompTIA Network+ (networking fundamentals) and then CompTIA Security+ (cybersecurity baseline). Depending on your career direction, you might also add EC-Council CEH for ethical hacking or Cisco CCNA for networking.
Can I get a job with just CompTIA A+?
Yes, specifically for IT support, help desk, and desktop support positions. These represent the entry point of most IT careers.
Bottom Line
CompTIA A+ is the most recognized entry-level IT certification in the industry, held by over 1.4 million people, required by the DoD and major tech employers, and consistently listed in entry-level IT support job postings. For career changers and beginners, it’s a clear path from zero IT experience to a verifiable, employer-recognized credential.
It won’t get you to six figures on its own. That’s not what it’s for. A+ is a foundation, a starting point on a certification path that leads to Network+, Security+, and beyond.
If you want a map from where you are today to where you want to be, certifications, timeline, and target roles included, MyCC’s free evaluation is the place to start.