A+ Cert Cost

The total cost of obtaining an A+ certification from CompTIA typically ranges from $400 to $1,200, depending on study materials, exam retakes, and training format. This includes the mandatory two exams—Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102)—priced at $246 each, totaling $492 for first-time test-takers. However, many candidates invest further in study guides, practice tests, and training courses to improve pass rates, which can push the total A+ cert cost closer to $1,000. As one of the most recognized entry-level IT certifications, the A+ opens doors to roles like help desk technician, desktop support, and field service technician. This article breaks down every component of the A+ cert cost, compares training options, evaluates return on investment (ROI), and offers practical guidance for career-minded learners navigating online education pathways.

What Is the A+ Certification and Who Should Pursue It?

The CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-standard credential validating foundational IT skills in hardware, software troubleshooting, operating systems, networking, security, and operational best practices. It’s vendor-neutral, meaning it doesn’t tie you to a specific technology stack, making it widely respected across employers. The A+ is ideal for individuals starting their IT careers, including recent high school graduates, career changers, and military veterans transitioning to civilian roles. No formal prerequisites are required, but CompTIA recommends at least 12 months of hands-on IT experience. The certification is particularly beneficial for those targeting roles such as IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Analyst, Desktop Support Technician, and Technical Support Associate. Major employers like Dell, HP, Ricoh, and the U.S. Department of Defense recognize and often require A+ certification, especially for entry-level positions. Because the A+ is often the first step in the CompTIA certification pathway—followed by Network+ and Security+—it’s a strategic starting point for building a long-term IT career. It’s also a baseline requirement for many federal IT roles under Directive 8570/8140, further enhancing its value.

Breakdown of A+ Cert Cost: Exams, Study Materials, and Training

The core expense in the A+ cert cost is the two required exams. Each exam (220-1101 and 220-1102) costs $246 when taken through Pearson VUE, the official testing provider. This brings the base exam cost to $492. However, this price can fluctuate based on promotions, academic discounts, or retake fees. Study materials vary widely in price and format: - Official CompTIA A+ Study Guide (Core 1 and Core 2): $80–$100 - Practice test packages (e.g., CompTIA CertMaster Practice): $40–$60 - Video training courses (e.g., Professor Messer’s free content or paid platforms like Udemy or Pluralsight): $20–$200 - Physical or virtual lab access (e.g., CompTIA Labs or Third Coast): $50–$150 Many learners opt for bundled training solutions. For example: - CompTIA CertMaster Learn + Labs + Exam Voucher Bundle: ~$1,150 - Udemy Complete A+ Certification Course (Mike Meyers): ~$20 (on sale) - ITProTV A+ Training (subscription): $59/month or $599/year When factoring in books, labs, and prep courses, total A+ cert cost typically lands between $600 and $1,200. However, budget-conscious learners can reduce expenses significantly by leveraging free resources like Professor Messer’s YouTube series and practice exams.

Free and Low-Cost Alternatives to Reduce A+ Cert Cost

While official training paths are comprehensive, numerous free or low-cost resources can help minimize the A+ cert cost without sacrificing quality. These are ideal for self-motivated learners aiming to enter IT on a tight budget. Professor Messer offers a full suite of free video lectures covering all A+ exam objectives for both 220-1101 and 220-1102. His content is widely considered one of the best free resources available and is used by thousands of successful candidates annually. Supplementing his videos with free practice exams from ExamCompass or CertBlaster can further reduce costs. Udemy frequently runs sales where top-rated A+ courses—such as those by Mike Meyers or Jason Dion—drop to $12.99. These courses often include practice tests, downloadable resources, and lab simulations. Dion’s “CompTIA A+ 220-1101 & 220-1102” course includes over 1,000 practice questions and is consistently rated above 4.7 stars. For hands-on learners, free trials of lab platforms like TryHackMe or Cisco’s Networking Academy may offer relevant exercises. While not A+ specific, they build complementary skills in networking and troubleshooting. Scholarship programs and workforce development initiatives also exist. For example, CompTIA’s NextUp program offers free training and certification vouchers to underrepresented groups in tech. Additionally, state-funded career centers and community colleges sometimes subsidize A+ training for eligible job seekers.

Duration and Difficulty: How Long Does It Take to Earn the A+?

The time required to prepare for the A+ certification varies based on prior experience and study schedule. On average, candidates spend 3 to 6 months preparing for both exams. Full-time students or career switchers dedicating 15–20 hours per week can complete preparation in as little as 8–10 weeks. The A+ exams are considered moderately difficult for beginners. Each exam consists of 90 questions, including multiple choice and performance-based items, and lasts 90 minutes. The performance-based questions require candidates to complete simulated tasks—such as configuring a wireless router or troubleshooting a failing hard drive—making hands-on practice essential. Pass rates hover around 70–75%, suggesting that while achievable, the exams demand structured preparation. Key topics include: - Mobile devices, networking, and hardware - Virtualization and cloud computing concepts - Security fundamentals and operational procedures - Operating system configuration (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) - Troubleshooting methodologies Candidates without prior IT experience should prioritize lab work and practice exams to build confidence. The difficulty level is designed to ensure that certified professionals can handle real-world support tasks independently.

Online Learning Platforms Offering A+ Certification Training

With the rise of digital education, numerous online platforms provide flexible, self-paced A+ certification training. These vary in cost, depth, and instructional style, allowing learners to choose based on budget and learning preferences. CompTIA CertMaster Learn is the official e-learning platform, offering interactive modules, quizzes, and progress tracking. Priced at $99 per course (Core 1 or Core 2), it integrates seamlessly with CertMaster Practice and Labs. It’s ideal for learners who prefer structured, official content. Udemy hosts several top-rated A+ courses. Jason Dion’s “Complete A+ Certification Course” ($12.99 on sale) includes both exams, 40+ hours of video, and 500+ practice questions. Mike Meyers’ “A+ Certification Course” from Total Seminars is another popular choice, known for its engaging delivery and real-world examples. ITProTV offers live and on-demand video training with expert instructors. Their A+ course spans over 40 hours and is included in a $59/month subscription. The platform also covers Network+, Security+, and other IT certifications, making it cost-effective for long-term learners. Pluralsight provides high-quality A+ paths with skill assessments and analytics. While priced higher (~$30/month), it’s ideal for professionals in tech-focused organizations that subsidize subscriptions. For learners seeking academic rigor, edX and Coursera partner with universities to offer IT support certificates that include A+ prep. Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera, for example, covers all A+ objectives and includes a voucher for the exam at no extra cost upon completion. This program costs $39/month and takes about six months to complete, offering excellent value.

Career Outcomes and Salary Impact After A+ Certification

Earning the A+ certification significantly enhances employability in the IT sector. According to CompTIA, 85% of IT hiring managers consider certifications important in hiring decisions, and A+ is among the most requested credentials for entry-level roles. Common job titles for A+ certified professionals include: - Help Desk Technician ($45,000 average salary) - Desktop Support Analyst ($50,000) - IT Support Specialist ($52,000) - Field Service Technician ($48,000) Salaries vary by location, industry, and experience. In high-demand tech hubs like San Francisco or Washington, D.C., entry-level IT roles can exceed $60,000 with benefits. Beyond immediate job placement, the A+ certification serves as a springboard to advanced roles. Certified professionals often progress to network administration, cybersecurity, or systems engineering after earning additional credentials like Network+ or Security+. Many organizations, including government agencies and managed service providers, offer tuition reimbursement for further certifications, accelerating career growth. The A+ also improves job retention and promotion potential. Certified employees are often perceived as more competent and committed, leading to faster advancement. For career changers, especially from non-technical fields, the A+ provides a credible, standardized proof of skills that can outweigh lack of formal degrees.

Return on Investment (ROI) of the A+ Certification

The ROI of the A+ certification is among the highest in entry-level IT credentials. With a typical investment of $500–$1,000 and a preparation period of 3–6 months, most certified individuals recoup their costs within the first year of employment. Consider this scenario: a candidate spends $800 on exams, books, and a premium course. After earning the A+, they land a help desk role paying $48,000 annually—$12,000 more than the median wage for non-certified peers in similar roles. In this case, the certification pays for itself in less than two months. Additionally, many employers offer certification bonuses. Companies like CDW, Insight, and TekSystems provide $500–$1,000 incentives for earning the A+. Some even cover exam fees upfront, reducing out-of-pocket costs to zero. Long-term ROI is even more compelling. A+ certified professionals are 30% more likely to be promoted within two years, according to CompTIA’s workforce studies. The certification also opens doors to apprenticeships, internships, and federal contracts, where compliance with certification requirements is mandatory. For those pursuing further education, the A+ can count toward college credits. Colleges like Excelsior and Thomas Edison State University accept A+ for 3–6 credit hours, reducing time and cost in degree programs.

FAQs About A+ Cert Cost and Certification

How much does the A+ certification exam cost?

Each A+ exam (220-1101 and 220-1102) costs $246, for a total of $492 to earn the full certification. Prices are set by Pearson VUE and may vary slightly with tax or location. Discounts are available through academic programs, military benefits, or bundled training packages.

Are there any free ways to prepare for the A+ exam?

Yes. Professor Messer offers a complete free video series covering all exam objectives. Free practice tests are available on ExamCompass and Quizlet. Additionally, YouTube channels and community forums provide study tips and troubleshooting walkthroughs at no cost.

Can I take both A+ exams on the same day?

Yes. Many candidates schedule both exams in one sitting, especially if they’ve completed intensive training. However, each exam lasts 90 minutes, so taking both back-to-back requires stamina. It’s recommended only for well-prepared candidates.

How long is the A+ certification valid?

As of January 2021, CompTIA A+ certifications are valid for three years. To maintain certification, professionals can either retake the exam or earn Continuing Education (CE) credits through activities like training, teaching, or earning higher certifications.

Is the A+ certification worth it in 2024?

Absolutely. The A+ remains a gold standard for IT support roles. With the rise of remote work and digital transformation, demand for skilled support technicians has increased. The certification validates real-world skills and is recognized globally.

Do I need to renew the A+ certification?

Yes. To renew, you must earn 20 Continuing Education (CE) units every three years. Options include earning a higher-level certification (e.g., Network+), attending training, publishing technical content, or teaching IT courses. Renewal costs $25–$50.

What’s the difference between A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams?

Core 1 (220-1101) focuses on hardware, networking technologies, mobile devices, and troubleshooting. Core 2 (220-1102) covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational best practices. Both are required for full certification.

Can I get a job with just the A+ certification?

Yes. Many entry-level IT roles, including help desk and desktop support, require only the A+. Employers value the certification as proof of baseline competency. Combined with a strong resume and interview skills, A+ certification can be sufficient to land a first IT job.