The A plus cert is the most attempted IT certification in the world — CompTIA has issued over 1.3 million of them. That kind of volume cuts both ways: it's a recognized signal to employers, but it also means the credential alone won't set you apart. Here's a straight look at what the A+ actually covers, what it pays, and how to pass both exams without wasting six months on the wrong study material.
What the A Plus Cert Actually Tests
The CompTIA A+ certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it doesn't lock you into a single manufacturer's ecosystem. It validates that you can configure, troubleshoot, and support hardware and software across real-world environments — Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and increasingly cloud-connected systems.
The certification requires passing two separate exams:
- Core 1 (220-1101) — Mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing. Passing score: 675 out of 900.
- Core 2 (220-1102) — Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Passing score: 700 out of 900.
Each exam has 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit. The question types include multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based items (PBQs) — simulated lab environments where you actually configure something rather than just selecting an answer. PBQs are where unprepared candidates fail. They count heavily and you can't bluff them.
CompTIA updates the exam objectives on a roughly three-year cycle. The current 1100-series exams added more emphasis on cloud services, scripting basics, and modern security threat vectors compared to the older 1000-series. If you're studying from materials published before 2022, check the version — some topics have shifted.
A Plus Cert Cost and Scheduling
Each exam voucher costs $246 through CompTIA's official store as of 2026, putting the total at $492. You can buy vouchers through third-party resellers (often at a 10-15% discount) or through your employer if they have a CompTIA partnership. Some community colleges and workforce development programs include exam vouchers in their tuition.
Exams are delivered through Pearson VUE — either at a physical test center or via online remote proctoring. Remote proctoring is convenient but has stricter environmental requirements: clear desk, single monitor, no second screen, working webcam and microphone. Test center is the lower-stress option if you're near one.
CompTIA's CertMaster Practice platform offers a free retake if you purchase through their site, but the retake must be used within 12 months of the original attempt. There's no penalty for failing and rescheduling, outside of paying another voucher fee.
Who Hires A Plus Cert Holders
The U.S. Department of Defense mandates A+ (or equivalent) for certain IT support roles under DoD Directive 8570 / 8140. This is a hard requirement, not a preference — federal contractors and agencies cannot put uncertified personnel in those seats. That alone creates sustained demand for the credential.
In the private sector, help desk coordinator, IT support analyst, and desktop support technician roles frequently list A+ as required or preferred. Managed service providers (MSPs) are the largest employers of entry-level A+ holders — they staff client sites and need technicians who can handle Tier 1 and Tier 2 support without extensive hand-holding.
Realistic salary ranges for A+ holders at entry level:
- Help Desk / IT Support Tier 1: $38,000–$48,000
- Desktop Support Technician: $45,000–$58,000
- MSP Field Technician: $42,000–$55,000
- Federal IT Support (with clearance): $55,000–$75,000
These numbers are not transformative on their own. The A+ gets you in the door; it doesn't negotiate salary. The candidates who accelerate past $60K within two years typically stack Network+ or Security+ within 12-18 months of the A+, or pivot toward a specialization like endpoint management or cybersecurity.
Realistic Preparation Time and Study Approach
Most candidates with no IT background need 3-6 months of part-time study to be ready for both exams. Candidates with existing hands-on experience (IT intern, self-taught tinkerer, military tech background) often prep in 6-10 weeks per exam.
The most common mistake is studying passively — reading the Professor Messer notes or watching videos without drilling practice questions. The A+ is a recall-and-application exam. You need to see thousands of questions before you walk in. Target 80%+ on practice exams consistently before scheduling. If you're scoring 65-70%, you'll likely fail the real thing.
Effective study sequence:
- Download the official CompTIA exam objectives PDF (free on their site) and use it as your study checklist
- Watch video content for conceptual grounding (Professor Messer's free series is thorough)
- Build hands-on reps — install Linux, configure a home router, set up a virtual machine
- Drill practice questions daily using a question bank that mirrors the current 1100-series objectives
- Do full timed practice exams in the two weeks before each test
Don't schedule both exams on the same day. Pass Core 1, take a week off, then move to Core 2. They share some conceptual overlap but cover distinct domains, and fatigue is real.
Top Courses to Build Complementary IT Skills
While dedicated A+ prep materials exist outside this catalog, these courses develop skills that directly support IT career growth alongside your certification studies.
Foundations of Project Management
IT support roles increasingly expect technicians to manage small projects — system migrations, hardware rollouts, ticket backlogs. This Coursera course (rated 10/10) covers the fundamentals that separate technicians who get promoted from those who stay at Tier 1.
iOS App Development Bootcamp
Mobile device management is covered explicitly on the A+ Core 1 exam. Understanding how iOS apps are structured and deployed gives you practical context that pure memorization of MDM concepts won't. Rated 10/10 on Udemy.
Focus: Strategies for Enhanced Concentration and Performance
Cert prep is a multi-month grind. This Udemy course (rated 10/10) covers evidence-based concentration techniques — useful for anyone working a full-time job while studying for two exams simultaneously.
Practice Exams for Gemology Students
Technically unrelated to IT, but the exam methodology here — timed practice under test conditions — mirrors exactly what A+ candidates need. Rated 10/10 on Udemy and worth examining for its approach to exam simulation if you're building your own study routine.
A Plus Cert vs. Other Entry-Level IT Credentials
The main alternative candidates consider is the Google IT Support Professional Certificate (available through Coursera). It's cheaper, self-paced, and recognized by some employers — but it does not satisfy DoD 8570 requirements and carries less weight at legacy enterprise and government employers. For government or federal contractor roles, A+ is essentially non-negotiable.
The Microsoft Fundamentals certifications (AZ-900, MS-900) are another path, but they're cloud-specific. An AZ-900 tells an employer you understand Azure conceptually. An A+ tells them you can physically service a machine, reinstall an OS, and troubleshoot a DHCP conflict at 2am. Different skill sets, different jobs.
If you're debating between A+ and jumping straight to Network+: don't skip A+. Network+ builds on A+ content directly — IP subnetting, OSI model, and protocol troubleshooting all appear in both. CompTIA recommends A+ before Network+ for a reason.
FAQ
How hard is the A plus cert to pass?
Harder than most people expect if they only study passively. CompTIA doesn't publish official pass rates, but industry estimates put first-attempt pass rates around 60-70%. The performance-based questions (PBQs) are the main differentiator — candidates who only read and watch videos often struggle with these. Consistent practice exam drilling and hands-on lab work significantly improve pass rates.
How long does the A plus cert take to get?
From zero IT background to certified, most candidates spend 3-6 months preparing for both exams. Some with hands-on experience pass in 6-8 weeks total. You can take the exams whenever you feel ready — there's no mandatory waiting period between Core 1 and Core 2.
Is the A plus cert worth it in 2026?
For entry-level IT roles, yes. The DoD 8570 requirement alone sustains employer demand. However, the salary ceiling with only an A+ is modest ($38K-$55K in most markets). The cert is best viewed as a foundation, not a destination — plan to stack Network+ or Security+ within 18 months if you want to move past Tier 1 support.
How much does the A plus cert cost?
$246 per exam through CompTIA's official store, totaling $492 for both required exams. Third-party resellers sometimes offer 10-15% discounts. Study materials add $0-$200 depending on whether you use free resources (Professor Messer, CompTIA's free objectives) or paid platforms. Total realistic budget: $500-$700.
Does the A plus cert expire?
Yes. The A+ certification is valid for three years. To renew, you must earn 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and pay a $50 renewal fee, or pass a higher-level CompTIA exam (which automatically renews lower-level certs). Letting the cert lapse requires retaking both exams — most people renew rather than retest.
Can I study for the A plus cert for free?
Yes, largely. Professor Messer's A+ study notes and video series cover all exam objectives at no cost. CompTIA publishes the official exam objectives PDF for free. You'll still need to pay for the exam vouchers ($492) and ideally a paid question bank for practice drilling — expect to spend $30-80 on a quality question bank. Everything else can be free if you're disciplined about it.
Bottom Line
The A plus cert is the right first move if you're targeting IT support, help desk, or federal/DoD IT roles. It's not a shortcut to a high salary — it's a floor that gets you into the building. Budget $500-700 all in, plan for 3-6 months of structured study, and don't schedule the exam until you're consistently hitting 80%+ on timed practice tests. Once you have it, start planning your next credential: the candidates who treat A+ as a launchpad rather than a finish line are the ones whose resumes look meaningfully different 18 months later.