About half of all entry-level IT help desk postings on Indeed and LinkedIn list CompTIA A+ as a requirement or strong preference. That single line on a job description is why so many people search for "IT A+ certification" each month—and why it's worth understanding exactly what you're getting into before you spend money on exam vouchers or study courses. This guide covers what the certification actually tests, what it genuinely costs beyond the voucher price, and whether the job market still rewards it the way career sites claim.
What the IT A+ Certification Actually Tests
The IT A+ certification from CompTIA is split across two exams that together cover the breadth of tasks an entry-level support technician actually encounters. The division isn't arbitrary:
- Core 1 (220-1101) focuses on hardware and infrastructure: installing and configuring PC components, troubleshooting printers and mobile devices, basic networking (TCP/IP, wireless standards, common ports), virtualization, and cloud computing concepts.
- Core 2 (220-1102) covers the operational side: Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS configuration; security hardening; basic scripting; troubleshooting methodologies; and workplace procedures including documentation and customer communication.
Passing both exams earns the A+ credential—neither alone is sufficient. Several topics catch candidates off guard:
- Command-line tools (net, ipconfig, ping, tracert, netstat on Windows; ls, chmod, grep on Linux)
- Mobile device management concepts: MDM, BYOD policies, remote wipe
- Basic scripting literacy—reading Python or Bash snippets, not writing programs
- Virtualization terms and cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
The mix reflects how help desk work actually divides in practice: hardware and connectivity problems on one side, software configuration and process problems on the other.
How the IT A+ Certification Exams Work
Each exam allows up to 90 questions and 90 minutes. Passing scores are 675 out of 900 for Core 1 and 700 out of 900 for Core 2. Questions come in several formats: single-answer multiple choice, multiple-correct multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based items (PBQs) that simulate real tasks in a browser environment.
PBQs typically appear at the start of the exam and are the most time-consuming. A common mistake is spending 15-20 minutes on a PBQ you're uncertain about. Experienced test-takers flag them, move through the multiple-choice section, then return to PBQs with whatever time remains.
Exams are delivered through Pearson VUE—either at a testing center or via online proctoring from home. No prerequisites are required. CompTIA recommends 9-12 months of hands-on experience as preparation guidance, but that's not a prerequisite enforced at registration.
Certification is valid for three years. Renewal requires 20 continuing education units (CEUs) plus a renewal fee, or retaking the current exam version. Most people in active IT roles accumulate CEUs through normal professional development without much effort.
What the IT A+ Certification Actually Costs
Many guides list "$1,000 to $2,000" as the cost range. That figure typically includes bootcamp or instructor-led classroom training, which most self-studiers skip entirely. Here's a more realistic breakdown:
- Exam vouchers: approximately $246 each (2024-2025 pricing), so $492 for both exams
- Video course: $15-$30 on Udemy sale (Mike Meyers or Professor Messer are the standard choices; Messer's PDF study notes are free)
- Practice exams: $20-$40 for a quality set (Jason Dion's Udemy practice tests are widely used)
- Retake budget: Same price as the original voucher—worth planning for if you're new to certification-style exams
Realistic total: $550-$700 if you pass both exams on the first attempt using self-study materials. Some employers cover exam vouchers through tuition reimbursement programs—check before paying out of pocket.
Is the IT A+ Certification Worth It?
The honest answer depends on your starting point.
If you have no IT experience and no degree
Yes, probably. The A+ signals a baseline of structured knowledge that's otherwise hard to demonstrate on a resume. Hiring managers use it as a filter because help desk applications are often thin on verifiable credentials. Clearing that filter has concrete value when the alternative is being screened out before anyone reads your experience section.
If you already have 1-2 years of IT support experience
Still worth having, but the cert matters less than the experience. Some employers require it as a condition of employment or reimburse it—check your situation before paying out of pocket.
If you're targeting DoD or federal IT roles
The IT A+ certification is on the DoD 8570/8140 approved list for IAT Level I roles. For government IT and federal contracting work, it isn't optional—it's a compliance requirement for specific position categories.
The "A+ is worthless" argument
This criticism typically comes from mid-career engineers for whom an entry-level cert is irrelevant. For someone breaking into IT with no prior credentials, the comparison point isn't "A+ vs. being a senior sysadmin"—it's "A+ vs. no certification at all" when applying to a help desk role. CompTIA's own workforce data puts A+-certified professionals at a median starting salary of $40,000-$52,000 in the US, with higher ranges in metro areas and government-adjacent markets.
Top Courses for IT A+ Certification and Career Development
CompTIA doesn't produce its own courseware, so study materials come from third-party providers. The courses below cover skills directly adjacent to IT A+ certification—either preparation tools or logical next steps once you're certified.
ITSM: Practice Tests for the Foundation Exam 2026
Once you have the A+ and land a help desk role, ITIL/ITSM Foundation is typically the next certification employers request. This practice test course gives you a realistic preview of the Foundation exam structure—useful for understanding what you're committing to before buying the full study materials.
Project Initiation: Starting a Successful Project
IT support professionals who move into technical project roles—hardware refresh cycles, software deployments, infrastructure rollouts—benefit from basic project management fluency. This Coursera course covers the fundamentals without requiring PMP-level depth or commitment.
Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking
Structured troubleshooting, which accounts for a significant portion of CompTIA A+ Core 2, is applied logic. If you find yourself consistently losing points on troubleshooting scenario questions, this is often the underlying skill gap—not a lack of memorized facts.
What Comes After the IT A+ Certification?
The A+ is explicitly an entry-level credential. CompTIA's standard progression path from there:
- CompTIA Network+ — networking fundamentals; commonly required for network support and NOC roles
- CompTIA Security+ — security fundamentals; the DoD 8570 IAT Level II standard and extremely common in enterprise and government IT hiring
From Security+, paths diverge based on specialization: CySA+ or CASP+ for security-focused tracks, vendor certifications (Microsoft AZ-104, AWS Solutions Architect Associate) for cloud roles, or CCNA for network engineering.
A realistic progression for someone starting with no IT background:
- Study and pass CompTIA A+ (3-5 months of part-time study)
- Land an entry-level help desk or IT support role
- Study Network+ while working (3-4 months)
- Study Security+ while working (4-6 months)
At the end of that sequence, you're competitive for roles paying $60,000-$80,000 in most US markets—a meaningfully different situation than where you started.
FAQ
Is the IT A+ certification still worth it in 2025?
For entry-level candidates without a CS degree, yes. The cert still appears on a high percentage of help desk and IT support postings. Its signaling value diminishes as you accumulate hands-on experience, but as a first credential for someone with nothing else on their resume, it's practical and achievable.
How long does it take to earn the IT A+ certification?
Most candidates studying part-time take 3-5 months to prepare for and pass both exams. Full-time students sometimes clear both in 6-8 weeks. There's no required completion timeline—you schedule exams through Pearson VUE whenever you're ready.
What's the pass rate for CompTIA A+ exams?
CompTIA doesn't publish official pass rates. Community data and third-party estimates put first-attempt pass rates in the 60-70% range. Candidates who consistently score 80%+ on practice exams before testing tend to pass at substantially higher rates.
Can I get a job with just the IT A+ certification?
Entry-level help desk, desktop support, and field service technician roles are the primary targets. In competitive markets, adding Network+ or Security+ alongside A+ substantially improves application outcomes. The A+ alone is sufficient for many smaller employers and MSPs.
How much does the IT A+ certification cost total?
Budget $550-$700 for both exam vouchers and self-study materials if you pass on the first attempt. Add $246 per exam if you need a retake. Check your employer's tuition reimbursement policy before paying—many cover exam vouchers as a standard benefit.
What's the difference between CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2?
Core 1 (220-1101) focuses on hardware, mobile devices, networking basics, and cloud concepts. Core 2 (220-1102) focuses on operating systems, security, troubleshooting methodology, and operational procedures. Both exams are required—passing only one does not earn the certification.
Bottom Line
The IT A+ certification is a straightforward value proposition for people entering IT without a degree: an achievable, recognized credential that satisfies the baseline screening requirement on a large share of entry-level job postings. It's not a career in itself—it's a door opener.
Budget $550-$700 and 3-5 months of study if you're starting from scratch. The candidates who struggle most are those who memorize definitions without understanding concepts. The performance-based questions and troubleshooting scenarios reward practical logic over rote recall. Use practice exams extensively, not just video courses.
If you're already working an IT support role, skip directly to Network+ or Security+—those carry more weight for advancement. But for someone starting at zero who wants a concrete, validated first step into the industry, the A+ certification course path is as clear as it gets.