The CompTIA A+ cert is the most hired-against credential in entry-level IT. CompTIA's own workforce data shows it appears in more job postings than any other IT certification at the helpdesk and desktop support level — which is exactly why it's often the first cert hiring managers filter for, and why clearing both exams matters more than it might seem from the outside.
If you searched "CompTIA 1102" specifically, you're likely researching the 220-1102 exam — the second of two required exams for the A+ credential. This article covers both exams, but spends more time on 1102 since it's the one most candidates trip over.
What the CompTIA A+ Cert Actually Is
The CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral IT certification that validates baseline competency in hardware, software, networking, and security for IT support roles. It's not a specialist cert — it's proof you can handle the day-to-day work of a helpdesk technician, desktop support analyst, or field service technician without hand-holding.
Earning the A+ requires passing two separate exams:
- 220-1101 (Core 1) — hardware, networking fundamentals, mobile devices, virtualization, cloud basics
- 220-1102 (Core 2) — operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures
Both exams must be passed. There's no partial credit — passing only 1101 doesn't earn you anything on its own. CompTIA gives you a window to pass both, but they must both be on record before the credential is issued.
Note on exam versions: CompTIA is transitioning the A+ to a new series (220-1201 / 220-1202) in 2025–2026. If you're starting prep now, verify which version is currently active before purchasing vouchers. The 220-1101/1102 series has been the standard but is being phased out. Core concepts remain largely the same across versions.
Breaking Down the 220-1102 Exam
The 1102 is where many candidates get surprised. People spend most of their study time on hardware (1101 topics) and then walk into 1102 underprepared for how much it emphasizes Windows OS internals, security policy, and operational procedure — topics that are less intuitive if you don't have hands-on experience.
The exam domain breakdown:
- Operating Systems (31%): Windows 10/11 configuration, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Expect questions on registry editing, command-line tools (ipconfig, sfc, chkdsk, net), and OS installation/upgrade paths.
- Security (25%): Physical security, account lockout policies, Active Directory basics, BitLocker, malware types, and removal procedures.
- Software Troubleshooting (22%): Common Windows errors, application crashes, browser issues, mobile OS problems. Performance-based questions often simulate real ticket scenarios.
- Operational Procedures (22%): Documentation, change management, disaster recovery, ticketing systems, communication with end users. This section trips up candidates who skip "soft skills" content.
Exam format: 90 questions maximum, 90-minute time limit, passing score of 700 on a 100–900 scale. Question types include multiple choice (single and multiple answer) and performance-based items (PBQs) — drag-and-drop, simulated environments, and scenario matching.
PBQs appear first in the exam and take significantly more time. Most test-takers flag them and return after completing multiple-choice questions, which is a valid strategy — just make sure you leave enough time.
Career Value and Salary Expectations
The CompTIA A+ cert opens doors at the entry level, specifically for roles that require it or list it as preferred:
- Help Desk Technician / Tier 1–2 Support
- Desktop Support Analyst
- IT Field Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
- Systems Administrator (junior)
According to BLS data and aggregated job board salary ranges, entry-level A+-adjacent roles typically pay $38,000–$55,000 annually depending on market and employer. Federal government roles can pay higher because the A+ satisfies DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level I requirements — a compliance mandate that creates non-negotiable demand for the cert in defense contracting and federal IT work.
The honest career trajectory: A+ is a launching pad, not a destination. Most IT professionals hold A+ for 1–2 years, then pursue Network+, Security+, or cloud certs (AWS, Azure, Google). The A+ proves baseline competence; the follow-on certs prove specialty. Employers in the federal space and MSP world respect the full CompTIA trifecta (A+, Network+, Security+).
How to Prepare for Both Exams
Preparation time varies widely by background. Someone with no IT experience typically needs 3–6 months of consistent study. Someone coming from a technical support background might clear both exams in 4–8 weeks of focused prep.
What actually works:
- Professor Messer's free notes and practice questions — the community standard for A+ prep, updated per exam version. Use as your study outline.
- A video course for visual walkthroughs — especially for OS configuration and hardware identification. Static text is insufficient for understanding physical components.
- Practice exams with performance-based question simulators — the PBQ format surprises candidates who only do flashcards. You need timed simulation.
- Hands-on labs — set up a Windows 10 VM. Practice running sfc /scannow, editing the registry, configuring Windows Defender, and joining a workgroup. The exam rewards people who've actually done these things.
Don't schedule the real exam until you're consistently hitting 80%+ on practice tests. The passing threshold is 700/900 (roughly 78%), but you want buffer for unfamiliar PBQs.
Top Courses for the CompTIA A+ Cert
These are the highest-rated options currently available based on student outcomes and curriculum coverage:
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Full Course & Practice Exam
Comprehensive video-based course covering the updated 220-1201 exam objectives with included practice tests. Strong choice if you're starting fresh and want a single resource that walks through every domain methodically.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) 6 Practice Tests [2026]
Six full-length timed practice exams mapped to current A+ objectives. Use alongside a video course — the volume of varied questions is what builds the pattern recognition you need to handle PBQs under time pressure.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam Prep 2026
If you're planning to stack certifications after A+, Security+ is the logical next step. Starting exposure to Security+ concepts early also reinforces the security domain on the 1102 exam — there's meaningful overlap.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) 1,000+ Practice Questions 2026
Over 1,000 practice questions for Security+ — useful both as a prep resource for A+ security topics and as forward-looking material for candidates who know they're pursuing the full CompTIA path.
CompTIA A+ Cert FAQ
How hard is the CompTIA A+ cert to pass?
Pass rates aren't published by CompTIA, but the general consensus among IT educators is that roughly 50–60% of first-time candidates pass each exam. The 1102 (Core 2) has a slightly lower pass rate because candidates underestimate the OS and operational procedure domains. Consistent practice test scores above 80% are a reliable predictor of passing on the first attempt.
How much does the CompTIA A+ cert cost?
As of 2025, each exam voucher costs approximately $253 USD, so the full certification (both exams) costs around $506. Discounts are available through academic institutions, CompTIA's CertMaster bundles, and training providers. Never pay full price — voucher discounts of 10–20% are routinely available through legitimate channels.
Do I need to pass both exams in a specific order?
No. CompTIA doesn't require you to pass 1101 before 1102. However, 1101 covers foundational hardware knowledge that shows up in 1102 scenarios, so most candidates take 1101 first. Starting with 1102 is possible but not recommended for candidates without prior IT experience.
How long is the CompTIA A+ cert valid?
Three years. After that, you need to renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) program — either by earning CEUs, passing a higher-level CompTIA exam (like Security+ or Network+), or retaking the A+. Many professionals let it renew naturally by earning their next cert within the three-year window.
Is the CompTIA A+ cert worth it in 2025–2026?
For entry-level IT, yes. The cert remains a genuine filter in hiring — particularly at MSPs, federal contractors, and enterprise IT departments. The ROI is clearest for career changers who need a credential to get past initial resume screens. For someone already working in IT support, the cert validates existing skills but may not increase salary on its own without also targeting a specialty.
What's the difference between the 220-1102 and the 220-1202?
The 220-1202 is CompTIA's updated Core 2 exam, part of the new A+ series replacing 220-1101/1102. The 1202 adds expanded coverage of modern OS management (Windows 11, updated macOS/Linux tooling), updated security practices (zero trust, more emphasis on cloud identity), and revised operational procedures. The fundamental domains are the same; the content is refreshed to reflect current IT environments.
Bottom Line
The CompTIA A+ cert is the right first certification if you're entering IT support without an existing credential, transitioning careers into IT, or need to satisfy a DoD/federal compliance requirement. It's a real filter for real jobs, not a vanity cert.
Clear both exams (1101 and 1102, or the updated 1201/1202) before pursuing specialist credentials. Use timed practice exams heavily — the 90-minute window combined with performance-based questions punishes candidates who've only read material without simulating test conditions. Budget $500–$600 for the full certification including both exam vouchers.
If you're planning to stack certifications afterward, Security+ is the standard next step. Some of that content overlaps with 1102's security domain, so studying for both in sequence is efficient. The CompTIA A+ → Network+ → Security+ path covers most entry-to-mid level IT positions and takes most candidates 12–18 months to complete.