The CompTIA A+ cert is the most widely recognized entry-level IT credential in the world, with roughly 1.3 million people holding it. That's both its strength and its limitation. If you're deciding whether to pursue it, the real question isn't "is A+ respected?"—it obviously is—it's whether the time and $500+ in exam fees actually moves the needle for where you want to land.
This guide covers the current exam structure (Core 1 and Core 2 under the 220-1101/1102 series), what you'll actually study, salary data for A+-certified technicians, and honest advice on when it's worth doing versus when you should skip straight to Network+ or Security+.
What the CompTIA A+ Cert Actually Covers
The A+ certification is split across two exams. You need to pass both to earn the credential—there's no partial certification.
Core 1 (220-1101): Hardware and Connectivity
Core 1 focuses on the physical and infrastructure side of IT support: mobile devices, networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, Wi-Fi standards, basic switching), hardware components, virtualization concepts, and cloud computing basics. The passing score is 675 on a 100–900 scale. Expect around 90 questions with a 90-minute time limit, mixing multiple choice with performance-based simulations that require you to drag components into diagrams or configure a virtual network.
Core 2 (220-1102): OS, Security, and Troubleshooting
Core 2 is where most people struggle. It covers Windows (10 and 11, command-line tools, registry), macOS and Linux basics, operational procedures (ticketing, documentation, change management), security hardening, and software troubleshooting. The performance-based questions here are harder—you might be asked to set NTFS permissions or trace through a scripted malware scenario. Same passing score: 675.
CompTIA recommends nine months of hands-on experience before attempting the exams, but in practice, dedicated self-study over 8–12 weeks is enough for most candidates who aren't already working in IT.
CompTIA A+ Cert Exam Costs and Registration
Each exam voucher costs $253 USD as of 2026, so the full certification runs $506 before any discounts. A few ways to reduce that:
- CertMaster bundles: CompTIA sells study material + exam voucher bundles. Expensive, but the voucher is included.
- Academic discounts: Students at participating institutions can get 40–50% off through their school's testing center.
- Employer reimbursement: Many MSPs and enterprise IT departments reimburse exam fees upon passing. Ask before you pay out-of-pocket.
- Voucher resellers: Sites like ExamVouchers.com occasionally sell discounted vouchers. Stick to authorized resellers.
Exams can be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center or remotely via OnVUE (Pearson's online proctoring platform). OnVUE requires a clean room, a webcam, and a stable internet connection. The experience is roughly equivalent to a test center—some candidates prefer the convenience, others find the setup requirements stressful. Either option is valid.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Pursue the CompTIA A+ Cert
The A+ is best suited for:
- People with zero prior IT work experience trying to break into help desk or desktop support roles
- Career changers who need a verifiable credential since they can't point to a relevant job history
- Military personnel—A+ is DoD 8570 compliant for IAT Level 1 positions, which matters for government contracting
The A+ is probably not worth your time if:
- You already have 1–2 years of IT support experience. Hiring managers will care more about that history than the cert.
- You want to move directly into networking or security. Network+ and Security+ are more targeted and will differentiate you faster.
- You're aiming for software development or data roles. A+ won't help you there at all.
The cert has a three-year renewal cycle. You can renew by earning CEUs (attending training, passing a higher-level exam, or completing certain activities) or by passing the current version of the exam again. This matters for long-term planning—factor in renewal costs.
Salary and Career Outcomes for A+ Holders
According to CompTIA's own workforce studies and aggregated job board data, A+-certified professionals in the US typically earn:
- Help Desk Technician / IT Support Specialist: $38,000–$55,000/year entry-level
- Desktop Support Analyst: $45,000–$65,000/year
- Field Service Technician: $40,000–$58,000/year
These numbers are not exciting. The A+ is an entry credential, and it pays like one. The meaningful salary jump comes when you pair it with experience and layer on Network+ or Security+. The common progression that actually moves salaries looks like: A+ → 1 year help desk → Security+ → SOC analyst or junior sysadmin roles at $65,000–$85,000.
Government and defense contractors are an exception. DoD-contracted IT roles require 8570/8140 compliance, and A+ satisfies IAT Level 1. These roles often pay above-market rates for the credential level because compliance is non-negotiable, not because A+ itself commands a premium.
Top Courses for the CompTIA A+ Cert
The two best self-study options are a full lecture course plus dedicated practice exams. Trying to pass on flashcards alone routinely fails people on the performance-based questions—you need timed, exam-format practice.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Full Course & Practice Exam
Comprehensive lecture-style course covering the full Core 1 objective list with built-in practice exams. A solid primary study resource for candidates building knowledge from scratch, particularly good on hardware identification and network troubleshooting scenarios.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) 6 Practice Tests [2026]
Six full practice exams timed to mirror the actual test, updated for 2026. Use these in the final two weeks before your exam date—practice test performance is the most reliable predictor of whether you'll pass. Rated 9.4/10 by recent students.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam Prep 2026 - For Beginners
If you're planning to stack Security+ after A+, starting this course before you finish your A+ prep is efficient—some of the security fundamentals overlap (malware types, basic hardening) and reinforce each other. Rated 9.5/10.
How to Study: A Realistic 10-Week Plan
Most people who fail the A+ either under-studied the OS/troubleshooting side of Core 2 or neglected performance-based questions entirely. Here's a structure that addresses both:
- Weeks 1–3: Core 1 content only. Watch lecture videos, take notes on hardware specs, network ports, and cloud service models. Build a basic home lab if possible—even a cheap refurbished laptop to disassemble teaches more than diagrams.
- Week 4: Core 1 practice exams. Score below 80%? Go back and drill weak areas. Above 80% consistently? Schedule Core 1 exam.
- Weeks 5–8: Core 2 content. Spend extra time on Windows command-line tools (ipconfig, netstat, sfc, chkdsk), NTFS permissions, and the operational procedures domain—it's underestimated and heavily weighted.
- Weeks 9–10: Core 2 practice exams under timed conditions. Specifically practice performance-based questions by finding simulation tools—CompTIA's CertMaster Labs has these, as do some third-party providers.
FAQ: CompTIA A+ Cert
How hard is the CompTIA A+ cert?
Harder than most people expect if they don't have hands-on IT experience. The content itself isn't complex, but there are a lot of specifics to memorize—port numbers, RAM types, connector standards—plus performance-based questions that require practical reasoning, not just recall. First-attempt pass rates aren't published by CompTIA, but anecdotally, candidates who use practice exams consistently pass at higher rates than those who study only from reading material.
How long does it take to get the CompTIA A+ cert?
Most self-study candidates without prior IT experience take 8–12 weeks of part-time study (10–15 hours/week) to prepare for both exams. Someone already working in IT support might be ready in 4–6 weeks. The exams themselves are separate appointments—you can take them back-to-back or space them out.
Does the CompTIA A+ cert expire?
Yes. CompTIA A+ is valid for three years from the date you pass Core 2. To renew, you can earn 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through approved activities, or pass a higher-level CompTIA exam (Network+, Security+, etc.) which automatically renews the lower certs in your stack.
Is the CompTIA A+ cert worth it in 2026?
For people with no IT work experience: yes, it's worth it as a credential to get the first interview. For people with existing IT experience: probably not—your experience is more compelling. The cert's value is specifically as a proof of foundational knowledge when you can't point to a job title.
Can I take the CompTIA A+ exam online at home?
Yes, through Pearson VUE's OnVUE remote proctoring platform. You'll need a webcam, microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private room you can show to the proctor via a 360-degree room scan. The exam content is identical to the in-person version. OnVUE works well for most candidates; a small percentage encounter technical issues, so test your system with the OnVUE check-in tool beforehand.
What jobs can I get with just a CompTIA A+ cert?
Tier 1 help desk, desktop support technician, field service technician, and IT support specialist roles are the primary targets. Most of these roles pay $38,000–$55,000 USD depending on location. Roles at MSPs (managed service providers) are the most accessible entry point—MSPs are perennially understaffed and frequently hire A+ holders directly out of certification.
Bottom Line
The CompTIA A+ cert does one thing well: it gives you a recognized credential to show employers when you have no IT work experience to point to. That's genuinely useful for career changers and new graduates, and it's why the certification has sustained relevance for 25+ years.
If that's your situation—no IT background, trying to break into help desk—spend the $506, study for two to three months, and pass both exams. It will open doors that would otherwise be closed.
If you already have IT experience, skip A+ and go straight to the exam that matches where you want to be: Network+ for infrastructure roles, Security+ for security-adjacent work. The A+ is an entry credential and has the salary ceiling to prove it. Stack higher certifications as fast as your experience allows.