About the CompTIA A+ Certification
Key Takeaways
- CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard entry-level IT certification recognized by employers worldwide, including Dell, HP, Intel, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
- The certification requires passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1101) covering hardware and networking, and Core 2 (220-1102) covering operating systems and security.
- CompTIA A+ is vendor-neutral, meaning it covers concepts across all major platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) rather than focusing on a single vendor.
- The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education (CE) credits or by passing a higher-level CompTIA certification.
- Over 1.2 million IT professionals worldwide hold the CompTIA A+ certification, making it one of the most widely held IT credentials in existence.
About the CompTIA A+ Certification
What Is CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ is the gold standard entry-level IT certification recognized across the global technology industry. Created and maintained by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the A+ certification validates that a candidate possesses the foundational knowledge and skills required to perform core IT support tasks, including hardware and software troubleshooting, networking, security, and operating system management.
Unlike vendor-specific certifications (such as those offered by Microsoft, Cisco, or Apple), CompTIA A+ is vendor-neutral. This means the exam covers technology concepts and best practices that apply across all major hardware manufacturers and software platforms. Whether you are working with Dell servers, HP laptops, Lenovo desktops, or Apple devices, the skills validated by CompTIA A+ are universally applicable.
Why CompTIA A+ Matters
CompTIA A+ is more than just a test — it is a career gateway into the IT industry. Here is why it matters:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry Recognition | Accepted by major employers including Dell, HP, Intel, Ricoh, the U.S. Department of Defense, and thousands of IT service providers |
| DoD Compliance | Meets U.S. Department of Defense Directive 8570.01-M requirements for IAT Level I positions |
| Global Reach | Over 1.2 million certified professionals worldwide across 140+ countries |
| Vendor-Neutral | Covers Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chrome OS — not locked to one ecosystem |
| Career Foundation | Serves as the stepping stone to higher certifications like Network+, Security+, and CCNA |
| Salary Impact | CompTIA A+ certified professionals earn an average of $40,000–$65,000 annually at the entry level |
Who Should Get CompTIA A+ Certified?
CompTIA A+ is designed for individuals in or pursuing these roles:
- Help Desk Technician — First point of contact for IT support requests
- Desktop Support Specialist — Handles hardware and software issues for end users
- Field Service Technician — Provides on-site IT support and equipment installation
- IT Support Specialist — Broad role covering hardware, software, and network troubleshooting
- Associate Network Engineer — Entry-level networking support
- System Support Specialist — Manages system configurations and deployments
- Junior Systems Administrator — Assists with server and network administration
Recommended Prerequisites
CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support role before attempting the exams. However, many candidates successfully pass with dedicated self-study and lab practice. There are no formal prerequisites — anyone can register and take the exams.
The Two-Exam Structure
CompTIA A+ is unique among IT certifications in requiring two separate exams to earn the full certification:
| Exam | Code | Focus Areas | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core 1 | 220-1101 | Hardware, Networking, Mobile Devices, Virtualization, Troubleshooting | Up to 90 | 90 minutes | 675 / 900 |
| Core 2 | 220-1102 | Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, Operational Procedures | Up to 90 | 90 minutes | 700 / 900 |
Important: You must pass both exams to earn the CompTIA A+ certification. You can take them in any order, though most candidates begin with Core 1 since it covers the hardware and networking fundamentals that Core 2 troubleshooting questions build upon.
Exam Cost
Each exam costs approximately $253 USD (prices may vary by region and testing center). The total cost for both exams is approximately $506 USD. CompTIA offers discounted exam bundles and academic pricing for students.
Certification Renewal
CompTIA A+ is valid for three years from the date you pass your second exam. To maintain your certification, you must earn 20 Continuing Education (CE) units within the three-year period. CE units can be earned through:
- Passing a higher-level CompTIA certification (Network+, Security+, etc.)
- Completing approved training courses
- Attending industry conferences
- Publishing IT-related articles or white papers
- Teaching or mentoring in IT
The annual CE maintenance fee is $75 USD ($225 over three years).
How many separate exams must you pass to earn the CompTIA A+ certification?
What is the minimum passing score for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) exam?
How long is the CompTIA A+ certification valid before renewal is required?