- 1.CompTIA A+ is the most recognized entry-level IT certification with 90% employer recognition rate
- 2.Two-part exam: Core 1 (Hardware) $370 and Core 2 (Software) $370 for total cost of $740
- 3.Certification holders earn average of $8,000 more than non-certified IT professionals
- 4.Valid for 3 years; renewal through continuing education units or higher-level CompTIA certifications
2
Exam Parts
$740
Total Cost
75%
Pass Rate
3 Years
Validity Period
Why CompTIA A+ Matters
CompTIA A+ is the industry standard entry-level IT certification with over 1 million certified professionals worldwide. According to CompTIA's 2024 IT Skills Gap report, 90% of hiring managers recognize A+ as a valid credential for entry-level IT positions.
Unlike vendor-specific certifications, A+ provides vendor-neutral foundational knowledge covering hardware, operating systems, networking, and security fundamentals. This broad foundation makes it ideal for those starting their IT careers or transitioning from other fields.
- Vendor-neutral certification covering all major IT technologies
- Required or preferred for many help desk and technical support roles
- Foundation for advanced CompTIA certifications like Network+ and Security+
- Recognized by major employers including IBM, HP, Dell, and government agencies
CompTIA A+ Exam Structure
CompTIA A+ consists of two separate exams that must both be passed to earn certification. The current version is A+ 1100 series, updated in 2022 to reflect modern IT environments.
| Exam | Focus Area | Questions | Time | Passing Score | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core 1 (1101) | Hardware, Mobile Devices, Networking | 90 | 90 minutes | 675/900 | $370 |
| Core 2 (1102) | Operating Systems, Security, Software | 90 | 90 minutes | 700/900 | $370 |
Core 1 vs Core 2: What's Covered
Understanding the focus of each exam helps you prepare efficiently and decide which to take first. Most candidates take Core 1 first due to its hardware focus.
Covers physical components, mobile devices, networking hardware, and virtualization basics.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • PC Technician
- • Field Service Technician
- • Help Desk Technician
Focuses on operating systems, security practices, and software troubleshooting.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Desktop Support Specialist
- • IT Support Specialist
- • System Administrator
| Key Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | 15% | Laptops, tablets, smartphones, accessories |
| Networking | 20% | TCP/IP, wireless, network types, troubleshooting |
| Hardware | 25% | Motherboards, RAM, storage, power supplies |
| Virtualization & Cloud | 12% | Virtual machines, cloud services, client-side virtualization |
| Hardware & Network Troubleshooting | 28% | Systematic troubleshooting methodology |
| Key Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 31% | Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS |
| Security | 25% | Malware, social engineering, wireless security |
| Software Troubleshooting | 22% | OS issues, malware removal, application problems |
| Operational Procedures | 22% | Documentation, change management, disaster recovery |
Study Timeline and Resources
Most candidates need 2-4 months of study time, depending on prior IT experience. Complete beginners should plan for 3-4 months, while those with some IT background can often complete preparation in 2 months.
Recommended Study Plan
Month 1: Foundation Building
Start with Core 1 material. Use Professor Messer's free videos and Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ book. Focus on hardware fundamentals and basic networking.
Month 2: Hands-On Practice
Build/disassemble PCs, practice with different operating systems. Use virtual machines to experiment safely. Take practice exams to identify weak areas.
Month 3: Core 2 Preparation
Shift focus to operating systems and security. Practice malware removal, OS installation, and troubleshooting scenarios.
Final Weeks: Exam Preparation
Intensive practice exams, review weak areas, schedule both exams. Book exams 1-2 weeks apart to maintain momentum.
High-quality preparation materials at no cost.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Self-study candidates
- • Budget-conscious learners
Comprehensive training programs with structured curriculum.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Structured learners
- • Employer-sponsored training
Traditional study materials and exam simulators.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Book learners
- • Exam preparation
CompTIA A+ Salary Impact
CompTIA A+ certification provides a measurable salary boost for entry-level IT positions. According to the Global Knowledge 2024 IT Skills Report, A+ certified professionals earn an average of $8,000 more than their non-certified counterparts.
| Premium | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Help Desk Technician | $42,000 | $48,000 | +$6,000 |
| Desktop Support Specialist | $45,000 | $52,000 | +$7,000 |
| Field Service Technician | $48,000 | $56,000 | +$8,000 |
| IT Support Specialist | $51,000 | $60,000 | +$9,000 |
| PC Technician | $40,000 | $47,000 | +$7,000 |
Career Paths
Help Desk Technician
Provide first-level technical support to users via phone, email, or chat. Troubleshoot basic hardware and software issues.
Desktop Support Specialist
Install, maintain, and troubleshoot computer systems and peripherals. Provide on-site technical support to end users.
Field Service Technician
Travel to client locations to install, repair, and maintain computer hardware and systems. Often involves working with business clients.
IT Support Specialist
Provide comprehensive technical support including network troubleshooting, user account management, and system maintenance.
PC Technician
Specialize in computer hardware repair, component replacement, and system assembly. Work in repair shops or corporate environments.
CompTIA A+ vs IT Degree
CompTIA A+ and IT degrees serve different purposes in career development. A+ provides immediate job readiness for entry-level positions, while degrees offer broader knowledge and long-term career advancement opportunities.
| Factor | CompTIA A+ | IT Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Complete | 2-4 months | 2-4 years |
| Total Cost | $740-$1,500 | $20,000-$80,000 |
| Job Readiness | Immediate entry-level | Broader opportunities |
| Employer Recognition | 90% for entry-level IT | Universal recognition |
| Career Ceiling | Limited without additional certs | No artificial limits |
| Skills Focus | Practical troubleshooting | Theoretical foundations |
The optimal approach often combines both: earn A+ for immediate job entry, then pursue an Information Technology degree part-time while gaining work experience. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want to break into IT quickly (within 6 months)
- You need an entry-level credential for help desk or desktop support roles
- You're changing careers and want to prove basic IT competency
- You plan to pursue additional CompTIA certifications (Network+, Security+)
- You prefer hands-on learning over theoretical study
- You already have 2+ years of IT experience
- You're targeting development or programming roles specifically
- You're already enrolled in a computer science or IT degree program
- You have other relevant certifications (Cisco, Microsoft, etc.)
- Your target employers don't value CompTIA certifications
CompTIA A+ FAQ
Related CompTIA Certifications
Related Degree Programs
Career Resources
Sources & Further Reading
Official certification details and exam objectives
Salary data and certification value analysis
Employment projections for IT occupations
Free A+ training videos and resources
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.