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Key Takeaways
- 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. That broad foundation makes it a natural starting point for IT careers or career changers coming 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 |
Average Pass Rate
Core 1 vs Core 2: What's Covered
Most candidates take Core 1 first since hardware concepts lay the groundwork for Core 2's software topics.
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Core 1 (1101) - Hardware & Infrastructure
Covers physical components, mobile devices, networking hardware, and virtualization basics.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- PC Technician
- Field Service Technician
- Help Desk Technician
Core 2 (1102) - Software & Security
Focuses on operating systems, security practices, and software troubleshooting.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Support Specialist
- System Administrator
Core 1 (1101) Exam Domains
| Domain | Weight | 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 |
Source: [CompTIA A+ Objectives](https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a)
Core 2 (1102) Exam Domains
| Domain | Weight | 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 |
Source: [CompTIA A+ Objectives](https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a)
Study Timeline and Resources
Plan for 2-4 months of study time, depending on your IT background. Complete beginners should budget 3-4 months; those with some IT experience can often wrap up 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.
Free Resources
High-quality preparation materials at no cost.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- Self-study candidates
- Budget-conscious learners
Paid Courses
Comprehensive training programs with structured curriculum.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- Structured learners
- Employer-sponsored training
Books & Practice Exams
Traditional study materials and exam simulators.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- Book learners
- Exam preparation
CompTIA A+ Salary Impact
A+ carries 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.
A+ Certified Salary by Role
| Job Role | Non-Certified | A+ Certified | 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 |
Source: [Global Knowledge 2024](https://www.globalknowledge.com/)
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
A+ and IT degrees serve different purposes. A+ gets you job-ready for entry-level positions fast, while degrees offer broader knowledge and long-term career ceiling.
| 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 |
A common path: 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.
Should You Get CompTIA A+?
Get CompTIA A+ if.
- 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
Skip A+ if.
- 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
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CompTIA A+ FAQ
Is CompTIA A+ worth it in 2025?
How long does it take to get CompTIA A+ certified?
What's the total cost of CompTIA A+ certification?
Which CompTIA A+ exam should I take first?
How hard is the CompTIA A+ exam?
Can I get an IT job with just CompTIA A+?
Does CompTIA A+ expire?
What's after CompTIA A+?
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
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.