What Is the CompTIA A+ Certification?
The CompTIA A+ is widely considered the gold standard for entry-level IT support technicians. It validates core skills in hardware, software troubleshooting, networking basics, operating systems, security fundamentals, and customer communication. Earning your A+ signals to employers that you can handle real-world technical support tasks from day one.
CompTIA A+ is vendor-neutral, meaning it doesn't tie you to a specific manufacturer's ecosystem — a major advantage when you're early in your career and still exploring where you want to specialize.
Who Should Pursue the CompTIA A+?
- Anyone looking to land their first IT help desk or desktop support role
- Career changers entering IT from a non-technical background
- Military veterans transitioning to civilian technical work
- Students graduating from high school or completing IT vocational programs
What Does the Exam Cover?
The current version of the CompTIA A+ consists of two exams — Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Both must be passed to earn the certification.
Core 1 Topics
- Mobile devices and laptops
- Networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, wireless standards)
- Hardware components and installation
- Virtualization and cloud computing basics
- Hardware and network troubleshooting
Core 2 Topics
- Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems
- Security fundamentals and best practices
- Software troubleshooting
- Operational procedures and documentation
How to Prepare
- Use a structured study resource: Professor Messer's free CompTIA A+ study guides and video courses are extremely popular among first-time test-takers. Paid options like Jason Dion's Udemy courses are also highly regarded.
- Get hands-on practice: Set up an old PC at home, build a virtual lab using free software like VirtualBox, and practice installing operating systems, partitioning drives, and troubleshooting network settings.
- Take practice exams: CompTIA publishes official practice tests, and third-party providers offer additional question banks. Aim to consistently score above 80% before scheduling your exam.
- Study the performance-based questions (PBQs): These simulated tasks appear at the start of each exam and trip up many candidates. Practice walking through scenarios methodically, not just memorizing answers.
Exam Costs and Logistics
Each exam voucher costs around $246 USD (prices vary by region and may change — check CompTIA's official site for current pricing). You'll take both exams at a Pearson VUE testing center or via online proctoring. The passing scores are 675/900 for Core 1 and 700/900 for Core 2.
Is It Worth It?
For most entry-level IT technicians, yes — the CompTIA A+ is absolutely worth pursuing. It's one of the few certifications that many employers list as a baseline requirement for help desk and field technician positions. It also satisfies the DoD 8570 requirement for certain U.S. government IT roles, expanding your job market considerably.
Once you've earned your A+, logical next steps include the CompTIA Network+ for deeper networking knowledge, or the CompTIA Security+ if you're interested in cybersecurity. The A+ gives you a solid launchpad for either direction.