The CompTIA A+ cert is one of the few credentials where the ROI math is hard to argue with: the exam costs roughly $253 per voucher, total prep time runs 3-6 months for most people starting from zero, and entry-level help desk roles in the US average $45,000-$55,000/year with it on your resume. Without it, many of those same job postings won't look at you. That's the short version. Here's the full picture.
What the CompTIA A+ Cert Actually Tests
The A+ is a two-exam credential — you don't get certified by passing one test. Both exams are required:
- Core 1 (220-1201) — Hardware, networking, virtualization, cloud computing, and hardware/network troubleshooting. Think: identifying components, configuring SOHO networks, understanding mobile devices.
- Core 2 (220-1202) — Operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS, Chrome OS), security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Each exam has up to 90 questions, a 90-minute time limit, and a passing score of 675 out of 900. Questions include multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based items (simulations where you configure an actual interface). The performance-based items trip up a lot of candidates who only did flashcards — you need hands-on practice.
CompTIA updates the exam periodically. The current objectives are the 1201/1202 series (released late 2024), replacing the older 1101/1102 Core series. If you're using study materials from before late 2024, verify they cover the updated objectives — particularly the expanded cloud and AI content added in the revision.
Who Should Get the CompTIA A+ Cert (and Who Shouldn't Bother)
The A+ makes most sense if you're targeting:
- Help desk / IT support roles (Tier 1 and Tier 2)
- Desktop support technician positions
- IT generalist roles at small companies
- Military IT MOSs that require civilian equivalencies
- MSP (managed service provider) entry-level technician work
It's less useful if you're already working in IT and want a pay bump — at that point, Network+ or Security+ will move the needle more. The A+ is an entry credential. Employers know this. It signals "this person has validated baseline knowledge," not "this person is an expert." That framing matters when you're deciding whether to spend study time on A+ vs. jumping straight to a more advanced cert.
One legitimate use case that gets overlooked: the DoD 8570/8140 compliance requirement. Many federal IT contractor roles require DoD-approved certs, and A+ satisfies the IAT Level I requirement. If you're targeting government or defense contractor IT roles, A+ plus Security+ is a very practical combination.
CompTIA A+ Cert Exam Cost and Registration
As of 2026, each exam voucher costs $253 USD through CompTIA's official store. You need two vouchers — total cost around $506 before any discounts. Ways to reduce that cost:
- CompTIA's academic pricing: If you're enrolled in an accredited program, you may qualify for discounted vouchers through your school's bookstore or CompTIA's academic channel.
- Employer reimbursement: Many IT employers, especially MSPs, will pay for exam vouchers if you're already working there or commit to staying post-certification.
- GI Bill / WIOA funding: Veterans and eligible workers can often get exam costs covered through federal workforce programs.
- CompTIA bundles: CompTIA sells CertMaster bundles that include a voucher + their official learning platform. The discount is modest but the practice exam access can be worth it if you're buying both anyway.
You schedule exams through Pearson VUE, either at a testing center or as an online proctored exam. The online option is convenient but has stricter room requirements — no second monitors, no phones visible, a clear desk. Testing center is usually less hassle if you have one nearby.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare?
Realistic timelines based on starting point:
- No IT background: 4-6 months studying 1-2 hours/day
- Some IT experience or a CS-adjacent degree: 6-10 weeks
- Active IT role (just need the paper): 2-4 weeks of targeted exam prep
The single biggest predictor of passing on the first attempt is doing practice exams under timed conditions. People who read the material but never simulate the actual exam environment consistently underperform. Aim for 80%+ on practice exams before you schedule the real thing — not because that guarantees a pass, but because anything lower means you have identifiable gaps worth closing first.
Top Courses for the CompTIA A+ Cert
These are ranked by student rating and relevance to the current exam objectives. All are available on Udemy, which means frequent sale pricing (often $15-20 during promotions, vs. the listed full price).
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Full Course & Practice Exam
Covers the full Core 1 objective set with video lectures plus integrated practice questions. Rated 9.4/10 — one of the highest-rated A+ courses available, with consistent student feedback that the practice exam questions closely mirror actual exam difficulty.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) 6 Practice Tests [2026]
Six full-length practice exams for Core 1 — rated 9.4/10. If you've already studied the material and need exam simulation, this is more efficient than another lecture course. Six attempts gives you enough repetition to identify weak domains before the real test.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam Prep 2026 – For Beginners
Not an A+ course, but worth including here: many A+ candidates plan their next cert immediately. Security+ is the natural follow-on, and this course (rated 9.5/10) is built specifically for people with limited security background — which describes most A+ candidates well.
CompTIA SecAI+ Fundamentals: AI Cybersecurity Basics CY0-001
CompTIA launched SecAI+ in 2025 as their AI-specific security credential. Rated 9.6/10. If you're building a cert stack for 2026 and beyond, understanding where AI intersects with security is increasingly relevant — and this is one of the only structured courses on it.
CompTIA A+ Cert vs. Other Entry-Level IT Credentials
The A+ isn't the only path into IT. Here's how it stacks up against the alternatives people most commonly consider:
A+ vs. Google IT Support Certificate
The Google IT Support Certificate (via Coursera) is cheaper (~$200 total through the subscription) and faster to complete. CompTIA has an agreement with Google that can credit some of that work toward A+ prep. However, the Google cert is not DoD-approved and many enterprise employers don't recognize it the same way. If you need a recognized industry credential for job applications, A+ has more universal employer recognition.
A+ vs. Microsoft Fundamentals (AZ-900, MS-900)
Microsoft Fundamentals exams test cloud and Microsoft product knowledge specifically. They're valid credentials but narrower in scope. A+ tests hardware and OS fundamentals that apply regardless of vendor. For help desk roles that touch physical hardware, A+ is more relevant. For cloud-focused roles or Microsoft shop environments, Azure/M365 fundamentals may actually be more job-relevant.
A+ vs. Network+
Network+ is harder and narrower — it focuses specifically on networking. The common advice is A+ first, then Network+, then Security+. That's a reasonable sequence but not mandatory. If you already understand hardware basics and work in a networking-heavy environment, jumping straight to Network+ isn't unreasonable.
What Jobs Actually Ask for the CompTIA A+ Cert
A search across major job boards in early 2026 shows the A+ appearing most frequently in:
- Help Desk Technician (Tier 1/2) — appears in roughly 60-70% of postings
- Desktop Support Analyst — appears in ~50% of postings
- IT Support Specialist — appears in ~45% of postings
- Field Service Technician — appears in ~35% of postings
- IT Technician (MSP) — appears in ~55% of postings
Starting salaries for A+-certified candidates vary by market. National averages in the US: $42,000-$52,000 for Tier 1 help desk, $50,000-$65,000 for desktop support roles with 1-2 years experience. Metro areas (NYC, SF, DC) run $10,000-$20,000 higher. Government contractor positions with clearance potential pay at the upper end of these ranges.
The A+ alone rarely gets you above $55,000. The cert opens the door; experience and additional credentials (Security+, Network+, cloud certs) drive salary growth from there.
FAQ
How hard is the CompTIA A+ cert?
Moderate difficulty for someone new to IT. CompTIA reports a pass rate they don't publish officially, but third-party estimates put first-attempt pass rates around 60-70%. The Core 2 exam (operating systems and security) tends to fail more candidates than Core 1. The performance-based simulation questions are the most common source of unexpected failures — candidates who only studied text and multiple choice often don't have enough hands-on experience to navigate them.
Does the CompTIA A+ cert expire?
Yes. CompTIA A+ is valid for three years. You renew through CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) program by earning 20 CEUs over the three-year period — this can be done through higher-level CompTIA exams, approved training, or other qualifying activities. Alternatively, you can retake the current exam. Most people pursuing the A+ as a career stepping stone will have moved to higher certs before renewal comes up anyway.
Can I self-study for the CompTIA A+ cert without a bootcamp?
Yes, and most people do. Bootcamps can accelerate preparation if you have employer funding or limited time, but a structured self-study approach — video course + practice exams + hands-on lab time (even a home lab with old hardware or a VM environment) — is sufficient for the majority of candidates. The main advantage of bootcamps is accountability and structured scheduling, not exclusive content.
Is the CompTIA A+ cert worth it in 2026?
For someone targeting entry-level IT roles with no prior credentials, yes. The A+ is still the most widely recognized baseline credential for IT support work. Its value declines quickly as you gain experience — after 2-3 years in IT, employers care more about what you've done than whether you have an A+. But for the entry-level hiring filter, it remains effective at getting resumes past initial screening.
What's the difference between CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2?
Core 1 (220-1201) focuses on hardware, networking fundamentals, mobile devices, and virtualization/cloud basics. Core 2 (220-1202) focuses on operating systems (Windows primarily, plus Linux/macOS/Chrome OS), security concepts, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Both exams must be passed to earn the A+ certification — passing only one does not grant any partial credential.
How many times can I retake the CompTIA A+ cert exam?
CompTIA allows unlimited retakes, but with restrictions after the first attempt. If you fail the first attempt, you can retake immediately. After a second failure, you must wait 14 days before each subsequent attempt. Each retake requires purchasing a new exam voucher at full price ($253). Given that cost, it's worth diagnosing why you failed before rescheduling — CompTIA provides a score report showing performance by domain, which gives you a clear map of where to focus.
Bottom Line
The CompTIA A+ cert is the most defensible entry point into IT careers for someone starting from scratch. It's not glamorous, and it won't get you a six-figure job by itself — but it's a recognized, vendor-neutral credential that consistently appears in job postings for roles that pay $45,000-$55,000 to start, with a clear path upward to Security+ and cloud certs from there.
The practical advice: use a structured video course to cover the objectives (Core 1 first), supplement with performance-based practice to prepare for simulation questions, and don't schedule the real exam until you're consistently hitting 80%+ on timed practice tests. Budget roughly $500 for exam vouchers and $50-100 for study materials (less if you catch Udemy sales), and plan for 3-5 months of serious preparation if you're starting with no IT background.
If you already have some IT experience and are deciding between A+ and jumping straight to Security+, consider whether the specific job postings you're targeting ask for A+ explicitly. If they don't, Security+ may be a better use of your next 3 months.