CompTIA A+ Certification Overview

The CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential designed for aspiring IT professionals looking to start or advance their careers in technical support and IT operations. It validates essential skills in troubleshooting, networking, security, hardware, and operating systems.

If you're interested in gaining a broader understanding of the certification programs offered by CompTIA, you can visit our CompTIA Certifications Overview page.

Who Should Take the CompTIA A+ Exam?

While there are no official prerequisites for the CompTIA A+ certification, it is recommended that candidates have 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support role or equivalent training. This certification is ideal for:

Help Desk Technicians
IT Support Specialists
Field Service Technicians
Technical Support Analysts
Anyone seeking an entry-level IT certification

The CompTIA A+ certification is widely recognized by employers and is an excellent starting point for advancing your IT career with certifications like CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.

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Exam Versions

The CompTIA A+ certification currently has two active exam versions, but this is temporary. As the older version approaches retirement, only the latest version will remain available. Candidates can choose which version to take based on their preparation progress and certification goals.

CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (Core 1) & 220-1202 (Core 2): This is the latest version of the A+ exam, launched in March 2025. It will remain active for approximately three years before retirement.

CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) & 220-1102 (Core 2): This version was launched in April 2022 and is set to retire on September 25, 2025 (English version). Non-English versions will retire on December 20, 2025.

Both versions consist of two required exams, Core 1 and Core 2, each covering different IT-related topics. Candidates must pass both to earn the CompTIA A+ certification.

CompTIA A+ Exam Domains Overview

What to Expect:

The CompTIA A+ certification exam evaluates your knowledge and skills across a wide range of IT domains. Below is an overview of the key topics covered in both A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and A + Core 2 (220-1202) exams:

Core 1 (220-1201):

1.0 Mobile Devices (13%): This section covers the skills and knowledge needed to monitor mobile device hardware, use replacement techniques, and configure mobile device network connectivity. It also includes managing device accessories, connectivity options, application support, and synchronization.
2.0 Networking (23%): This domain focuses on networking technologies, including TCP/UDP ports and protocols, wireless networking, network configuration concepts, common network hardware devices, SOHO network configuration, internet connection types, network types, and networking tools.
3.0 Hardware (25%): This area assesses the ability to compare and contrast display components and attributes, cable types and connectors, RAM characteristics, and storage devices. It also involves installing and configuring motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards, deploying power supplies, and configuring multifunction devices/printers, as well as performing printer maintenance.
4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%): This section covers the ability to explain virtualization concepts like virtual machines, hypervisors, and containers, and to summarize cloud computing concepts, including cloud models and characteristics.
5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%): This domain focuses on the skills required to troubleshoot motherboards, RAM, CPUs, power issues, drive and RAID issues, video, projector, and display issues, mobile device issues, network issues, and printer issues.

Core 2 (220-1202):

1.0 Operating Systems (28%): This domain covers various operating system types, their features, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting. It includes Windows editions, macOS, Linux, and cloud-based productivity tools.
2.0 Security (28%): This section focuses on security measures, including physical and logical security, wireless security protocols, malware, social engineering attacks, and security implementation on workstations, mobile devices, and SOHO networks.
3.0 Software Troubleshooting (23%): This area covers troubleshooting common issues related to Windows OS, mobile OS and applications, and PC security, as well as best practices for documentation and support systems information management.
4.0 Operational Procedures (21%): This domain addresses operational procedures like change management, workstation backup and recovery methods, safety procedures, environmental impacts, and prohibited content/activity, along with privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.

The A+ Certification Test

The CompTIA A+ Certification consists of two separate exams, Core 1 and Core 2. You must pass both exams to earn the certification. There is no required order for taking the exams, but both must be completed before the retirement date and must align with the same set of objectives (each exam requires a separate fee). After passing both exams, your CompTIA A+ certification will remain valid for three years.

Each exam (Core 1 and Core 2) consists of a maximum of 90 questions, including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based items. You will have 90 minutes to complete each exam. The passing score for Core 1 is 675 points, and for Core 2, it is 700 points, both on a scale of up to 900 points. After completing the exam, you will receive your results immediately, followed by a brief mandatory survey.

Before taking the exam, you must read and agree to CompTIA's exam policies. This review time is limited but does not count against your exam time.

Mobile phones and any other devices that could be used for cheating must be left in a designated area as they are not permitted in the exam room.

During the exam, you can navigate back to any question to change your answers or mark questions for later review. At the end of the exam, you will see a summary of unanswered questions (marked in red) and can choose to revisit them before submitting your final answers.

Since July 9, 2012, CompTIA exams are offered only through Pearson VUE testing centers. Exams can be booked online through the Pearson VUE website, by phone, or directly at the testing center. You can choose between in-person exams at a testing center or online testing.

Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)

In addition to single-choice, multiple-choice and drag-and-drop questions, the current A+ certification exams include the Performance-Based Questions (PBQs). Each PBQ requires candidates to solve practical problems or complete tasks in a simulated environment. These scenarios are designed to mimic real-world IT challenges and test candidates' technical skills. The simulated environments may involve tasks in various IT areas, such as troubleshooting system issues, configuring networks, or working within operating systems like Windows.

Bridge Exams, Continuing Education (CE) Program, and Lifetime Certifications

Bridge exams for all CompTIA certification programs retired on December 31, 2010, and are no longer available.

CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Linux+, CompTIA Cloud+, CompTIA PenTest+, CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), and CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) certifications are labeled with the +CE (Continuing Education) suffix. To remain valid, these certifications must be renewed within three years from the date the candidate is certified. Certification renewal requires either retaking the newer release of the exam, renewing a Higher-Level CompTIA exam (if a candidate already has a higher-level CompTIA certification), or fulfilling some of the requirements from the Continuing Education (CE) program.

Candidates certified on or before December 31st, 2010, are still considered certified for life, but further lifetime certifications are no longer available.

Exam Retake Policies

CompTIA does not offer any free re-tests or discounts on exam retakes. Candidates are required to pay the full exam fee for each attempt. There is no waiting period between the first and second attempt, but for the third or any subsequent attempts, a mandatory waiting period of at least 14 calendar days is required from the date of the last attempt.