CompTIA A+ certification guide: Everything you need to know in 2026

Interested in getting started as an IT support specialist to provide technical help to computer users? The CompTIA A+ career path paves the way for several jobs and rewarding pay.

Choosing the proper certification is important to begin your new career or improve your chances of landing your favorite position. It will ensure you can move on to higher certifications as you build confidence and experience, giving you opportunities to earn more and take on greater challenges in your daily responsibilities.

Using this CompTIA A+ certification guide, you can pass the exam and validate your IT fundamentals knowledge and skills in resolving computer-related issues, either on-site or off-site. This puts you in a strong position to serve as the primary point of contact for assistance when problems arise in the client’s computing environment, and to diagnose and repair IT equipment. It will also ensure you stay abreast of new computing technologies and issues. This CompTIA A+ overview is your introduction to this certification and how it can boost your career.

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CompTIA A+ for beginners: What is CompTIA A+ certification?

First issued in 1993, the CompTIA A+ certification is one of the oldest and most widely recognized computer support specialist credentials in IT, with over a million people worldwide who have already earned it. It is also one of the most frequently listed requirements in tech support job listings.

CompTIA A+ is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) since 2008 as meeting the ISO/IEC 17024 (Conformity assessment - General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons) standard and is approved for select DoD 8140 work roles.

A+ is a vendor-neutral IT cert designed to verify the competency of entry-level PC service professionals in installing, maintaining, customizing and operating personal computers. CompTIA is part of your IT certification foundation and the only industry-recognized credential with performance testing to prove pros can perform critical IT support tasks, from security to networking to virtualization and more, and remotely diagnose and correct common software, hardware or connectivity problems.

To receive CompTIA A+ certification, a candidate must pass both the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) exams launched on March 25, 2025. Together, these exams cover new content, emphasizing the technologies and skills aligned with modern IT environments, such as cloud-connected devices, SaaS applications and support for hybrid and remote workforces.

The updated A+ exam objectives verify that the successful candidate understands help desk certification basics — and has the knowledge and skills required to:

• Install, configure and maintain computer equipment, mobile devices and modern operating systems
• Service components based on customer requirements to resolve problems
• Understand networking basics and apply basic cybersecurity methods to mitigate security risks
• Properly and safely diagnose, resolve and document common hardware and software issues
• Apply troubleshooting skills and provide customer support using appropriate communication skills
• Understand the basics of scripting, automation concepts, cloud technologies, virtualization and multi-OS deployments in corporate environments
• Support organizations that depend on remote or hybrid workers, including using remote access tools and device-management software

Who should get CompTIA A+?

Before reading this CompTIA A+ certification guide, you may have already had your eyes on an ideal position. CompTIA A+ is an excellent option for operational roles that perform critical IT support tasks. Before you dive into how to get CompTIA A+ certified, it’s helpful to evaluate whether it supports your professional goals. This credential is an excellent choice for:

• Entry-level IT professionals
• Career changers
• Students/recent graduates
• Military transitioning to civilian IT
• Current IT workers formalizing knowledge

At the same time, if you already have a lot of IT experience, it’s possible to jump into the CompTIA pathway later. This is a foundational exam, so those with extensive experience may benefit more from other CompTIA credentials. However, it’s a solid foundation that can help you if you’re relatively new to IT support.

Prerequisites and requirements

There are no formal prerequisites for taking the CompTIA A+ exam, as it is designed to help people launch their tech careers. At the same time, it’s advisable to have some experience and knowledge under your belt, such as:

• Around a year of experience working in IT support, such as at a help desk, in technical support, PC repair or a similar role
• A basic understanding of computers and how they’re used, including knowledge about:
• Operating systems, such as Windows, Linux or macOS
• Installing software
• Connecting to a network

What will you learn?

The Core 1 and Core 2 exams cover different topics. Here’s how they break down:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)

The Core 1 exam verifies skills regarding troubleshooting and remotely diagnosing and correcting common hardware or connectivity problems, such as:

• PC hardware and peripherals
• Mobile devices
• Networking technology
• Virtualization and cloud computing

The five domains for A+ Core 1 (220-1201) are:

1. Mobile Devices (13%)
2. Networking (23%)
3. Hardware (25%)
4. Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)
5. Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%)

CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)

The Core 2 exam focuses on the skills needed to support and secure modern operating systems, including:

• Installing and configuring operating systems
• Common methods for securing mobile and embedded devices
• Application installation and configuration concepts
• Software troubleshooting
• Standard operating procedures

The four domains for A+ Core 2 (220-1202) are:

1. Operating Systems (28%)
2. Security (28%)
3. Software Troubleshooting (23%)
4. Operational Procedures (21%)

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CompTIA A+ certification benefits

Since the CompTIA A+ certification is recognized across the IT industry, it gives recipients several advantages, especially in the job market:

• Employers recognize it as proof of your IT skills. They understand that certificate holders have the knowledge needed to troubleshoot a range of hardware, software and networking issues.
• It makes it easier to land an array of entry-level jobs. Because this certification covers such a wide range of topics, it qualifies candidates for a number of positions, including desktop support, IT support, field service, and online or phone customer support.
• It lays a strong foundation for future certifications. Once you have your A+ cert, you are in a good position to take the Network+, Security+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and other exams.

Is CompTIA A+ worth it?

Certifications are skills-focused and demonstrate to employers that IT pros know what they’re doing. In particular, the A+ credential is recognized worldwide. It can serve as a launching pad to a satisfying career in IT for relatively new practitioners looking to stand out from the crowd. Employers, in fact, often look for (or require) this credential for technical support roles.

A+, for example, is highly recommended for Dell, Intel and HP service technicians to enhance their ability. Also, companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, CompuCom and Ricoh recognize the CompTIA A+ certification. The credential is recognized under DoD 8140 for roles including technical support specialist, system administrator and cyber defense infrastructure support specialist.

CompTIA A+ vs. other certifications

CompTIA A+ is just one certification designed for those new to the tech profession. Here’s how it stacks up against other entry-level tech certifications:

Even though A+ has some overlap with these other certs, there are some situations where it’s clearly the better choice:

• If you want to certify that you have a broad range of IT skills that would qualify you for as many positions as possible
• If you need a cert that’s vendor agnostic, as opposed to a cert like CCNA, which covers Cisco technologies
• If you need a certification that’s widely accepted and respected, without having to worry about whether an employer is going to recognize it. A+ is widely known around the world.

Certification pathway recommendations

You can use the certification pathway below to map out your career. You can use A+ as an IT career entry point, then pursue a series of certs to qualify for better positions progressively.

How to get started

Step 1: Assess your readiness. Are you sure you want to explore a career in IT? If you’re still on the fence, it may be better to begin with another cert, such as CompTIA ITF+.

Step 2: Choose your study method. You have a few options:

• Self-study, which typically involves using free online resources, watching videos and finding and purchasing books and CompTIA A+ guides to navigate yourself through each topic area
• Boot camp, which gives you an intensive, focused, comprehensive dive into everything you need to pass the test and earn your certification
• On-demand training, which provides carefully designed learning material that you can absorb at your own pace

Step 3: Study the exam domains. The domains are the backbone of your study routine because they tell you exactly what you need to focus on.

Step 4: Schedule and take exams. Once you’re ready, you can take the exam, and to make sure you’re fully prepared, you can compare what you’ve learned with exam details.

Step 5: Start your IT career. This begins with interview prep, so you can be sure you shine when you get a chance to sit down with the company. It’s also important to carefully search for a job that complements your skillset and career goals.

Maintaining your certification

Maintaining your certification involves continuing to demonstrate competency, and you have a few different options:

1. The CompTIA CertMaster CE A+ course. This is a self-paced e-learning course that automatically provides an efficient way to renew your A+ certification. To be eligible for the current CertMaster CE A+ course, a candidate must have an active A+ CE certification earned by passing the 220-1101/1102 series or an earlier A+ series.
2. Use Continuing Education (CE) activities. To maintain your cert, you need to accumulate 20 CEUs over three years. For instance, you can enroll in a college course or complete an American Council on Education (ACE) course. You will earn and receive 10 CEUs for each 3- to 4-credit-hour class.
3. Participate in training courses, attend live webinars or conferences and earn 1 CEU for each hour you attend. At least 50% of the activity in these kinds of events must be relevant to A+ exam objectives to qualify for CE credits.
4. Pass a newer version of the exam. For instance, if CompTIA were to release fresh versions of the Core 1 and Core 2 exams within three years of when you earned your initial certification, you could pass those exams and get recertified.
5. Earning a higher-level CompTIA certification, such as Network+ or Security+
6. Earning a qualifying non-CompTIA IT certification that meets CompTIA’s criteria

Next steps

Now is a great time to start prepping for your CompTIA A+ cert. Here are some free resources to help you get a leg up:

1. Which entry-level training is right for you?
2. Entry-level cybersecurity careers you should consider
3. CompTIA A+ Training Boot Camp
4. More details about exam domains

Earn your A+ certification, guaranteed!

Enroll in a CompTIA A+ Boot Camp and earn one of the most popular entry-level certifications — guaranteed.

Get Pricing [ ]

FAQs

How long does A+ take to get?

Even though the total time it takes to prepare varies according to the learner, it usually takes around 3 to 4 months to prepare for both Core 1 and Core 2

How much does A+ cost?

Each exam voucher is $274 USD, so it would cost $550 to take both Core 1 and Core 2.

Is A+ hard?

When compared to more advanced certs, no, A+ isn’t hard; A+ is considered entry-level. At the same time, it’s not “easy.” Unless you have extensive experience in multiple domain-relevant fields, you definitely need to do at least some prep.

Can I get A+ without experience?

Yes. A+ does not require prior professional IT experience.

Is A+ still relevant in 2026?

Yes — A+ remains an important baseline IT support certification recognized by employers around the globe.

What jobs can I get with just A+?

Common jobs include:

• Help desk technician
• IT support specialist
• Desktop support technician
• Technical support specialist
• Field service technician
• Associate network technician