CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ is the standard entry-level certification for IT support work. It covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, security basics and troubleshooting. You must pass two exams, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), in either order.
Who it is for
- People starting a career in IT support, help desk or desktop support
- Career changers who need proof of practical IT fundamentals
- Students looking for a first recognised IT credential
- Technicians in field service or repair roles who want formal validation
The exam at a glance
| 220-1201 | 220-1202 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam | CompTIA A+ Core 1 (V15; launched March 25, 2025; retirement estimated 2028) | CompTIA A+ Core 2 (V15; launched March 25, 2025; retirement estimated 2028) |
| Questions | Maximum of 90 | Maximum of 90 |
| Time | 90 min | 90 min |
| Format | Multiple-choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop and performance-based questions. Offered in English, German and Japanese. | Multiple-choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop and performance-based questions. Offered in English, German and Japanese. |
| Passing | 675 on a scale of 100-900. | 700 on a scale of 100-900. |
| Price | US$274 per exam voucher (two exams needed, US$548 total; regional pricing varies). Not shown on CompTIA's certification pages, see unverified. | US$274 per exam voucher (two exams needed, US$548 total; regional pricing varies). Not shown on CompTIA's certification pages, see unverified. |
| Prerequisites | None required. CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role. | None required. CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role. |
| Validity | A+ is valid for three years from the date you certify, and you need both Core 1 and Core 2 to earn it. Renew through CompTIA Continuing Education: earn 20 CEUs in the cycle and pay the CE fee (US$75 for the three-year period), or renew by passing the latest exam version, earning a qualifying higher-level certification, or completing CertMaster CE. | A+ is valid for three years from the date you certify, and you need both Core 1 and Core 2 to earn it. Renew through CompTIA Continuing Education: earn 20 CEUs in the cycle and pay the CE fee (US$75 for the three-year period), or renew by passing the latest exam version, earning a qualifying higher-level certification, or completing CertMaster CE. |
Checked against the official CompTIA pages on 2026-11-06: www.comptia.org, www.comptia.org, www.comptia.org, www.comptia.org, www.comptia.org, www.comptia.org. Exam details change; confirm on the issuer's site before you book. Some details could only be confirmed from secondary sources and are marked for re-checking.
Exam domains
220-1201
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Mobile devices | 13% |
| Networking | 23% |
| Hardware | 25% |
| Virtualization and cloud computing | 11% |
| Hardware and network troubleshooting | 28% |
220-1202
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Operating systems | 28% |
| Security | 28% |
| Software troubleshooting | 23% |
| Operational procedures | 21% |
How to prepare
- Download the official exam objectives for 220-1201 and 220-1202 and check every objective against what you already know
- Decide which core to take first; many people start with the one that matches their current hands-on experience
- Practise on real hardware: take apart an old PC, install components, set up a SOHO router and install Windows and Linux
- Learn the troubleshooting methodology and apply it to every practice scenario
- Take timed practice sets of up to 90 questions in 90 minutes for each core, including performance-based tasks
- Book each exam when you score consistently above the passing level, and buy vouchers only from CompTIA or a listed partner
FAQ
How hard is CompTIA A+?
It is an entry-level certification, but it covers a lot of ground across two exams. Hands-on experience helps most with the performance-based questions. Core 1 needs 675 and Core 2 needs 700 on a 900-point scale.
Do I have to take both exams?
Yes. You earn A+ only after passing both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). You can take them in any order.
How do I renew A+?
A+ is valid for three years. Earn 20 CEUs and pay the US$75 CE fee during the cycle, or renew by passing a newer exam version or a qualifying higher certification.
How much does A+ cost?
Reports from CompTIA partners put the list price at US$274 per exam since mid-2026, so about US$548 for both, with regional variation. Check the CompTIA store for your country.