COMPTIA / STUDY AND CAREER GUIDE CompTIA A+ Frequently Asked Questions
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Get expert answers to the most common CompTIA A+ certification questions. Whether you're wondering about exam costs, study strategies, or career opportunities, this comprehensive FAQ covers everything you need to know about earning your A+ certification in 2026.
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CompTIA A+ Frequently Asked Questions: Complete 2026 Guide
Get expert answers to the most common CompTIA A+ certification questions. Whether you're wondering about exam costs, study strategies, or career opportunities, this comprehensive FAQ covers everything you need to know about earning your A+ certification in 2026.
Check the current requirements
Study schedules, salary ranges, and optional materials budgets on this page are planning examples. They are not verified salary surveys, current price quotes, or guarantees of passing or employment. Check the current regional exam price before booking. CompTIA does not publish pass rates or individual question weights. Practice percentages are review aids, not pass predictors.
Provider references checked September 8, 2026: Current certifications · CEU requirements · Renewal fees.
Exam Cost & Registration Questions
How much does the CompTIA A+ exam cost in 2026?
The CompTIA A+ certification requires passing two separate exams:
- Core 1: $246 USD
- Core 2: $246 USD
CompTIA offers significant discounts: students can save up to 50% through academic programs, military personnel receive discounts through the CompTIA Career Pathways program, and bulk voucher purchases through employers often reduce costs by 10-20%. Many companies reimburse the full cost upon passing.
What happens if I fail the CompTIA A+ exam?
CompTIA's retake policy is straightforward:
- First retake: No waiting period required
- Second and subsequent retakes: 14-day waiting period
- Cost: Full exam fee ($246) for each attempt
After failing, review your score report carefully—it shows your performance in each domain. Focus your additional study time on weak areas. Compare actual job requirements and your skills; no verified percentage is available here.
How long do I have to pass both A+ exams?
You have 3 years from the date you pass your first exam to pass the second exam. Most candidates complete both exams within 1-3 months of each other while the material is fresh. However, there's no penalty for taking longer—just be aware that if exam objectives change during your window, you may need to study updated material for the second exam.
Difficulty & Study Time Questions
Is CompTIA A+ hard to pass?
Difficulty depends heavily on your background:
- Complete beginners: Moderately difficult (expect 3-4 months of study)
- Hobbyist/PC builders: Manageable (expect 2-3 months)
- Help desk experience: Straightforward (expect 4-6 weeks)
CompTIA does not publish an overall pass rate. The most challenging aspects are performance-based questions (PBQs) that require hands-on troubleshooting skills, and the breadth of topics covered. Core 2 is generally considered slightly harder due to its focus on security and software troubleshooting.
How long does it take to study for CompTIA A+?
Based on PrepForCerts analysis of successful candidates:
| Experience Level | Time Required | Total Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Beginner | 3-4 months | 200-250 hours |
| Some IT Exposure | 2-3 months | 120-160 hours |
| IT Professional | 4-6 weeks | 60-80 hours |
Most successful candidates study 1-2 hours daily and complete at least 500-1,000 practice questions across both exams before testing.
What is the CompTIA A+ passing score?
CompTIA uses a scaled scoring system from 100-900:
- Core 1: 675/900 required (scaled score)
- Core 2: 700/900 required (scaled score)
These are scaled scores, not simple percentages. CompTIA does not publish its detailed scoring formula. Use practice results to plan further review.
Certification Maintenance Questions
How long is CompTIA A+ certification valid?
CompTIA A+ certification is valid for 3 years from the date you pass Core 2. After that, you must renew through the Continuing Education (CE) program or by passing the current exam version. CompTIA designed this to ensure certified professionals stay current with evolving technology.
How many CEUs does A+ require for renewal?
A+ requires 40 CEUs over 3 years. Ways to earn CEUs include:
- Training courses: 1 CEU per hour of training
- Higher certifications: Earning Network+, Security+, etc. automatically renews A+
- College courses: Up to 10 CEUs per course
- Industry events: 1 CEU per hour of attendance
- Work experience: Up to 10 CEUs per year
The total A+ CEU-upload fee is US$75 per three-year cycle. Many professionals find it easier to earn a higher certification (which renews all lower ones) rather than tracking individual CEUs.
Career & Value Questions
Can I get a job with just CompTIA A+?
Absolutely. A+ qualifies you for numerous entry-level IT positions:
- Help Desk Technician: $40,000-$55,000
- IT Support Specialist: $45,000-$60,000
- Desktop Support Technician: $42,000-$58,000
- Field Service Technician: $38,000-$52,000
- Technical Support Representative: $35,000-$48,000
According to PrepForCerts analysis of job postings, over 25,000 IT positions mention A+ certification as a requirement or preference. Government contractors and DoD positions often specifically require it.
Is CompTIA A+ worth it in 2026?
Yes, for several compelling reasons:
- Industry recognition: Most recognized entry-level IT certification globally
- Salary impact: A+ holders earn 15-20% more than non-certified peers
- Government requirements: Required for many DoD 8570 positions
- Career foundation: Prerequisite knowledge for Network+, Security+, and beyond
- Employer demand: Consistently in top 5 most-requested IT certifications
Compare the current exam cost with your own goals and budget; a pay increase is not guaranteed.
Should I get A+ or Network+ first?
CompTIA recommends A+ first, and here's why:
- A+ covers foundational concepts that Network+ assumes you know
- A+ includes basic networking (about 20% of Core 1) that prepares you for Network+
- Network+ dives much deeper into networking without covering hardware basics
Exception: If you already have 6+ months of IT experience or a networking background, you can skip directly to Network+. The traditional path is A+ → Network+ → Security+.
Study Strategy Questions
Should I take Core 1 or Core 2 first?
Take Core 1 first. It covers hardware, networking, and mobile devices—foundational knowledge that helps with Core 2's software troubleshooting topics. Core 2 assumes you understand the hardware concepts tested in Core 1. Additionally, studying Core 1 first gives you hands-on experience with the exam format before tackling Core 2's more challenging questions.
What are the best study resources for A+?
Top resources recommended by successful candidates:
- Free: Professor Messer's video course (YouTube), CompTIA exam objectives
- Books: Mike Meyers' All-in-One A+ Certification Guide ($45-60)
- Practice Tests: PrepForCerts Smart Practice questions, Dion Training, ExamCompass
- Hands-on: Virtual machines (VirtualBox is free), old computer hardware
The winning combination is video content + practice tests + hands-on experience. Don't rely on just one resource type.
Ready to Start Preparing?
Test your knowledge with our Smart Practice CompTIA A+ practice questions.
Start Free Practice Test →Put your knowledge to the test with our Smart Practice CompTIA A+ practice questions. Get instant feedback and detailed explanations.
Before you begin
- ✗
You need to memorize every port number and specification
Focus on common ports (80, 443, 22, 3389) and understanding concepts. The exam tests practical application more than memorization of edge-case specifications.
- ✗
A+ is only for hardware technicians
A+ covers operating systems, networking, security, and troubleshooting. Most modern IT support roles require all these skills, not just hardware knowledge.
- ✗
The certification expires and becomes worthless after 3 years
Expired certifications remain on your resume as achievements. Many employers accept recently expired certifications, especially with ongoing work experience.
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You need expensive equipment to practice for A+
Virtual machines are free (VirtualBox, Hyper-V). Old computers from thrift stores work for hardware practice. Many concepts can be practiced on any available PC.
Pro Tips from Certified Professionals
- Take both Core 1 and Core 2 exams within a few weeks of each other while material is fresh—don't wait months between exams.
- Performance-based questions (PBQs) appear first on the exam. Flag them and return after completing multiple-choice questions to manage time effectively.
- Create a study schedule that covers all exam objectives systematically. Don't just study topics you find interesting.
- Practice with multiple question sources—each vendor phrases questions differently, building flexibility in understanding.
- Join online communities (r/CompTIA, Discord servers) for motivation, study tips, and real-time exam experience reports.
Next Steps After CompTIA A+
Test your current knowledge and identify weak areas
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Check Salary Info
See what A+ certified professionals earn in your area
Explore Career Path
Plan your IT career progression after A+
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the CompTIA A+ exam cost in 2026?
CompTIA A+ requires passing two exams—Core 1 and Core 2—each priced at $246 USD, totaling $492 for the full certification. CompTIA offers discounts for students (through academic programs), military personnel and veterans (up to 50% off), and IT professionals purchasing exam bundles. Many employers provide certification reimbursement as part of professional development benefits, so check with your HR department before paying out of pocket.
Is CompTIA A+ hard to pass without experience?
For complete beginners, CompTIA A+ presents a moderate challenge but remains very achievable with dedicated preparation. The exam covers broad topics from hardware components to operating systems, networking basics, and security fundamentals. Most successful candidates without IT experience spend 2-4 months studying, combining video courses with hands-on practice and practice exams. The key difficulty is the breadth of material rather than depth—you need familiarity with many topics rather than expert knowledge in any single area.
How long is CompTIA A+ certification valid?
CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years from your passing date. To maintain your certification, you must earn 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during the three-year period. CEUs can be earned through various activities including attending training, teaching IT courses, publishing articles, or participating in professional development. Alternatively, you can retake the current version of the exam or pass a higher-level CompTIA certification like Network+ or Security+, which automatically renews lower certifications.
What is the CompTIA A+ passing score?
Core 1 requires a scaled score of 675 out of 900 to pass, while Core 2 requires 700 out of 900. These are scaled scores, not percentages—CompTIA does not publish its detailed scoring formula. Practice percentages do not establish an official passing threshold. Use practice results to find gaps rather than infer a guaranteed margin.
Can I get a job with only CompTIA A+ certification?
Yes, CompTIA A+ qualifies you for numerous entry-level IT positions. Common roles for A+ holders include Help Desk Technician ($35,000-$50,000), IT Support Specialist ($40,000-$55,000), Desktop Support Analyst ($42,000-$58,000), and Field Service Technician ($38,000-$52,000). Many job postings specifically list A+ as a requirement or strong preference. While experience helps, the certification demonstrates baseline competence that employers value, especially for candidates transitioning from other fields.
Should I get CompTIA A+ or Network+ first?
Start with A+ if you have limited IT experience. A+ covers foundational concepts—hardware, operating systems, basic networking, and troubleshooting—that Network+ builds upon. Think of A+ as the base layer teaching you what computers are and how they work, while Network+ dives deeper into how computers communicate. If you already work in IT or have strong technical experience, you might skip directly to Network+ or Security+, but most beginners benefit from the structured A+ curriculum.
How long should I study for CompTIA A+?
Study time varies significantly based on background. Complete beginners typically need 3-4 months of consistent study (10-15 hours per week). Those with some IT experience or exposure to computers beyond casual use often succeed with 2-3 months. IT professionals looking to formalize existing knowledge may need only 4-6 weeks to fill gaps. Create a study schedule covering all exam objectives, include hands-on practice with actual hardware/software, and take multiple full-length practice exams before testing.
What topics are covered on the CompTIA A+ exam?
Core 1 focuses on hardware and networking: mobile devices (13%), networking (23%), hardware (25%), virtualization and cloud computing (11%), and hardware/network troubleshooting (28%). Core 2 covers software and security: operating systems (28%), security (28%), software troubleshooting (23%), and operational procedures (21%). Both exams include performance-based questions (PBQs) requiring hands-on demonstrations like configuring settings or troubleshooting scenarios, not just multiple-choice answers.
Is CompTIA A+ worth the money and time investment?
For career changers and IT beginners, A+ provides excellent ROI. The certification can support applications where employers value its skills; it does not guarantee salary gains or replace every experience requirement. Many employers specifically require A+ for entry-level positions. Compare the current two-exam cost and study budget with your goals; timing and financial outcomes vary.
Does CompTIA A+ require hands-on experience?
While CompTIA does not mandate prerequisites or experience verification, practical knowledge significantly improves exam performance and job readiness. The exam includes performance-based questions testing actual skills like configuring BIOS settings, troubleshooting network issues, or managing operating system features. Build hands-on experience by setting up home labs, disassembling old computers, practicing command-line operations, and using virtual machines to explore different operating systems safely.
What career path follows CompTIA A+ certification?
After A+, most professionals pursue Network+ (networking focus), Security+ (cybersecurity focus), or both. The typical 5-year progression goes: A+ Certified → Help Desk (Year 1-2) → Add Network+/Security+ → Systems Administrator (Year 3-4) → IT Manager or Specialist (Year 5+). Alternatively, specialize early with certifications like Microsoft (Azure/365), Cisco (CCNA), or cloud platforms (AWS/Azure). A+ is the foundation that makes all these paths accessible.
How does CompTIA A+ compare to a college degree?
A+ certification and college degrees serve different purposes. A+ demonstrates specific, job-ready technical skills and takes 2-4 months to earn. A degree provides broader education and takes 2-4 years. Many employers now accept A+ (plus experience) in lieu of degrees for entry-level positions. Some job listings require degrees, but IT is increasingly skill-focused. The optimal approach for many is combining certifications (faster, cheaper) with degrees (completed over time, often online while working).
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Selected evidence and factual statements corrected September 9, 2026. Other publication dates describe earlier work.