COMPTIA A+ / DOES EXPIRE Keep your A+ current.
Plan your renewal.
Review the three-year cycle, eligible activities, and fees before your credential expires.
Published by PrepForCerts · Editorial responsibility and sources
Does CompTIA A+ Expire? Yes — 3-Year Renewal Guide
Yes, CompTIA A+ expires every 3 years. Renewal requires 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a US$75 total fee for the 3-year CEU-upload cycle. CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) program keeps A+ holders current with evolving hardware, software, and troubleshooting technologies. The easiest renewal path is CertMaster CE, CompTIA's automated online course.
Plan your next step
Yes, CompTIA A+ certification expires every 3 years. To maintain your certification, complete an eligible renewal route before it expires. The renewal process ensures that certified professionals stay current with evolving technologies and best practices. Starting your renewal planning at least 6 months before expiration gives you adequate time to complete requirements without stress.
Earned your CompTIA A+? Understanding its validity period is crucial for maintaining your A+ credential and planning your professional development.
With a 3 years validity period, proactive planning ensures your A+ credential remains active. This guide covers renewal methods, costs, and strategies to maintain certification without interruption.
Current A+ exam and policy guidance
A+ V15 uses 220-1201 and 220-1202. Both exams must be from the same version. Each allows up to 90 questions in 90 minutes; Core 1 requires 675/900 and Core 2 requires 700/900. Study schedules and preparation budgets on this page are planning examples, not guaranteed outcomes or current price quotes.
A+ CE requires 20 CEUs during the 3-year cycle. When renewing by uploading CEUs, the CE fee is US$75 total for the cycle, not an annual fee. Eligible higher certifications, the latest exam release, or CertMaster CE can renew A+ without a separate CE fee; check which route fully renews your credential.
Checked September 8, 2026: Core 1 · Core 2 · Retake policy · Scoring policy · Renewal fees.
CompTIA A+ Renewal Options
CompTIA offers several paths to earn the required 20 CEUs:
| Renewal Path | CEUs | Cost | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| CertMaster CE | All 40 | $199 | Easiest |
| Earn Network+ or Security+ | All (cascade) | Current booking price | High |
| Mix of activities | Varies | $0-$500 | Moderate |
| Retake both exams | N/A | Current booking price | Highest |
How to Renew Your Certification
CompTIA offers multiple pathways to renew your CompTIA A+ certification:
Primary Renewal Method: Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or higher certification
CEU/CPE Requirements: 20 CEUs over 3 years
A+ CE requires 20 CEUs during the 3-year cycle. When renewing by uploading CEUs, the CE fee is US$75 total for the cycle, not an annual fee. Eligible higher certifications, the latest exam release, or CertMaster CE can renew A+ without a separate CE fee; check which route fully renews your credential.
Alternative Renewal Options: Pass a higher-level CompTIA exam, complete CertMaster CE, or earn CEUs through training and activities
Most professionals combine multiple activities to meet their renewal requirements. For example, completing online courses, attending conferences, and reading industry publications can all contribute toward your required credits.
CEU Sources for CompTIA A+ Renewal
- CompTIA webinars: Check the activity-specific CEU credit and limit — free on CompTIA's website
- Industry conferences: Check the activity-specific CEU credit and limit
- College courses: Check the activity-specific CEU credit and limit
- Publishing articles/blogs: Check the activity-specific CEU credit and limit
- Teaching IT classes: Check the activity-specific CEU credit and limit taught
- Non-CompTIA certifications: Microsoft, Cisco, AWS certs earn CEUs (varies)
- CompTIA CertMaster Learn: Provides CEUs through self-paced learning modules
Ways to Earn CEUs/Continuing Education
CompTIA accepts a variety of activities for continuing education credits:
Training and Education:
- Complete online courses or in-person training
- Attend conferences, seminars, or workshops
- Participate in webinars (live or recorded)
- Earn higher-level or related certifications
Professional Activities:
- Publish articles, blog posts, or white papers
- Present at conferences or user groups
- Teach courses or training sessions
- Mentor other professionals
Self-Study:
- Read industry books, magazines, or publications
- Complete vendor-provided learning paths
- Participate in study groups
Work Experience:
- Some on-the-job learning activities qualify
- Projects that expand your skills may count
- Leadership and management responsibilities
Track all activities throughout the year rather than scrambling before expiration. Most vendors provide online portals where you log activities and track progress toward requirements.
CompTIA Cascade Renewal System
CompTIA's cascade renewal is one of the best features of the CE program. Renewing a higher-level certification automatically renews all lower-level certs:
- Earning/renewing Network+ → automatically renews A+
- Earning/renewing Security+ → automatically renews A+ and Network+
- Earning/renewing CySA+ → automatically renews Security+, Network+, and A+
- Earning/renewing CASP+ → automatically renews all lower CompTIA certs
This means if you plan to earn Network+ or Security+, you don't need to separately renew A+. The cascade handles it automatically.
3-Year Cost of Maintaining CompTIA A+
| Expense | CertMaster CE | DIY CEUs |
|---|---|---|
| CE program fee (3-year cycle) | No separate CE fee | US$75 total |
| Learning activities | Current CertMaster CE course price | Free or paid eligible activities |
| Total | Current course price | US$75 plus chosen activity costs |
Complete Cost of Renewal
The total cost of renewing CompTIA A+ includes both direct fees and the value of time invested in continuing education:
Direct Costs:
- A+ CE requires 20 CEUs during the 3-year cycle. When renewing by uploading CEUs, the CE fee is US$75 total for the cycle, not an annual fee. Eligible higher certifications, the latest exam release, or CertMaster CE can renew A+ without a separate CE fee; check which route fully renews your credential.
- Optional training courses: $100-$500+ depending on choices
Time Investment: Plan eligible activities across the 3-year cycle. Credit limits and evidence requirements vary by activity; check the CE rules before counting an activity toward your 20 CEUs.
Cost-Effective Strategies: 1. Many activities you already do count toward credits (reading, attending meetings, on-the-job training) 2. Free webinars and online resources often qualify for credits 3. Contributing to the community (blogging, mentoring, speaking) earns credits while building your reputation
What Happens If A+ Expires?
- Active status: Do not describe an expired credential as current. If you include it in your history, show the dates and expired status clearly.
- Must retake both exams: Core 1 and Core 2 at the current regional booking prices
- After expiration: Check your CompTIA account and current CE rules for any eligible submission options. Do not assume that you can earn new CEUs after the cycle ends.
- May need to study updated content: Exam objectives change with new versions
What Happens If Your Certification Expires
If your CompTIA A+ certification expires, here's what to expect:
Immediate Impacts:
- Your certification status shows as "expired" or "inactive"
- You cannot claim current certification on applications or resumes
- Employers who verify credentials will see the expired status
After-expiration options: Your next step depends on whether you completed eligible activities within your certification cycle and can still submit them under the current CE rules.
- Completed activities: Check your account for any remaining window to submit CEUs earned within the certification cycle. Follow CompTIA’s current submission instructions.
- Outstanding requirements: Contact CompTIA to confirm your status and available options. Do not assume that paying a late fee can restore your certification.
- Renewal unavailable: Follow the current exam requirements to earn A+ again if CompTIA confirms that CE renewal is no longer available.
Prevention Strategy: Set calendar reminders at 12, 6, and 3 months before expiration. Start accumulating credits early in your certification cycle rather than waiting until the end. Many professionals complete their requirements within the first 2 years, giving a full year of buffer.
Facts and planning estimates
- Validity
- 3 years
- CEUs Required
- 20
- Renewal Cost
- US$75 per 3-year CEU-upload cycle
- Renewal Method
- CEUs/Exam
CompTIA A+ Certification Validity Period
Your CompTIA A+ certification is valid for 3 years from the date you pass your exam. After this period, your certification status changes to "expired" unless you complete renewal requirements.
Key Dates to Track:
- Certification Date: The date you passed your exam (shown on your certificate)
- Expiration Date: Exactly 3 years after certification
- Renewal Window: Most vendors allow renewal starting 6-12 months before expiration
What "Expired" Means: When your certification expires, you can no longer claim active certification status. You cannot use the credential on your resume as current, and verification services will show your certification as inactive. However, expiration doesn't erase your achievement—you can still mention that you "previously held" the certification.
Grace Periods and Extensions
Check your CompTIA account and current CE rules for any eligibility to submit completed activities after expiration. Do not assume that a late payment restores an expired credential. The safest approach is completing renewal before your expiration date.
Study tips
CompTIA exams often front-load Performance-Based Questions—consider flagging them initially and returning after completing multiple-choice sections.
Focus on the official CompTIA exam objectives as your study checklist—every question ties directly to these objectives.
CompTIA scenario questions often include irrelevant details. Identify what they're actually asking before reading answer choices.
Set calendar reminders at 12, 6, and 3 months before expiration to track your A+ renewal progress.
Log CEU activities immediately after completing them—don't rely on memory at renewal time.
Consider earning a higher-level certification to automatically renew A+.
Common mistakes to avoid
Waiting until the last month before expiration to start accumulating CEUs.
Not tracking activities throughout the certification cycle and forgetting eligible credits.
Assuming all training automatically qualifies for CEUs without checking vendor requirements.
Letting the certification expire and then needing to retake the exam.
Not considering higher-level certifications that would automatically renew current credentials.
Failing to budget for renewal costs and being surprised by fees.
Prepare for Your CompTIA A+ Journey
Whether you're pursuing initial certification or preparing for renewal, practice questions help you stay sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CompTIA A+ expire?
A+ CE requires 20 CEUs during the 3-year cycle. When renewing by uploading CEUs, the CE fee is US$75 total for the cycle, not an annual fee. Eligible higher certifications, the latest exam release, or CertMaster CE can renew A+ without a separate CE fee; check which route fully renews your credential.
How many CEUs does A+ need for renewal?
20 CEUs over 3 years. No annual minimum. Eligible completion of CertMaster CE renews A+ directly; check eligibility and the current course price.
What is the easiest way to renew A+?
CertMaster CE is an online self-paced route that renews A+ when you meet its eligibility and completion requirements. Check the current course price before purchasing.
Does earning Network+ or Security+ renew A+?
Yes. CompTIA's cascade system automatically renews A+ when you earn or renew any higher-level CompTIA cert (Network+, Security+, CySA+, CASP+).
What happens if A+ expires?
You must retake both exams (Core 1 and Core 2 at the current regional booking prices). Check your account and the current CE policy for any remaining submission options; qualifying activities must meet the program rules.
Can I renew A+ for free?
A+ CE requires 20 CEUs during the 3-year cycle. When renewing by uploading CEUs, the CE fee is US$75 total for the cycle, not an annual fee. Eligible higher certifications, the latest exam release, or CertMaster CE can renew A+ without a separate CE fee; check which route fully renews your credential.
Does CompTIA A+ certification expire?
Yes, CompTIA A+ certification expires every 3 years. You must complete renewal requirements before expiration to maintain active certification status.
How long is CompTIA A+ certification valid?
CompTIA A+ certification is valid for 3 years from your certification date. After this period, you must renew to maintain active status.
How much does CompTIA A+ renewal cost?
A+ CE requires 20 CEUs during the 3-year cycle. When renewing by uploading CEUs, the CE fee is US$75 total for the cycle, not an annual fee. Eligible higher certifications, the latest exam release, or CertMaster CE can renew A+ without a separate CE fee; check which route fully renews your credential.
How many CEUs do I need for CompTIA A+ renewal?
You need 20 CEUs over 3 years for CompTIA A+ renewal. These can be earned through training, professional activities, and other approved methods.
Can I renew by retaking the CompTIA A+ exam?
Yes, passing the current version of the CompTIA A+ exam is one way to renew your certification. This also updates your certification to reflect the latest exam objectives.
What happens if my CompTIA A+ certification expires?
If your A+ expires, do not claim active certification. Check your account and current CE rules for any eligible submission options. If renewal is no longer available, follow the current requirements to earn A+ again.
Can I renew CompTIA A+ early?
Yes, you can renew CompTIA A+ at any time during your certification cycle. Early renewal typically extends your certification by 3 years from your original expiration date (not from when you renewed).
What activities count toward CompTIA A+ CEUs?
Pass a higher-level CompTIA exam, complete CertMaster CE, or earn CEUs through training and activities. Check the approved activity categories, credit limits, and documentation rules before claiming CEUs.
Prepare for CompTIA A+ Certification
Practice with adaptive A+ questions covering both Core 1 and Core 2 exams.
Start Free A+ Practice Test →Practice & quick reference
- Free CompTIA A+ Practice Test 2026: 90+ Questions with Explanations Free practice test
Study tools & plans
- A+ Study Guide
- CompTIA Certification Path Explore all CompTIA certifications.
- Certification Overview Complete guide and requirements
- How to Pass Study tips and exam strategies
- CompTIA CE Program Explained How CEUs and the CE fee work
- CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives Explained (2026 Domain Guide) Exam objectives
- CompTIA A+ Weekend Study Plan: Certification for Busy Professionals 2026 Study plan
Exam facts & renewal
- How Many Questions on A+ Exam? A+ exam structure and question count.How many questions
- A+ Renewal Requirements Exactly how to renew before it lapsesRenewal & CE
- Is CompTIA A+ Hard? Difficulty Analysis & Pass Rate in 2026 Difficulty
Career & comparisons
- CompTIA Cert Path
- Is CompTIA A+ Worth It in 2026? Complete ROI Analysis Worth it?
- A+ Without Experience: 2026 Guide Without experience