COMPTIA A+ / STUDY TIMELINE Make a realistic study plan.
Start from your experience.

Plan your next step

Most candidates need 2-4 months to prepare for CompTIA A+, studying 10-15 hours per week. Complete beginners may need 4-6 months, while IT professionals with experience can prepare in 4-8 weeks. Total study time ranges from 150-300 hours across both Core 1 and Core 2 exams.

"How long will it take?" is one of the first questions every A+ candidate asks. The honest answer: it depends on your background, available study time, and learning approach. This guide provides realistic timelines based on thousands of successful candidates' experiences, helping you create a study plan that fits your situation.

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.

There is no required waiting period between the first and second attempts at the same exam. Before a third or later attempt, wait at least 14 calendar days from the last attempt. Each new attempt requires payment or an applicable prepaid retake voucher.

Checked September 8, 2026: Core 1 · Core 2 · Retake policy · Scoring policy · Renewal fees.

Facts and planning estimates

Average Timeline

2-4 months

Weekly Hours

10-15

Total Hours

150-300

Exams

2 required

Put the guide into practice

1. Assess Your Starting Point

   Take a diagnostic practice test to identify your baseline knowledge.

   Your diagnostic score helps estimate realistic study time.

2. Calculate Available Study Time

   Be honest about weekly hours you can consistently dedicate.

   Consistent daily study beats irregular marathon sessions.

3. Create Your Timeline

   Based on background and availability, set target exam dates.

   Build in buffer time—life happens.

4. Track Progress Weekly

   Monitor practice scores to ensure you're on track.

   Adjust timeline if progress is faster or slower than expected.

Study tips

• Quality matters more than quantity—2 focused hours beat 4 distracted hours.

• The forgetting curve is real—review previous topics briefly each session.

• Take Core 1 and Core 2 separately rather than studying both simultaneously.

• Build in rest days to prevent burnout—sustainable pace wins.

• Set a target exam date early to create productive urgency.

• Use commute time for audio/video content or flashcard review.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Underestimating time needed—rushing leads to expensive retakes.

• Overestimating available study hours—be realistic about your schedule.

• Studying both exams simultaneously instead of sequentially.

• Not taking practice exams until the end—start at 60% content completion.

• Ignoring hands-on practice—essential for PBQs.

Study perspective

The candidates who pass efficiently treat their certification like a project with milestones, not a vague goal. Set specific weekly targets, track progress, and adjust as needed. Most importantly, don't schedule your exam until practice scores consistently say you're ready.

Start Your Study Journey Today

Take a diagnostic practice test to assess your starting point and plan your timeline.

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