How to Get the CompTIA A+ Certification

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

The A+ certification requires passing two exams that show you know how to work with hardware, computer systems, and networks. Learn more about how to prepare.

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Earning your CompTIA A+ certification can be an excellent way to prepare for an entry-level role in IT. The two exams required to become certified demonstrate that you know how to work with hardware, computer systems, and networks

The Computing Technology Industry Association—otherwise known as CompTIA—issues the A+ certification, which employers trust given the industry standards it follows. It’s a valued credential to feature on your resume, showing that you have the knowledge and skills to work in information technology (IT). 

Learn how to get your A+ certification, tips to help you prepare, and the jobs you can pursue once you’ve passed both exams.

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How to get CompTIA A+ certification: Cost and requirements

Taking the CompTIA A+ certification requires passing two core exams: 220-1001 and 220-1002. Learn more about each exam [1]: 

Core 1: The 220-1001 exam covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing. 

  • Cost: $253

  • Length of time to complete: 90 minutes

  • Minimum passing score: 675 (out of 900) 

Core 2: The 220-1002 exam covers operating systems, security, software, and operational procedures.

  • Cost: $253

  • Length of time to complete: 90 minutes

  • Minimum passing score: 700 (out of 900) 

You can expect to answer up to 90 questions per exam, which include multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions. For performance-based questions, you’ll be asked about hypothetical scenarios, such as connectivity issues, to test your problem-solving abilities. 

While the exam has no prerequisites, it’s generally a good idea to have some knowledge of the areas that each test covers. CompTIA also recommends having around nine to 12 months of previous experience. 

How to get your CompTIA A+ certification

When you’re interested in taking the A+ certification, you’ll need to create an account with CompTIA to purchase the vouchers needed to schedule your exams. You can take both exams online or at an in-person testing center. Remember that online exams are only available in English, whereas testing centers offer other language options. Check with CompTIA for more details. 

How long does it take to get CompTIA A+ certified?

The amount of time it takes to earn CompTIA A+ certification varies, depending on your current knowledge base. The best way to figure out how long it will take you to get A+ certified is to figure out your knowledge gaps in the exam material, especially if you are new to the field of IT. For example, if you have been working in the field for some time, you may only need a week to review the exam material, while beginners will want to study for each exam over a couple of months. 

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Taking the CompTIA A+ exam online

If you take your exam online, you may need to run a systems check first to ensure you can complete the certification on your computer. During the exam, you’ll want to use just one computer, double-check to ensure you have a strong internet connection, and make sure to close all other applications. 

Once you complete your exam, you’ll immediately get your score results. If unsatisfied with your results, you can take the CompTIA A+ exams again. There’s no waiting period if you want to take the exam a second time, but if you need to take the exam a third time, you will need to wait at least 14 calendar days. You must pay for the cost of the exam each time you take it.

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Get on the fast track to a career in cybersecurity. In this certificate program, you'll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.

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842,561 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 6 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Python Programming, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, SQL, Linux, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Packet Analyzer, Security Hardening, Network Security, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Network Architecture, Cloud Networks, escalation, resume and portfolio preparation, stakeholder communication, Job preparedness, integrity and discretion, Cybersecurity, Information Security (INFOSEC), Ethics in cybersecurity, NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), Historical Attacks, Computer Programming, Coding, PEP 8 style guide, NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), Security Audits, Incident Response Playbooks, Authentication, vulnerability assessment, Cryptography, asset classification, threat analysis, Command line interface (CLI), Bash

5 study tips for the CompTIA A+ certification

Before you register for the CompTIA A+ certification exams, it can be worthwhile to review the subject matter both exams will cover. You can expect questions about mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing, operating systems, security, software, and operational procedures. The questions will test your knowledge about each subject and your ability to think critically about different scenarios.  

Follow these tips to help study for your CompTIA A+ certification:  

1. Figure out your strengths and weaknesses.

Of the subjects listed above, what do you feel most knowledgeable about? If you have a firm understanding of certain subjects, you may not need to spend as much time reviewing them. Instead, focus on the subjects that you don’t know as much about. 

2. Take a free CompTIA A+ practice exam.

CompTIA offers free practice questions for the CompTIA A+ certification, which you can request online. Use this type of practice to get a feel for the subject matter and question types. Are there subjects that felt particularly challenging or that you didn’t do as well on? If so, plan to spend extra time studying them so you feel more prepared when you go to take your certification. 

3. Use an official study guide.

Once you know how you’d do on a practice test, look into using CompTIA’s official study guide to review the areas that you’ll need to spend more time developing. Study guides are self-directed, meaning you can work at your own pace and at a time that best suits you. 

4. Sign up for an online training.

If you do better with instructor-led training, sign up for CompTIA’s online training. These occur at a set time, so you must find one that suits your schedule. Being taught by an instructor can be helpful if you appreciate having a structured study schedule rather than planning alone. 

5. Look for other online resources.

You'll find many free online resources to help you prepare for the A+ certification, including on YouTube and Coursera. For example, you can use the Google IT Support Professional Certificate materials to learn more about each subject the A+ certificate covers. 

Consider these articles that you can use to learn more about the certification and compare it to related options:

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professional certificate

Google Cybersecurity

Get on the fast track to a career in cybersecurity. In this certificate program, you'll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.

4.8

(39,240 ratings)

842,561 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Python Programming, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, SQL, Linux, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Packet Analyzer, Security Hardening, Network Security, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Network Architecture, Cloud Networks, escalation, resume and portfolio preparation, stakeholder communication, Job preparedness, integrity and discretion, Cybersecurity, Information Security (INFOSEC), Ethics in cybersecurity, NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), Historical Attacks, Computer Programming, Coding, PEP 8 style guide, NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), Security Audits, Incident Response Playbooks, Authentication, vulnerability assessment, Cryptography, asset classification, threat analysis, Command line interface (CLI), Bash

Jobs you can get with an A+ certification 

Once you have your A+ certification, you can apply for a range of roles in IT. Besides the ones listed below, learn more about what kinds of entry-level IT positions you can explore. 

  • IT technicians also respond to IT problems, but they may be more complicated and require a greater depth of knowledge. 

  • Service desk analysts work to resolve hardware, software, and network problems for both customers and company staff.

Prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exam on Coursera

A CompTIA A+ certification helps you gain the in-demand skills for an entry-level job in information technology. Learn cybersecurity fundamentals directly from CompTIA.You'll receive targeted, guided practice and training for the CompTIA Security+ certification, another popular entry-level certification for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

You might also consider earning the Google IT Support Professional Certificate while you prepare to take the CompTIA A+ certification. The flexible schedule means you can study at your own pace while learning about how to provide end-to-end customer support from the experts at Google. Get started today.

 

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professional certificate

Google Cybersecurity

Get on the fast track to a career in cybersecurity. In this certificate program, you'll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.

4.8

(39,240 ratings)

842,561 already enrolled

Beginner level

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Python Programming, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, SQL, Linux, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Packet Analyzer, Security Hardening, Network Security, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Network Architecture, Cloud Networks, escalation, resume and portfolio preparation, stakeholder communication, Job preparedness, integrity and discretion, Cybersecurity, Information Security (INFOSEC), Ethics in cybersecurity, NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), Historical Attacks, Computer Programming, Coding, PEP 8 style guide, NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), Security Audits, Incident Response Playbooks, Authentication, vulnerability assessment, Cryptography, asset classification, threat analysis, Command line interface (CLI), Bash

Article sources

  1. CompTIA. “CompTIA A+, https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a.” Accessed December 12, 2024. 

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