The CompTIA A+ credential, sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a non-profit trade association that issues professional certifications for the information technology (IT) industry, is one of the certifications available for computer service technicians. It certifies entry-level knowledge in PC hardware and software skills in tech support or computer servicing.
About CompTIA A+ Certification
The CompTIA A+ certification, first issued in 1993, is one of the oldest and most widely recognized credentials in IT, with over a million people worldwide, have earned it. It is also one of the most common requirements in tech support job listings.
A+ is a vendor-neutral certification to validate the skills of entry-level PC service professionals in the installation, maintenance, customization, and operation of personal computers. CompTIA is also the only industry-recognized credential that includes performance testing to demonstrate that professionals can perform critical IT support tasks such as security, networking, virtualization, and more, as well as remotely diagnose and correct common software, and hardware, or connectivity issues.
Since 2008, CompTIA A+ has been accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as meeting the ISO/IEC 17024 (Conformity assessment – General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons) standard, and it has been approved by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to meet the requirements of Directive 8570.01-M. (Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program).
Target Audience
Those who obtain the A+ certification will be better prepared to perform installation, configuration, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and basic networking. They are also involved in the resolution of common software, hardware, and connectivity issues.
Popular job positions include:
- Help desk technician
- Technician in the field
- Network associate engineer
- System support technician
- System administrator trainee
- Specialist in desktop support
Knowledge Required
To obtain CompTIA A+ certification, a candidate must pass both the recently released (April 2022) CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) exams, which cover new content while emphasizing the technologies and skills required by IT professionals to support a hybrid workforce.
The updated exam objectives will confirm that the successful candidate possesses the knowledge and skills needed to:
- End-user computer equipment, mobile devices, and software installation, configuration, and maintenance
- also, To solve problems, service components based on customer requirements are used.
- furthermore, Understand networking fundamentals and apply fundamental cybersecurity techniques to reduce security risks.
- moreover, Diagnose, resolve and document common hardware and software issues correctly and safely.
- also, Use troubleshooting skills and appropriate communication skills to provide customer support.
- furthermore, Learn the fundamentals of scripting, cloud technologies, virtualization, and multi-OS deployments in corporate settings.
Exam fee
The A+ certification requires two exams, each of which costs $239 (visit the CompTIA Store to purchase; save money with these voucher discount options); and can be in use online or in-person through the Pearson VUE website.
Comparing Previous Version and Current Exam Version
| PREVIOUS VERSION | CURRENT VERSION | |
| Exam Code | CompTIA A+ 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2) – The candidates are required to complete both 220-1001 and 220-1002 to earn certification. Please note, that exams cannot be combined across the series. | CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2). The candidates are required to complete both 220-1101 and 220-1102 to earn certification. Please note, that exams cannot be combined across the series. |
| Launch Date | January 15, 2019 | April 2022 |
| Topics Covered | The CompTIA A+ 220-1001 exam covers the following topics – 1. Mobile devices 2. Networking technology 3. Hardware 4. Virtualization and cloud computing 5. Network Troubleshooting. The CompTIA A+ 220-1001 exam covers the following topics – 1. Installing and configuring operating systems 2. Expanding security 3. Software troubleshooting 4. Operational procedures. | The CompTIA A+ 220-1101 exam covers the following topics – 1. Mobile devices 2. Networking technology 3. Hardware 4. Virtualization 5. Cloud computing. The CompTIA A+ 220-1001 exam covers the following topics – 1. Operating systems 2. Security 3. Software 4. Operational procedures. |
| Toral Questions | 90 Questions | 90 Questions |
| Exam Duration | 90 Minutes | 90 Minutes |
| Type of Questions | Multiple choice questions (single and multiple responses), drag and drops and performance-based | Multiple choice questions (single and multiple responses), drag and drops and performance-based |
| Passing Score | 220-1001: 675 (on a scale of 100-900) 220-1002: 700 (on a scale of 100-900) | 220-1101: 675 (on a scale of 900) 220-1102: 700 (on a scale of 900) |
| Exam Language | English at launch. German, Japanese, Portuguese, Thai and Spanish | English at launch. German, Japanese, Portuguese, Thai and Spanish |
| Recommended Experience | 9 to 12 months hands-on experience in the lab or field | 9 to 12 months hands-on experience in the lab or field |
| Retirement Date | 20 October 2022 | Usually Three years from the date of Launch |
| Exam Fees | $239 USD per exam | $239 USD per exam |
CompTIA A+ 220-1101
It includes information on PC hardware and peripherals, mobile devices, networking technology, virtualization, and cloud computing. The emphasis is on troubleshooting and remotely diagnosing and correcting common hardware or connectivity issues. See the Core 1 exam objectives for more information.
The following are the five domains for A+ Core 1 (220-1101):
- Mobile Devices (15%)
- Networking (20%)
- Hardware (25%)
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%)
The passing mark is 675. (on a scale of 100-900). There are a maximum of 90 multiple-choice and performance-basis questions to answer in 90 minutes.
CompTIA A+ 220-1102
It goes over installing and configuring operating systems, common methods for securing mobile and embedded devices, best practices for SOHO wireless and wired networks, application installation and configuration concepts, software troubleshooting, and standard operating procedures. See the Core 2 exam objectives for more information.
The four A+ Core 2 (220-1102) dedicated domains are as follows:
- Operating Systems (31%)
- Security (25%)
- Software Troubleshooting (22%)
- Operational Procedures (22%)
The passing mark is 700. (on a scale of 100-900). There are a maximum of 90 multiple-choice and performance-basis questions to answer in 90 minutes.
Prerequisites
To be eligible for the CompTIA A+ certification, a candidate should have 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field, and then pass two core exams: currently, the 220-1101 and 220-1102, which should be available until the summer of 2025.
A+ renewal and CEU’s
If, on the other hand, you are looking for ways to renew previously obtained certifications, you have a few options. The CompTIA CertMaster CE A+ course (available March 17, 2022) is a self-paced e-learning course that automatically renews your A+ certification. A candidate must have an active A+ CE certification from the 220-1001/1002 – series or earlier to be eligible. The cost is USD 129.
Otherwise, a professional can consider other forms of Continuing Education (CE). They can, for example, enroll in a college course or complete an American Council on Education (ACE) course, earning and receiving 10 CEUs for each 3 to 4 credit-hour class. Alternatively, they can attend a training course, a live webinar, or a conference and earn 1 CEU for each hour spent there. Twenty CEUs are in need for over three years.
Learning Resources
CompTIA provides training and study materials. Learners can, however, find a wealth of valuable options provided by other sources –
Core 1 Exam 220-1101 and Core 2 Exam 220-1102 CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide
Sybex’s book provides essential test preparation material for the certification. The self-study resource covers all A+ exam objectives and competencies covered on the exam. It does, however, provide access to an online test bank, review questions, practice exams, and electronic flashcards.
CompTIA A+ Complete Deluxe Study Guide with Online Labs, 5th Edition: Core 1 Exam 220-1101 and Core 2 Exam 220-1102
This all-in-one package, written by authors Quentin Docter and Jon Buhagiar, includes a comprehensive set of study aids as well as six months of access to 28 online A+ Core 2 Exam 220-1102 Practice Labs modules. The study guide + lab combo is ideal for anyone looking for a training option that combines theory and practice.
CompTIA A+ Complete Practice Tests, 3rd Edition: Core 1 Exam 220-1101 and Core 2 Exam 220-1102
This Sybex book, also written by Audrey O’Shea and Jeff T. Parker, provides practical prep material, including domain-by-domain practice questions that cover all of the A+ objectives tested on the Core 1 and Core 2 exams. These rigors and realistic practice questions will also prepare you for the role of an aspiring and practicing computer technician.
There are, of course, other training options available for professionals who prefer on-site classes, boot camps, or online learning. CompTIA’s Delivery Partner Program provides Authorized Training Providers with high-quality training and certification learning resources. Practicing with practice tests and mock exams is essential for passing the exam!
Is the certification worth it?
Certifications are skill-based and show employers that IT professionals know what they’re doing. Furthermore, The A+ certification, in particular, is recognized globally. Also, For relatively new practitioners looking to stand out from the crowd, it can serve as a launching pad to a rewarding career in IT. Additionally, Employers frequently seek (or require) this credential for technical support roles.
A+ certification, for example, is required for Dell, Intel, and HP service technicians to advance their skills. CompTIA A+ certification is also recognized by Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, CompuCom, and Ricoh. The US Department of Defense (DoD) recognizes the credential as Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level 1.
Average Salary – In addition, according to a Certification Magazine survey published in 2021, A+ holders reported earning an average salary of $96,010 in the United States and the equivalent of $70,310 in the rest of the world. Over 69 percent of CompTIA A+ holders in the United States said they were happy with their pay. Respondents also said they used the skills they learned or improved through certification at work several times a day (45.4 percent), several times a week (30.5 percent), and several times a month (11 percent).
