IT & Cybersecurity
IT & Cybersecurity

CompTIA A+

exam prep

Computing Technology Industry Association: Entry Level Computer Technician

ios app
IT & Cybersecurity
ios app
Princenton UniversityETH ZurichColumbia UGroningemErasmusErasmus2Erasmus3
Progress chart preview

Track your progress

See what you’ve mastered and what to focus on next.

Gauge score preview

Know where you stand

Understand your level and how close you are to passing.

Daily streak calendar preview

Stay consistent

Build a daily habit that keeps you on track.

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam

General Information

The CompTIA A+ certification is a foundational credential for entry-level IT professionals, validating essential skills in areas such as hardware, networking, and troubleshooting. Issued by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), it covers key domains like mobile devices, operating systems, and security. This certification is recognized globally and can enhance career opportunities in roles such as IT Support Specialist and Help Desk Technician, with average salaries ranging from $45,000 to $60,000 (CompTIA).

Exam Format

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Each exam includes up to 90 questions, with a 90-minute time limit. The questions are a mix of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based formats. Passing scores are 675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2, both on a scale of 100 to 900.

Candidate Requirements

There are no strict prerequisites for the CompTIA A+ exams, but candidates are recommended to have approximately 12 months of hands-on experience in IT support or equivalent training. Recertification requires earning 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within three years (CompTIA).

Exam Cost

Each CompTIA A+ exam voucher costs $239 USD, with no price difference for CompTIA members or non-members (CompTIA Store). Additional costs may include study materials and training courses.

How to Register

To register for the CompTIA A+ exam:

  1. Purchase an exam voucher from the CompTIA Store.
  2. Schedule the exam via Pearson VUE, CompTIA's official testing partner.

What to Bring to the Exam

On exam day, candidates must present a valid government-issued photo ID at a Pearson VUE testing center. Personal items like electronic devices, notes, and bags are prohibited. The center provides scratch paper and pencils. Candidates should arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in.

CompTIA A+ exam

overview

Key facts, pass rates, and resources to help you prepare smarter and pass with confidence.

The CompTIA A+ Core Series requires candidates to pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202)

Official Exam Information

I tried many CompTIA study apps and the SimplyTests offered many elements that others do not.

Student Testimonial— Michael C.
Real exam-style questions

Real exam-style questions

Match the real test format and difficulty.

Clear explanations

Clear explanations

Understand mistakes and learn faster.

Target weak spots

Target weak spots

Focus on what improves your score.

Study anytime, anywhere

Study anytime, anywhere

Practice in minutes, on your phone.

Help when you need it

Help when you need it

Stay on track with built-in support.

Built to help you pass

Built to help you pass

Everything you need to succeed.

Why it helps you pass

Thousands of learners use SimplyTests to stay focused, consistent, and ready on exam day.

Real exam-style questions
Learn faster with clear explanations
Practice at your level
Stay consistent every day
Phone with results
Comprehensive CompTIA A+ Preparation Guide

Study Materials and Resources

To prepare efficiently for the CompTIA A+ exam, utilize the official study resources provided by CompTIA. These include comprehensive CompTIA A+ Study Guides, interactive eLearning courses, and hands-on virtual labs. The eLearning platform offers a structured CompTIA A+ Course that aligns with the exam objectives. These resources provide essential knowledge and real-world scenarios to enhance your understanding of key concepts.

Practice Tests and Question Banks

Incorporating practice tests into your preparation strategy is crucial. The CompTIA A+ Practice Test offers a realistic exam experience with performance-based questions. These tests simulate the actual exam environment, allowing you to assess your readiness and identify areas for improvement. By engaging with CompTIA A+ Example Questions, you can become familiar with the question formats, which include multiple-choice and drag-and-drop items, enhancing your confidence and time management skills.

Study Timeline

To prepare effectively for the CompTIA A+ exam, candidates should allocate approximately 12 months of study, ideally with hands-on IT experience. A focused study plan might include dedicating 1-2 hours daily over several months, culminating in the exam. This approach ensures thorough coverage of all exam domains and allows time for CompTIA A+ Exam Practice Questions.

Key Topics to Focus On

The CompTIA A+ certification exams are divided into two parts, each with distinct focus areas. For Core 1 (Exam 220-1201), key domains include:

  • Mobile Devices: 15%
  • Networking: 20%
  • Hardware: 25%
  • Virtualization and Cloud Computing: 11%
  • Hardware and Network Troubleshooting: 29%

For Core 2 (Exam 220-1202), focus on:

  • Operating Systems: 31%
  • Security: 25%
  • Software Troubleshooting: 22%
  • Operational Procedures: 22%

These percentages indicate the weight of each domain, guiding your study priorities (CompTIA Blog).

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Investing in the CompTIA A+ certification, priced at $239 USD per exam, offers significant career benefits. On average, certified professionals can expect salaries such as $54,500 for Support Specialists and $60,000 for Desktop Support Analysts. While the exam cost is a modest initial expense, the potential salary increase and improved job prospects provide a high return on investment.

SimplyTests CompTIA A+ App

The SimplyTests CompTIA A+ App is an invaluable tool for exam preparation, offering features such as:

  • Over 1000 practice questions covering all exam domains
  • Adaptive quizzes that adjust to your performance level
  • Detailed progress tracking with analytics and module mastery scores
  • Offline mode for flexible studying
  • Exam simulators that replicate real test conditions
  • Gamified streaks and motivation tools

Users of this app typically achieve 20-30% higher pass rates, making it a strategic addition to your preparation efforts.

Success Tips

To maximize your success, engage with community forums and peer learning opportunities. These platforms allow for the exchange of insights and strategies, enhancing your understanding of complex topics. Effective test-taking strategies, such as time management and answer elimination techniques, can further boost your performance. Incorporating these elements into your study regimen can streamline your path to certification success.

Pass your exam with confidence

Practice with real exam questions, clear explanations, and a simple system that helps you stay consistent.

ios app
Exam app demoExam app demo

Frequently asked questions

What is CompTIA A+ certification?
CompTIA A+ certification is a globally recognized credential validating foundational IT skills, essential for entry-level IT professionals. It covers areas like hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
What is the exam format?
How much does the exam cost?
What are the candidate requirements?
How can I register for the exam?
What is the passing score for each exam?
How long is the certification valid?
What study resources are available?
What are the career benefits?
What topics are covered in the exams?

Certification exams in

IT & Cybersecurity

Cisco CCNA
Cisco Systems: Cisco Certified Network Associate
600 Questions
Cisco CCNP Enterprise
Cisco: Certified Network Professional
800 Questions
CompTIA A+
Computing Technology Industry Association: Entry Level Computer Technician
1100 Questions
CompTIA Cloud+
Computing Technology Industry Association: Certified Cloud Professional
600 Questions
CompTIA CySA+
Computing Technology Industry Association: Cybersecurity Analyst
1050 Questions
CompTIA Linux+
Computing Technology Industry Association: Linux Certified IT Professional
1500 Questions
CompTIA Network+
Computing Technology Industry Association: IT Professional Network Knowledge
1100 Questions
CompTIA Pentest+
Computing Technology Industry Association: Certified Penetration Tester
1000 Questions
CompTIA Project+
Computing Technology Industry Association: Project Management of Software Development
750 Questions
CompTIA Security+
Computing Technology Industry Association: IT Security and Cybersecurity
1300 Questions
CompTIA SecurityX
Computing Technology Industry Association: Advanced Security Practitioner
1400 Questions
CompTIA Server+
Computing Technology Industry Association: Certified Server Administrator
500 Questions
CompTIA Tech+
Computing Technology Industry Association: Certified Tech Professionals
600 Questions
CYBER AB CCA
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body: Certified CMMC Assessor
500 Questions
CYBER AB CCP
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body: Certified CMMC Professional
500 Questions
EC-Council CEH
International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants: Certified Ethical Hacker™
1500 Questions