What is CompTIA A+ certification?
CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard entry-level tech credential for starting your career with little to no experience. You earn it by passing two exams that validate your skills in hardware, operating systems, networking, and security. This certification prepares you for roles like IT support specialist and help desk technician.
What makes CompTIA A+ certification trustworthy and recognized by regulators?
CompTIA A+ is compliant with the ISO 17024 standard and is approved by the U.S. Department of Defense to meet Directive 8140.03M requirements. When you earn this certification, you benefit from the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), who audits the program annually to ensure credibility, validity, and reliability. Over 3 million CompTIA ISO/ANAB-accredited exams have been delivered since January 1, 2011, making it a trusted choice for tech professionals.
How does CompTIA A+ certification impact career advancement opportunities?
CompTIA A+ certification enhances your career opportunities by providing foundational tech skills that are essential for entry-level positions. It serves as a starting point if you’re new to the tech field, giving you a competitive edge and potentially leading to higher earning potential. Your certification also lays the groundwork for pursuing further certifications and advancing your career in the tech industry.
What are the top 10 reasons for getting CompTIA A+ certified?
- Career foundation: Build your essential tech skills and knowledge.
- Career flexibility: Access diverse fields like networking and cybersecurity.
- Remote opportunities: Explore flexible, location-independent careers.
- Competitive salary: Boost your earning potential with a trusted credential.
- Balanced lifestyle: Enjoy manageable stress and personal time.
- Industry alignment: Earn a certification tailored to employer needs.
- Global recognition: Join over 1.3 million certified professionals worldwide.
- Professional milestone: Achieve a key accomplishment in your career.
- Ongoing growth: Support your learning and career advancement.
- Professional network: Connect with a global community of peers.
How does CompTIA A+ compare to other entry-level tech certifications?
CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral, entry-level certification that includes two 90-minute exams with practical, performance-based questions. It helps you build a wide range of technical and professional tech skills. Unlike certifications like Microsoft MCSA or Cisco CCENT, CompTIA A+ focuses on foundational tech knowledge that you can apply across multiple platforms and technologies.
What are the prerequisites for taking the CompTIA A+ certification exams?
There are no formal prerequisites for taking the CompTIA A+ certification exams. However, it’s recommended that you have 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field to build a strong foundation in the concepts covered in the exams.
Why should I get CompTIA A+ certified?
Getting CompTIA A+ certified establishes your tech career by proving your skills and knowledge. It’s the industry standard for technical support and tech operational roles, helping you get hired, promoted, and perform at a higher level. CompTIA A+ appears in more tech support job listings than any other credential, highlighting its value and demand in the job market. By taking these exams, you demonstrate your commitment to your career and future-proof your professional path, making you more adaptable and competitive in the evolving tech industry.
What are the differences between CompTIA A+ certification and the CompTIA a+ Cyber and CompTIA a+ Network courses, and how do they fit into my tech career path?
CompTIA A+ is a foundational certification for IT support roles, validating skills in hardware, operating systems, networking, and security. It prepares you for entry-level jobs like IT support specialist or help desk technician and is a prerequisite for more advanced certifications like Security+ and Network+.
CompTIA a+ Cyber (31-hour course) and a+ Network (25-hour course) provide essential cybersecurity or networking knowledge from A+ training. While not certifications, these courses let you bypass A+ and move directly into Security+ or Network+ training, offering a faster path to specialized roles.
What is on the CompTIA A+ Core 1/Core 2 exams?
The CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams test your essential tech skills and knowledge, focusing on the following domains:
A+ Core 1 exam (V15): Mobile devices (13%); Networking (23%); Hardware (25%); Virtualization and cloud computing (11%); Hardware and network troubleshooting (28%)
A+ Core 2 exam (V15): Operating systems (28%); Security (28%); Software troubleshooting (23%); Operational procedures (21%)
The newest version emphasizes modern IT practices, focusing more on security, networking, and troubleshooting. Each exam includes up to 90 questions in multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based formats, testing your ability to solve real-world problems.
Where can I get CompTIA A+ certified?
You can earn your CompTIA A+ certification by taking the exams either online or in person.
- Online testing: Test from any quiet, secure location at any time.
- In-person testing: Visit one of the thousands of Pearson VUE test centers worldwide.
How hard is the CompTIA A+ exam?
The difficulty of the CompTIA A+ exam depends on your background and experience. Since it is an entry-level certification, you can pass it with proper study and preparation, even if you’re new to tech. The exam covers a broad range of topics, so it’s important for you to prepare thoroughly to feel confident on test day.
What happens if I pass A+ Core 1 but the exams retire before I complete A+ Core 2?
If you pass Core 1 but the exam version retires before you complete Core 2, your Core 1 result will no longer be valid. You'll need to pass the new version's Core 1 and Core 2 exams to earn your certification.
To avoid this, plan your exam schedule carefully and complete both exams from the same version before the retirement date.
How do I get my CompTIA A+ certification?
To earn your CompTIA A+ certification, you need to pass two exams from the same version: Core 1 and Core 2. Together, these exams make up the certification. Start by reviewing the exam objectives, identifying your knowledge gaps, and selecting a study method that works best for you, such as self-paced learning or hands-on practice. Once you’re ready, purchase your exam vouchers from the CompTIA Store, then schedule and take your exams at a Pearson VUE testing center or online.
What is the passing score for CompTIA A+?
For the newest version, A+ V15:
- Core 1 exam (220-1201): 675 out of 900
- Core 2 exam (220-1202): 700 out of 900
For the retiring version, A+ V14:
- Core 1 exam (220-1101): 675 out of 900
- Core 2 exam (220-1102): 700 out of 900
To earn your CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass both exams using the same version.
What is the difference between CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2?
Both Core 1 and Core 2 are essential parts of the CompTIA A+ certification, and you need to pass both to earn your certification. Core 1 focuses on hardware, networking, mobile devices, and troubleshooting, while Core 2 emphasizes operating systems, security, and software troubleshooting. Together, they provide a comprehensive foundation in tech support skills, with an increased focus on real-world problem-solving in the newest version, A+ V15.
What is CertMaster Study?
CertMaster Study is a comprehensive digital learning solution by CompTIA designed to help users prepare for IT certification exams. It offers a range of features to enhance the learning experience, including:
- Engaging text, images, and videos for interactive study at one's own pace.
- In-line interactive elements to reinforce understanding as one goes.
- Lesson reviews and module quizzes to check knowledge and track progress.
- Downloadable resources and a full course PDF for offline review.
- Mobile responsiveness for a study experience that fits into daily life.
