CompTIA A+ Study Schedule: Plan Better, Pass Faster

Preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re balancing a job, school, or starting from scratch in IT. This exam covers everything from hardware to operating systems to cybersecurity, making a well-structured CompTIA A+ study schedule calendar essential for success.

In this guide, you’ll find the best suitable learning strategies, recommended resources, and a breakdown of what to study.

How long should you study for the CompTIA A+?

How long should you study for the CompTIA A+?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long you should study for the CompTIA A+ certification. Your study timeline depends on a few key factors:

• Your prior IT knowledge or experience.
• How many hours can you study per day?
• Your learning style and study resources.

CBT Nuggets surveyed over 550 IT professionals who prepared for Core 1:

• 50% took less than 6 weeks
• 25% took 6–12 weeks
• Only 10% needed over 5 months

Therefore, for a beginner, by studying 30 to 60 minutes per day, or up to 2 hours daily, you can prepare for CompTIA A+ Core 1 in about 8 -12 weeks.

Recommended CompTIA A+ study schedule

Recommended CompTIA A+ study schedule

Creating a study schedule is the first step toward earning the CompTIA A+ certification with confidence. Before finding a routine that fits your time and goals, it’s important to evaluate your current knowledge. It’s great if you already know where you stand. If not, you can take a free CompTIA A+ diagnostic test through our mobile app (available on Android and iOS) to find out your current level quickly.

1. Set a goal date for your exam

Once you understand your current level, choose a specific date to take the exam. Having a clear goal helps create a sense of urgency, keeps you focused, and motivates you to follow through with your study plan.

2. Find your ideal study plan

However, success isn’t just about how much time you spend; it’s about how effectively you use that time. Below are four time management strategies. Choose the one that best aligns with your learning style, daily routine, and experience level:

2.1 Block-based scheduling

Organize your study by domain or subtopic blocks. Each day (or week), dedicate your focus to just one or two related areas and review thoroughly. For example, using CompTIA A+ Objectives as a guide:

• Core 1: 
  • Week 1: Mobile devices
  • Week 2: Networking
  • Week 3: Hardware
  • Week 4: Virtualization and Cloud Computing
  • Week 5: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
• Core 2
  • Week 6: Operating Systems
  • Week 7: Security
  • Week 8: Software Troubleshooting
  • Week 9: Operational Procedures

It is ideal for learners who like structure and want to build depth in one area at a time.

2.2 Time-boxing (Pomodoro method)

Decide how much time to spend before you start. Commonly, it’s 25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break. After 4 cycles, take a longer break (15–30 mins). For instance:

• 25 minutes: Watch a video lesson
• 5 minutes: Break
• 25 minutes: Take practice tests or lab
• 5 minutes: Break

It is ideal for learners who struggle with focus, fatigue, or procrastination and benefit from clear time limits and mental resets.

2.3 Priority-based planning

Focus more on the areas you’re weakest in. After assessing your knowledge, allocate more time to those domains. For example:

• Week 1: 70% Hardware, 30% Networking (if hardware is your weakest)
• Week 2: 50% OS, 50% Security
• Week 3: Mixed review based on previous scores

It is ideal for learners with prior IT knowledge or partial experience who want to maximize study efficiency and close specific gaps.

2.4 Phased study plan

Divide your learning journey into stages, for example:

• Phase 1: Learn concepts (Week 1–3)
  Use the CompTIA A+ Study Guide to build foundational knowledge.
• Phase 2: Practice & quizzes (Week 4–5)
  Reinforce learning with questions and short practice sessions.
• Phase 3: Mock exams + review (Week 6–7)
  Take timed mock exams and review your mistakes to improve.
• Phase 4: Final polish (Week 8)
  Take full-length CompTIA practice tests to assess your readiness.
  • CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) Test
  • CompTIA A+ 220-1102 (Core 2) Test

It is ideal for learners with at least 8 weeks available and who want a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap.

3. Use a calendar to stay on track

After choosing the method that works best for you, set up your own CompTIA A+ study schedule calendar. Use Google Calendar or another app to set reminders and keep track of what you study each day.

FAQs

1. How many hours a day to study for CompTIA A+?

It depends on your current knowledge level and your available time. Most beginners benefit from studying 1 to 2 hours per day over 8–12 weeks. If you already have some IT experience, 30–60 minutes daily with focused practice may be enough.

2. Can you study for CompTIA A+ in 2 weeks?

No, studying for CompTIA A+ in just 2 weeks is not realistic for most people. The certification covers a broad range of IT topics, and CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of hands-on experience. Unless you already have a strong IT background, two weeks is too short to prepare thoroughly and pass with confidence.

3. Can I pass CompTIA A+ in a month?

It’s achievable to pass CompTIA A+ in one month, especially if you have IT experience and follow a focused study plan. Still, your results will depend on how much time you dedicate each day. Beginners will likely need more time to cover all objectives thoroughly and confidently.

Final thoughts

Creating a solid CompTIA A+ study schedule is one of the most important steps in your certification journey. Whether you’re a beginner or have IT experience, aligning your schedule with your skill level, available time, and learning style will help you stay consistent and confident as you work toward passing both exams.