How long does it take to get the CompTIA A+ certification?

Some people say you can get the CompTIA A+ certification in just a few weeks. Others claim it takes several months, or even half a year. With so many different answers, it’s easy to feel confused, especially if you’re just starting in IT. So, how long does it take to get the CompTIA A+ certification? Is there a clear answer, or does it depend on your background, schedule, and how you choose to prepare? Read on to find out the answer.

How long does it take to get the CompTIA A+ certification?

How long does it take to get the CompTIA A+ certification?

Most people take about 2 to 5 months to get the CompTIA A+ certification, including study time for both Core 1 and Core 2 exams. The majority of the time required to earn your CompTIA A+ certification is typically spent on studying and preparation.

How long does it take to study for CompTIA A+?

Based on CBT Nuggets’ survey data and real-world feedback:

• About 50% learners prepare for one core in under 6 weeks.
• About 25 % take between 6 weeks and 3 months.
• Only 10% need more than 5 months, usually beginners with no IT background and no structured study plan.

Those who succeed in under 6 weeks typically study consistently each day and use structured training resources, such as video courses, labs, and practice exams.

However, this is just a small-scale survey and may not accurately reflect your situation. Your actual learning timeline depends on various factors: your circumstances, learning style, and availability.

1. Prior knowledge

If you already understand topics like operating systems, hardware components, networking protocols, and command-line tools, you will likely move through the material more quickly. Previous exposure to older systems or DIY PC building also helps reduce learning time.

2. Practical experience

There’s a big difference between understanding concepts and applying them. If you’ve worked in a help desk role, repaired computers, or built your systems, you already have practical experience that aligns with CompTIA A+ objectives. This can drastically shorten your study timeline.

3. Time commitment

How much time you can dedicate to studying each day matters. If you can consistently study one to two hours a day, you’ll progress much faster than someone studying sporadically. Structured study schedules and accountability tools are key.

How long is the CompTIA A+ exam?

To earn the A+ certification, you need to pass two exams:

• Core 1 (220-1101): 90 minutes
• Core 2 (220-1102): 90 minutes

Each exam contains up to 90 questions. You can schedule the exams separately or back-to-back, depending on your readiness and availability.

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

Once you complete each CompTIA A+ exam, you’ll see your results immediately on the screen.  However, simply passing one exam isn’t enough. You must pass both Core 1 and Core 2 to earn the official CompTIA A+ certification. After you’ve passed both exams, CompTIA typically issues your certification within a few business days. Here’s what the process looks like:

• An official confirmation email from CompTIA is usually sent within 24 to 48 hours after your exam results are processed.
• Your digital certificate becomes available in your CertMetrics account within approximately 2 to 5 business days.
• If you request a printed certificate, it may take several weeks to arrive, depending on your location and shipping options.

FAQs

1. How long should you study for the CompTIA A+ exam?

It depends on your experience and daily availability. Most people need 100–160 hours total. Instead of following a fixed timeline, take time to assess your skills and set a realistic study schedule you can stick to. Consistency matters more than speed.

2. How long does a CompTIA A+ course take?

Courses vary by provider. Self-paced online courses often last 6–12 weeks, while instructor-led bootcamps may take 1–4 weeks of intensive study. Many platforms let you go at your own pace, which is helpful if you’re balancing work or school.

3. How long is the CompTIA A+ exam?

Each of the two exams (Core 1 and Core 2) lasts 90 minutes and includes up to 90 questions, covering multiple-choice and performance-based formats.

Final thoughts

So, how long does it take to get the CompTIA A+ certification? Long enough to test your focus, and short enough that you’ve got no excuse not to start. The timeline bends to your discipline. But don’t just chase the paper; instead, own the knowledge and build the skills. A good way to check if you’re exam-ready is by trying a CompTIA A+ practice test under timed conditions.