What can I bring to CompTIA A+ exam? It’s a simple question, but getting it wrong could cost you your exam seat. Too many candidates prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification for months only to be turned away at the door for bringing the wrong ID or showing up with prohibited items.
This guide gives you a clear, no-stress breakdown of exactly what you can and cannot bring to the CompTIA A+ exam center. From ID requirements to strict item bans, we’ll walk you through what to expect, so you can arrive fully prepared and 100% focused on passing your exam.
What can I bring to CompTIA A+ exam center?
What can I bring to CompTIA A+ exam center?
To take the CompTIA A+ certification exam at a test center, you are only allowed to bring your identification documents. Specifically, you must bring two original and valid forms of ID. The first and last names on both IDs must exactly match the name you used when registering for the exam.
Primary ID
A primary ID is your main form of identification. It must be government-issued and is used to verify your identity at the test center. This ID must include all of the following:
Your full name
A recent, recognizable photograph
Your signature
Accepted forms of primary ID include:
Passport (International Travel Passport if testing outside your country of citizenship)
Driver’s license
State or national identity card
Military ID (including those issued to spouses or dependents)
Permanent resident card or visa (e.g., Green Card)
If you are testing outside your country of citizenship and do not have a valid local government-issued ID, you must present a passport from your home country.
Secondary ID
A secondary ID is used to provide additional verification of your identity. Your secondary ID must include:
Your full name
A recent, recognizable photo of your signature
Accepted forms of secondary ID include:
A credit card with a signature
School or employee ID
Library card (with name and photo or name and signature)
Other government-issued documents not used as your primary ID
In Japan, a valid Blue Japanese Health Insurance Card may be accepted as either a primary or secondary ID, depending on the situation.
What if you’re under 18? If you are a minor or a student and only have one valid photo ID, such as a school ID, you are still allowed to take the exam as long as certain conditions are met:
You must be accompanied to the test center by a parent or legal guardian who has a valid government-issued ID.
Your parent or guardian must sign next to your name on the login sheet to verify your identity.
You must have your parent or guardian’s authorization for each exam appointment you attend.
What is not allowed to bring into the CompTIA A+ exam room?
What is not allowed to bring into the CompTIA A+ exam room
According to the official CompTIA Candidate ID Policy and Pearson VUE Exam Rules, all personal belongings must be stored in lockers or a designated storage area provided by the test center. There are strict rules regarding what is not allowed to bring into the exam room.
Category
Examples of prohibited items
Electronic devices
Mobile phones
Cameras
Pagers (devices that send short alerts)
PDAs (old handheld organizers used before smartphones)
USB drives or memory sticks
Calculators
Any kind of watch, even ones with alarms
Listening devices (Headphones or radios, so on)
Tablets, touchscreen laptops, or any smart device
Writing materials
Pens, pencils, markers, or highlighters
Any type of paper, including scratch paper or notes
Miscellaneous items
Bags such as purses, backpacks, or briefcases
Dictionaries, including ones used for translation
Any kind of food or beverage
These restrictions are in place to prevent cheating, protect exam content, and ensure a fair testing environment for all candidates. If you are found using or accessing any prohibited items during the exam:
The proctor may immediately stop your exam session
The incident will be reported to both Pearson VUE and CompTIA
Your exam results may be invalidated (voided)
You may be barred from taking future CompTIA exams
FAQs
1. Can you bring water into CompTIA A+ exam center?
No, you cannot bring water into the testing area with you. All food and drinks, including water, must be stored outside the exam room in the designated locker or storage area before your test begins.
2. Can I bring a calculator to the CompTIA A+ exam center?
No, you are not permitted to bring your own calculator into the exam room. However, if the exam includes questions that require calculations, a built-in on-screen calculator will be made available within the exam interface. This tool is sufficient for performing any necessary computations during the test.
Test takers may also be provided with an erasable note board and marker or access to a digital scratchpad, depending on the test center’s setup.
Final thoughts
What can I bring to CompTIA A+ exam? Bringing incorrect or incomplete identification, or showing up with restricted items, could lead to delays or even disqualification from your exam. Therefore, keep in mind to review your identification, double-check what’s allowed in the test room, and follow all Comptia A+ guidelines carefully. Before test day, take our CompTIA A+ practice test so you can walk into the exam room with confidence.
