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What Is CompTIA A+ Certification & Why It’s the First Step Into IT

Sarah Nguyen

Created at August 2, 2025

Getting started in the tech world can feel overwhelming. You know you’re good with computers, sometimes, your friends ask you to fix their Wi-Fi or set up their laptops. However, turning that into a career? That’s another story. If you’ve ever googled “what is CompTIA A+ certification” or “how to break into IT without experience,” the answer is often this: start with A+. So, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from what the certification means to what it covers, who it’s for, and what kind of jobs you can land once you’re certified.

What is a CompTIA A+ certification?

CompTIA A+ certification

The CompTIA A+ certification is an entry-level, vendor-neutral credential awarded after passing two performance-based exams that validate hands-on skills in hardware, software, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, troubleshooting, and cybersecurity. Issued by the CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), it’s widely recognized for preparing candidates for entry-level IT roles.

CompTIA A+ has been the foundational certification for IT professionals for over 20 years. Unlike vendor‑specific credentials, it equips you with versatile skills that apply across a range of environments, involving Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and cloud platforms.

CompTIA updates the A+ program regularly (often every 3 years) to stay aligned with evolving technologies, such as hybrid work models, modern cloud services, and advanced security practices.

Who should get the CompTIA A+ certification?

The CompTIA A+ certification isn’t reserved for IT veterans or computer science graduates. It was built for people at the beginning of their tech careers. In fact, it’s often the very first step professionals take when entering the IT field. You should consider earning the CompTIA A+ certification if you:

Are switching careers and want a structured, proven path into tech
Recently graduated from high school or college and want a fast track into IT
Are a military veteran transitioning into civilian technology roles
Enjoy solving technical problems and want to turn that into a full-time job
Want formal validation of your skills, even if you’re self-taught or freelancing
Completed a coding bootcamp or are studying a STEM subject and need practical IT credentials
Are looking for a remote-friendly, globally recognized IT certification
Are a high school student in a career and technical education (CTE) program
Own or support a small business and manage IT tasks independently

Take a moment to reflect: do any of the situations above sound like you? If so, the CompTIA A+ certification could be the gateway to your IT career and the smartest next step you take this year.

Benefits of CompTIA A+ certification

Earning the CompTIA A+ certification opens doors to real-world IT careers with strong salaries, remote flexibility, and long-term growth potential. Here’s why A+ is one of the most valuable first steps in tech.

Recognized by employers everywhere

CompTIA A+ is one of the most widely respected IT certifications in the world. It’s trusted by companies like Dell, Intel, and the U.S. Department of Defense because it proves you have real-world troubleshooting skills that apply in any environment.

Designed for beginners

You don’t need a degree or prior experience to get certified. A+ was built for newcomers, career switchers, and anyone looking to break into tech. It teaches you how to work with hardware, software, mobile devices, networks, and basic cybersecurity, all starting from the ground up.

Unlocks real job opportunities

With an A+ certification, you become eligible for entry-level roles such as Help Desk Technician, IT Support Specialist, or Desktop Support Analyst. These jobs exist in nearly every industry and often come with on-the-job training, career growth, and solid benefits.

Leads to competitive pay

Entry-level salaries for A+ certified professionals typically start around $48,000 to $60,000 per year in the U.S. That’s before factoring in promotions, raises, or additional certifications like Network+ or Security+.

Supports flexible and remote work

Many roles tied to A+ certification offer flexible hours and remote options. If you’re looking for a job that fits your lifestyle, A+ can open doors to IT support positions that allow you to work from anywhere.

Built by industry experts

The content in the A+ exam is developed and reviewed by professionals who work in IT every day. It’s updated regularly to reflect current job demands, from hybrid work environments to modern security practices.

What does the CompTIA A+ certification exam cover?

What does the CompTIA A+ certification exam cover

The CompTIA A+ certification exam covers essential IT support skills, including hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, cybersecurity, software troubleshooting, and professional IT procedures. These topics are divided across two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102).

Together, the exams are designed to test not just what you know, but what you can do. They include a mix of multiple-choice questions and performance-based scenarios that mirror real-world IT tasks.

Core 1 (220-1101): Hardware and connectivity

This exam focuses on the foundational technologies that keep devices and networks running. You’ll be expected to understand how to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot both personal and business hardware systems. Key domains include:

Mobile devices: Configure and support laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other portable hardware
Networking: Understand networking concepts, IP addressing, router configuration, and Wi-Fi standards
Hardware: Install, upgrade, and troubleshoot PCs, printers, and storage devices
Virtualization and cloud computing: Basic cloud concepts, hosted services, and virtualization technologies
Hardware troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve issues like boot errors, power failures, and overheating

Core 2 (220-1102): Operating systems and security

Core 2 shifts focus to the software side of IT support. It ensures you can handle everything from system installations to basic cybersecurity measures in an enterprise setting. Main areas involved in:

Operating systems: Install, configure, and troubleshoot Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms
Security fundamentals: Implement access controls, recognize malware types, and secure endpoints
Software troubleshooting: Identify and resolve common OS errors, performance issues, and app crashes
Operational procedures: Follow safety protocols, create documentation, manage users, and use ticketing systems

How to get CompTIA A+ certification

Earning the CompTIA A+ certification may sound intimidating at first, but with the right approach, it’s a completely achievable goal. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to get your CompTIA A+ certification from start to finish.

Step 1: Review the CompTIA A+ exam objectives

Before anything else, head over to CompTIA’s official website and review the CompTIA A+ objectives for both Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). These documents outline every topic that could appear on the exam.

Think of them as your master checklist. If a concept isn’t on that list, you won’t be tested on it. If it is on the list, you absolutely should know it.

Step 2: Choose the right study materials

How you prepare will depend on your learning style. There’s no single “best” resource. The best one is the one you’ll actually use. Here are a few trusted options recommended by IT instructors and certified professionals:

Books: CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: Core 1 Exam 220-1101 and Core 2 Exam 220-1102 (Sybex Study Guide) 5th Edition is widely considered the industry standard. It’s in-depth but approachable.
Video courses: If you prefer visual learning, Professor Messer offers a high-quality and free A+ video series that many learners use as their primary prep tool, available on YouTube.
Practice labs: Knowing the theory is important, but doing the work is what truly prepares you. With CompTIA A+ practice labs, you can build hands-on skills through browser-based simulations. Visit the official CompTIA A+ store to explore CertMaster Labs, CertMaster Learn, and CertMaster Practice.

Tip: Combine resources. Reading alone rarely works. Try watching, reading, and doing hands-on labs in parallel.

Step 3: Take practice exams

Don’t wait until test day to find out if you’re ready. Take several full-length, timed practice exams to simulate the real testing environment. Practice tests help you:

Get comfortable with the question format
Identify your weak areas
Improve your pacing and confidence under time pressure

Look for practice exams that include both multiple-choice and performance-based questions, similar to the actual CompTIA A+ exams. Ready to test your knowledge? Try our free CompTIA A+ practice test to see how exam-ready you really are.

Step 4: Schedule the exam

Once you’re scoring well on practice tests, it’s time to schedule the real thing. But don’t assume it’s just a few clicks away because scheduling your CompTIA A+ exam involves multiple steps that first-timers often overlook.

There’s a lot to consider, and missing one small detail could delay your exam or cost you a reschedule fee. To avoid surprises, check out our full guide on how to schedule CompTIA A+ exam. It walks you through every step, with pro tips for a smooth registration process.

Step 5: Pass both exams and get certified

Once you’ve passed both exams, you’ve officially earned CompTIA A+ the CompTIA A+ certification.

Here’s what comes next:

You’ll receive an official digital badge, which you can proudly display on LinkedIn, your résumé, portfolio, or even your email signature.
A downloadable certificate of achievement will be issued directly from CompTIA.
Your name will be added to the CompTIA Certification Verification tool, allowing employers and recruiters to verify your credentials instantly.

Your certification is valid for three years, and CompTIA offers multiple ways to renew it, including continuing education units (CEUs) and earning higher-level certifications like Network+ or Security+.

What jobs can you get with a CompTIA A+ certification?

The CompTIA A+ certification unlocks a wide range of real-world, entry-level IT roles across industries. Here are some of the most common jobs you’ll qualify for after becoming CompTIA A+ certified, along with average U.S. salary estimates:

Help desk technician / Service desk analyst: Answer technical inquiries, resolve user issues, and manage support tickets. Average salary: $48,000/year
Field technician / Field service technician: Perform on-site setup, repairs, and maintenance of hardware and networks. Average salary: $50,000/year
Tier I support specialist: Provide basic support for hardware, software, and connectivity problems. Average salary: $48,000/year
Technical support specialist: Troubleshoot hardware and software problems across various systems. Average salary: $60,000/year
Desktop support specialist / Administrator: Manage desktop environments, software installs, and user accounts. Average salary: $50,000–$55,000/year
Associate network engineer: Assist with configuring and maintaining network infrastructure. Average salary: $70,000–$73,000/year
Systems support technician / System support specialist: Help maintain servers, monitor performance, and support business operations. Average salary: $60,000/year
Junior systems administrator: Support senior sysadmins in managing infrastructure, backups, and user permissions. Salary varies, typically $55,000–$65,000/year
Data support technician: Work with data systems, troubleshoot storage or access issues. Average salary: $60,000/year
End-user computing technician: Support and maintain end-user devices, apps, and access tools. Average salary: $48,000/year

These roles are found in healthcare, finance, government, education, and technology companies, and they’re increasingly remote-friendly. Employers such as Dell, HP, Intel, Ricoh, and the U.S. Department of Defense regularly seek candidates with A+ certification.

FAQs

1. What does CompTIA A+ stand for?

CompTIA A+ stands for the Computing Technology Industry Association A+. It’s an entry-level, vendor-neutral IT certification that validates essential technical support and troubleshooting skills. The “A+” refers to its role as a foundational credential, like giving someone an “A+ grade” in core IT knowledge.

2. How many years does CompTIA A+ last?

The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years from the date of certification. To stay certified, you must renew it through CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program, which includes options like:

Earning higher-level certifications (e.g., Network+, Security+)
Completing approved CEU activities
Taking CompTIA’s CertMaster CE renewal course

For more details on expiration and renewal options, see our full guide: When does the CompTIA A+ expire?

3. How long does IT take to earn CompTIA A+?

Most candidates earn the CompTIA A+ certification in 2 to 6 months, depending on experience, study format, and available time. Full-time students or bootcamp participants may be ready in weeks, while self-paced learners may take longer. The time also depends on how familiar you are with IT fundamentals. Curious about the best timelines and study paths? Check out our full breakdown: How long does it take to get CompTIA A+?

4. Is a CompTIA A+ certificate enough to get a job?

Yes, it is. CompTIA A+ alone is enough to qualify for many entry-level IT positions, like help desk technician, IT support specialist, or desktop support analyst. Nevertheless, combining your certification with hands-on experience, internships, or lab practice can boost your chances in competitive job markets.

5. Is CompTIA A+ certification worth IT?

Absolutely, especially if you’re starting an IT career. CompTIA A+ provides verified, job-ready skills in tech support, troubleshooting, and security fundamentals. It’s recognized globally, vendor-neutral, and opens pathways to roles in cybersecurity, networking, and cloud computing. It also acts as a stepping stone to higher-level certifications and better-paying roles. Still wondering if it’s a good investment? Read our full breakdown: Is it worth getting CompTIA A+?

6. What is the CompTIA A+ certification salary?

The CompTIA A+ salary for certified professionals typically ranges from $40,000 to $65,000 per year in entry-level roles such as help desk technician or IT support specialist. According to ZipRecruiter, the U.S. average salary is around $63,900 annually, while Coursera cites role-specific averages ranging from $48,000 to $62,000. Your actual salary depends on experience, location, and job role, with potential for rapid growth as you earn more certifications.

7. Is CompTIA A+ hard for beginners?

CompTIA A+ isn’t “hard” in the traditional sense, but it’s comprehensive. It’s built for newcomers, so you don’t need prior experience. The exams test both theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving, covering topics like hardware, networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity. For total beginners, the volume of material may feel overwhelming at first. However, with the right resources, most learners find the content manageable.

8. How much does CompTIA A+ cost?

As of 2025, each CompTIA A+ exam costs $265, totaling $530 for both Core 1 and Core 2. If you’re curious about exactly how much CompTIA A+ costs and want to know some ways to reduce the total expense, such as using vouchers, bundles, or student discounts, read more in our guide on How much does CompTIA A+ cost?

Final thoughts

To recap, what is CompTIA A+ certification? It’s the industry’s go-to foundation for anyone breaking into IT. From hands-on troubleshooting to essential support skills, it covers exactly what employers expect from real-world tech professionals. If you’re serious about starting strong in tech without waiting years or chasing a degree, this is where momentum begins. Your IT career doesn’t start someday. It starts the moment you choose A+.