When Does CompTIA A+ Expire? Avoid Losing Your Certification

When does the CompTIA A+ expire? When you first earned your CompTIA A+ certification, you probably didn’t give this question a second thought. You were just happy to have passed. But three years go by fast in the IT world, and missing your renewal window can mean starting over, costing you more time and money.

So, how long does CompTIA A+ last? Is it valid forever, or does it have a clear time limit? Let’s break down what to check, what it means for your career, and how to stay certified with confidence.

When does CompTIA A+ expire?

When does CompTIA A+ expire

Typically, the CompTIA A+ certification is valid for 3 years from the date you become certified. However, there is an exception for GFL certifications, which are valid for life:

Good-for-Life (GFL) certifications

If you earned your CompTIA A+ before January 1, 2011, it is classified as GFL. This means it never expires. However, a GFL certification only reflects the exam objectives and industry standards at the time you passed. It does not cover the latest technologies, so employers often give it less weight.

Continuing Education (CE) certifications

If you earned your certification on or after January 1, 2011, it falls under CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) Program. These certifications are valid for 3 years from the date you pass the exam. 

Why does CompTIA A+ expire?

In IT, things change fast. CompTIA A+ expires every three years to make sure certified professionals keep up with new technologies, tools, and best practices.

This update cycle also meets ISO/ANAB standards, which help keep the certification trusted by employers and compliant with requirements like those of the U.S. Department of Defense.

What happens if your CompTIA A+ expires?

When your CompTIA A+ certification expires, several important consequences follow that can affect your professional standing and job opportunities:

• You lose your “certified” status: Once your CompTIA A+ certification expires, you are no longer officially recognized by CompTIA as A+ certified.
• You can’t use the credential on CV or for compliance: Many employers (especially government or DoD contractors) require active, valid certifications. An expired cert doesn’t count toward job requirements or compliance standards like DoD 8570/8140.
• You’re not eligible for renewal through CE activities: If your cert expires, you can’t submit continuing education units (CEUs) or pay a renewal fee to keep it active. You’ll have to pass the current version of the A+ exam again to regain certified status.

How to renew your CompTIA A+ certification

How to renew your CompTIA A+ certification

Option 1: Renew with a single activity

According to CompTIA, you can renew your A+ certification by completing just one of the following approved activities:

1. Complete CompTIA CertMaster CE

• A self-paced e‑learning course designed to update your knowledge to the latest exam objectives without retesting.
• Only available if you passed A+ (220‑1101/1102 V14) or earlier.
• The course runs 8–10 hours; you must score 100% on all assessments.
• Automatic renewal upon completion, no CE fees.
• Course access lasts 12 months from purchase; you must complete it within your 3‑year cycle.

2. Earn a higher‑level CompTIA certification

• Passing a qualifying certification (e.g., Network+, Security+, Linux+, Cloud+, CySA+, PenTest+) will automatically renew A+.
• No CE fees required, only exam cost applies.
• The new certification’s 3‑year expiration replaces your A+ expiration date.
• Renewal applies per certification hierarchy; for example, SecurityX renews multiple lower certs, including A+.

3. Earn a qualifying non‑CompTIA IT certification

• Some approved industry certifications outside of CompTIA count toward a full renewal.
• CE fees do apply, in addition to any exam cost .

4. Pass the latest version of the A+ exam

• Retake and pass the most current A+ exam version, and renewal is granted.
• Like CertMaster and higher-level certs, no CE fees; just pay the exam fee.

 If you choose this route, make sure to prepare with a free CompTIA A+ practice test to get familiar with the updated exam objectives.

Option 2: Renew with multiple activities

Renew with multiple activities

If you prefer to renew by assembling a mix of learning and professional engagement, CompTIA allows you to combine various activities to reach the 20 CEU requirement within your three-year cycle. CompTIA divides eligible activities into six categories:

1. Additional CompTIA certifications: Pass another CompTIA credential (e.g., Network+, Security+) to earn full or partial CEUs.
2. Non‑CompTIA IT certifications: Vendor certifications (Cisco, Microsoft, etc.) approved by CompTIA earn you CEUs.
3. Training & higher education: Participating in webinars, attending conferences, or completing college-level courses can count toward your CEUs. Typically, one hour of training equals one CEU. For college courses, you can earn up to 10 CEUs per 3- or 4-credit course.
4. IT industry participation: Involvement in the IT community, such as teaching, mentoring, or serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), also counts toward your CEUs. These activities generally earn one CEU per hour, with specified maximum limits.
5. Publishing: Writing blog posts (1 CEU each), white papers, articles, or books (e.g., 4 CEUs for a ≥4-page article).
6. Work experience: Your practical work experience in IT can earn you up to 9 CEUs over your three-year cycle. You can submit an official letter from your employer to validate this experience, with a maximum of 3 CEUs awarded per year.

Submit your activities

Once you have completed your selected activities, you are responsible for providing the necessary evidence to CompTIA so your renewal can be approved. The submission process varies depending on the renewal option you choose.

1. Manual submission

For most renewal activities, you need to handle the submission yourself. This applies when you earn CEUs through things like training courses, college classes, webinars, work experience, or publishing articles. In that case, you must:

• Log in to your CompTIA certification account.
• Upload your proof (such as certificates, transcripts, or an employer letter).
• Wait for CompTIA to review and approve them.

Once approved, your CEUs are added to your record.

2. Automatic renewal

Some renewal options do not require you to submit anything. CompTIA will automatically renew your certification if you complete certain qualifying activities, such as: 

• Finish the CompTIA CertMaster CE course.
• Pass the latest version of your A+ exam.
• Earn a higher-level CompTIA certification, such as  CompTIA Security+ or Network+. 

FAQs

1. How long does the CompTIA A+ certification last?

For certifications earned on or after January 1, 2011, the CompTIA A+ certification remains valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. To keep it active, you need to meet the renewal requirements within that three-year period.

2. What happens when CompTIA A+ expires?

If your CompTIA A+ certification expires, it will no longer be recognized as valid proof of your skills by employers or organizations that require up-to-date credentials. Once expired, you cannot renew it through Continuing Education activities. Instead, you will need to pass the latest version of the A+ exam to earn the certification again and regain active status.

Final thoughts

Knowing when does CompTIA A+ expires is essential if you want to stay competitive and compliant in the fast-changing IT industry. Be sure to choose the renewal option that works best for you, track your activities, and submit everything on time so you can maintain your certified status without any gaps.