CompTIA A+ first launched in 1993, and since 2001 has been refreshed every three years to ensure the topics covered keep pace with what’s happening in IT. Employers, subject matter experts (SMEs) and IT pros working in the field guide us in what they look for in help desk technicians, technical support specialists and other jobs related to CompTIA A+ to make sure we’re covering the skills that are needed in today’s world.
With the launch of the new CompTIA A+ came many questions, so we’ve set out to answer them here. Keep reading to learn more about the CompTIA A+ core series (220-1101 and 220-1102), and post any additional questions in the comments to keep the conversation going.
What's on the New CompTIA A+ Exams?
The CompTIA A+ core series (220-1101 and 220-1102) provides a foundation for a number of different IT jobs and helps entry-level IT pros prepare for the jobs of the future.
In addition to topics you might traditionally associate with tech support, the new CompTIA A+ emphasizes the technologies and skills IT pros need to support a hybrid workforce such as:
- Increased reliance on software as a service (SaaS) applications for remote work
- More focus on troubleshooting and how to remotely diagnose and correct common software, hardware or connectivity problems
- Focus on changing core technologies, from cloud virtualization and IoT device security to data management and scripting
- Major operating systems, their use cases and how to keep them running properly
- Basics of scripting so that help desk technicians and technical support specialists understand what they're looking at when they encounter code
CompTIA A+ continues to emphasize problem solving within a technology context. Employers want IT pros who can think critically and approach problems systematically to find a solution. Having CompTIA A+ shows employers that you have the hands-on skills and proves your ability to solve technology problems.
Download the exam objectives to find out everything that’s covered.
What Types of Questions Are on the CompTIA A+ Exams?
The CompTIA A+ exams cover a total of nine domains across the two exams:
|
220-1101 |
|
220-1102 |
|
| Mobile Devices |
15% |
Operating Systems |
31% |
| Networking |
20% |
Security |
25% |
| Hardware |
25% |
Software Troubleshooting |
22% |
| Virtualization and Cloud Computing |
11% |
Operational Procedures |
22% |
| Hardware and Network Troubleshooting |
29% |
|
|
These domains relate back to job roles that are tasked with configuration of end-user devices and software, network connections, performing basic cybersecurity mitigations, troubleshooting common problems to diagnose and resolve issues and demonstrating basic knowledge of scripting, the cloud and virtualization.
Why Should I Choose CompTIA A+ Over Other IT Certifications?
CompTIA A+ is vendor neutral, meaning that the knowledge and skills you learn can be used to perform various job roles regardless of the specific programs and tools being used. Compare this to vendor-specific certifications, which equip you to work with just one platform.
How Much Does CompTIA A+ Cost?
The retail price for CompTIA A+ (220-1101 and 220-1102) is $253 USD (as of February 1, 2024) per exam, and you need to pass two exams to earn your CompTIA A+ certification. Keep reading to learn more about bundles, which can save you money.
Read about additional ways to save money on your IT certification.
How Can I Train for CompTIA A+?
Start by downloading the exam objectives and practice tests to understand what topics are covered and get examples of questions that you might see.
CompTIA offers a full suite of training solutions for both self-study and instructor-led learning:
- eLearning: CompTIA CertMaster Learn offers 40+ hours of engaging content with 10 lessons, including interactive performance-based questions. The platform includes narrative instruction, visual aids, videos, games, flashcards and more. A personalized dashboard and countdown calendar help you track your progress and keep you on pace for your scheduled exam.
- Hands-on skills practice: CompTIA CertMaster Labs are browser-based virtual labs based on scenarios found in the workplace, including configuring operating systems, troubleshooting networks and managing users, workstations and shared resources. The labs within each course are independent of each other and can be used in any order. When integrated with CertMaster Learn, CertMaster Labs are displayed as Study Tasks within the CertMaster Learn Learning Plan. As a result, learners experience both knowledge acquisition and hands-on skills development through a single login and seamless workflow. Learn more about integrated CertMaster Learn + Labs.
- Exam prep and practice tests: CompTIA CertMaster Practice is an adaptive knowledge assessment tool that determines what you have already mastered and what you still need to learn to improve your confidence before taking the exam. The system tailors feedback to help you build knowledge in your weaker areas, keeping you engaged and focused throughout your study session.
- Books: The Official Study Guides for CompTIA A+, offered in both print and digital form, help you learn and master the material covered by CompTIA A+. It’s flexible so you can learn at your own pace and focus on exam success.
- Courses: If you prefer to learn with guidance from an instructor, CompTIA and the CompTIA Tech Career Academy offer a variety of online training and in-person courses.
How Much Time Will I Need to Prepare for CompTIA A+?
The amount of time you’ll need to prepare for CompTIA A+ depends on your background and IT experience. Whether you attend a bootcamp, take a class or study on your own, if you have no experience, you’ll want to allot at least 120 hours of study time plus additional time for hands-on practice of the skills covered by the exams. You can do this on the job, on your own or with a tool like CompTIA Labs.
If you already have IT experience, you may not need as much time to prepare as someone who is new to IT. Download the exam objectives to see what you already know and what you might need to work on, and read more about how to prepare for an IT certification exam.
Tell Me About the CompTIA A+ Bundles: What Will Be In Them, How Much Will They Cost and When Will They Be Available?
CompTIA A+ bundle options include a combination of training materials, classes vouchers and retake vouchers, depending on which bundle you select. There are also bundles for just one exam or both. Prices start at $369 USD (as of February 1, 2024).
Can I Still Take the CompTIA A+ 1000 Series?
You will have until October 20, 2022, to take the exams from the CompTIA A+ 1000 series before they retire.
I Already Passed CompTIA A+ 220-1001, But I Haven't Taken 220-1002 Yet. What Should I Do?
To earn your CompTIA A+ certification, you need to take both exams from the same series. So, if you have passed one of the 1000 series exams but not both, you will need to take and pass the other exam from the new core series to earn your CompTIA A+ certification. You cannot combine exams from different series, so if you choose to take the 1000 series, be sure to pass both exams before they retire in October.
I've Been Studying for the CompTIA A+ 1000 Series: Should I Switch Gears and Study for the Core Series Instead?
The CompTIA A+ 1000 series will still be available until October 20, 2022, so it’s up to you. If you haven’t taken either exam yet, you can choose which series is right for you. Download the new exam objectives and compare them to what you’re already studying to see which series best meets your needs.
I Bought a Voucher for the CompTIA A+ 1000 Series But Have Not Used It Yet: Can I Use it for the Core Series?
Yes, you can use your voucher for any CompTIA A+ exam. Just remember, if you already passed just one of the exams from the 1000 series but not both, you will need to take the other exam from the 1000 series before it retires in October in order to earn your CompTIA A+ certification.
I Earned CompTIA A+ by Passing the 1000 Series Exams: Will it Be Out of Date When it Retires?
As long as you keep up with your continuing education (CE) requirements, your certification will remain active for three years from the date you passed your second CompTIA A+ exam. CE also ensures that you have the skills needed for the job now – no matter when you earned your certification.
One way to renew your CompTIA certification is with CompTIA CertMaster CE. CompTIA CertMaster CE will cover the topics that were added with the core series, so if you use CertMaster CE to renew your CompTIA A+ certification, you'll efficiently keep your knowledge up-to-date.
Ready to start studying? Writing out your plan will set you up for success. Download our free training plan worksheet to help get organized and make your dream a reality.
Looking for more about the CompTIA A+ Core Series? Check out these articles:
33 comments
Hi Dennis, we currently don't have a retirement date for the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) and 22
Hi Dennis, we currently don't have a retirement date for the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2). Retirements usually happen three years after launch.Read full commentWhen will the A+ 220-1101 and 220-1102 retire? Friendly regards, Dennis
Hi Anthony! Yes, if you don’t plan on taking the 1000 series before it retires, 220-1100 and 220-120
Hi Anthony! Yes, if you don’t plan on taking the 1000 series before it retires, 220-1100 and 220-1200 would be the new series that you are training for.Read full commentHello, since the 1001 and 1002 are set to retire this October, does that mean the new series is 1100
Hello, since the 1001 and 1002 are set to retire this October, does that mean the new series is 1100 to 1102? And if so are those the new testable courses we should be training for if we don’t plan on taking the 1000 series before it retires? Read full commentHi Cezar, both exams must be from the same series. So if you passed 1001, you would have to take 100
Hi Cezar, both exams must be from the same series. So if you passed 1001, you would have to take 1002. However, your certification will still be valid for 3 years!Read full commentI just passed the 1001 exam. Can I choose 1102 for my core 2 exams? Or am I only allowed to do 1002
I just passed the 1001 exam. Can I choose 1102 for my core 2 exams? Or am I only allowed to do 1002 as had already passed 1001?Read full commentHi James! Thanks for your question. Yes, the CompTIA A+ 1100 Series (1101 and 1102) is now
Hi James! Thanks for your question. Yes, the CompTIA A+ 1100 Series (1101 and 1102) is now available to take.Read full commentIs the new version of exam Core 1 (220-1101) and core 2 (220-1102) available to take now since the p
Is the new version of exam Core 1 (220-1101) and core 2 (220-1102) available to take now since the previos version of 1001&1002 will be expiring in October 2022? Read full commentHi Stephen! If you complete both exams in the CompTIA A+ 1000 series (220-1001 and 220-1002) bef
Hi Stephen! If you complete both exams in the CompTIA A+ 1000 series (220-1001 and 220-1002) before October 20, 2022, you will receive the full A+ certification within the core 1001/1002 series, but not any updated series that may have been released. Read full commentIf the 1001/1002 retire October 22 but the 1101/1102 are released in March 23 (online I see that) wh
If the 1001/1002 retire October 22 but the 1101/1102 are released in March 23 (online I see that) what do we in in-between? I still need to write both. Or is their a grace period if I've passed 1001 to write 1002 between the release dates?Read full commentHi Ian, Thank you for your reading the article and for your comment. We do not have the exact retire
Hi Ian, Thank you for your reading the article and for your comment. We do not have the exact retirement date for the A+ 1000 exam objectives. The exam objectives expires approximately 3 years from the launch date. It was launched on January 15, 2019 and will retire around April - July of 2022. Our website, https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a, will show the exact retirement date 6 months prior to the exam objectives retiring.Read full commentHello, I am currently studying for the A+, and I am wondering approximately what month in 2022 s
Hello, I am currently studying for the A+, and I am wondering approximately what month in 2022 series 220-1001 and 220-1002 are going to get phased out. Thank you. Read full commentHi Laylani, thanks for the question! All vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Hi Laylani, thanks for the question! All vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. If it hasn't been over 12 months since you purchased your voucher, you can schedule and take your 1002 exam. Thanks!Read full commentHi, I took and passed the 1001 exam before covid (January), am I able to continue studying for the 1
Hi, I took and passed the 1001 exam before covid (January), am I able to continue studying for the 1002 exam or do I have to retake 1001 first?Read full commentI passed my A+ 1001 exam today on September 30th, 2020. I was wondering if i have to pass both C
I passed my A+ 1001 exam today on September 30th, 2020. I was wondering if i have to pass both Core 1 &2 for it to show up under my certifications tab in my accountRead full commentHi, Joshua! Thanks for your question. You cannot apply a retake voucher to a different exam, but we
Hi, Joshua! Thanks for your question. You cannot apply a retake voucher to a different exam, but we do have A+ bundles where you get training materials, vouchers and retakes for both exams. Good luck!Read full commentIf i get one of the bundles offered in the store and take the core 1 test and pass, can I use the ex
If i get one of the bundles offered in the store and take the core 1 test and pass, can I use the extra voucher in the bundle to take the core 2 test?Read full commentHi, Joshua! Thanks for your questions. CompTIA A+ still consists of two exams and still requires
Hi, Joshua! Thanks for your questions. CompTIA A+ still consists of two exams and still requires two vouchers, whether you take the exams in person or online. It's up to you how you schedule them. Some people take the two exams back to back, while others will study for and take one and then move onto studying for and taking the second one. As long as you pass both exams before the series expires (which is estimated to be in mid-2022), you can take the exams in any order and at any time that works for you and is available by Pearson. Good luck!Read full commentSince these exams are online now, can I still take these one test at a time or do I need to take the
Since these exams are online now, can I still take these one test at a time or do I need to take them both at the same time? also do I need to buy a voucher for both the core 1 and the core 2 test? Thanks in advanceRead full commentHi, Kabelo! Thanks for your question. There is no timeline for when you have to take your second A&#
Hi, Kabelo! Thanks for your question. There is no timeline for when you have to take your second A+ exam. Some people take the two exams very close together, and some people study for and take one before moving on to the next. Just make sure you take both exams from the same series. So, you would need to take and pass both exams before the Core Series (1001/1002) retires, which likely will be in mid 2022. Good luck!Read full commentHow much time would I be given between writing my 1001 and 1002 exams? Is there a given time period
How much time would I be given between writing my 1001 and 1002 exams? Is there a given time period between writing the examsRead full commentHi, Laura! Thanks for your question. No, the Core 1 and Core 2 exams do not need to be taken sequent
Hi, Laura! Thanks for your question. No, the Core 1 and Core 2 exams do not need to be taken sequentially. You can take them in any order, but you do have to pass both in order to earn CompTIA A+. Good luck!Read full commentAre CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 (220-1001 and 220-1002 supposed to be taken sequentially?
Hi, James! Thanks for your question. You can take your second A+ exam whenever you're ready and
Hi, James! Thanks for your question. You can take your second A+ exam whenever you're ready and whenever you are able to schedule it. As long as you take it before the series expires, you can take it at any time. Good luck!Read full commentWhen you pass the first test of the A+, how long do you have to pass the second part?
Hi, Spencer! Thanks for your question. Yes, it is too late to take the 900 series, but you can still
Hi, Spencer! Thanks for your question. Yes, it is too late to take the 900 series, but you can still take the new Core Series (1001/1002). Good luck!Read full commentI now that the A+ 220-901 and 902 expired in July of 2019, it is still too late to take the exam
I now that the A+ 220-901 and 902 expired in July of 2019, it is still too late to take the exams.Read full commentHi, Jake! Thanks for your question. There are no time constraints on when you take your second A+
Hi, Jake! Thanks for your question. There are no time constraints on when you take your second A+ exam. You could take it the same day, or you could take it a year later. Just know that in order to earn CompTIA A+ you need to take both exams from the same series - so you would have to take 1002 before the 1000 series expires, which is estimated to be in mid-2022. If you do not take your second exam before the series retires, you would have to take both exams from the new series in order to earn your certification. Good luck!Read full commentHow long do I have to take the 1002 after passing the 1001? Will the 1001 fall off at some point and
How long do I have to take the 1002 after passing the 1001? Will the 1001 fall off at some point and have to be retaken if I don't get fully certified after a certain amount of time?Read full commentHi, Ian! Thanks for your question. We generally refresh our exams every three years, so the next Com
Hi, Ian! Thanks for your question. We generally refresh our exams every three years, so the next CompTIA A+ series will likely be released in early 2022. If you have already earned A+, it is good for three years from the date you passed the exam. You don't need to take the full certification exam to renew - you have a number of other options including using CertMaster CE, which brings you up to speed on the content that is new since the version you took. Learn more about your renewal options here: https://www.comptia.org/continuing-education/learn/how-to-renewRead full commentHi, when will 220-1001 and 220-1002 series expire? And also if I passed both exams before, let's say
Hi, when will 220-1001 and 220-1002 series expire? And also if I passed both exams before, let's say 6 months before the series' expiration, will it still be valid for three years? Or do I have to take the next series again after 220-1001 and 220-1002 expires? Thank you!Read full commentHi, Esteban! Thanks for your question. You can take the CompTIA A+ exams in any order. Download
Hi, Esteban! Thanks for your question. You can take the CompTIA A+ exams in any order. Download the exam objectives for both exams to help you decide which one to start with. Once you pass both exams, you'll earn your certification. Good luck! https://www.comptia.org/training/exam-objectivesRead full commentCan I take the 1002 exam without taking or passing the 1001 exam first?