How Long Does It Take to Get CompTIA A+ Certification?

If you’re considering a career in IT, obtaining the CompTIA A+ certification is often the first step toward success. Wondering how long it will take to earn this highly respected credential? The answer depends on several factors, including your current level of knowledge, study habits, and access to high-quality study materials.

This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about the time commitment required for the CompTIA A+ certification. What does the A+ certification cover? How long does it take to prepare and get certified? From understanding the certification’s core benefits to creating an effective study plan, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

What Is CompTIA A+ Certification?

The CompTIA A+ certification is one of the most recognized entry-level IT credentials in the world. It is designed for professionals looking to build a solid foundation in computer hardware, software, troubleshooting, operating systems, and networking. Employers highly value this certification as it validates the essential skills needed for key IT support tasks.

Additionally, the A+ certification serves as a prerequisite for several higher-level CompTIA certifications, making it a crucial first step in advancing your IT career.

Benefits of CompTIA A+ Certification:

• Global Recognition: Accepted by major employers worldwide.
• Credibility: Demonstrates your ability to tech-proof your troubleshooting, security, and customer service skills.
• Stepping Stone for Higher Certifications: Lays the groundwork for more advanced certifications, such as CompTIA Network+ or Security+.
• Career Opportunities: Earning a CompTIA A+ certification can significantly boost your career prospects in the IT industry. This globally recognized credential demonstrates your expertise and competence as an IT professional, making you a highly sought-after candidate for top employers worldwide. With this certification, you can unlock opportunities for various roles, including IT support specialist, help desk technician, or systems administrator.)

What Does the CompTIA A+ Certification Cover?

To achieve CompTIA A+ certification, candidates are required to pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), which have replaced the previous versions (220-1101 and 220-1102). These exams emphasize modern technologies and practical problem-solving skills, ensuring IT professionals are well-equipped to navigate today’s evolving tech landscape..

Exam Domains and Weightage

A+ Core 1 (220-1201):

• Mobile Devices: 13% 
• Networking: 23% 
• Hardware: 25% 
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing: 11% 
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting: 28% 

A+ Core 2 (220-1202):

• Operating Systems: 28% 
• Security: 28% 
• Software Troubleshooting: 23% 
• Operational Procedures: 21%

What’s New in the A+ 1200 Series

This updated certification reflects the evolving role of IT professionals and the tools they use. Key updates include:

• Hybrid Workforce Support: Expanded focus on networking, virtualization, and cloud technologies. 
• Troubleshooting Enhancements: Greater emphasis on remote problem-solving for software, hardware, and connectivity issues. 
• Emerging Technologies: Coverage of topics like artificial intelligence (AI) considerations and cloud-based productivity tools. 
• Diverse Operating Systems: Preparing technicians to manage and maintain multiple operating systems in real-world scenarios. 
• Vendor Decision-Making: Training to assess whether to repair on-site or escalate issues to specialized providers for efficiency.

Exam Details 

• Exam Codes: 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) 
• Launch Date: March 2025 
• Number of Questions: Up to 90 per exam 
• Question Types: Multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based 
• Test Length: 90 minutes per exam 
• Passing Score: 675 (Core 1), 700 (Core 2) (on a scale of 100-900) 
• Languages at Launch: English, German, Japanese 
• Recommended Experience: 9–12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field 

With updates that reflect the changing IT landscape, this certification ensures you’re ready to tackle today’s IT challenges.

How Long Does It Take to Study and Prepare?

The amount of time it takes to get your CompTIA A+ certification largely depends on your background and approach to studying. Here are the key factors that influence how long you’ll need to cover all the exam topics :

Previous Knowledge & Experience

• Beginner: If you’re new to IT concepts, you’ll require additional time to learn the basics.
• Intermediate or Advanced: Those with some IT experience may already be familiar with a portion of the exam content, allowing them to fast-track their preparation.

Consistency in Study Habits

Regular study sessions are far more effective than periodic cramming. Setting aside even an hour a day to review material can significantly accelerate your progress.

Learning Style

• Visual Learners might prefer video tutorials or illustrated guides.
• Auditory Learners could benefit from podcasts or narrated courses.
• Kinesthetic Learners might excel with hands-on experience or interactive labs.

Study Resources

High-quality study materials are essential for success. While free study guides can be helpful, investing in resources like ONLC CompTIA A+ Training classes or official prep courses and practice exams can significantly boost your chances of success.

How Long Does It Really Take?

The amount of time you’ll need to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification depends primarily on your foundational knowledge, experience level, and schedule. Below are some estimates to help you plan:

For Beginners:

If you’re starting from scratch and have no prior IT background:

• Time Required: 3 to 6 months.
• Why? You’ll need to familiarize yourself with both foundational IT concepts and exam-specific content.

For Intermediate Learners:

If you have some computer troubleshooting or IT experience:

• Time Required: 1 to 3 months.
• Why? You’ll spend most of your time brushing up on weak areas and completing practice exams.

For Experienced IT Professionals:

If you’ve been working in IT and are familiar with the core topics:

• Time Required: 2 to 4 weeks.
• Why? You can focus solely on exam prep and sharpening specific skills.

How Long is the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam?

Each CompTIA A+ certification exam takes ninety minutes. Depending on the availability of your local testing facility or online testing platform, you can schedule the exams on the same day or close together in the same week. 

You can take the exam in person or online. Candidates who take the exam in person at a Pearson Virtual University Enterprises (VUE) testing center must bring two forms of identification. Taking the test online can be convenient; You need a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection.

Go through all the questions carefully, and if you need help determining the answer, make an educated guess, as there is no penalty for incorrect answers. Any unanswered question results in a loss of points, but a guess has a chance of being correct. 

You’ll need a passing score of 675 on the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) exam and 700 on the CompTIA A+ 220-1102 (Core 2) exam, on a scale of 100 to 900.

How Do You Receive the A+ Certification?

A provisional result reflecting whether you passed or failed each exam will be sent immediately after completion. This is a preliminary result that is still pending CompTIA’s final evaluation.

You can expect to receive your official score report from CompTIA (The Computing Technology Industry Association) or the testing center (Pearson VUE) via email within a few days after taking the examinations. The score report will detail your performance on each test section.

After you have passed both exams and CompTIA has finished reviewing your application, they will email you to confirm that you have obtained the A+ certification. In addition, your digital certification badge and certificate will be emailed to you.

You can access your digital certificate and certification badge under the “Certifications” section of your CompTIA account. These resources are yours to download and for your online portfolio, CV, and LinkedIn profile. Depending on your location, you may be able to request a hard copy of your certificate.

How Long Does the CompTIA A+ Certification Last?

Your CompTIA A+ certification is valid for 3 years. To renew your certification, you must undergo twenty hours of CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). This can be accomplished through various activities, such as:

• Completing approved training courses
• Attending conferences
• Obtaining other IT certifications
• Participating in relevant work experience

You can also go through CompTIA’s CertMaster CE. This is a specialized solution designed to streamline the certification renewal process. With CertMaster CE, you can take technical courses about the latest developments in the IT sector relevant to your certification.

Tips to Prepare for the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam

To pass the exam on your first attempt, you’ll need to develop a solid study plan and utilize the appropriate resources. 

Here are some effective ways to study and prepare for the exam:

• Create a Study Schedule: Allocate specific times each week dedicated to studying and stick to your plan. Effective time management is crucial to cover all topics thoroughly.
• Take Practice Exams: Regularly take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and identify areas needing improvement. Practice with performance-based questions to prepare for real-world scenarios.
• Enroll in Online Courses: Consider taking online courses or training classes from reputable providers, such as ONLC, which offer expert-led instruction and real-world scenarios.
• Join Study Groups: Collaborate with others who are also preparing for the exam to share knowledge and resources.
• Review Exam Objectives: Ensure you understand all the exam objectives and tailor your studies accordingly.

FAQs

How many exams are required to earn the CompTIA A+ certification?

To obtain the CompTIA A+ certification, you need to pass two exams. These exams are designed to assess your foundational knowledge and technical skills in IT, making them ideal for those seeking entry-level jobs in the field.

How long should I spend on exam preparation?

The amount of time needed for exam preparation varies depending on your prior experience and study methods. Many candidates find success by dedicating a few months to studying using online training programs, practice exams, and relevant study guides.

Can I use online training to study for the CompTIA A+ certification?

Yes, online training is a popular and flexible option to prepare for the two exams. It allows you to learn at your own pace and access tutorials, videos, and other resources tailored to the A+ curriculum.

What types of jobs can I get with a CompTIA A+ certification?

The CompTIA A+ certification is ideal for landing entry-level jobs such as help desk technician, IT support specialist, and desktop support analyst. It is a trusted credential for starting a career in IT.

Are there other certifications to consider after earning the CompTIA A+?

Yes, after obtaining the CompTIA A+, many professionals pursue additional certifications, such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, or vendor-specific certifications, to enhance their skills and career prospects in IT.

Make CompTIA A+ Your Career Catalyst

The CompTIA A+ certification is your ticket to launching a rewarding IT career filled with growth and opportunities. Whether you’re an IT novice or someone with prior experience, the time spent preparing for this certification is an investment in your professional future.

Remember, success comes with consistent effort and the right tools. Start your A+ certification journey today by exploring the ONLC’s expert-led CompTIA A+ Training classes and creating your personalized study plan. You’re closer than you think to becoming CompTIA A+ certified!