Certification Industry: IT (Developer, Data, Architect)
Certificate Name: CompTIA A+
Certificate Issuing Authority: CompTIA
Certification Price: 226 USD/Exam
Certificate Validity: 3 years
CompTIA A+ is a credential to standardize IT careers in the digital workplace.
It enables professionals to be a pro by attaining technical competency and supporting end-point management.
CompTIA A+ certification is meticulously created by industry experts to ensure that the core skills are instilled well in the upcoming professionals so that they can validate their expertise.
Average Salary Range of CompTIA A+
USA : $61,000/annum (Source)
India : 3,17,000 INR/annum (Source)
Who Should Apply For CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ is considered to be pretty significant when it comes to IT fundamentals as it is the pathway to developing a career in the IT industry. Data Support Technicians, Service Desk Analysts, Help Desk Tech, Desktop Support Administrators, Field Service Technicians, System Support Specialists, and other related professionals should apply for CompTIA A+ certification.
Benefits of CompTIA A+
Exam Topics
DOMAIN | % OF EXAMINATION |
HARDWARE | 34% |
NETWORKING | 21% |
MOBILE DEVICES | 17% |
HARDWARE AND NETWORKING TROUBLESHOOTING | 28% |
CompTIA A+ 220-1001 (Core 1) and CompTIA A+ 220-1002 (Core 2) are two exams required to be cleared for earning the CompTIA A+ certification. CompTIA offers a variety of training bundles to help the test-takers with their preparation according to their pace and timeline.
Number of Questions: Maximum of 90 questions per exam
Type of Questions: Multiple choice questions (single and multiple response), drag and drops and performance-based
Duration: 90 Minutes per exam
Passing Score
220-1001: 675 (on a scale of 100-900)
220-1002: 700 (on a scale of 100-900)
Recommended Experience: 9 to 12 months hands-on experience in the lab or field
The credential can be renewed by earning 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over a period of three years. Another route for renewal can be to undertake the most current version of the certification and update the skills.
An applicant is required to create a Pearson VUE testing account after which it will be allotted a test center or online through the OnVUE platform. Register for the exam here.
Time Taken To Prepare For CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ takes about 10-12 weeks for beginners to prepare for the exam. IT pros take less time. Surveys also report that the first exam i.e CompTIA A+ 220-1001 (Core 1) takes a longer time as compared to CompTIA A+ 220-1002 (Core 2). Each of the exams takes about two months of preparation time.
For more details, click here.
Working on taking A+ and finally passing.
I have taken the Core 1 a couple times and failed. First attempt I felt I hadn’t prepared well, and my result showed. 2nd attempt I felt I had done a really good job of preparing and fell just about 30 points short of passing. I received a full time offer from my employer despite not having the certification. I mainly want to get the certification for myself, but there is some added bonus for my job if I get it. I have watched just about all of the Professor Messer videos twice, taken Jason Dions practice exams multiple times and have done well. I have Messers course notes and recently purchased his practice exam book. I’ve been super busy at work, which is great, but between that and being a father of 3 kids and working full time, makes it a little more challenging to study and focus. I’ve never been great at studying, so I’m hoping for any extra tips, feedback and constructive criticism that I can find.
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Ryan Turner