CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+

Offered by CompTIA

CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard entry-level IT certification, covering hardware, operating systems, networking, security, troubleshooting, and...

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CompTIA A+ exam at a glance

Format

Two exams (Core 1: 220-1201 and Core 2: 220-1202), each a maximum of 90 questions — multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based

Duration

90 minutes per exam

Delivery

Pearson VUE test center or online proctored (OnVUE)

Passing score

Core 1: 675 / Core 2: 700 (each on a 100–900 scale)

Exam cost

Roughly $253 USD per exam (verify current pricing on CompTIA's store)

Validity

3 years; renew via continuing education (CEUs)

Prerequisites

None; CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of hands-on experience

About the CompTIA A+ certification

CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard entry-level IT certification, covering hardware, operating systems, networking, security, troubleshooting, and operational procedures. It's the classic first step into help-desk and IT-support careers.

Earning A+ requires passing two exams — Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), which must be from the same version (V15).

Who it’s for: People starting an IT career, aiming for help desk, desktop support, or IT technician roles.

Official exam page· Details verified 2026-08

What the CompTIA A+ exam covers
  • Core 1 — Hardware
    25%
  • Core 1 — Networking
    23%
  • Core 1 — Hardware & Network Troubleshooting
    28%
  • Core 2 — Operating Systems
    28%
  • Core 2 — Security
    28%
How to study for the CompTIA A+
  1. 1Study Core 1 (hardware, networking, mobile, virtualization/cloud, troubleshooting).
  2. 2Get hands-on: build/disassemble a PC, configure a small network, install OSes.
  3. 3Study Core 2 (operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, procedures).
  4. 4Practice performance-based questions — they carry significant weight.
  5. 5Pass both Core 1 and Core 2 (in either order) from the same version.
CompTIA A+ — frequently asked questions

Do I need to pass both exams?

Yes. CompTIA A+ requires passing both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), and both must be from the same version.

In what order should I take them?

Either order is allowed, but many candidates take Core 1 first since it covers hardware and networking fundamentals.