Is CompTIA A+ Worth It? Who Should Get It in 2026
What the current CompTIA A+ exams cover, how to study for them, what renewal involves and which entry-level IT jobs the certification actually helps you land.
CompTIA A+ is worth it if you're new to IT and aiming for help desk, desktop support or field technician jobs. It proves core hardware, networking, operating system and security skills, and it's on the DoD 8140 approved list for some support roles. It's less useful if you already have IT experience or are targeting software development.
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If you’re trying to break into IT, you’ve probably seen “CompTIA A+ preferred” in help desk job listings. You’ve also probably seen people online arguing that it’s a waste of money. Both can be true, depending on where you’re starting and where you want to go.
This guide explains what the current A+ exams actually test, who gets real value from the certification, which jobs it helps with, how to study and what renewal involves. By the end you’ll know whether A+ belongs on your plan or whether you should skip ahead.
What CompTIA A+ is
CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral, entry-level certification for IT support. “Vendor-neutral” means it covers concepts that apply across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and common hardware, rather than one company’s products.
To earn it, you pass 2 exams, Core 1 and Core 2, in either order. The current version, often called V15, launched on March 25, 2025:
| Detail | Core 1 (220-1201) | Core 2 (220-1202) |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Hardware, networking, mobile devices, cloud | Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, procedures |
| Questions | Up to 90 | Up to 90 |
| Time | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 675 (scale of 100 to 900) | 700 (scale of 100 to 900) |
| Question types | Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, performance-based | Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, performance-based |
CompTIA recommends about 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support role before taking the exams, but it isn’t required. Many people pass with lab practice instead of job experience.
What each exam covers
Core 1 domains: mobile devices (13%), networking (23%), hardware (25%), virtualization and cloud computing (11%), and hardware and network troubleshooting (28%).
Core 2 domains: operating systems (28%), security (28%), software troubleshooting (23%) and operational procedures (21%).
Notice how much of both exams is troubleshooting. A+ isn’t a memorization test about computer parts. Performance-based questions ask you to complete tasks in simulated environments, such as configuring settings or working through a problem.
Who A+ is worth it for
A+ delivers the most value for:
- Career changers with no IT background. It gives you structured fundamentals and a credential recruiters recognize.
- Students and recent graduates without IT work experience, including those finishing non-technical degrees.
- People targeting help desk, desktop support or field technician roles, where A+ is commonly listed in job postings.
- Anyone aiming at government or defense contractor support jobs. CompTIA lists A+ as approved under the Department of Defense 8140 framework for roles such as technical support specialist and system administrator.
- Veterans moving into civilian IT. See our guide to tech careers for veterans.
A+ is less valuable for:
- People already working in IT for a year or more. Your experience says more than A+ does. Consider Network+, Security+ or a cloud certification instead.
- Aspiring software developers. A portfolio of projects matters far more. See how to become a software engineer.
- People who want to jump straight into a specific cloud platform. A cloud provider’s foundational exam may be a better first step. Our IT certification decision map helps you choose.
Which jobs A+ helps you land
A+ is designed for support roles. Common job titles include:
- Help desk technician or IT support specialist
- Desktop support technician
- Field service technician
- Technical support specialist
- Junior system administrator (often with more experience or extra certifications)
For realistic expectations, look at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for computer support specialists. BLS reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $62,890 for the group overall, $61,860 for computer user support specialists and $76,220 for computer network support specialists. BLS also projects overall employment in this group to decline 3% from 2025 to 2035, while still expecting about 48,700 openings per year as people leave or change roles.
That last point matters. Support jobs aren’t growing fast, partly because automation and self-service tools handle more routine tickets. A+ gets you in the door; your next move, toward networking, security, cloud or systems administration, is where long-term growth comes from. BLS also notes that a high school diploma plus relevant certifications can qualify candidates for support roles, which is why A+ is so popular with people getting into tech without a degree.
Key takeaway: A+ is a door-opener, not a destination. It’s worth it if it helps you land your first IT support job. Plan your next certification, such as Network+ or Security+, before you finish A+ so you keep moving once you’re hired.
How much A+ costs
You need a separate exam voucher for Core 1 and Core 2. CompTIA sells vouchers on its online store, and prices vary by country, bundle and promotion, so check the current price there before you budget. Bundles with practice tests, training or a retake option cost more but can be worth it if you’re nervous about a first attempt. Some employers, workforce programs, community colleges and veteran benefits cover exam costs, so ask before paying yourself.
Factor in study materials too. Many people pass using a mix of a video course, a study guide and practice exams, and plenty of good material is low cost or free through public libraries.
How to study for the A+ exams
- Download the official exam objectives for 220-1201 and 220-1202 from CompTIA. Every exam question maps to these, so use them as your checklist.
- Pick one main course and one practice test source. Switching between too many resources wastes time.
- Build a home lab. An old laptop, a free virtualization tool and a spare router let you practice installing operating systems, configuring networks and troubleshooting. Taking apart and rebuilding an old desktop is good hands-on practice for Core 1 hardware.
- Study one exam at a time. Most people take Core 1 first, then Core 2 while the material is fresh.
- Practice performance-based questions. Don’t skip them; they carry real weight.
- Use practice exams to find weak domains, then review those objectives rather than retaking full tests.
- Schedule the exam at a testing center or online. If testing from home, check the proctoring rules and test your setup in advance.
Study time varies widely. People with some tech experience may need a few weeks per exam; complete beginners often need a few months for both.
Renewal: A+ isn’t forever
CompTIA A+ is valid for 3 years. To renew, you can earn 20 continuing education units (CEUs) within that cycle and pay the CE fee, complete CompTIA’s CertMaster CE course for A+, pass the latest version of the exam, or earn a higher-level CompTIA certification. Earning Security+, for example, also renews A+ under CompTIA’s continuing education rules. Check CompTIA’s continuing education pages for current fees and options, because they can change.
A+ vs other entry-level options
| Option | Best for | Main focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | First IT support job | Hardware, OS, networking, security basics | 2 exams; widely listed in help desk postings |
| Google IT Support Certificate | Self-paced beginners | IT support fundamentals | Online course, not a proctored exam; see are Google career certificates worth it |
| CompTIA Network+ | Networking-focused roles | Network design, operations, troubleshooting | Good next step after A+ |
| CompTIA Security+ | Security and DoD roles | Core security concepts | See is CompTIA Security+ worth it |
| Cloud foundational exams | Cloud-focused paths | One provider’s cloud services | See which AWS certification first |
Where to start
- Decide your target job. If it’s help desk or desktop support, A+ fits.
- Read 10 job postings in your area and note which certifications appear most.
- Download the exam objectives and do a quick self-assessment by domain.
- Set a test date about 6 to 10 weeks out for Core 1 to create a deadline.
- Apply for jobs while studying. Many employers will interview candidates who list “A+ in progress.” Our guide on how to get an entry-level IT job covers the rest.
Conclusion
CompTIA A+ is worth it for beginners aiming at IT support, especially career changers, students and anyone targeting DoD-related roles. It covers real troubleshooting skills and is widely recognized by employers. If you already have IT experience or want to code, skip it and invest in a more advanced certification or a portfolio. Either way, plan your next step before you finish, because support work is a starting point.
Sources
- CompTIA A+ certification overview — 2-exam structure and target job role
- CompTIA A+ Core 1 (V15) exam details — exam code 220-1201, March 25, 2025 launch, format, passing score, domains and DoD 8140 roles
- CompTIA A+ Core 2 (V15) exam details — exam code 220-1202, format, passing score and domains
- CompTIA: Earn continuing education units — 3-year renewal cycle and 20 CEUs for A+
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer Support Specialists — May 2025 median pay, 2025 to 2035 outlook and education paths
Frequently asked questions
Is CompTIA A+ worth it in 2026?
Yes, for beginners targeting IT support jobs. A+ still appears widely in help desk and desktop support postings, covers practical troubleshooting skills and is approved under DoD 8140 for certain support roles. It's less worth it if you already have a year or more of IT experience or plan to become a software developer, where advanced certifications or a portfolio carry more weight.
How hard is the CompTIA A+ exam?
CompTIA A+ is moderately difficult for complete beginners and manageable with structured study. Each exam has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, including performance-based tasks. Core 1 requires a 675 and Core 2 a 700 on a 100 to 900 scale. The breadth of topics is the main challenge, so studying the official objectives and practicing in a home lab helps most.
Can I get a job with just CompTIA A+?
Yes, many people land help desk, desktop support or field technician jobs with A+ and no prior IT experience, especially when they show hands-on practice, good communication and customer service skills. Your odds improve with a home lab, a simple portfolio of troubleshooting write-ups and applications to many roles. Expect entry-level pay, then grow by adding skills and certifications.
How long does it take to study for CompTIA A+?
It usually takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on your background. People with tech experience may prepare for each exam in a few weeks, while complete beginners often spend 2 to 4 months covering both. Studying consistently, using the official exam objectives and taking practice tests to target weak areas shortens the timeline.
Does CompTIA A+ expire?
Yes. CompTIA A+ is valid for 3 years from the date you certify. You can renew by earning 20 continuing education units and paying the CE fee, completing CompTIA's CertMaster CE course, passing the newest exam version, or earning a higher-level CompTIA certification such as Security+. Check your CompTIA account for your exact expiration date.
Should I get A+ or Security+ first?
Get A+ first if you have no IT background and want a support job. Go straight to Security+ if you already understand hardware, operating systems and networking, or if a DoD or security role specifically requires it. Many people follow the A+, Network+, Security+ sequence, but it isn't mandatory, and experienced IT workers often skip A+ entirely.
Do I need A+ to work in IT?
No. A+ isn't legally required for most IT jobs, and many employers hire based on experience, skills tests or other certifications. It's most helpful when you have no IT work history and need a recognized way to show fundamentals. Some government and defense contractor roles do require an approved certification, and A+ meets that requirement for certain support positions.
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Manishdai
Manishdai writes about the technology that is reshaping every industry — from AI agents and cloud platforms to healthtech, fintech and the IT companies building it all across the United States.
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