Can anyone take the A+ exam?

Yes, anyone can take the CompTIA A+ exam, as there are no mandatory prerequisites, age limits (though 13+ recommended), or education requirements; it's designed for anyone starting an IT career, but requires passing two separate tests (Core 1 & Core 2) and recommends some hands-on experience for effective preparation.

Can I take the CompTIA A+ exam without a degree?

CompTIA exams are open to everyone—there are no educational, training, or certification prerequisites required to take any of our exams. However, we encourage you to review the recommended experience listed in the Exam Details section on each certification page to help you prepare effectively.

Can I take CompTIA A+ with no experience?

Yes, you can take the CompTIA A+ certification exams without any prior IT experience. The certification is designed for beginners and covers fundamental concepts that anyone can learn through dedicated study.

How much does the A+ test cost?

The CompTIA A+ certification requires passing two exams (Core 1 & Core 2), with each exam costing around $246 to $253 USD, totaling roughly $500, though prices can vary slightly by region and retailer; you can often find discounts through bundled offers or educational pricing, and costs increase with study materials, training, and practice tests. 

Is the A+ exam in person?

In-Person Test

If you take the test in person, you must visit a CompTIA testing center. They have authorized Pearson VUE and Certiport as their testing partners to administer the exams. You can easily find a testing center near you by checking their websites.

I PASSED the CompTIA A+ | Study Tips for CompTIA A+

How difficult is the A+ exam?

The CompTIA A+ is moderately difficult, challenging but achievable, especially for beginners, due to its broad scope covering hardware, networking, security, and troubleshooting across two exams with tricky performance-based questions, requiring hands-on practice and dedicated study to master the extensive material and time pressure. It's not overwhelmingly hard but requires understanding concepts and applying knowledge, not just memorization.
 

Can I take A+ online?

Where do I take CompTIA A+ exam? According to CompTIA, you may take a CompTIA Certification Exam either online or in-person.

How long does IT take to study for A+?

Studying for CompTIA A+ varies greatly, but beginners often take 3-6 months (1-2 hours daily), those with some IT knowledge 1-3 months, and experienced pros a few weeks to 1 month, with estimates ranging from 100-160 total hours for beginners down to 20-40 for veterans, requiring focused study, practice tests, and hands-on labs for the two exams (Core 1 & Core 2). 

Is A+ certification still worth IT?

Yes, the CompTIA A+ certification is generally still worth it in 2025/2026 as the industry-standard entry point for IT, providing foundational knowledge, opening doors to help desk/support roles, and demonstrating commitment, though some argue higher-level certs might offer quicker returns depending on goals. It's a solid investment for those without experience to get that crucial first job, even with other paths available, as it validates core technical competency for many employers and baseline requirements like DoD 8570. 

What is the pass rate for A+?

CompTIA doesn't publish pass rates, but others have reported them around 70% to 80%. Candidates who complete the proper preparation and study will be well-positioned to pass the CompTIA A+ exams.

Can I take CompTIA for free?

With live, instructor-led virtual training, TechWorks provides the knowledge, skills, and certifications to help you break into the tech industry. Key Benefits of TechWorks: 100% Tuition-Free Scholarships (for eligible students through Capital Workforce Partners) Earn Two Certifications: CompTIA A+ and ITF+

Is CompTIA still worth IT in 2025?

Yes, CompTIA certifications remain highly relevant in 2025, especially for foundational IT roles like Help Desk (A+), Networking (Network+), and Security (Security+), acting as crucial entry points and building blocks for broader IT careers, with updates like the A+ launch in March 2025 ensuring they cover evolving tech, although some argue for more advanced certs for senior roles. 

How many attempts for CompTIA A+?

Fortunately, candidates can take the Security+ exam as many times as they wish. After failing the first attempt, there is no waiting period before the second attempt. However, candidates must wait at least 14 calendar days from their last attempt for the third attempt or any subsequent attempts.

How to make $100,000 a year with no degree?

You can earn $100k a year without a degree by pursuing skilled trades (electrician, plumber), tech roles (software developer, cybersecurity), sales (tech, insurance), or specialized positions like air traffic controller or elevator mechanic, focusing on certifications, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and building practical experience to qualify for high-paying, in-demand roles. 

Is IT better to take an exam in person or online?

Online exams can reduce the burden of grading and administrating exams for instructors, particularly for multiple choice exams given to large-enrollment classes. Students cite the higher flexibility and lower Covid risk as well as the ease of taking exams from their own homes or dorm rooms in requesting online exams.

Can I self study CompTIA A+?

Self-paced learning: The most common way to prepare for your CompTIA A+ exam is through self-paced study, such as CompTIA CertMaster products.

Why is the A+ exam so hard?

The Challenges of the A+ Exam

Performance-Based Questions (PBQs): PBQs mimic real life, requiring applied knowledge in the field. You may be required to troubleshoot a connectivity problem on a network, set up a wireless router, or fix a software compatibility issue.

Do A+ certs expire?

CompTIA A+ belongs to a group of globally-recognized certifications with International Organization for Standardization and the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ISO/ANAB) accreditation status. They expire three years from their earned date and can be renewed through CompTIA's continuing education (CE) program.

What's the salary with a CompTIA cert?

The median annual salary ranges between $60,000 and $62,000 2220. Surprisingly, salaries can reach $70,000 for those with comptia certification jobs and specialized experience 5. Geographic location subsequently impacts earnings, with metropolitan areas typically offering higher compensation.

How many questions to pass A+?

Each exam has up to 90 questions, a time limit of 90 minutes, and a passing score of 675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2 (on a scale of 100–900). The certification is vendor-neutral, so you'll be tested on universally applicable IT knowledge rather than brand-specific products.

Is net+ harder than a+?

Is A+ or net+ harder? Network+ is more difficult since it requires understanding the relationships and distinctions between various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, and Unix.

Is CompTIA A+ enough for a job?

Earning the CompTIA A+ is often good enough for an entry-level IT job if you demonstrate other soft skills. To maximize your job opportunities, preparing a professional IT resume highlighting your certifications and relevant skills is also a good idea.

What are the requirements to become A+ certified?

There are no prerequisites to enroll in this CompTIA A+ course. However, you should have a basic knowledge of computer hardware and operating systems. For example, how to power up and log on to a machine, use a mouse and keyboard, and basic Microsoft Windows navigation skills.