How long is CompTIA A+ valid for?

Your CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam, requiring renewal through Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or by earning a higher-level certification to stay current, as it no longer offers lifetime validity for new earners. You can earn CEUs by completing approved training, getting other certifications, or through relevant work experience, with options like the CompTIA CertMaster CE course or earning another CompTIA cert like Network+, which automatically renews your A+.

Does CompTIA A+ certification expire?

The certification expires three years from the certification date, and you must participate in the continuing education program to keep your credential current. Certifications earned prior to 2011 do not have the "CE" designation, because they are valid for the lifetime of the certification holder.

Is CompTIA A+ worth IT in 2025?

Yes—CompTIA A+ remains highly relevant in 2025, especially for help desk, support, and junior IT roles. It's still one of the most recognized certifications for proving entry-level technical competency.

How long does IT take for A+ to expire?

The A+ Certification expires three years from the date you successfully pass your Certification Exam and MUST be renewed before the expiration date.

Is CompTIA A+ the hardest?

No, CompTIA A+ is not the hardest; it's CompTIA's entry-level certification, considered easier than Network+ or Security+, but its broad scope (hardware, software, networking, security) and performance-based questions make it challenging for beginners, requiring significant, focused study across many topics. The main difficulty lies in its sheer breadth and the need to apply knowledge, not just memorize facts, especially for those new to IT, but it's achievable with consistent effort. 

Is the NEW CompTIA A+ Exam Worth It? (220-1201 and 220-1202)

Do employers care about CompTIA A+?

Many companies recognize CompTIA A+ as a baseline certification for entry-level IT jobs, and some even require it for these positions. However, it's essential to consider that while CompTIA A+ can help you get your foot in the door, gaining experience and continuing education will be crucial for career growth.

Is CompTIA A+ worth anything?

The CompTIA A+ is highly useful as an industry-standard entry-level certification, providing foundational knowledge for breaking into IT and proving competency to employers for roles like Help Desk Tech, Desktop Support, and Technical Support Specialist. While it's excellent for starting a career or validating skills, it's often just the first step; combining it with hands-on experience and further certs (like Network+/Security+) is key for career growth into more specialized areas like cloud or cybersecurity.
 

How many people fail the CompTIA A+ exam?

Understanding CompTIA Pass Rates

The success rate for CompTIA tests changes based on which exam you're taking and how well you prepare. From what students and teachers share, about 70-80% of people pass their CompTIA A+ exam on the first try. This means roughly 20-30% of test-takers need to try again.

Can I put expired certifications on my resume?

Expired certifications can be relevant if they demonstrate long-term expertise or foundational skills, but make sure to clearly indicate their expired status. If the expired certification is no longer relevant to your current career path, it's best to leave it off your resume.

Is network+ worth IT in 2025?

Yes, CompTIA Network+ remains valuable in 2025 as a foundational certification for entry-level IT roles (like Help Desk, Network Support) and as a stepping stone for more advanced networking or cybersecurity careers, validating essential vendor-neutral skills, improving earning potential, and opening doors to roles like Network Administrator or Systems Analyst, though some career paths (like specialized Cisco roles) might favor CCNA, making job market research key. 

Which CompTIA makes the most money?

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) is the highest-paid CompTIA certification. It targets senior cybersecurity professionals and validates advanced skills in enterprise security, risk management, and threat analysis, leading to higher salary potential than other CompTIA credentials.

How fast can you finish CompTIA A+?

Preparing for the CompTIA A+ Exam

Ordinarily, your A+ certification training will take about five to six months to complete, but you can shorten this duration if you take the time to learn useful tips for preparing for this exam. To get this certificate, you have to pass a set of two exams: Core 1 and Core 2 exams.

Is CompTIA A+ enough to get a job?

Yes, the CompTIA A+ is often enough to get your foot in the door for entry-level IT jobs like help desk or tech support, proving foundational knowledge, but the market is competitive, so combining it with soft skills, other certs (Net+, Sec+), or even IT-related call center experience significantly boosts your chances against others with degrees or prior experience. 

Which CompTIA certs never expire?

CompTIA Cloud Essentials+

The Cloud Essentials+ certification never expires for some reason. You can read the details on the CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ information page. Of course, we teach the course here, so check it out if you want to learn all the basics of Cloud networking.

Which is harder, net+ or ccna?

The CCNA exam is generally considered more difficult than Network+. It tests not just concepts but also specific knowledge about Cisco hardware and software. You'll need to understand network configuration, troubleshooting, and how to work with Cisco's command-line interface.

What is the 7 second rule in resume?

The "7-second resume rule" means recruiters often spend only about 7 seconds on an initial scan to decide if a resume warrants a closer look, making it crucial to have a highly scannable, keyword-rich, and accomplishment-focused document to pass both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human eyes quickly. To pass this test, focus on a clear design, use bolded keywords and metrics (numbers/percentages) in concise, action-verb-led bullet points, and tailor everything to the specific job description to highlight your unique value and fit.
 

What are 2025 resume buzzwords to avoid?

For 2025, avoid resume buzzwords like "hard worker," "team player," "results-driven," "strategic thinker," "proven track record," and "synergy," as these are vague or overused; instead, use strong action verbs and quantify achievements with specific data to demonstrate impact, as modern Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) prioritize concrete results over generic traits, according to The Connors Group and Novorésumé. 

What are red flags on resumes?

Resume red flags are warning signs like typos, unexplained employment gaps, frequent job hopping, and unprofessional emails, indicating a lack of attention to detail or commitment, while focusing only on duties without quantifiable achievements suggests a candidate might not understand impact. Key issues include poor formatting, lack of tailoring to the job, vague descriptions, and a generic feel, signaling a candidate isn't serious or capable.
 

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 701 easier than 601?

Whether CompTIA Security+ 701 is "easier" than 601 depends on your background, but 701 focuses more on applying skills in current job roles, with fewer objectives but a more practical, relevant scope, while 601 had more foundational content, so experienced pros might find 701 better, but newcomers might struggle with the real-world application focus of 701, though some find 701 less demanding overall due to updated content.
 

What is the hardest CompTIA exam?

There's no single "hardest" CompTIA exam, as it depends on your background, but Security+ (breadth of cybersecurity concepts) and Network+ (memorization, technical depth) are often cited as tough entry-to-mid-level exams, while the advanced CASP+ (Cybersecurity Analyst Professional) is considered one of the most challenging overall for experienced pros, covering enterprise security architecture and risk management. The difficulty is subjective, with A+ being tough for beginners due to sheer volume but easier for experienced techs, whereas Security+ tests deeper understanding.
 

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. 

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 fast can I study for CompTIA A+?

How Much Time Do You Need to Study? On average, you should be ready in three to four months if you can devote ten to fifteen hours a week to studying for the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 and 220-1102.