What happens when CompTIA A+ expires?

When your CompTIA A+ expires (after 3 years if not renewed), it becomes inactive, and you can only reactivate it by passing the current A+ exams (Core 1 & 2) or earning a higher-level CompTIA cert (like Network+ or Security+) within a short grace period (around 30 days for final fees/CEUs) or by retaking the exams after the grace period ends. Missing renewal means losing the credential, requiring a full re-test to regain it, as continuing education (CEUs) must be earned during the active cycle.

What happens when your CompTIA expires?

If your certification has expired, and you do not have CEUs earned within your original three-year renewal cycle, or if the 30-day grace period has passed, you can regain your certification by taking and passing the current certification exam.

Do I have to renew CompTIA A+?

The short answer is yes. CompTIA A+ is valid for three years, and you'll need to renew it to keep your certification active. That can mean earning CEUs, retaking the exam, or completing approved training.

Does the A+ program expire?

The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years from the date you pass your exam. This means that if you earn your certification today, it will remain active for exactly three years unless you take action to renew it.

Does the A+ certification expire?

CompTIA's A+ certification lasts for three years, starting from the date you obtained the entry-level IT certification. Luckily there are various ways you can go about renewing the certification.

Get Your A+ Before it Expires! A+ 220-901 & 220-902 are Dead to Me!

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. 

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 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. 

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 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. 

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.

What certifications never expire?

IT Certifications that Never Expire

• Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) ...
• Oracle Certified Master (OCM) ...
• Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) ...
• LPI – Linux Essentials. ...
• LPI – Web Development Essentials. ...
• Cisco Certified Support Technician – CCST. ...
• Microsoft Fundamentals. ...
• CompTIA Cloud Essentials+

Can I still take the old CompTIA A+ exam?

Students who wish to sit the current A+ exams, have until 25th September 2025 to complete both of their exams. This includes first-time exam takers and re-sits, as the current exams will no longer be available after this date.

What is 675 on a scale of 900?

But don't assume this means you need to get 75% of the questions right (675 is 75% of 900, after all).

Is IT worth IT to renew CompTIA certs?

Depends on the situation. Some jobs may need you to have AND maintain a cert for compliance reasons (Sec+ for DoD 8140) and/or partner status (Microsoft certs to maintain MS partner status). As long as you don't let your A+/Net+ lapse, passing and renewing your Sec+ keeps those 2 certs active.

What happens if my certificate expires?

When an SSL certificate expires, it means that the certificate is no longer valid. This causes disruption to the secure connection between a website and its visitors and can mean that sensitive data such as login credentials, payment information, or personal details, are not secure.

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 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.

How long is CompTIA A Plus good for?

Your A+ certification will be valid for three years from the date you pass your exam. Every three years, you'll have the opportunity to extend it for another three years by attending a CompTIA training course, earning another qualified certification, or completing 20 continuing education units.

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. 

Is CompTIA A+ pass rate?

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.

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 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.
 

What is the risk of an expired certificate?

Understanding the risks of an expired certificate

Browsers warn users that the site is unsafe; APIs begin rejecting connections; encrypted sessions can no longer be established securely; and attackers may exploit the lapse. Consequently, the security, compliance, and trust infrastructure it provides no longer exists.