The CompTIA A+ is the most recognised entry-level IT certification in the world. It covers hardware, networking, operating systems, security, and troubleshooting across two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). A+ is often the first certification IT professionals pursue, and it's required or preferred by employers for help desk, desktop support, and field technician roles. The two-exam structure makes it more demanding than many entry-level certifications, and the performance-based question format catches underprepared candidates off guard.
The Short Answer
The CompTIA A+ is beginner difficulty in terms of the material, but moderate difficulty in terms of the exam experience. Two exams, 90 minutes each, with performance-based tasks that simulate real troubleshooting scenarios. Candidates who have hands-on experience with hardware and Windows will find it manageable. Candidates who've only studied from books without touching real hardware struggle.
What the Exam Actually Tests
The A+ tests practical IT skills across two exams with different focuses.
Core 1 (220-1201) covers:
- Mobile devices: hardware, software, connectivity
- Networking: cables, ports, protocols, wireless standards, TCP/IP
- Hardware: CPUs, RAM, storage, motherboards, power supplies
- Virtualization and cloud computing concepts
- Hardware and network troubleshooting
Core 2 (220-1202) covers:
- Operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile OS
- Security: malware types, hardening, authentication, encryption
- Software troubleshooting: OS errors, application issues, network connectivity
- Operational procedures: safety, documentation, change management, scripting basics
Common question types:
- "A technician notices a laptop gets hot and shuts down randomly. What should they check first?" (thermal paste and cooling fan)
- "A user can't connect to a website but can ping the default gateway. What is the most likely cause?" (DNS failure)
- "Which type of memory is non-volatile and retains data when power is removed?" (ROM, flash, or SSD depending on context)
- "A company needs to prevent users from installing unauthorised software. Which Windows feature enforces this?" (AppLocker or Software Restriction Policies)
Performance-based questions ask you to configure a simulated network, match cables to ports, or troubleshoot a scenario by completing a sequence of steps. These are the questions most candidates find hardest.
Exam Format
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Exam codes | 220-1201 (Core 1), 220-1202 (Core 2) |
| Questions per exam | Maximum 90 |
| Time per exam | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 675/900 (Core 1), 700/900 (Core 2) |
| Format | Multiple choice, drag-and-drop, performance-based |
| Cost | ~$246 USD per exam (vouchers available for less) |
Both exams must be passed to earn the A+ certification. You can take them in any order and don't need to pass both on the same day.
Exam Domains (Core 1)
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | 15% |
| Networking | 20% |
| Hardware | 25% |
| Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% |
| Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 29% |
Troubleshooting is 29% of Core 1 on its own. It's the most heavily weighted domain. If you can't systematically troubleshoot hardware and network issues, you'll lose a quarter of your marks.
Exam Domains (Core 2)
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 31% |
| Security | 25% |
| Software Troubleshooting | 22% |
| Operational Procedures | 22% |
Operating Systems and Security together are 56% of Core 2. Windows configuration, command-line tools, malware types, and security best practices are the priority here.
What Makes It Challenging
Performance-Based Questions
PBQs (performance-based questions) appear at the start of each exam and consume significant time. You might configure a SOHO router in a simulated interface, match IP addresses to subnet requirements, or troubleshoot a connectivity issue step-by-step. These feel very different from multiple-choice questions and require hands-on familiarity, not just knowledge of facts.
Two Exams, Double the Material
Passing A+ requires passing two distinct exams. The total breadth of material is wider than most single-exam entry-level certifications. Candidates who feel ready after studying Core 1 content often find Core 2's operating systems and security material requires significant additional preparation.
Hardware Knowledge Depth
The hardware domain expects specific knowledge: DDR4 vs DDR5 speeds and slot types, PCIe lane counts and generations, storage connection types (SATA, M.2, NVMe, U.2), CPU socket types, and power connector configurations. This is factual content that requires memorisation.
What Makes It Manageable
No Prerequisites
CompTIA doesn't require any prior certification or formal education to sit the A+ exam. It's designed as a starting point. You don't need a computer science background or prior IT experience to pass, though experience helps significantly.
Clear Study Materials
CompTIA publishes a detailed exam objectives document listing every topic tested. Professor Messer's free CompTIA A+ video course is widely recommended and directly aligned with the objectives. The material is well-supported.
Retake Policy
If you fail, you can retake. There's a 14-day wait after the first failure and a 14-day wait between subsequent attempts. The two-exam format means a failure on one exam doesn't require you to redo the other.
Pass Rate
CompTIA doesn't publish official pass rates. Community data suggests around 65-75% of prepared candidates pass each exam on their first attempt. The performance-based question format lowers pass rates compared to multiple-choice-only exams.
How Long to Prepare
| Background | Estimated Prep Time |
|---|---|
| No IT background | 3–5 months (both exams) |
| Some IT experience or relevant coursework | 6–10 weeks (both exams) |
| Working help desk or tech support role | 3–5 weeks focused review |
Most candidates study for one exam at a time rather than both simultaneously.
Recommended Study Approach
- Download the CompTIA A+ exam objectives document. Use it as your checklist throughout preparation.
- Watch Professor Messer's free A+ video course (Core 1 and Core 2 are separate playlists). It's thorough and free.
- Get physical hardware to work with if you can: open a PC, handle RAM and storage drives, swap components. Tactile familiarity helps with hardware questions and PBQs.
- Practice Windows command-line tools: ipconfig, netstat, ping, nslookup, tracert, sfc, chkdsk, and diskpart all appear regularly.
- Take practice exams for both Core 1 and Core 2 under timed conditions. Use CompTIA A+ practice exams to find your weak domains before booking.
Bottom Line
The CompTIA A+ is the right entry-level certification for IT support and field technician roles. It takes a real time commitment to pass both exams, and the performance-based questions require more than book knowledge. Candidates with hands-on hardware and Windows experience can prepare in 4-6 weeks. Candidates studying from scratch should plan for 2-4 months. Don't underestimate the troubleshooting domains: they're the largest portions of both exams and the section where most underprepared candidates fall short.