Question 1

What is the CompTIA A+ certification?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification validating technical knowledge and hands-on skills for entry-level IT support roles. Offered by CompTIA, a leading nonprofit certifying IT professional competency, the A+ credential demonstrates that you can troubleshoot hardware, manage networks, secure systems, and resolve common IT problems. It's the gold standard certification for Help Desk technicians and desktop support specialists.

Question 2

How many exams do I need to pass for A+ certification?

Accepted Answer

CompTIA A+ requires passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Each exam contains up to 90 questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. You can take the exams in either order. CompTIA gives you up to three years to complete both exams once you pass the first one.

Question 3

What are the A+ passing scores?

Accepted Answer

The passing score for Core 1 (220-1201) is 675 on a scale of 100–900, and the passing score for Core 2 (220-1202) is 700 on the same scale. Both exams use scaled scoring that accounts for question difficulty. If you don't pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after 14 days.

Question 4

What topics does the A+ exam cover?

Accepted Answer

The A+ exam covers nine domains across both exams: Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization and Cloud Computing, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting, Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, and Operational Procedures. This broad coverage reflects the variety of tasks entry-level IT technicians perform in real-world environments.

Question 5

How long is CompTIA A+ certification valid?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years from the date you pass your second exam. After three years, you must renew by retaking the exams or by earning a more advanced CompTIA certification (such as Security+ or Network+), which automatically renews your A+ credential.

Question 6

Is CompTIA A+ a practical or multiple-choice exam?

Accepted Answer

The CompTIA A+ exam includes multiple-choice questions, multiple response questions (select multiple correct answers), and drag-and-drop questions. The exam tests both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding through scenario-based questions. It does not include hands-on performance tasks, but the questions are designed to reflect real-world IT support situations.

Question 7

Do I need experience before taking CompTIA A+?

Accepted Answer

CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on IT support experience before taking the A+ exam. However, there are no formal prerequisites, and some candidates with strong self-study pass the exam with less experience. The recommendation reflects the exam's coverage of real-world troubleshooting scenarios.