Do I have to pass both A+ exams to be certified?

Yes. A+ requires passing Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), and both must be on the same version - CompTIA does not allow mixing versions. You can book them separately and in either order; passing only one earns no credential.

Which A+ exam should I take first?

There is no required order. Most candidates start with Core 1 (hardware, networking, mobile, cloud) and then take Core 2 (operating systems, security, procedures), because Core 1 material underpins many Core 2 scenarios.

How much does CompTIA A+ cost in total?

US$274 per exam at standard retail, so US$548 for both. There are no free retakes - a fail means a new voucher - though CompTIA sells per-exam vouchers with one retake included, plus bundles with study products.

Is CompTIA A+ available in languages other than English?

Not at the moment. V15 is offered in English only, and CompTIA has not announced dates for other languages. The previous version, which was available in French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai, has been retired.

How long is A+ valid and how do I renew it?

Three years under CompTIA's Continuing Education program. Renew with 20 CEUs over the cycle plus a US$75 CE fee (the total for three years), or fee-free by passing a newer A+ version, earning a higher CompTIA certification, or completing the paid CertMaster CE course.

How hard is CompTIA A+?

It is broad rather than deep: two exams cover nine domains from memory types to malware removal, and the performance-based questions require doing tasks, not just recognising terms. CompTIA recommends about 12 months of IT support experience, but motivated beginners pass with structured study.

What happens if I pass one core and the version retires?

The two passes must come from the same version. Candidates who passed only one exam of a retired version must pair both exams again on the current version, so plan to take Core 1 and Core 2 reasonably close together.

Is A+ worth it if I already work in IT?

Often not. A+ signals entry-level readiness, so people with real support experience usually get more value going straight to Network+, Security+ or a vendor cloud certification. It can still make sense if a specific employer or contract requires A+ by name.

IT & Cloud

CompTIA A+ (220-1201 & 220-1202)

beginner

CompTIA A+

By The Exam Atlas Editorial Team · Verified 2026-08-05

Free A+ practice questions 45 questions with full answer explanations. No sign-up. Start practice →

Overview

CompTIA A+ is the standard entry-level certification for IT support, and unusual in that it requires passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1201) covers mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and troubleshooting, while Core 2 (220-1202) covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures. You must pass both, on the same version, to earn the certification.

The current version, V15, launched in March 2025 and is offered in English only for now. Each exam runs up to 90 questions in 90 minutes and mixes multiple-choice with drag-and-drop and performance-based questions (PBQs) that simulate real support tasks. A+ is vendor-neutral and appears as a baseline requirement in many help desk and desktop support job postings, and it maps to several US DoD 8140 work roles.

✓ Who it is for

Complete beginners who want the recognised first credential for IT support
Help desk and field technicians who learned on the job and want proof on paper
Career changers using IT support as the entry point into tech
Anyone targeting roles that list A+ as a baseline (including DoD 8140 support roles)

✕ Who it is not for

People with solid IT experience - many skip straight to Network+ or Security+, which employers treat as more advanced.
Aspiring developers or data professionals - A+ is about supporting devices and users, not writing code.
Anyone who needs a certification in a language other than English right now - V15 is currently English-only.
Anyone expecting a single-exam credential - A+ always means two exams and two fees.

Exam structure

Core 1 (220-1201)	Mobile devices (13%), networking (23%), hardware (25%), virtualization and cloud computing (11%), hardware and network troubleshooting (28%). Up to 90 questions, 90 minutes, pass at 675/900.
Core 2 (220-1202)	Operating systems (28%), security (28%), software troubleshooting (23%), operational procedures (21%). Up to 90 questions, 90 minutes, pass at 700/900.
Certification rule	Pass both exams on the same version (no mixing of versions). Exams are booked and paid for separately, in either order.

How the exam is weighted

Core 1: Mobile Devices 13% of Core 1
Core 1: Networking 23% of Core 1
Core 1: Hardware 25% of Core 1
Core 1: Virtualization & Cloud Computing 11% of Core 1
Core 1: Hardware & Network Troubleshooting 28% of Core 1
Core 2: Operating Systems 28% of Core 2
Core 2: Security 28% of Core 2
Core 2: Software Troubleshooting 23% of Core 2
Core 2: Operational Procedures 21% of Core 2

Approximate official domain weighting - confirm the current split in the official exam objectives. Verified 2026-08-05.

Realistic study time

Complete beginner 150-250 hours across both exams, often 3-6 months part-time
Already doing IT support work 80-150 hours; each core is commonly passed after 4-8 weeks part-time

Bars show relative effort, not a guarantee. Your time depends on background and study method.

Turn this into a week-by-week schedule with the Study Plan Generator.

What it really costs

Core 1 (220-1201) exam voucher US$274

Core 2 (220-1202) exam voucher US$274

Both exams (certification total) US$548 no free retakes; a per-exam voucher with one retake included costs US$359

Optional CertMaster study products US$179-844 each CompTIA's own Learn, Practice and Perform products; not required

Renewal US$75 CE fee per 3-year cycle plus 20 CEUs, or renew fee-free via a higher cert or newer exam version

Fees change and vary by region. Confirm the current amount on the official site before you register.

Want your full out-of-pocket figure? Try the Cost Calculator.

Salary & career value

Indicative ranges for orientation only - not surveyed data, and not financial or career advice. Sources and date below.

Pass rate: Not published. CompTIA does not release official pass rates for any of its exams, so any percentage you see quoted is a third-party estimate, not verified data. The published standard is the passing score: 675/900 for Core 1 and 700/900 for Core 2.

Jobs that often ask for it:

Help desk technician
IT support specialist
Technical support specialist (DoD 8140 role)
System administrator (DoD 8140 role)

Is it worth it?

For someone starting an IT career with no degree in the field and no certifications, yes: A+ is the credential that help desk and desktop support postings ask for most often, it is vendor-neutral, and preparing for it genuinely teaches the day-to-day work - hardware, Windows, basic networking and security hygiene. Be clear-eyed about the cost structure, though: it is two exams, so the real price is roughly double what a single-exam certification suggests, and a failed attempt means buying a new voucher unless you paid extra for a retake bundle. If you already have a year or two of hands-on IT experience, consider skipping A+ and starting at Network+ or Security+, which hiring managers weight more heavily. Treat A+ as a door-opener into first-line support, not a guarantee of employment.

Not sure this is the right exam for you? Compare your options with the Exam Finder.

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What to do next

Most people continue with CompTIA Network+ and then Security+ - the classic support-to-security ladder. If you already know you want networking, weigh Network+ against the more vendor-specific CCNA.

On exam day

Each core is a separate sitting at a Pearson VUE test centre or online via OnVUE remote proctoring, booked through your CompTIA account. Expect up to 90 questions in 90 minutes per exam, with performance-based questions that usually appear first and eat the most time - flag them and return if you stall. If testing online, run the system check in advance.

Keeping your certification

Valid 3 years under CompTIA's Continuing Education program. Renew with 20 CEUs over the cycle plus a US$75 CE fee (total for the three years), or without the CE fee by passing a newer A+ version, earning a higher CompTIA certification, or completing the paid CertMaster CE course. If you hold several CompTIA certs, renewing the highest one renews A+ automatically.

FAQ

Do I have to pass both A+ exams to be certified?: Yes. A+ requires passing Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), and both must be on the same version - CompTIA does not allow mixing versions. You can book them separately and in either order; passing only one earns no credential.
Which A+ exam should I take first?: There is no required order. Most candidates start with Core 1 (hardware, networking, mobile, cloud) and then take Core 2 (operating systems, security, procedures), because Core 1 material underpins many Core 2 scenarios.
How much does CompTIA A+ cost in total?: US$274 per exam at standard retail, so US$548 for both. There are no free retakes - a fail means a new voucher - though CompTIA sells per-exam vouchers with one retake included, plus bundles with study products.
Is CompTIA A+ available in languages other than English?: Not at the moment. V15 is offered in English only, and CompTIA has not announced dates for other languages. The previous version, which was available in French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai, has been retired.
How long is A+ valid and how do I renew it?: Three years under CompTIA's Continuing Education program. Renew with 20 CEUs over the cycle plus a US$75 CE fee (the total for three years), or fee-free by passing a newer A+ version, earning a higher CompTIA certification, or completing the paid CertMaster CE course.
How hard is CompTIA A+?: It is broad rather than deep: two exams cover nine domains from memory types to malware removal, and the performance-based questions require doing tasks, not just recognising terms. CompTIA recommends about 12 months of IT support experience, but motivated beginners pass with structured study.
What happens if I pass one core and the version retires?: The two passes must come from the same version. Candidates who passed only one exam of a retired version must pair both exams again on the current version, so plan to take Core 1 and Core 2 reasonably close together.
Is A+ worth it if I already work in IT?: Often not. A+ signals entry-level readiness, so people with real support experience usually get more value going straight to Network+, Security+ or a vendor cloud certification. It can still make sense if a specific employer or contract requires A+ by name.

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