CompTIA A+ Certification — Complete 2026 Guide
The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT. It validates foundational skills in hardware, software, networking, troubleshooting, and security.
To become certified, candidates must pass two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102).
Exam At a Glance
| Parameter | Core 1 (220-1101) | Core 2 (220-1102) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Mobile devices, networking tech, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing | Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures |
| Questions | Max 90 questions | Max 90 questions |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Passing Score | 675 (on a scale of 100-900) | 700 (on a scale of 100-900) |
| Exam Fee | $253 USD | $253 USD |
| Validity | 3 years (Total Certification) | 3 years (Total Certification) |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE (online or test centre) | Pearson VUE (online or test centre) |
Exam Domains & Weightage
Core 1 (220-1101)
| Domain | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Mobile Devices | 15% |
| Networking | 20% |
| Hardware | 25% |
| Virtualization and Cloud Computing | 11% |
| Hardware and Network Troubleshooting | 29% |
Core 2 (220-1102)
| Domain | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | 31% |
| Security | 25% |
| Software Troubleshooting | 22% |
| Operational Procedures | 22% |
Preparation Strategy
Study Plan
Most candidates spend 2-3 months preparing for both exams. It is highly recommended to study for and take one exam at a time.
- Month 1: Focus entirely on Core 1 (Hardware, Networking, Troubleshooting). Take Core 1 Exam.
- Month 2: Focus entirely on Core 2 (OS, Security, Procedures). Take Core 2 Exam.
Best Resources
| Resource | Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Professor Messer (YouTube) | Video Course | Free |
| Mike Meyers (Udemy) | Video Course | $12-15 |
| Jason Dion (Udemy) | Practice Exams | $12-15 |
| CompTIA Official Study Guide | Book | ~$50 |
Salary and Career Prospects
CompTIA A+ is an entry-level certification that qualifies you for roles such as Help Desk Tech, Desktop Support Specialist, and Field Service Technician.
| Region | Average Salary for A+ Certified Roles |
|---|---|
| United States | $45,000 - $65,000 |
| United Kingdom | £22,000 - £35,000 |
| Canada | CAD $45,000 - $60,000 |
| India | ₹2.5 - ₹5 LPA |
Source: IT Industry Salary Surveys 2026
Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ Official Page | CompTIA |
| Exam Objectives | Download Here |
Last Updated: May 2026 | Source: CompTIA
Important Dates
Exam Timeline
Eligibility Criteria
No age limit
No formal education required. 9-12 months of hands-on experience recommended.
No wait for 2nd attempt. 14-day wait for 3rd attempt.
How to Apply
Follow this step-by-step guide to fill the CompTIA A+ Certification 2026 — Exam Guide, Syllabus & Fees application form correctly.
Documents Required
- Scanned Passport Size Photo (20-50kb, JPG)
- Scanned Signature (10-20kb, JPG)
- Class 10th & 12th Marksheets
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
Syllabus & Pattern
Download Official Syllabus
The detailed syllabus and exam pattern are available in the official notification PDF.
Download Notification PDFFrequently Asked Questions
Official Links & Resources
Official Website
https://www.comptia.org/certifications/aApply Online / Registration
https://www.comptia.org/testing/testing-options/about-testing-optionsDetailed Syllabus
View SyllabusMore Exams You May Like
AWS Solutions Architect Associate 2026 — Exam Guide, Syllabus, Fees & Preparation Strategy
ongoingIT & Cloud ComputingAzure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Certification 2026 — Exam Guide, Syllabus & Fees
ongoingIT & Cloud ComputingCCNA Certification 2026 — Exam Guide, Syllabus, Fees & Preparation Strategy
ongoingIT & Cloud ComputingGoogle Cloud Professional Cloud Architect 2026 — Complete Exam Guide & Salary
ongoingIT & Cloud ComputingPMP Certification 2026 — Exam Guide, Eligibility, Fees & Preparation Strategy
ongoing