Information technology, or IT, is now part of almost every part of daily life. With the rise of smart devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), larger data storage, and easy access to wireless internet, technology is everywhere. From home appliances and smart TVs to laptops, tablets, and smartphones, people are more connected than ever before. Because of this growth, COMPTIA Certification programs have become an important starting point for people who want to build a career in IT.
As technology continues to expand, the need for skilled IT workers has also grown. These professionals work behind the scenes to set up systems, solve technical problems, and keep networks running smoothly. In the United States alone, more than 260,000 IT support jobs were posted in 2020. This shows just how strong the demand is for trained IT support professionals and why so many are looking to obtain CompTIA certifications.
If you are interested in working in IT, one of the most trusted and widely recognized certifications is the CompTIA A+ certification. This certification is created and managed by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), an organization known worldwide for setting industry standards in IT training and skills.
What Is the CompTIA A+ Certification?
The CompTIA A+ certification is considered the entry-level certification for anyone starting an IT career. It is vendor-neutral, which means it teaches skills that work across different systems and brands, not just one company’s products.
A+ is also the foundation for CompTIA’s infrastructure and cybersecurity paths. These paths guide learners through additional certifications as they grow their skills and experience. Because the skills you learn apply to many real-world situations, A+ is an ideal place to begin.
This certification has been developed and improved by working IT professionals for more than 20 years. It focuses on practical skills that employers look for when hiring IT support staff.
What Skills Does the A+ Certification Prove?
Earning the A+ certification shows that you have the basic skills needed to work in IT support roles. These skills include configuring, supporting, and fixing devices that run on major operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux.
It also proves that you understand IT networks and infrastructure, including how data is stored and managed. You will learn how to perform backups, recover systems after problems, and respond to incidents properly.
Security is another key part of the A+ certification. You will learn how to protect systems, spot security risks, and follow safe practices to keep data and devices secure.
Understanding the A+ Exams
To earn the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams known as Core 1 and Core 2. Both exams test your knowledge and your ability to apply what you have learned.
The Core 1 exam focuses on hardware and basic technology topics. It includes mobile devices, networking, computer hardware, cloud computing, and troubleshooting hardware and network issues.
The Core 2 exam focuses more on software and daily IT tasks. It covers installing and setting up operating systems, security basics, software troubleshooting, and workplace procedures.
Both exams include performance-based questions. These questions place you in a simulated environment where you must solve problems, just like you would on the job.
A+ Exam Domains and Weighting
Each exam is divided into areas called domains. Each domain makes up a percentage of the exam.
Core 1 Exam Domains
Mobile Devices make up 14 percent of the exam. Networking accounts for 20 percent. Hardware is the largest section at 27 percent. Virtualization and Cloud Computing make up 12 percent, and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting accounts for 27 percent.
Core 2 Exam Domains
Operating Systems make up 27 percent of the exam. Security covers 24 percent. Software Troubleshooting accounts for 26 percent, and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting makes up the remaining 23 percent.
Knowing these percentages helps you focus your study time on the most important topics.
Tip #1: Know What Is on the Exam
The first step to success is understanding what topics are included in the exams. Reviewing the official exam objectives helps you see what you already know and which areas need more work.
This also helps you decide if the A+ certification matches your current skill level. CompTIA provides a full list of exam objectives that you can download and use as a study guide.
Tip #2: Practice Your Skills and Find Weak Areas
Taking practice exams is one of the best ways to prepare. These tests help you understand the exam format and measure how ready you are.
Practice tests also help you get used to performance-based questions. These questions test how well you can apply your knowledge, not just remember facts.
When taking practice exams, treat them like the real test. Get enough sleep, eat well, and take the test at the same time you plan to take the official exam. Avoid trying to learn new topics on exam day.
Tip #3: Learn Through Trusted Training
Once you know which areas need improvement, it is time to study. A formal training course is one of the best ways to prepare for the A+ exams.
Make sure the course is offered by a CompTIA Authorized Training Partner. This ensures the content is accurate, up to date, and aligned with the current exam objectives.
Authorized courses also provide expert instructors, hands-on labs, and real exam-style questions, which are very helpful for building confidence.
Tip #4: Review, Practice, and Schedule Your Exams
After completing your training, review the materials carefully. Focus on topics that were harder for you to understand. Since you cannot bring notes into the exam, confidence in the material is very important.
Practice using labs and review key terms often. Once you feel ready, schedule your exams through Pearson VUE. You can choose to take the exams online or at a testing center.
You may take both exams on the same day or on different days. Passing both exams is required to earn the certification.
Tip #5: Take the Exams with Confidence
On exam day, take a moment to relax and read each question carefully. The exams are timed, with 90 minutes for each test.
You can skip questions and return to them later. You may also change your answers before submitting the exam. If time allows, review your answers before finishing.
To pass, you need a score of at least 675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2. Results are shown immediately after the exam.
What Happens After You Pass?
Once you pass both exams, you will receive confirmation of your A+ certification. You can add it to your resume and LinkedIn profile, and you may also receive a printed certificate.
If you do not pass one exam, you only need to retake the one you failed. However, both exams must be from the same exam version.
The A+ exams are updated every three years, with an overlap period before older versions retire.
Why the A+ Certification Matters
As technology continues to grow, the need for skilled IT professionals also increases. Earning the CompTIA A+ certification shows employers that you have real, hands-on skills and a strong understanding of IT basics.
With this certification, you are prepared for entry-level roles such as IT support technician or help desk specialist. It also gives you a strong foundation to earn more advanced certifications in the future.
A+ is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning of a rewarding career in IT.
