Are you considering taking CompTIA A+ certification exam? It’s a great way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in computer technology, but it can also be challenging to get started.
You may have heard conflicting stories about the CompTIA A+ Exam being either quite hard and requiring months of studying or very easy and feeling like a breeze. But how hard is CompTIA A+, really?
In this blog post, we’ll explore what CompTIA A+ is all about and discuss how hard the CompTIA A+ exam actually is so that you can make an informed decision on whether to pursue the certification and how much time to allot to prepare for it.
What Is CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ is a certification exam that covers core hardware and operating systems technologies. It is an entry-level certification that provides vendor-neutral validation of IT professionals’ skills in computer hardware and OS technologies.
CompTIA A+ certification is held by thousands of IT professionals around the world and is recognized by many employers.
To achieve the A+ certification, you need to pass two tests. The first one covers cloud computing, hardware and networking technologies, while the second exam questions software, operating systems and cybersecurity basics.
A+ exam is administered by the company CompTIA (The Computing Technology Industry Association), which also provides many other certifications and exams besides the CompTIA A+. CompTIA also provides resources and practice tests to help candidates prepare for the exams.
Aspiring CompTIA A+ professionals will be equipped with the expertise to tackle numerous technological issues, such as network connectivity, operating systems, mobile device management and computer security.
Compared to other certifications, CompTIA A+ offers a much wider range of knowledge needed by technicians today and hence is highly applicable for various job roles. This makes it the perfect choice for individuals looking to enhance their technical skills.
How Hard Is CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ is not a very difficult exam. Many people pass it on the first try and don’t find it difficult.
However, just like any other exam, CompTIA A+ requires preparation. Entering the exam without studying for at least a couple of months in advance will likely lead to unfavorable results, no matter how tech-savvy you may feel.
Moreover, CompTIA A+ is a professional qualification, meaning that it tests specific industry-related knowledge and not just general logic and comprehension like standardized tests such as SAT or GRE.
There are a few things to consider in order to not underestimate this qualification and do your best to prepare well for it.
1. Large Content
To ensure comprehensive coverage of all topics, CompTIA A+ consists of two exams: Core 1 and Core 2. While the former primarily focuses on hardware components, the latter concentrates more on software aspects.
The exam involves a broad range of topics, such as operating systems, security and networks, which makes studying for it quite cumbersome. Many people get surprised at just how much material CompTIA A+ covers, and it can be a struggle to keep up with all of the content.
2. A Lot of Memorization
CompTIA A+ exams are largely based on memorization, which can be quite time-consuming and difficult. Even the most experienced IT professionals can find it difficult to remember all of the necessary details.
Apart from studying material, CompTIA A+ also involves understanding and being able to apply the studied material in various scenarios. So, it is important to practice CompTIA A+ questions regularly and get familiar with the types of questions that CompTIA exams contain.
3. Time Constraints
CompTIA A+ exam is timed, so you need to be able to answer questions quickly and efficiently. This means that you need to have a good understanding of the material and be able to recall information on the fly.
It is important to practice CompTIA A+ questions regularly, so you can get used to the time constraints and the types of questions CompTIA exams contain.
So while CompTIA A+ is not a particularly hard exam, it still requires some preparation and dedication to ensure you pass with flying colors. With the right approach and the right resources, CompTIA A+ can be easily conquered.
What Does CompTIA A+ Include?
CompTIA A+ is a professional certification that covers a wide range of topics related to hardware, software, and networking. CompTIA A+ consists of two exams: Core 1 and Core 2.
Core 1 Exam
When it comes to Core 1, the exam topics can be divided into percentages which indicate their frequency of representation in the exam:
- Hardware (27%): Identify, use and connect hardware components and devices.
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (27%): Troubleshoot device and network issues.
- Networking (20%): Explain types of networks and connections including transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), Wi-Fi and small office/home office (SOHO).
- Mobile Devices (14%): Install and configure laptops and other mobile devices.
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing (12%): Describe cloud computing concepts, different types of virtualization and troubleshooting mobile devices.
The passing score for Core 1 is 675 on a scale of 100 to 900.
Core 2 Exam
Whereas Core 1 provides an emphasis on the hardware, Core 2 is geared towards software proficiency, data security measures, and standard operational procedures.
- Operating Systems (27%): Understand and install Windows OS, Mac OS, Linux and mobile OS.
- Software Troubleshooting (26%): Troubleshoot PC and mobile device issues, including application security support.
- Security (24%): Identify and protect against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections.
- Operational Procedures (23%): Follow best practices for safety, environmental impacts and communication and professionalism.
To successfully pass Core 2, you must have a minimum score of 700 on a scale of 100 to 900.
What Are the Logistics of CompTIA A+ Exam?
In order to receive an A+ certification, a student must successfully complete two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002).
Both exams comprise up to 90 questions. You will be evaluated on all of these concepts (and more) with a mixture of single and multiple-choice questions, drag and drop tasks, as well as performance-based queries. Performance-based inquiries present a real life situation that requires practical application of identified theories. What’s more, there are no penalties for incorrect answers. As a result, you can take educated risks when needed!
Core 1 and 2 last for 90 minutes each. No prior knowledge of IT is needed to start your preparation for CompTIA credentials. However, it’s suggested that you have at least nine to twelve months of hands-on experience as an IT support specialist.
Now, you have the choice to take your exam in a proctored physical location or even from the comfort of home through an online option.
How Much Does CompTIA A+ Exam Cost?
Each of the two exams costs $246 in the US, as of January 2023, with a total cost of $492 for both examinations.
There are also CompTIA+ bundles that include preparation materials and exam vouchers at a discounted price.
CompTIA+ is good for 3 years since the day you entered the exam. However, the Continuing Education (CE) program offers you the opportunity to extend your certification for three years with activities and training that are related to the content of your professional credential.
Is It Worth It Getting CompTIA A+ Certification?
CompTIA A+ certification is considered a starting point for IT professionals and is looked for by many IT employers. It is the industry standard for entry-level employees that proves you have the foundational knowledge to begin a career in IT.
Annually, more than 75000 A+ certifications are issued and globally respected by businesses. As such, it is a good idea to get CompTIA A+ certified if you plan to pursue IT roles as a career.
Besides looking at CompTIA A+ as a qualification, it is also a really good way to acquire all the required knowledge in IT that you may need to do your job well. You get to actually learn all of the necessary things you are likely to encounter on the actual job as an IT professional.
The IT field is now populated with a million plus A+ certificate holders, and it’s necessary for anyone wishing to work as an IT specialist at HP, Intel, or Dell.
What Jobs Can I Get with CompTIA A+ Certification?
Achieving CompTIA A+ certification prepares individuals to pursue the following career paths:
- IT Support Specialist
- Helpdesk Technician
- Field Technician
- Tier I Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Associate Network Engineer
- Systems Support Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
But is CompTIA A+ everything that you need in order to get one of the above jobs? Well, it can be, but it also depends on the amount of experience you have in the field.
Did you know that the CompTIA A+ credential is one of the most sought-after IT certifications in tech support job listings? If you possess this certification, it will give your resume a competitive edge over others who don’t. When applying for an entry level IT position, having CompTIA A+ on your qualifications can be extremely beneficial and could make all the difference.
What Salaries Can I Expect with a CompTIA A+ Certificate?
The information technology industry is expected to skyrocket and reach a stunning value of more than $5 trillion in the following years. It’s one of the most rapidly expanding global industries, with its most significant progress being seen in emerging technologies like big data/analytics, IoT software, AR/VR, and more.
Here are a few CompTIA A+ jobs and their average salaries:
- Support specialist: $54,500
- Field service technician: $46,000
- Desktop support analyst: $60,000
- Help desk tier 2 support: $45,000
- Systems administrator: $67,000
As you can see, CompTIA A+ credentials can open the door to a wide range of IT jobs and give you the opportunity to increase your earning potential.
How to Prepare for CompTIA A+
Planning your journey in IT has never been simpler. Learn everything you need to know about the CompTIA A+ certification and begin studying right now by downloading CompTIA’s selection of exam objectives and practice test questions.
The administering organization, CompTIA, itself presents you with many options to study for the A+ exam. You can review the options and select the ones that most fit your learning style. The training methods provided by CompTIA include:
- CompTIA CertMaster Learn is the perfect self-paced learning solution to get you ready for your certification exam. It combines videos, performance-based questions, and comprehensive assessments to give you a comprehensive understanding of the material. With this powerful environment at your disposal, there’s no reason why you can’t confidently pass with flying colors!
- CompTIA CertMaster Labs aids learners in preparing for their exams through hands-on experience within a preconfigured, self-paced browser environment. Learners can gain knowledge and proficiency with different technologies to feel confident before taking the tests.
- CompTIA CertMaster Practice is a powerful adaptive knowledge assessment tool designed to measure what learners have already learned and identify areas that need improvement in order to increase their confidence and retention prior to taking the exam.
- Books/Official CompTIA Content have been crafted with absolute precision to ensure that you grasp and retain the information before your exam. These comprehensive books/official content are written in a straightforward manner and can be flexibly used so that you may learn at any speed of preference.
Besides these official learning materials provided by CompTIA, you may also want to looks into Professor Messer’s teaching platform with a multitude of videos and other learning materials, which have become popular as a great resource for A+ candidates.
No matter what CompTIA A+ certification learning path you decide to take, make sure you dedicate yourself to studying and practice your skills. CompTIA A+ certification will be an amazing accomplishment that can open up many doors for you in the IT field.
Tips for Passing CompTIA A+
In order to pass CompTIA A+ certification, it is important to have a study plan and stay focused. Here are some tips to help you do your best during preparation and the exam itself.
1. Leave at least 2-3 months to study the material
CompTIA A+ is a comprehensive certification, so you need to set aside enough time for study in order to properly prepare for the exam. We recommend that you plan for at least 2-3 months of study time before taking the exam.
2. Make a study plan and stick to it
Breaking down CompTIA A+ into manageable chunks is key to success, so make sure you create a study plan and stick to it. This will ensure that you cover all the key topics and don’t miss anything important.
3. Pick the appropriate resources
It’s important to make sure you are using the right resources to help you prepare for CompTIA A+ certification. Choose CompTIA’s official content, as well as any additional resources you need to make sure that your knowledge is comprehensive and up to date.
4. Practice a lot of questions
The CompTIA A+ exam is largely composed of multiple choice questions. Practicing CompTIA’s sample questions will help you get familiar with the exam format and get a better idea of what to expect on the actual CompTIA A+ certification test.
5. Take a CompTIA A+ practice test
Taking CompTIA’s practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for CompTIA A+ certification. Not only will you get to see what type of questions CompTIA A+ exam contains, but you can also measure your progress and get an idea of how well you will do on the actual CompTIA A+ certification exam.
6. Take your time and review answers
CompTIA A+ can be challenging, so make sure to read the questions carefully and review your answers before submitting. Don’t rush through the exam and make sure you understand the material before selecting your answers.
Conclusion
If you are still wondering how hard is CompTIA A+, the answer is that CompTIA A+ isn’t easy, but definitely isn’t among the hardest exams out there. It can be difficult to master all the material, but with the right preparation and resources, you should be able to pass CompTIA A+ certification with ease. Just make sure you follow our tips for passing CompTIA A+ and you will be well on your way to success. Good luck and happy studying!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.