Quick Answer
Earning the CompTIA A+ certification takes 2–6 months of study for most people. The certification requires passing two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Candidates with prior IT experience can prepare in as few as 4–6 weeks, while those new to information technology should plan for 4–6 months of dedicated study.
Study Timeline by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Study Time | Daily Study Hours | Exam Readiness |
|---|
| No IT experience | 4–6 months | 1–2 hours | Needs both foundational knowledge and exam prep |
| Hobbyist/self-taught | 2–4 months | 1–2 hours | Familiar with hardware, needs structured review |
| Help desk experience (6+ months) | 4–8 weeks | 1–2 hours | Solid foundation, focus on gaps |
| IT professional (1+ years) | 2–4 weeks | 1–2 hours | Review and practice exams primarily |
Exam Structure
CompTIA A+ requires passing two separate exams. Most candidates study for and take them sequentially rather than simultaneously.
| Exam | Code | Questions | Time Limit | Passing Score | Topics |
|---|
| Core 1 | 220-1101 | Up to 90 | 90 minutes | 675/900 | Hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, troubleshooting |
| Core 2 | 220-1102 | Up to 90 | 90 minutes | 700/900 | OS installation, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures |
Recommended Study Plan
| Phase | Duration | Activities |
|---|
| Assessment | 1 week | Take a practice test to identify knowledge gaps |
| Core 1 Study | 4–8 weeks | Video courses, textbook reading, hands-on labs |
| Core 1 Practice | 1–2 weeks | Practice exams, review weak areas, performance-based question practice |
| Core 1 Exam | 1 day | Take the exam |
| Core 2 Study | 4–8 weeks | Video courses, textbook, OS installation practice |
| Core 2 Practice | 1–2 weeks | Practice exams, security concepts review |
| Core 2 Exam | 1 day | Take the exam |
Exam Topics Breakdown
Core 1 (220-1101) Domains
| Domain | Weight | Key Topics |
|---|
| Mobile Devices | 15% | Laptop hardware, mobile device connectivity |
| Networking | 20% | TCP/IP, ports, wireless, network troubleshooting |
| Hardware | 25% | RAM, storage, motherboards, peripherals, printers |
| Virtualization & Cloud | 11% | Virtual machines, cloud concepts, cloud services |
| Hardware & Network Troubleshooting | 29% | Methodology, common problems, diagnostics |
Core 2 (220-1102) Domains
| Domain | Weight | Key Topics |
|---|
| Operating Systems | 31% | Windows, macOS, Linux, command line |
| Security | 25% | Malware, authentication, encryption, physical security |
| Software Troubleshooting | 22% | OS problems, malware removal, application issues |
| Operational Procedures | 22% | Documentation, change management, disaster recovery |
Best Study Resources
| Resource | Type | Cost | Best For |
|---|
| Professor Messer (YouTube) | Free video course | Free | Visual learners, budget-conscious |
| CompTIA CertMaster Learn | Official courseware | $349 | Structured, comprehensive |
| Mike Meyers (Udemy/Total Seminars) | Video course + book | $20–$60 | Engaging instruction |
| Jason Dion (Udemy) | Practice exams + PBQs | $15–$30 | Exam simulation |
| CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide | Textbook | $40–$55 | In-depth reference |
Exam Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Core 1 exam voucher | $358 |
| Core 2 exam voucher | $358 |
| CompTIA exam bundle (both) | $680 |
| Retake voucher (if needed) | $358 per exam |
| Study materials | $0–$400 |
| Total investment | $680–$1,100 |
Tips for Passing
- Build a home lab: Practice hardware installation, OS configuration, and network setup on real or virtual machines.
- Master performance-based questions (PBQs): These scenario-based questions appear at the start of each exam and are heavily weighted.
- Score 85%+ on practice exams consistently before scheduling the real exam.
- Learn the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology: It appears in multiple questions across both exams.
- Do not rush: Taking both exams in the same week is risky. Space them 2–4 weeks apart.
Career Impact
The CompTIA A+ is widely recognized as the entry-level IT certification. It validates foundational IT skills and is approved by the US Department of Defense for Directive 8570 compliance. Common first roles after certification include help desk technician, desktop support specialist, and field service technician, with starting salaries of $35,000–$55,000 depending on location.