CompTIA A+
About the course
Exam Prefix
220-1001 (Core 1),
220-1002 (Core 2)
Level
Fundamental
Length
90 minutes to complete the exam
Format
Maximum of 90 questions per exam, Multiple choice questions (single and multiple response), drag and drops and performance-based.
Passing Score
220-1001: 675 (on a scale of 100-900)
220-1002: 700 (on a scale of 100-900)
Recommended Experience
9 to 12 months hands-on experience in the lab or field
CompTIA A+ certified professionals are proven problem solvers. They support today’s core technologies from security to cloud to data management and more. CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for launching IT careers into today’s digital world.
The only credential with performance-based items to prove pros can think on their feet to perform critical IT support tasks in the moment
Trusted by employers around the world to identify the go-to person in end point management & technical support roles
Regularly re-invented by IT experts to ensure that it validates core skills and abilities demanded in the workplace
The CompTIA A+ Core Series requires candidates to pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) covering the following new content:
Demonstrate baseline security skills for IT support professionals
Configure device operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android and iOS and administer client-based as well as cloud-based (SaaS) software
Troubleshoot and problem solve core service and support challenges while applying best practices for documentation, change management, and scripting
Support basic IT infrastructure and networking
Configure and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware
Implement basic data backup and recovery methods and apply data storage and management best practices
A+ 1000-Series:
What’s in this version
A general expansion of baseline security topics core to the IT support role, including physical versus logical security concepts and measures, malware and more
A dramatically different approach in defining competency in operational procedures including basic disaster prevention and recovery and scripting basics
A greater dependency on networking and device connectivity
What you'll learn at a glance
Why use A+?
Identifying, using, and connecting hardware components and devices
Explain types of networks and connections including TCP/IP, WIFI and SOHO
Install & configure laptops and other mobile devices
Install and support Windows OS including command line & client support. Understand Mac OS, Linux and mobile OS
Troubleshoot device and network issues
Compare & contrast cloud computing concepts & set up client-side virtualization
Troubleshoot PC and mobile device issues including application security support
Identify and protect against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections
Follow best practices for safety, environmental impacts, and communication and professionalism
Average salary for CompTIA A+ Professionals
£31,916.00+
The average comptia a+ salary in the United Kingdom is £31,916 per year or £16.37 per hour. Entry level positions start at £23,917 per year while most experienced workers make up to £63,055 per year.
Job Roles
Service Desk Analyst
Help Desk Tech
Technical Support Specialist
Field Service Technician
Associate Network Engineer
Frequently asked questions
You’ve got questions & we’ve got answers
How Long Does the CompTIA A+ Certification Last?
Your CompTIA A+ certification is good for three years from the date you pass your certification exam. Through our continuing education program, you can easily renew CompTIA A+ and extend it for additional three-year periods. Read on to learn more about the certification period and how you can renew CompTIA A+.
CompTIA A+ belongs to a group of certifications with globally recognized International Organization for Standardization and the American National Standards Institute (ISO/ANSI) accreditation status. They expire three years from the date they are earned and can be renewed through CompTIA’s continuing education (CE) program.
CompTIA refers to certifications within their three-year period after a successful exam, or when they are successfully renewed, as active. Certifications are considered expired, if they are not renewed within the three-year period. If your certification has expired, the only way to get it back again is to pass the certification exam again.
How Much Can I Make with a CompTIA A+ Certification?
IT support offers countless paths to fulfilling jobs and rewarding pay – you determine the direction and, ultimately, how much money you can earn with CompTIA A+. Not everyone has the same reason for getting certified. In general, you can apply your CompTIA A+ certification in these ways:
Attract the attention of employers with an endorsement of your skills that is respected globally and industrywide
Position yourself to launch your IT career
Confirm to yourself that you've mastered the latest skills and concepts that act as the foundation of a career in IT
In all scenarios, CompTIA A+ can serve as a springboard for a career in IT. CompTIA A+ is the only industry-recognized credential with performance-based items to prove IT pros can think on their feet to perform critical IT support tasks in the moment.
It is trusted by employers around the world to identify the go-to person in endpoint and technical support roles. CompTIA A+ is regularly re-invented by IT experts to ensure that it validates the core skills and abilities demanded in the workplace.
What Is on the CompTIA A+ Exam?
CompTIA A+ is a performance-based certification that supports the ability to connect users to the data they need to do their jobs regardless of the devices being used. Successful candidates will have the following skills to:
Configure, install and upgrade operating systems, including: Windows, Apple OS X, Linux, iOS, Android and Windows Mobile
Install and image virtual machines
Set up and troubleshoot peripheral devices
Assemble and disassemble computing hardware
Set up and support basic home and small office networks
Implement cybersecurity controls appropriate to helpdesk and technical support roles
Troubleshoot and support end-user access to applications and data
The CompTIA A+ exam covers the following domains and topics:
Hardware: Identify, use and connect hardware components and devices
Networking: Explain types of networks and connections including transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), Wi-Fi and small office/home office (SOHO)
Mobile Devices: Install and configure laptops and other mobile devices
Network and Hardware Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot device and network issues
Security: Identify and protect against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections
Windows Operating System: Install and support Windows OS, including command line and client support
Other OS Technologies: Understand Mac OS, Linux and mobile OS
Software Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot PC and mobile device issues, including application security support
Operational Procedures: Follow best practices for safety, environmental impacts and communication and professionalism
Who Is CompTIA?
CompTIA (The Computing Technology Industry Association) is the leading provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications in the world. With more than 2 million IT certifications issued worldwide, CompTIA is dedicated to helping IT professionals lead the charge in our digitally connected world.
For more than 20 years, CompTIA has developed training and certification exams for computing support, networking, security, open-source (Linux) development, cloud and mobility. Our regular review and updates of exams ensure that CompTIA certifications continue to address the needs of today’s technology challenges.
Ready for a Career in IT?
CompTIA A+ is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles and will help you launch your IT career – it's about much more than PC repair. Click here to learn more about CompTIA A+ and how it can help you get started.
We’ve made it easy to get started planning your path in IT. Begin by reading up on the four important steps toward your certification. Learn everything you need to know about the CompTIA A+ certification, and download the exam objectives and practice test questions to start learning right away.
CompTIA now offers a set of comprehensive learning resources that include books, eLearning, labs and exam prep software. These resources are developed in house by CompTIA, based on feedback we hear from learners like you. Learn more about the exam training options for CompTIA A+ that have been developed to fit your particular learning style and schedule, many of which may be used in combination with each other as you prepare for your exam.
There’s a wealth of information to take you from deciding if CompTIA A+ is right for you, all the way to taking your exam. We’re with you every step of the way!