Is CompTIA A+ Worth It? Weigh Your Options in 2025

Taylor Karl
/ Categories: Resources, Modern Workplace
Is CompTIA A+ Worth It? Weigh Your Options in 2025 20770 0

Every three years, over a million professionals voluntarily stress over two timed exams just to prove they can plug in a printer, reset a router, and explain what RAM does. And yet, the CompTIA A+ certification remains one of the most respected ways to launch an IT career. In 2025, with over 1.2 million holders and growing, it’s not about the absurdity of memorizing port numbers—it’s about building the core knowledge that opens doors. 

Not only is it widely recognized, but companies like HP, Dell, and Intel require their technicians to have this certification. Additionally, the US Department of Defense recognizes CompTIA A+ as a baseline requirement for those seeking work in cybersecurity, adding even more credibility to this already well-respected credential. 

If you're new to IT or switching careers, earning your CompTIA A+ could be the smartest move you’ll ever make.

On this page:

Understanding CompTIA A+ Certification

Before you can troubleshoot servers or dive into cybersecurity, you need to speak the language of IT fluently—and that starts with understanding how the pieces fit together. CompTIA A+ serves as a comprehensive introduction to the world of tech support, helping you develop hands-on skills in areas like hardware, software, operating systems, and networking. It’s not flashy or niche, but it’s foundational. And in an industry where everything builds on the basics, mastering those fundamentals isn’t exactly optional.

The structure of A+ might feel inefficient at times. You'll spend hours studying topics you may only occasionally use, like legacy ports or obscure BIOS settings. But that’s part of its hidden value. The exam isn’t just testing your knowledge—it’s training your brain to think like a technician. The broad scope forces you to stretch, to learn how systems interact, and to approach problems methodically. In the end, it’s that mental discipline—not just the certification—that makes you valuable in a real-world IT environment.

For around $500, you’re not just paying for a certification; you’re investing in a gateway. In a field where employers are flooded with applicants, having CompTIA A+ helps you break through the noise. And while many certifications exist, few are as universally accepted, frequently requested, or versatile across roles. That makes A+ a rare kind of credential: one that holds real weight across companies, industries, and job titles.

Key Concepts and Skills Achieved

CompTIA A+ certification covers a broad range of IT domains, providing foundational knowledge and practical skills in hardware, software, and networking. IT infrastructure is a wide-ranging concept. It includes basic IP addressing principles, network setups, and utilization of networking tools..

Benefits of Obtaining the CompTIA A+ Certification

The CompTIA A+ certification offers several benefits for individuals seeking a career in the IT sector. Here are some of its main advantages:

  1. Foundational IT Knowledge: CompTIA A+ provides a broad understanding of IT fundamentals, covering areas such as hardware, software, and basic networking concepts.
  2. Practical Skills: The certification emphasizes hands-on skills, especially in troubleshooting and problem-solving, making certified individuals ready for real-world IT challenges.
  3. Enhanced Employability: Holding a CompTIA A+ certification can improve your job prospects, especially for entry-level IT positions. Employers often recognize and value the certification when hiring.
  4. Career Advancement: CompTIA A+ can serve as a stepping stone for higher-level IT roles and specializations. It's often a prerequisite or a favorable credential for other advanced IT certifications.
  5. Industry Recognition: The certification is recognized globally as a benchmark for entry-level IT competence. It's a sign to employers that a candidate possesses the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for IT operations.
  6. Potential for Higher Earnings: Studies have shown that individuals with certifications, including CompTIA A+, can earn more than their non-certified peers in similar roles.
  7. Broad Applicability: The skills and knowledge acquired from the certification are applicable across various IT roles and industries, from technical support to IT operational roles.
  8. Continual Learning: The certification renewal process encourages professionals to stay updated with the latest IT trends and technologies.

Career Opportunities with CompTIA A+

Earning your CompTIA A+ certification can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities in the IT industry. From help desk and technical support roles to positions focused on systems administration or field service, A+ provides the foundational skills employers look for when hiring entry-level talent. It’s often the first credential that shows you’re serious about IT—and that you have the knowledge to back it up. 

Recognized by companies worldwide, A+ is a smart starting point for those looking to break into the tech field or pivot into areas like cybersecurity, where a solid grasp of IT fundamentals is essential.

Some of the entry-level IT positions available with CompTIA A+ certification include:

  1. Technical Support Specialist: Often an entry-level role, these professionals provide troubleshooting assistance and technical guidance to users and organizations. They may work in call centers, business IT departments, or for computer manufacturers.
  2. IT Support Technician: These technicians are the hands-on problem solvers in an organization. They might be tasked with setting up new computer systems, installing software, and maintaining hardware components.
  3. Desktop Support Analyst: This role involves supporting end users at the desktop level. This means resolving any software or hardware issues that might arise on an employee's workstation or computer system.
  4. Field Service Technician: These professionals travel to various locations (like business premises or customer homes) to repair and maintain computer and technology systems. It's ideal for those who enjoy both tech and being on the move.
  5. IT Operations Specialist: This position might encompass a broad set of responsibilities, including monitoring network health, ensuring backups are completed successfully, and managing server resources.
  6. Help Desk Analyst: Working either remotely or on-site, help desk analysts are the first point of contact for users experiencing IT problems. They'll diagnose issues and either resolve them directly or escalate to a more specialized team.
  7. System Administrator (Entry-level): Although more advanced certifications and experience might be required for senior sysadmin roles, an A+ certification can help beginners land entry-level system administrator positions, especially in smaller organizations.
  8. End-User Computing Specialist: This role often focuses on ensuring that all end-user computing devices (like desktops, laptops, and sometimes mobile devices) are functioning optimally and are secure.
  9. Network Support Specialist: While CompTIA Network+ would be the more specific certification for network roles, A+ lays the foundational understanding of networks, helping professionals troubleshoot and maintain basic network operations.
  10. Transition into Cybersecurity: While CompTIA A+ alone isn't enough for specialized cybersecurity roles, it's an excellent first step. After obtaining A+, many individuals pursue certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) to specialize in security roles.

With hands-on experience and additional certifications, these positions can be leveraged to progress into more advanced roles within the IT sector, offering job growth prospects and competitive salaries.

Certification Details

CompTIA A+ certification is a vendor-neutral credential that validates your proficiency in a wide range of essential IT support skills. To earn the certification, candidates must pass two separate exams—Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102)—which together cover a broad spectrum of IT topics, including hardware, software, operating systems, networking, security, and troubleshooting.

Exam Cost and Details

The CompTIA A+ exams are computer-based tests that include a mix of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions designed to assess both your knowledge and practical troubleshooting skills. These performance-based questions simulate real-world IT scenarios, requiring you to apply what you’ve learned in a hands-on way.

The exams cover a wide range of topics essential for entry-level IT roles, including:

Core 1 Domains:

  • Mobile Devices (15%)
  • Hardware (20%)
  • Networking (25%)
  • Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)
  • Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%)

Core 2 Domains:

  • Operating Systems (31%)
  • Security (25%)
  • Software Troubleshooting (22%)
  • Operational Procedures (22%)

The certification exams consist of multiple-choice questions (single and multiple response), drag and drops, and performance-based questions, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of the material.

Candidates must obtain a score of 675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2 to pass the exam. These scores are out of a scale of 100-900. The CompTIA A+ certification exam costs $253 for one exam. If both exams are taken, the total cost is $506 (USA). The exam can be taken in person at an authorized testing center or online from the comfort of your home.

Country

Currency

Price

USA 

USD

253

Emerging Market

USDe

142

Great Britain

GBP

150

EURO

EURO

228

Japan

JPY

29,764

Australia

AUD

343

South Africa

ZAR

1,950

Experience Requirements And Recommendations

While there are no formal prerequisites for taking the CompTIA A+ exams, CompTIA recommends having 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in roles such as help desk support, desktop support, or field service technician. This experience doesn’t have to come from a full-time job—it can include academic lab work, internships, self-directed learning, or even informal tech support for friends and family.

If you're brand new to IT, expect to spend 3 to 4 months preparing for both Core 1 and Core 2 exams. That timeline can vary based on your familiarity with computers, your study habits, and the resources you use. Many Reddit users who’ve successfully earned their A+ while job hunting or transitioning from unrelated fields shared that what helped most wasn’t just studying—it was actively applying concepts in home labs, taking live instructor-led courses (like ours), and tracking progress with personal study notes.

Hands-on experience makes a big difference—not just for passing the exam, but for troubleshooting real-world problems once you’re on the job. Whether you’re learning by building your own PC, volunteering for tech tasks at work, or setting up a home lab, putting theory into practice builds both your confidence and your competency.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Maintaining your CompTIA A+ certification requires you to obtain Continuing Education Units (CEUs). CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years and requires 20 CEUs for renewal. You can earn CEUs by:

  • Attending industry events
  • Taking training courses
  • Enrolling in college courses
  • Participating in webinars

Pursuing continuing education offers several benefits:

  • Helps you maintain your certification
  • Ensures you stay up-to-date with the latest IT developments
  • Makes you a more valuable asset in the constantly-changing IT industry.

Comptia A+ vs. Other Certifications

While CompTIA A+ is a strong launchpad into the IT world, it’s important to remember that it’s just the beginning. As your skills and interests evolve, so should your certification path. Some certifications are highly specialized, vendor-specific, and come with a steeper learning curve—but they also offer access to more focused, higher-paying roles. Choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze of acronyms and course fees, but it’s worth the effort when the payoff could be a six-figure role down the line.

Think of it this way: earning A+ is like unlocking the front door to IT, but certifications like CompTIA Security+ or AWS Certified Solutions Architect might open the door to the executive wing. Each path comes with different costs, time commitments, and areas of expertise. Some—like Cisco’s CCNA—are highly valued but less commonly earned, making them a scarce and competitive advantage in a crowded job market.

Before you commit, take time to reflect on where you want your career to go. Do you see yourself diving deeper into networking, cybersecurity, or cloud architecture? Each of these certifications has its own unique value:

The more intentionally you choose your path, the more disproportionate the reward can be—what may start with a foundational cert like A+ could eventually lead to roles that far outweigh the initial investment.

Future Certifications

After obtaining CompTIA A+ certification, you may consider pursuing more advanced certifications to further specialize your skill set and enhance your career prospects. Some of the popular certifications to consider include CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and CompTIA Cloud+ certifications. These certifications focus on network administration, information security, and cloud computing, respectively, allowing you to delve deeper into specific areas of IT and become an expert in your chosen field.

Continuing your education and securing additional certifications enhances your marketability and opens up new career opportunities in the IT industry.

Conclusion

If you're still wondering if CompTIA A+ is worth it, the answer depends on what you value more: checking a box or actually learning the skills that help you thrive in a real-world IT role. You could skip CompTIA A+ altogether and still land an IT job—except most hiring managers insist on it anyway. Ultimately, CompTIA A+ is worth it, not because it's a magic ticket to your dream job, but because it equips you with foundational knowledge and tangible skills that boost your credibility and confidence.

Certifications alone won’t guarantee career success; they’re tools to help you build your path forward. But pursuing CompTIA A+ in 2025 is a practical step—an investment in yourself that ensures when opportunities arrive, you're genuinely ready to seize them. It’s also a valuable asset for standing out in a crowded field, especially when you're just getting started. Even if you never reference it again, the knowledge you gain can follow you for years across roles, tools, and technologies.

Whether you’re looking for your first job in IT or seeking to eventually specialize in areas like cloud computing, cyber security, or software development, the CompTIA A+ certification provides the foundational knowledge base necessary for success.

 

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