CompTIA A+ Certification

A+ certification from CompTIA is the most recognized and trusted certification for entry-level service technicians.

CompTIA A+ certification is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves a technician’s competency in installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security, and troubleshooting. CompTIA A+ certification also validates that technicians have excellent customer service and communication skills.

CompTIA A+ is part of specialized certification tracks for corporations such as Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, and Novell. Other technology companies, including CompuCom and Ricoh, have made CompTIA A+ certification mandatory for their service technicians.

About the Exams

Two 100-question exams are required for CompTIA A+ certification: CompTIA A+ Essentials (Exam 220-801) and CompTIA A+ Practical Application (Exam 220-802). You will have 90 minutes to complete each exam.

CompTIA A+ Essentials: Examines the skills and understanding appropriate for an entry-level IT professional, including communication and professional skills. A passing score is 675 out of 900 possible points.

CompTIA A+ Practical Application: A more hands-on version of the Essentials exam, with emphasis on applying troubleshooting processes and tools to solve scenario-based problems. A passing score is 700 out of 900 possible points.

Exam Renewal

Beginning January 1, 2011, CompTIA A+ certification holders are required to renew their credential every three years. Renewal can be achieved two ways:

1. Take the most current version of the CompTIA A+ certification exams.
2. Earn continuing education units (CEUs) by participating in qualified activities, such as publishing an article or white paper, obtaining another industry certification, or attending a relevant conference or event. The CompTIA A+ certification renewal requires 20 CEUs per renewal period.

Certifications earned beginning in 2011 will contain the designation “CE” to indicate the certification is subject to the renewal policy.

If you achieved certification prior to 2011 (the non-CE version), you’ll retain certification for life. No renewal is required, although you may choose to or be required to enroll in the continuing education program.

Individuals Affected by the DoD Directive 8570.1

Beginning January 1, 2013, the Department of Defense (DoD) will only recognize CompTIA certifications with the CE designation as approved DoD Information Assurance baseline certifications. If you earned your CompTIA certification on or after January 1, 2011, follow the standard renewal procedures outlined above. If you earned certification prior to 2011, you must enroll in the continuing education program to update your certification to the CE version. Please review our FAQs for details.