Can You Take CompTIA A+ Online? Requirements & Procedure

You can now shop online, make payments on your bills, attend classes online, and conduct business online. Can you take the CompTIA A+ exam online as well? We’re excited to announce that yes, the CompTIA A+ exam is now accessible online.

Online testing has become more advantageous because Pearson VUE’s OnVUE remote proctoring allows certification candidates to take the exam from anywhere at any time in a highly secure environment.

You might still have some concerns, though. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. To assist you with CompTIA online testing, we have included the prerequisites, the testing process, and some frequently asked questions.

Let’s get started with our completely free CompTIA A+ practice test so you can excel in the real exam and achieve a high score.

Can You Take CompTIA A+ Online Exam?

Exam candidates who are concerned about testing center closures can now take CompTIA examinations from the comfort of their own homes.

CompTIA values the time and effort you have invested in preparing for and earning your certification. In addition to taking an exam in person at a test center, CompTIA now offers online CompTIA A+ certification testing. You have the flexibility to test anywhere, but it is recommended to take the exam in the security and privacy of your own home. You can schedule the exam at your convenience, as online testing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This eliminates conflicting priorities or scheduling conflicts. Remote proctoring ensures the same level of secure monitoring as a test center, providing you with a highly secure testing environment.

Starting May 1, 2020, Server+ online testing was introduced. Proctors for CompTIA A+ certification online tests only interact in English, and the OnVUE testing software is also available in English. Additionally, in countries that participate in online testing, CompTIA offers its entire suite of translated tests. However, online testing is not available in Iran, Cuba, China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Slovenia, Syria, and Sudan. CTT+ and any site licenses are also excluded.

For candidates who have already registered, you can reschedule your exam at any time at a Pearson VUE testing site. If you prefer to take an online exam, please continue reading the following paragraphs.

CompTIA A+ Requirements: What You Need To Know In 2024

What Are the Technical Requirements to Take CompTIA A+ Online?

To ensure a successful exam delivery, it is important to carefully read the technical prerequisites before taking an OnVUE test.

Scaling Settings, Resolution, and Minimum Requirements

Before checking in and starting your exam, ensure that you carefully examine and validate your display settings for scaling. Additionally, make sure you meet the system prerequisites for the minimum screen resolution. Scale settings should be adjusted to 100% (for Windows users) or default (for Mac users).

If your screen resolution meets the minimum requirements but your scale settings are set higher than 100%, the test content is likely to appear improperly on-screen, resulting in a less-than-pleasant experience during your CompTIA exam.

To minimize delays and unnecessary stress during your testing session, it is recommended to complete the system test prior to the start of your exam.

Bandwidth on the Internet

Due to the equipment requirements for both video and audio, taking your test online with OnVUE requires a significant amount of internet bandwidth. If you live in a household where multiple family members are working and studying from home, it is advisable to schedule your test at a time when internet usage will be limited. We recommend requesting others to refrain from using the internet during your exam and, if possible, utilize a wired connection.

How To Take CompTIA A+ Certification Online Exam?

Online testing, offered by Pearson OnVUE, is a remote exam proctoring service that allows you to take your CompTIA certification exam from anywhere you have access to a private area. To take the test online, follow these steps:

• Check the policies and processes for testing.

All certification candidates will be asked to agree to the CompTIA Candidate Agreement before taking a CompTIA test. If you do not accept the agreement, your exam cost will be forfeited. There are other regulations and procedures specific to online testing, such as system requirements, exam workspace, and testing for applicants under the age of 17.

• Perform a system test on the same computer and network that you’ll be using to take the exam.

The system test will take 5 to 10 minutes. During the test, you’ll be asked to take photos of yourself and your test environment. To prepare for your exam, ensure that any books and writing objects are out of reach, disconnect any extra monitors or laptops, and clean your walls of any writing (e.g., on whiteboards). You’ll also need identification and a phone (which must be placed out of reach after check-in).

• Create a CompTIA account if you don’t have one.

When creating an account, make sure to use a current, valid email address. The email address you used to establish your testing account will receive important information regarding your exam results and certification status.

• Schedule your online exam by logging into your CompTIA account.

When you’re ready, go to CompTIA’s website to set up your testing environment and book your exam. Before booking your exam, ensure that you meet all of the computer, internet, and workspace criteria.

• Sign in and take your exam on the CompTIA website.

Sign in to the CompTIA website once again. To begin your scheduled online exam, go to My Exams.

What Is the Procedure for Rescheduling Your CompTIA A+ Online Exam?

You can change the day, time, and/or testing center location of your exam, as well as switch from an in-person exam to an online exam, or vice versa.

• Changing your in-person exam to an online exam.

You must first cancel your existing schedule from your Pearson VUE account (if it has not yet been canceled) before moving your exam registration from an in-person test to an online exam. Make sure to cancel or reschedule your in-person exam at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment.

To reschedule your exam, follow these steps:

• Login to your Pearson VUE account.

• Find your exam under the title ‘Upcoming Appointments’.

• Click the ‘Cancel’ button to cancel your exam.

• Check the box to confirm that you have read and agree to the Cancellation Policy.

• Click the ‘Confirm Cancellation’ button in the lower-right corner of the page.

• Check your email for confirmation of your cancellation.

If you paid with a voucher, you will use the same voucher to book your online exam once your in-person exam is canceled.

If you paid with a credit card, your CompTIA A+ exam cost will be reimbursed to your credit card. Please allow up to five days for your credit card company to process the refund. Once the refund is processed, you can then schedule your online exam.

• Rescheduling an online exam appointment

Online exam appointments can be rescheduled for a different day and time. Rescheduled appointments must be made before the start time of your online exam appointment.

• Login to your Pearson VUE account.
• Under the ‘Open Online Exams’ header, locate the name of your test.
• Click on the ‘Reschedule’ link.
• Follow the instructions to select your new date and time.
• Double-check your selections before clicking ‘Confirm Reschedule’ in the final step.
• Check your email for confirmation of your new appointment.

FAQs

How is CompTIA online testing proctored?

CompTIA has partnered with Pearson VUE, the world’s leading provider of computer-based testing, to offer the exam through Pearson VUE’s OnVUE online proctoring services.

Once you have checked in (suggested 30 minutes before your planned appointment time), you will be placed in a queue and connected with the next available proctor to begin your test.

What should I do to prepare for my online exam?

Preparing for an online exam is similar to preparing for an in-person exam, with the exception that you will need to test your equipment instead of charting your route to the testing site.

What type of webcam do I need for the online exam?

You are required to have a webcam with a minimum resolution of 640×480 at 10 frames per second. The webcam can be either internal or external. Mac users may need to enable Pearson OnVUE in System Preferences under Privacy & Security settings for Camera, Microphone, Automation, and Input Monitoring Privacy.

Am I allowed to have a pen and paper during my online test?

No, you are not permitted to use exam-specific materials, scratch paper, erasable whiteboards, or any physical writing tool such as a pen, marker, or pencil during your test session. However, you will have the option to use the built-in digital whiteboard for scratch work or note-taking.

Read more >> The Most Comprehensive CompTIA A+ Study Guide

What should I do if I encounter internet or other technical issues during online testing?

During the exam, you are not permitted to ask content-related questions to your exam proctor. However, you can communicate with them if you experience technical issues. While most technical difficulties can be prevented by conducting a system test before your exam, Pearson OnVUE personnel are available to assist you if needed.

Is there a specific location where I should take my online test?

Yes, you should choose a place with a closed door, such as a bedroom or an office, that is free from distractions and excessive noise. No one is allowed in the room with you during the test. During the check-in process, you will be required to take photographs of your workspace to demonstrate that you meet these standards.

Ensure that your workstation is free of books, papers, pens, and other items, and make sure no additional monitors or computers are connected. You will not be allowed to take the exam unless you have successfully passed a room scan.

What should I know if I’m taking CompTIA online testing as a minor?

Minors under the age of 18 are required to present a valid student ID as proof of age. During the check-in process, your guardian must also provide a valid ID and give verbal approval.

What type of confirmation will I receive after completing my online exam?

After completing the exam, your exam score will be automatically displayed on your screen.

You are not allowed to use your phone while the Pearson OnVUE program is running, so refrain from taking a photo of the screen at the end. Within 24 hours of completing your exam, your score report will be available in your Pearson VUE account.

If you pass the exam, CompTIA Certmetrics will send you a congratulatory email with instructions on how to view your record. It is important to save a copy of this email, as well as the email address you used to register for the exam, as you will need this information to log in to your certification account throughout the duration of your certification.

The Bottom Line

The answer to the question “Can you take CompTIA A+ online?” is yes, you can. Additionally, the prerequisites and procedures for taking the CompTIA A+ test online have been explained in detail. Please study these guidelines thoroughly before taking the CompTIA A+ online exam, as they will greatly assist you. Best of luck!