how long does comptia a+ last

How Long Does CompTIA A+ Certification Last & How to Renew It in 2024?

You have been holding a CompTIA A+ certification for quite some time and are now wondering about its duration. Read on to find the answer to the question 'How long does the CompTIA A+ certification last?'

Updated at April 26, 2024

You will benefit from some of the credentials you earn for the rest of your life, while others need to be refreshed, especially in rapidly evolving fields like IT. Several of CompTIA’s credentials must be retaken regularly to ensure they remain current.

If your certificates expire, you may face difficulties accessing job prospects. Employers highly value recent credentials on resumes, particularly in the case of cybersecurity experts who require certification to work in the profession.

So, how long does CompTIA A+ certification last? The following explanation provides all the information you need regarding the validity period of CompTIA A+.

Thousands of free CompTIA A+ practice test questions are available on this website to help you strengthen your IT knowledge. Take the test now!

How Long Does CompTIA A+ Certification Last?

 

how long does comptia a+ last

Does CompTIA A+ certification expire? Yes, absolutely!

CompTIA A+ is part of a group of certificates accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These certifications have a three-year expiration date and can be renewed through CompTIA’s continuing education (CE) program.

Certifications that remain current after three years, either by passing an exam or successfully renewing, are considered active by CompTIA. If a certification is not renewed within the three-year period, it is considered expired. If your certification has expired, the only way to regain it is by retaking the certification exam.

Why Does the CompTIA A+ Certification Have a Three-Year Expiration Date?

#Reason 1: New Technology Adoption Cycle

Your IT work entails ongoing change, and it’s common knowledge that technology grows at a fast pace. To be successful in your job, you must stay ahead of the curve and be knowledgeable about technologies that significantly influence the market and continually shape our lives at work and at home.

CompTIA collaborates with industry partners and has observed that a significant shift in technology usage occurs, on average, every three years. Consequently, CompTIA constantly updates its examinations. Renewing your certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise in technology areas that are relevant to companies and to your IT career.

#Reason 2: ISO/ANSI Accreditation Status

According to CompTIA’s ISO/ANSI accreditation, once a specified amount of time has passed, new exam questions must be created. By adhering to the industry’s most well-known quality standards, CompTIA maintains the integrity of their certification.

CompTIA A+ meets the standards of the US Department of Defense, in part due to this accreditation. As a result, you have a product that you can trust, which is recognized worldwide, and that you can confidently showcase to your current or prospective employers.

How to Renew Your CompTIA A+ Certification?

how long does comptia a+ last

Even if your company does not require certification renewal, keeping your certification current is important not only for maintaining your accomplishment but also for being prepared for future career advancement opportunities.

Certification serves as the necessary evidence of your knowledge when quantifying your accumulated experience becomes challenging. The combination of experience and certification is a significant asset for advancing your career.

Option 1: Training for Renewal

CompTIA offers the CertMaster CE A+ training course, allowing you to renew your CompTIA A+ certification online without the need for an exam. With CertMaster CE, certain customers can renew their CompTIA A+ certification in as little as six hours.

Option 2: Additional Certifications for Renewal

You can also renew your CompTIA A+ certification by obtaining a qualifying higher-level IT certification (whether it’s from CompTIA or another organization) or by passing the most recent version of the CompTIA A+ exam. Visit CompTIA continuing education sites to learn more.

Option 3: CE Activities for Renewal

Completing eligible activities will earn you continuing education units (CEUs), which are required for certification renewal. To renew your CompTIA A+ certification, you need to accumulate 20 CEUs.

Conclusion

You are already aware of the answer to the question, ‘How long does CompTIA A+ certification last?’

Your CompTIA A+ certification remains valid for three years from the date you complete the exam. To extend its duration for an additional three years, you can easily renew your CompTIA A+ certification using one of the three methods we described above.

We hope this article proves helpful. Thank you!