Since its creation more than 30 years ago, the CompTIA A+ certification has grown to become one of the most well-known IT qualifications available. Some industry professionals question “Is the CompTIA A+ worth it?” due to its roots dating back before the advent of cybersecurity and its continued emphasis on software. Let’s examine the CompTIA A+ certification in greater detail so you can make the best choice possible on whether or not to take the exam.
If you plan to get the A+ certification, let’s practice with our thousands of CompTIA A+ Practice Test questions to familiarize yourself with the test format. To download the practice tests, visit our website for your IOS or Android device.
What is the CompTIA A+ Certification?
CompTIA A+ is a leading certification in computer engineering that is widely accepted worldwide. Most technicians in assembly, repair, and technical support aim to obtain this certification. The CompTIA A+ Hardware Technician training program meets most of the practical requirements for the position collectively known as “IT Technician”. Unlike the more basic CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification, the CompTIA A+ is the foundational certification for those wanting to apply as an IT professional.
The CompTIA A+ certification is a testament to your abilities and knowledge in building, troubleshooting, upgrading, and repairing computers. This certification can also be considered a fairly common requirement for employers in the field of computer engineering. The CompTIA A+ certification exams are used to accurately assess the knowledge and practical ability of a computer technician after a training period of approximately 3 months. In this new technology era, technicians are increasingly in demand of their abilities, so taking the CompTIA A+ certification exam is a smart career choice.
CompTIA A+ Exam Details
- The number of exam: 2
- The number of questions: Maximum of 90 questions/exam
- Type of question: Multiple choice, and performance-based
- The length of each test: 90 minutes/test
- Passing score: Core 1: 675 – Core 2: 700 (on a scale of 100–900)
- Recommendation: 12 months of hands-on work experience as a help desk support technician, desktop support technician, or field service technician
- Required prerequisite: None
- Suggested prerequisite: Approximately 6 months of hands-on experience with hardware and software field
Key Skills of the CompTIA A+
The knowledge in the CompTIA A+ training program focuses on:
- Personal computer components
- Laptop and portable devices
- Operating systems
- Printers and scanners
- Internet
- Security
- Environmental safety and sustainability
- Communication and professionalism
What Types of Candidates Should Consider the CompTIA A+?
The CompTIA A+ certification is for support professionals such as help desk technicians or technical support specialists, field service technicians, computer support analysts, and IT support jobs. CompTIA also claims that the A+ is most suitable for professionals that have to tackle “endpoint management & technical support roles.” If you’re interested in one of these areas, you should earn your CompTIA A+ certification.
The CompTIA A+ is difficult in that it requires two examinations to pass, whereas all other certifications from CompTIA only require one. It is tailored for positions that are typically the least and most entry-level in IT support. Because of this, the A+ takes a significant amount of effort to obtain, but many professionals will have limited advantage as they advance in their careers to higher position levels.
A larger number of cybersecurity experts fall into this category, as they aim to move to better-level and higher-paying positions within a specialized IT structure. In this case, the CompTIA A+ may have a limited long-term advantage for them.
Aspiring or current IT experts who do not need to progress beyond an entry-level position or who need to demonstrate their specialized IT skills should consider the CompTIA A+ as an effective way to validate and demonstrate their technical proficiency.
What Experience Is Required to Sit for the CompTIA A+?
It is not really necessary for CompTIA A+ test takers to possess any prior experience for the purpose of sitting for either of the A+ exams. However, CompTIA does recommend 9-12 months of relevant experience. Many aspiring professionals may be able to obtain the CompTIA A+ certification without this level of experience if they are able to gain hands-on exposure through another avenue, such as a classroom or home lab environment, and can adequately study the exam material.
Because the CompTIA A+ is likely the primary certification exam taken by A+ test-takers, and the CompTIA A+ requires a significant amount of memorization regarding equipment details, it is crucial that test-takers adequately study and prepare for the CompTIA A+ exams.
How Much is the CompTIA A+?
Currently, the CompTIA A+ exam cost is $253 per exam, meaning that the total cost to obtain your A+ certification, if you pass both exams on the first attempt, is $506. There are regular discounts available through training materials and training centers, and students who attend an authorized CompTIA education provider are also eligible for discounts on the exam voucher costs. Additionally, there are often other pricing options through CompTIA which may include an exam retake, training materials, or a training program. Potential test-takers should shop around for the pricing option that best meets their needs.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare for the CompTIA A+?
Because the CompTIA A+ requires passing two exams, and is typically the primary certification that a potential test-taker will pursue, the most ideal preparation time for the A+ exam is usually much longer than for other standard exams. Individuals who are new to the technical support field will find that a minimum of 3-4 months of continuous study is essential to properly prepare for the CompTIA A+.
Even IT experts who work daily within the technical support field will discover that a significant amount of dedicated preparation is vital to get ready for the CompTIA A+. The reason is that the CompTIA A+ covers a vast amount of detailed information and specifications that even seasoned technicians may not regularly review through their day-to-day work.
Since there are two exams required to pass the A+, and they both relate to computer support, many potential test-takers of the A+ opt for a strategy of preparing for both exams simultaneously without making a clear distinction between the two exams and their respective content.
Is the CompTIA A+ Difficult?
So, is the CompTIA A+ hard? Despite the fact that the CompTIA A+ is an entry-level certification for IT workers, many candidates will find the A+ to be a challenging certification to pass. It is imperative that CompTIA A+ candidates engage in a thorough preparation process before taking these types of professional certification exams.
There are a number of mistakes that candidates often make when they commit errors in their preparation for the CompTIA A+ certification or any other IT certification. However, with this article, you will be able to identify such errors and thus avoid them. Here are the main mistakes you should look out for:
- Depends only on the dump
This is one of the most common mistakes that prospective candidates make. Instead, you should make sure to use a variety of preparation tools, in addition to avoiding the use of exam dumps.
- Practice only once
Of course, you don’t want to be under the illusion that you’re ready to tackle the final exam just from practicing the questions once. So, taking this into consideration, you shouldn’t make the mistake of only practicing the questions in the exercises a single time. To sum up, as a good way to get the full benefit of using practice materials, you should make sure to rework the compiled questions over and over until you are confident you have mastered the relevant CompTIA exam content.
What Types of Certifications Can Be Comparable to the CompTIA A+?
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ Certificate
So, what is the difference between CompTIA ITF+ vs A+ certifications? The ITF+ certification is used for students who want to stick with the IT industry after graduation or who are interested in changing careers. This certification validates your foundational knowledge in IT and provides you with a better understanding of the IT industry working environment.
During the exam, you will have to demonstrate your knowledge of networking, infrastructure, IT concepts and terminology, applications and software, security, databases, and software development. You can also pursue more advanced CompTIA certifications depending on your specific needs and career goals.
- CompTIA Network+ Certificate
CompTIA Network+ is an entry-level certification that covers networking concepts, troubleshooting, operations, tools, and IT infrastructure. The certification is designed for entry-level network administrators, field network technicians, apprentice systems engineers, IT consultants, and field network engineers.
To take the CompTIA Network+ certification exam, you need knowledge of configuring, managing, and maintaining network devices, implementing and designing functional networks, and identifying and troubleshooting network issues and security. If you decide to pursue a career in the IT networking industry, the CompTIA Network+ certification is a valuable investment that will help you stand out from other candidates.
Read more >> CompTIA A+ vs Network+: What should be taken first?
- CompTIA Security+ Certificate
Security is an important IT skill for any role, so you’ll be a priority among candidates if you have a CompTIA Security+ certification. It is also suitable for those who want to pursue positions such as network administrator, systems administrator, security administrator, security specialist, entry-level IT auditor, security consultant, and security engineer.
The CompTIA Security+ certification exam will cover your knowledge of threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities, risk management, architecture and design, security technologies and tools, encryption and PKI, and identity and access management. With a CompTIA Security+ certification, employers will know you have the ability to install and configure systems to maintain basic security for applications, networks, and devices.
In fact, there are a few similarities between the CompTIA A+ and other CompTIA certifications such as Security+, Network+, and IT Fundamentals+ (which also covers networking topics that are included on the A+). However, any comparisons of the A+ to other certification exams can generally be made to hardware or support certifications issued by specific computer manufacturers, such as Dell. Other certifications created and designed by CompTIA are focused on different specialized concepts, such as project management and cybersecurity.
How Famous Is the CompTIA A+?
The CompTIA A+ is one of the most well-established IT certifications on the market, having been available to aspiring and current IT professionals for more than 30 years, since 1993. During that time, the A+ has never fallen out of favor, as there are a limited number of certifications that cover similar subject matter, and CompTIA has consistently updated the A+ to keep pace with current technology standards.
Because of the sustained demand for skilled computer and help desk support professionals over the past three decades, and the enduring availability of the A+ certification, the CompTIA A+ is one of the most widely recognized IT-based certifications ever created. It is said that nearly every IT manager or HR professional with experience in the IT field will have knowledge of the CompTIA A+.
What Should Be Expected on the CompTIA A+ Exam?
The CompTIA A+ exams are often considered difficult exams because of their extensive subject matter and the depth of knowledge required of the test-takers. This implies that there is a significant amount of memorization required to pass the A+ exams, frequently more than what many day-to-day computer specialists may be required to know for their jobs.
When preparing for the CompTIA A+ exams, keep in mind that you will encounter a number of performance-based questions (PBQs) that will present troubleshooting scenarios. Many of these will be multi-step questions, meaning that it is crucial that you have thoroughly studied the required material. Often, these PBQs may take several minutes to answer. In addition to these types of questions, CompTIA A+ candidates should also expect numerous multiple-choice questions that inquire about highly specific technical details.
Remember to read all the questions carefully, and re-read them again after completing all the questions. This is imperative, because the meaning of a single word in the question can have a critical effect on the expected answer. Many questions will require a judgment call, by including words such as “Which alternative is BEST?” or “Which should you do FIRST?”.
How Long Is the CompTIA A+ Valid For?
Many CompTIA certifications, including the A+, are valid for 3 years from the date they are earned. They can be renewed by earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs), retaking the exam, or taking a higher-level exam, such as the CompTIA Network+.
You can read more details about this question in the article: How Long Does CompTIA A+ Last & How to Renew It in 2024?
Which Career Job Can Benefit From the CompTIA A+?
At the end of the course, students can pursue the work of a regular computer technician (e.g., PC Technician, Field Technician) or technical support staff (e.g., Desktop Support Technician, PC Support Specialist). They may also opt for more specialized roles, such as that of a Remote Support Technician, or positions working at call centers where they regularly provide technical guidance by phone.
Is CompTIA A+ Worth It?
- Yearning cybersecurity experts ought to carefully weigh the venture of planning for the CompTIA A+ versus another higher-level certification, such as the CompTIA Server+ or Security+.
- Each certification will have certain differences in exam content, exam requirements, as well as applicable results. Therefore, you should rely on your financial ability, professional capacity, and personal needs to find and apply for the most suitable certification.
- Skipping the CompTIA A+ and moving specifically to the CompTIA Security+ or CompTIA Network+ is doable for most individuals with legitimate knowledge and preparation. It is our suggestion for most clients.
- Consider the CompTIA A+ if you work or have a passion to work in a technical support position.
- Remember that although it is an entry-level certification, the CompTIA A+ is still not an easy certification to gain because this certification will require a careful preparation process by the test-takers.
This post has supplied you with advice and more details regarding the CompTIA A+ certification, in addition to providing a response to the question “Is CompTIA A+ Worth It”? We hope you all can have a better preparation process for your IT careers.