CompTIA A+ Study Guide for Career Changers
According to CompTIA’s official data, the A+ certification is held by over one million IT professionals worldwide and is recognised by major employers including the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD 8140), government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies. The BLS reports that computer support specialist roles — the primary target for A+ holders — are projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033.
CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification in the United States and many other markets. For career changers with no IT background, it is typically the right place to start.
What Is CompTIA A+?
Section titled “What Is CompTIA A+?”CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral IT certification that validates foundational knowledge of hardware, operating systems, networking, troubleshooting, and security. It is maintained by CompTIA, a nonprofit trade association that also produces Security+, Network+, and CySA+.
A+ is not a cybersecurity certification — it is a foundational IT certification. The reason career changers start here is that cybersecurity builds on the same knowledge of systems and networks that A+ covers. Security professionals who do not understand how systems work struggle to understand how those systems are attacked or defended.
Source: CompTIA official certification page at comptia.org (verified March 2026)
Why Should Career Changers Start With CompTIA A+?
Section titled “Why Should Career Changers Start With CompTIA A+?”CyberSeek’s career pathway data shows that A+ is the most frequently cited certification for entry-level IT roles, and CompTIA’s own research indicates that A+ holders earn an average starting salary of $40,000–$55,000 USD in help desk and support roles (as of 2026, individual results vary).
Three reasons this certification makes sense as a starting point for career changers:
1. It teaches the foundations security depends on. You will learn how hardware components work, how operating systems manage processes and files, and how basic networking functions. This knowledge is directly applicable to security roles.
2. Employers recognize it. A+ appears in a large number of IT support and junior security job postings, particularly for SOC Analyst Tier 1 and IT Support roles that can transition into security.
3. The pass rates are publicly reported. CompTIA reports that most candidates who study adequately pass their exams. It is achievable with consistent effort over 3–6 months.
Should you skip A+? If you have 1 or more years of hands-on IT experience (help desk, sysadmin, desktop support), you may be able to go directly to Security+. A+ is primarily valuable for people who have not worked in IT before.
I had a lot of people in online forums telling me to skip A+ and go straight to Security+. “It’s just help desk stuff,” they’d say. But I’d spent my working life in real estate in India, then aged care, then delivery driving — I didn’t know what a BIOS was, let alone how subnetting worked. Starting with A+ was the right call for me. Learning how hardware actually fits together and how an operating system manages processes gave me a quiet confidence I wasn’t expecting. By the time I finished Core 2, security concepts that had seemed completely abstract suddenly had something concrete to hang on to.
What Do the Two CompTIA A+ Exams Cover?
Section titled “What Do the Two CompTIA A+ Exams Cover?”CompTIA A+ requires passing two separate exams, each covering distinct domains. The exam objectives are updated periodically by CompTIA to reflect current industry requirements — the current versions are Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102).
CompTIA A+ requires passing two separate exams:
Core 1: 220-1101
Section titled “Core 1: 220-1101”Domains and weights (as of 2026 objectives):
- Mobile Devices — 15%
- Networking — 20%
- Hardware — 25%
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing — 11%
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting — 29%
Format: Up to 90 questions, 90 minutes, passing score 675/900
Core 2: 220-1102
Section titled “Core 2: 220-1102”Domains and weights (as of 2026 objectives):
- Operating Systems — 31%
- Security — 25%
- Software Troubleshooting — 22%
- Operational Procedures — 22%
Format: Up to 90 questions, 90 minutes, passing score 700/900
Both exams include multiple choice questions and performance-based questions (simulations). Performance-based questions ask you to complete a task in a simulated environment — they are harder than multiple choice and worth preparing for specifically.
The Core 2 exam tests your knowledge of Windows command-line tools. Practise these commands in a virtual machine or on your own computer so they feel familiar on exam day:
# Core 2 exam covers these Windows commandssfc /scannow # System File Checker — repairs corrupt fileschkdsk /f /r # Check disk for errors and bad sectorsgpupdate /force # Force Group Policy updatenet user # List local user accountsnetstat -ano # Show active connections with process IDstasklist # List running processesExam objectives source: comptia.org/certifications/a-plus (verified March 2026)
Core 1 vs Core 2 at a Glance
Section titled “Core 1 vs Core 2 at a Glance”CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2
- Hardware — Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage
- Networking — TCP/IP, ports, wireless, DNS
- Mobile devices — Laptops, tablets, connectivity
- Cloud & virtualisation — Cloud concepts, VMs, containers
- Operating systems — Windows, Linux, macOS management
- Security — Malware, social engineering, encryption
- Troubleshooting — Methodology, software, networking issues
- Operational procedures — Documentation, change management, safety
Exam Domain Breakdown
Section titled “Exam Domain Breakdown”📊 Visual Explanation
Section titled “📊 Visual Explanation”CompTIA A+ Exam Structure
Two exams with distinct domain areas and weights
Exam Cost
Section titled “Exam Cost”As of March 2026, each CompTIA A+ exam voucher costs approximately $253 USD, making the total for both exams approximately $506 USD. Costs vary by region and may change. Verify current pricing at comptia.org before purchasing.
CompTIA periodically offers discounts through their website and through academic programs. Some employers reimburse certification costs after hire.
How Long Should Career Changers Study for CompTIA A+?
Section titled “How Long Should Career Changers Study for CompTIA A+?”CompTIA recommends 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience as preparation for A+, but career changers studying consistently with structured materials can typically prepare in 4 to 6 months at 8–10 hours per week. Cognitive science research on spaced repetition (Ebbinghaus, refined by Pimsleur and Leitner) confirms that distributed practice over months produces far better retention than compressed cramming.
For someone with no prior IT experience studying 8–10 hours per week:
| Period | Focus |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | Core 1 domains: Hardware and Networking fundamentals |
| Weeks 5–8 | Core 1 domains: Troubleshooting, Mobile, Cloud |
| Weeks 9–10 | Core 1 practice exams and review |
| Week 11 | Schedule and take Core 1 exam |
| Weeks 12–15 | Core 2 domains: Operating Systems and Security |
| Weeks 16–18 | Core 2 domains: Troubleshooting and Procedures |
| Weeks 19–20 | Core 2 practice exams and review |
| Week 21 | Schedule and take Core 2 exam |
This puts total study time at approximately 5 months. Some people finish faster, some slower. Do not rush the practice exam phase — consistently scoring 80% or above on practice tests before scheduling the real exam is a reliable indicator of readiness.
Free Study Resources
Section titled “Free Study Resources”Video courses (free):
- Professor Messer’s CompTIA A+ course — profmesser.com — widely considered the best free resource; covers all objectives in video format
- Professor Messer also offers a study guide for purchase if you prefer text
Practice questions (free tier available):
- ExamCompass — free practice questions organized by objective
- TryHackMe Pre-Security path — not A+ specific, but covers networking and Linux concepts that appear on the exam
Official resource:
- CompTIA CertMaster Learn — official study platform (paid, but free trials sometimes available)
- CompTIA’s free exam objectives PDF — download from comptia.org and use as a checklist
Paid Resources Worth Considering
Section titled “Paid Resources Worth Considering”- Professor Messer’s practice exams — ~$35; the closest thing to the real exam format available
- Mike Meyers’ CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide — comprehensive textbook, ~$50–60 new
- Jason Dion’s Udemy course — frequently on sale for under $20; good supplement to Professor Messer
You do not need all of these. Professor Messer’s free videos plus his paid practice exams is a complete preparation package for most people.
Exam Tips
Section titled “Exam Tips”On performance-based questions: Performance-based questions appear at the beginning of the exam. Many candidates skip them initially and return after answering multiple choice questions, because they are time-intensive. Check CompTIA’s current guidance on this strategy, as exam formats can change.
On scheduling: Schedule your exam before you feel fully ready. Having a date forces consistent study. Pearson VUE (CompTIA’s testing partner) offers both in-person testing centers and online proctored exams.
On retakes: If you do not pass, CompTIA’s retake policy allows a second attempt after a waiting period. Check the current policy at comptia.org. Factor potential retake costs into your budget.
A+ has two exams and hundreds of objectives to cover. I built this tracker to break the whole thing into weekly milestones — it is the system that kept me from getting overwhelmed.
Career Roadmap & Study TrackerAvailable Now
Step-by-step roadmap with study tracker worksheets and certification decision framework.
After A+
Section titled “After A+”Once you have passed both A+ exams, the natural next step is CompTIA Security+. The knowledge from A+ directly prepares you for Security+ content in networking, operating systems, and basic security concepts.
See the Certifications Guide for a comparison of what comes next. For a week-by-week look at how A+ study actually works, read My CompTIA A+ Study Plan: Week 1.
Exam objectives, pricing, and policies are subject to change. Always verify current information directly at comptia.org before purchasing exam vouchers.
Individual results vary based on location, experience, market conditions, and effort invested.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ is challenging but achievable for beginners with no IT experience. Most career changers who study consistently for 3-5 months and score 80%+ on practice exams pass on their first attempt. The performance-based questions are the hardest part and require hands-on practice.
How long should I study for CompTIA A+?
Plan for 4-6 months studying 8-10 hours per week if you have no prior IT experience. You need to pass two separate exams (Core 1 and Core 2), so budget time for both. Some people finish faster, but rushing increases the risk of needing a retake.
Is CompTIA A+ worth it in 2026?
Yes, particularly for career changers with no IT background. A+ remains the most recognized entry-level IT certification and appears frequently in help desk, IT support, and junior SOC analyst job postings. It also builds the foundational knowledge required for Security+ and other security certifications.
Can I take CompTIA A+ with no IT experience?
Absolutely. A+ is designed for people with little to no IT experience. The certification covers foundational concepts from the ground up, including hardware, operating systems, networking, and basic security. Many successful A+ holders started with zero IT background.
How much does the CompTIA A+ exam cost?
As of March 2026, each A+ exam voucher costs approximately $253 USD. Since A+ requires two exams (Core 1 and Core 2), the total cost is approximately $506 USD. Look for academic discounts, employer reimbursement, or CompTIA promotions to reduce costs.
What score do I need to pass CompTIA A+?
Core 1 (220-1101) requires a score of 675 out of 900 to pass. Core 2 (220-1102) requires a score of 700 out of 900. Both exams have up to 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit.
Should I take Core 1 or Core 2 first?
Take Core 1 (220-1101) first. Core 1 covers hardware, networking, and troubleshooting, which provides the foundation for Core 2 topics like operating systems and security. Most study resources are structured in this order as well.
What is the best free resource for CompTIA A+ study?
Professor Messer's free video course at professormesser.com is widely considered the best free A+ resource. It covers every exam objective in video format. Pair it with CompTIA's free exam objectives PDF as a study checklist for a complete free preparation plan.
Does CompTIA A+ expire?
Yes, CompTIA A+ is valid for three years from the date you pass. You can renew it by earning Continuing Education (CE) credits or by passing a higher-level CompTIA certification like Security+, which automatically renews A+.
What jobs can I get with CompTIA A+?
A+ qualifies you for roles including help desk technician, IT support specialist, desktop support analyst, and field service technician. These roles typically pay $35,000-$55,000 depending on location. Many people use these positions as stepping stones into cybersecurity by adding Security+ next.