Ultimate Guide to the CompTIA A+ Certification in 2023
By Alex • Updated Jan 15, 2023
Overview | Exam Guide | Courses | Practice Exams
About: What is the CompTIA A+ certification?
The CompTIA A+ certification is an IT infrastructure certification offered by CompTIA that “validates the skills needed to perform critical IT support tasks - from security to networking to virtualization and more” (source).
Jobs: Which jobs can you get with a CompTIA A+ certification?
According to Credly, there are 3,310 job openings related to the CompTIA A+ certification in the US alone. The 5 job titles with the most openings are:
- Desktop Support Technician: 75 job postings
- Technical Account Engineer: 67 job postings
- Senior System Administrator: 55 job postings
- Systems Support Engineer: 55 job postings
- Field Service Technician: 53 job postings
Salary: Which salary can you expect with a CompTIA A+ certification?
In 2022, the average salary for a CompTIA A+ holder in the United States is $53,799 per year (source: ZipRecruiter).
The majority of salaries currently range between $44,500 (25th percentile) to $58,000 (75th percentile).
Requirements: What are the requirements for the CompTIA A+ certification?
There are no prerequisites to take the CompTIA A+ exam.
However, CompTIA recommends that professionals have a minimum of 9-12 months of networking experience.
Cost: How much does the CompTIA A+ certification cost?
The certification exam costs 239 USD. This does not include potential costs for study materials such as online courses and practice exams.
Recertification: How long is the certification valid & how can it be renewed?
The CompTIA A+ certification is good for three years from the day of your exam. CompTIA offers a Continuing Education (CE) program that allows you to extend your certification in three-year intervals.
CompTIA offers many different paths to renew your certification. If you want to renew your certification as fast as possible you can complete any of the following:
- Complete CompTIA CertMaster CE
- Earn Additional CompTIA Certifications
- Earn Non-CompTIA IT Industry Certifications
- Pass Latest Release of Your CompTIA Exam
Additionally, CompTIA offers the option to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by completing a variety of different activities, such as publishing blog posts, participating in workshops, or teaching a course (the full list of activities can be found here).
You can complete any combination of these activities to earn the total number of 20 CEUs required.
FAQs
Who is the CompTIA A+ certification for?
The CompTIA A+ certification is for IT professionals, including entry-level computer service technicians, who want to validate their skills in troubleshooting, networking, and security.
Is the CompTIA A+ certification worth it?
Yes, the CompTIA A+ certification is widely recognized and respected in the IT industry. It can help you to advance your career and increase your earning potential.
How can you get the CompTIA A+ certification?
To get the CompTIA A+ certification, you need to pass two exams: CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) and CompTIA A+ 220-1102 (Core 2).
What are the benefits of obtaining the CompTIA A+ certification?
The benefits of obtaining the CompTIA A+ certification include increased job opportunities and earning potential, validation of your IT skills, and the ability to advance your career in the IT industry.
How difficult is it to obtain the CompTIA A+ certification?
The difficulty of obtaining the CompTIA A+ certification can vary depending on your prior knowledge and experience. Many candidates find it challenging but obtainable with proper preparation and study.
How long does it take to get the CompTIA A+ certification?
The time it takes to get the CompTIA A+ certification can vary depending on the individual. Typically, it takes several months of study and preparation to pass the exams.
What are the best CompTIA A+ certification alternatives?
Some alternatives to the CompTIA A+ certification include the Microsoft MTA, Cisco CCNA, and the VMWare VCP. These certifications all focus on different aspects of IT, so it's important to research and choose the one that best aligns with your career goals.
Conclusion
In summary, the CompTIA A+ certification is a widely recognized and respected IT infrastructure certification that can help IT professionals increase their job opportunities and earning potential.
It is an ideal certification for those who want to validate their skills in troubleshooting, networking, and security.
With no prerequisites and a range of options to renew the certification, it's a valuable investment for IT professionals.