You’ve Decided to Launch Your IT Career
You’re ready to move from fixing family computers to a professional IT role. The CompTIA A+ certification is the universal first step, a trusted credential that proves you have the foundational skills employers demand. But between studying and landing the job, there’s one critical hurdle: actually taking the exam.
The process can feel opaque. Where do you register? What’s the exam format? How do you avoid costly mistakes on test day? This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll walk you through every single step, from choosing your exam version to receiving your passing score, so you can approach your test with confidence.
Understanding the CompTIA A+ Exam Structure
First, know what you’re signing up for. The CompTIA A+ certification isn’t a single test. It’s a two-exam series that validates a broad range of IT operational skills. You must pass both Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) to become certified.
Each exam is a 90-minute test with a maximum of 90 questions. The question formats are a mix of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions (PBQs). PBQs are the most challenging part for many candidates. They simulate real-world IT tasks in a virtual environment, like configuring a wireless network or troubleshooting a device in a simulated command line.
The passing score is scaled, not a simple percentage. For the current 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams, the passing scores are 675 and 700, respectively, on a scale of 100-900. Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing a percentage.
Core 1 vs. Core 2: What Each Exam Covers
It’s crucial to know the focus of each exam so you can plan your study and testing strategy.
The Core 1 (220-1101) exam focuses on hardware, networking, mobile devices, and virtualization. You’ll be tested on identifying PC components, setting up a basic network, configuring and troubleshooting laptops and mobile devices, and understanding cloud concepts.
The Core 2 (220-1102) exam shifts to software, security, and operational procedures. This covers installing and configuring operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), implementing basic security features, troubleshooting software issues, and following best practices for safety, communication, and professionalism.
Step 1: Prepare and Study for the Exam
Before you even think about registration, you need a solid study plan. Rushing to the testing center unprepared is the most common and expensive mistake.
Start with the official exam objectives. CompTIA provides detailed PDFs for both Core 1 and Core 2, listing every topic you could be tested on. Use this as your ultimate checklist. Cross off each objective as you master it.
Gather your study materials. A multi-source approach works best.
– Official CompTIA study guides and textbooks provide comprehensive coverage.
– Video courses from platforms like Professor Messer (which are free), Udemy, or Pluralsight help visualize complex topics.
– Practice tests are non-negotiable. They familiarize you with the question format, reveal knowledge gaps, and build test-taking stamina. Use products from Dion Training, Jason Dion, or the official CompTIA CertMaster Practice.
Schedule consistent study time. Cramming doesn’t work for A+. Aim for 1-2 hours daily over 8-12 weeks, depending on your prior experience. Build a home lab using old hardware or virtual machines to get hands-on practice with installations, configurations, and troubleshooting.
Step 2: Purchase Your Exam Voucher
An exam voucher is a unique code that pays for your test session. You cannot schedule an exam without one.
The most straightforward place to buy a voucher is directly from the CompTIA Store. The retail price for a single exam voucher is typically around $246 USD. However, you can often find discounts.
– Academic discounts are available for students through their institution.
– CompTIA sometimes runs seasonal promotions.
– Authorized training partners may offer bundled vouchers with study materials at a lower cost.
Consider buying a two-exam voucher bundle if you’re committed to completing both cores. It’s usually slightly cheaper than buying separately. Important: Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Make sure you schedule and take your exam within that window.
Step 3: Schedule Your Exam with Pearson VUE
CompTIA uses Pearson VUE as its exclusive testing partner. You will schedule and take your exam through their system.
Go to the Pearson VUE CompTIA page. You’ll need to create a Pearson VUE account or log in with an existing one. This account is separate from your CompTIA login.
During scheduling, you have two critical choices: test center or online testing.
Choosing Between a Test Center and Online Proctoring
This is a major decision that depends on your personality and environment.
Taking the exam at a Pearson VUE test center means you go to a physical location. You’ll use their secure computer, in a quiet, controlled room. The staff handles all the setup and technical issues. This is the most reliable option if you have a spotty internet connection, a noisy home, or simply want fewer variables on test day.
Taking the exam online via OnVUE allows you to test from home or your office. A live proctor monitors you via your webcam and microphone. You must pass a strict environment check before starting: your desk must be clear, walls bare, and no one else can enter the room. The convenience is great, but the technical and environmental rules are stringent. A failed check can void your exam.
For your first CompTIA exam, many experts recommend a test center to eliminate any potential home-testing stress. Select your option, choose your exam (220-1101 or 220-1102), enter your voucher code, and pick an available date and time.
Step 4: What to Do on Exam Day
Proper preparation on the day itself is key to performance.
If testing at a center, arrive at least 15-30 minutes early. Bring two forms of identification. The primary ID must be government-issued with a photo and signature (like a driver’s license or passport). You cannot bring anything into the testing room—no notes, phones, watches, or hats. They will provide scratch paper and a pen or a digital notepad.
If testing online, log in to your Pearson VUE account 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time. Run the system test for your computer and webcam again. Clear your desk completely except for your computer, mouse, and a whiteboard or plain paper for notes (if allowed). Ensure your room is well-lit and quiet.
A Strategic Approach to the Exam Itself
When the exam begins, you’ll typically encounter the performance-based questions (PBQs) first. A good strategy is to flag these and come back to them. Answer the multiple-choice questions you know immediately to build momentum and bank time.
Manage your time carefully. With 90 minutes for up to 90 questions, you have roughly a minute per question. Don’t get stuck. Use the flag-for-review feature. If a question is taking too long, make your best guess, flag it, and move on. You can return to all flagged questions at the end.
Read every question carefully. Look for keywords like “BEST,” “FIRST,” or “MOST likely.” CompTIA questions often have multiple plausible answers, but you must choose the one that aligns with best practices and the specific scenario described.
Step 5: After the Exam – Scores and Next Steps
The moment you submit the exam, you’ll get a preliminary pass/fail result on screen at the testing center. For online tests, the proctor will provide this result. Don’t panic if you don’t see a score breakdown immediately.
Within minutes of finishing, you’ll receive an official score report via email from Pearson VUE. This report includes your score and a breakdown of how you performed in each exam domain. Use this diagnostic report if you did not pass. It tells you exactly which areas to restudy before your next attempt.
If you passed, congratulations! Your certification will be processed automatically. Within a few days, you’ll get an email from CompTIA with instructions on accessing your certification dashboard, downloading your digital certificate, and sharing your credential on platforms like LinkedIn.
Remember, you must pass both Core 1 and Core 2 to be A+ certified. If you just passed one, immediately begin studying for the second while the knowledge is fresh. Your certification is valid for three years from the date you pass the second exam.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even well-prepared candidates can stumble on procedural issues.
Voucher expiration is a costly error. Mark your calendar. If your voucher is about to expire and you’re not ready, you can often reschedule your exam for a small fee, which is cheaper than buying a new voucher.
Ignoring the PBQs until the end is a time-management disaster. While you shouldn’t let one PBQ consume half your session, allocate time for them. Skim them at the start, decide which look quick, and tackle those. Flag the complex ones.
Not doing a full-length, timed practice test is a major risk. You need to know what it feels like to focus for 90 minutes on challenging questions. Practice tests build the mental endurance you’ll need for the real thing.
What If You Don’t Pass?
Failing an exam is disappointing, but it’s not the end. CompTIA’s retake policy is designed to give you a chance to succeed.
If you fail your first attempt, you must wait at least 14 calendar days before retaking the same exam. If you fail a second time, you must wait another 14 days. For any subsequent retakes, a 30-day waiting period applies. There is no annual limit on attempts, but each requires a new voucher purchase.
Use the waiting period productively. Go back to your score report. Re-study the domains where you scored weakest. Change your study method—if you only used a book, try a video course or hands-on labs for those topics. Then, reschedule your exam and try again.
Your Path Forward After the A+ Exam
Passing the CompTIA A+ exams is a significant achievement that validates your technical skills. But it’s also a launchpad.
Immediately update your resume and LinkedIn profile with your new certification. Use the exact phrase “CompTIA A+ Certified” and consider adding the digital badge CompTIA provides. This makes you instantly more visible to recruiters and hiring algorithms.
Start applying for entry-level roles like Help Desk Technician, IT Support Specialist, or Field Service Technician. Your A+ certification is the key that opens these doors.
Finally, think about your next certification. The IT field rewards continuous learning. Your A+ knowledge is the perfect foundation for CompTIA Network+ and then Security+, building a powerful triad of certifications that can define a successful IT career. You’ve proven you can learn and master a complex process. Now, take that momentum and run with it.
