What Is CompTIA A+ Certification?

CompTIA A+ certification is earned by passing a set of two exams – created by IT industry professionals – that validate skills needed for entry-level IT jobs. That said, CompTIA A+ is not just about PC repair. CompTIA A+ candidates are better prepared to troubleshoot and problem solve a wider variety of issues, ranging from networking and operating systems to mobile devices and security.

Unlike other certifications, many of which only require covering one domain, CompTIA A+ covers a broader diversity of knowledge required of technicians today, making A+ relevant to many more job roles.

What Job Roles Should Take the CompTIA A+ Exams

CompTIA A+ is for professionals looking to start a career in IT and have 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field, or equivalent training. CompTIA A+ prepares candidates for the following job roles:

  • IT Support Specialist
  • Helpdesk Technician
  • Field Technician
  • Tier I Support Specialist
  • Desktop Support Specialist
  • Associate Network Engineer
  • Systems Support Technician
  • Junior Systems Administrator

How Much Can I Make with CompTIA A+ Certification?

Here are a few CompTIA A+ jobs and their average salaries:

  • Support specialist: $54,500
  • Field service technician: $46,000
  • Desktop support analyst: $60,000
  • Help desk tier 2 support: $45,000

What Is on the CompTIA A+ Exam?

CompTIA A+ is a performance-based certification that supports the ability to connect users to the data they need to do their jobs regardless of the devices being used. Successful candidates will have the following skills:

  • Hardware: Identifying, using, and connecting hardware components and devices, including the broad knowledge about different devices that is now necessary to support the remote workforce
  • Operating Systems: Install and support Windows OS including command line & client support. System configuration imaging and troubleshooting for Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android and Linux OS.
  • Software Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot PC and mobile device issues including common OS, malware and security issues.
  • Networking: Explain types of networks and connections including TCP/IP, WIFI and SOHO
  • Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot real-world device and network issues quickly and efficiently
  • Security: Identify and protect against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections
  • Mobile Devices: Install & configure laptops and other mobile devices and support applications to ensure connectivity for end- users
  • Virtualization & Cloud Computing: Compare & contrast cloud computing concepts & set up client-side virtualization Operational Procedures: Follow best practices for safety, environmental impacts, and communication and professionalism

The CompTIA A+ exam covers the following domains and topics:

  • Hardware: Identify, use and connect hardware components and devices
  • Networking: Explain types of networks and connections including transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), Wi-Fi and small office/home office (SOHO)
  • Mobile Devices: Install and configure laptops and other mobile devices
  • Network and Hardware Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot device and network issues
  • Security: Identify and protect against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections
  • Windows Operating System: Install and support Windows OS, including command line and client support
  • Other OS Technologies: Understand Mac OS, Linux and mobile OS
  • Software Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot PC and mobile device issues, including application security support
  • Operational Procedures: Follow best practices for safety, environmental impacts and communication and professionalism

Want to review the detailed exam objectives? Click here


Who Is CompTIA?

CompTIA (The Computing Technology Industry Association) is the leading provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications in the world. With more than 2 million IT certifications issued worldwide, CompTIA is dedicated to helping IT professionals lead the charge in our digitally connected world.

For more than 20 years, CompTIA has developed training and certification exams for computing support, networking, security, open-source (Linux) development, cloud and mobility. Our regular review and updates of exams ensure that CompTIA certifications continue to address the needs of today’s technology challenges.

Ready for a Career in IT?

CompTIA A+ is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles and will help you launch your IT career – it's about much more than PC repair. Click here to learn more about CompTIA A+ and how it can help you get started.

We’ve made it easy to get started planning your path in IT. Begin by reading up on the four important steps toward your certification. Learn everything you need to know about the CompTIA A+ certification, and download the exam objectives and practice test questions to start learning right away.

CompTIA now offers a set of comprehensive learning resources that include books, eLearning, labs and exam prep software. These resources are developed in house by CompTIA, based on feedback we hear from learners like you. Learn more about the exam training options for CompTIA A+ that have been developed to fit your particular learning style and schedule, many of which may be used in combination with each other as you prepare for your exam.

There’s a wealth of information to take you from deciding if CompTIA A+ is right for you, all the way to taking your exam. We’re with you every step of the way!