CompTIA A+ Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the CompTIA A+, eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$246 per exam (2 exams)
Provider
CompTIA
Validity
3 years
Available
Global
Education
No formal education requirement for most exams
Experience
Recommended experience varies by certification level
Specific Requirements
- There are no formal prerequisites. CompTIA does not require any prior certification, degree or work history to register for 220-1201 or 220-1202.
- CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role before sitting either core exam.
- CompTIA's own guidance suggests allowing at least 120 hours of study plus additional hands-on practice for a candidate with no IT experience.
- Both exams must be taken from the same version. Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) are both V15, and CompTIA states that mixing versions is not allowed.
- A valid exam voucher is required for each attempt, and CompTIA states that candidates must pay the exam price each time they attempt the exam.
- Two original, valid, unexpired forms of identification are required, with the first and last name matching the registration exactly.
- Candidates must register using an address in the country where they reside at the time of testing, and must test in that same country, unless CompTIA approves an exception in advance by email.
- Candidates under 18 taking an online exam may present a valid student ID, and a guardian must present a valid ID and give verbal consent during check-in. From 23 June 2026, all minors need parental consent recorded in CompTIA Central before registering for an exam.
- OnVUE candidates must use a personal computer and a personal internet or local network connection, on Windows 10 or macOS 14 or higher, with a single display and no virtual machine.
Number of Questions
A maximum of 90 questions per exam. CompTIA publishes a ceiling rather than a fixed count and does not disclose how many questions are required to pass or how many a candidate answered incorrectly.
Duration
90 minutes per exam. Two exams are required, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), so 180 minutes of testing in total across two separate appointments. CompTIA structures its exams as a single session with no scheduled breaks.
Question Format
Multiple choice, single response, Multiple choice, multiple response, Drag and drop, Performance-based questions delivered in a simulated interface
Passing Requirement
675 for Core 1 (220-1201) and 700 for Core 2 (220-1202). CompTIA states that passing scores are set using statistical analysis and are subject to change.
How It Is Delivered
Computer-based at a Pearson VUE test centre, or online through Pearson VUE OnVUE remote proctoring. CompTIA makes online testing available for all its certifications but not in China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, South Korea, Slovenia, Sudan or Syria. Test centre candidates are photographed before testing and cannot sit the exam if they decline; OnVUE candidates are recorded through their webcam throughout.
Languages Offered
English, German, Japanese
Purchase an exam voucher from CompTIA or authorized reseller
Create a Pearson VUE account
Schedule your exam at a test center or online
Apply voucher code at checkout
Score Scale
A 900-point scaled range, reported per exam. CompTIA's Network+ and Security+ pages describe the same scale as running from 100 to 900, and the A+ V15 pages state 675 out of 900 for Core 1 and 700 out of 900 for Core 2.
Score You Need
675 for Core 1 (220-1201) and 700 for Core 2 (220-1202). CompTIA states that passing scores are set using statistical analysis and are subject to change.
How It Is Calculated
CompTIA describes using a mathematical algorithm to calculate a scaled score derived from what would otherwise be a percentage score, with cut scores set by statistical analysis. The model is criterion-referenced: a candidate's score is compared to an established cut score for minimal competency in the job role, never to other candidates, so there is no curve and no norm-referencing. Scoring is compensatory within an exam, because a weak domain can be offset by a strong one, but conjunctive across the certification, since both cores must be passed. CompTIA does not disclose the number of questions required to pass, the number answered incorrectly, or the raw-to-scale conversion, and it publishes no negative-marking rule for A+.
When You Get Results
The score appears on screen immediately after the exam. Test centre candidates receive a printed score report carrying their photograph; online candidates find the report in their Pearson VUE account within 24 hours. The exam record appears in the CompTIA certification account within five business days, and passing triggers a CompTIA Certmetrics email. The report lists the exam objectives attached to questions answered incorrectly, but not the questions themselves or how many were missed.
- Two forms of ID (primary must be government-issued with photo)
- Exam voucher or confirmation number
- For online: private room, webcam, clear desk
What are the prerequisites for the CompTIA A+?
There are no formal prerequisites. CompTIA does not require any prior certification, degree or work history to register for 220-1201 or 220-1202.. CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role before sitting either core exam.. CompTIA's own guidance suggests allowing at least 120 hours of study plus additional hands-on practice for a candidate with no IT experience.. Both exams must be taken from the same version. Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) are both V15, and CompTIA states that mixing versions is not allowed.. A valid exam voucher is required for each attempt, and CompTIA states that candidates must pay the exam price each time they attempt the exam.. Two original, valid, unexpired forms of identification are required, with the first and last name matching the registration exactly.. Candidates must register using an address in the country where they reside at the time of testing, and must test in that same country, unless CompTIA approves an exception in advance by email.. Candidates under 18 taking an online exam may present a valid student ID, and a guardian must present a valid ID and give verbal consent during check-in. From 23 June 2026, all minors need parental consent recorded in CompTIA Central before registering for an exam.. OnVUE candidates must use a personal computer and a personal internet or local network connection, on Windows 10 or macOS 14 or higher, with a single display and no virtual machine..
How much does the CompTIA A+ cost?
The CompTIA A+ exam costs $246 per exam (2 exams). This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the CompTIA A+?
Purchase an exam voucher from CompTIA or authorized reseller → Create a Pearson VUE account → Schedule your exam at a test center or online → Apply voucher code at checkout
What should I bring to the CompTIA A+?
Two forms of ID (primary must be government-issued with photo). Exam voucher or confirmation number. For online: private room, webcam, clear desk.
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