CompTIA A+is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT. CompTIA A+ 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:
- Install and configure end-user devices and software
- Connect devices to networks
- Perform basic cybersecurity mitigations
- Troubleshoot common problems to diagnose and resolve issues
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of scripting, the cloud, and virtualization
The new CompTIA A+ 1100 series emphasizes the technologies and skills IT pros need to support a hybrid workforce.
- CompTIA A+ reflects the increased reliance on SaaS applications for remote work.
- The new CompTIA A+ focuses more than before on troubleshooting and how to remotely diagnose and correct common software, hardware or connectivity problems.
- A+ focuses on changing core technologies from cloud infrastructure and IoT device security to data management and scripting.
- Technicians encounter multiple operating systems on a regular basis, and A+ now covers the major systems, their use cases, and how to keep them running properly.
- CompTIA A+ reflects the changing nature of the job role, where many tasks are sent to specialized providers. Certified personnel are able to assess whether it’s best to fix something on site, or to save time and money by sending proprietary technologies directly to vendors.
How Many Questions Are on the CompTIA A+ Exams?
Each of the two CompTIA A+ exams has no more than 90 questions. The combination of the two exams required for certification will have no more than 180 questions.
After completing the exam, you will be asked to fill out some optional exit survey information about your study practices and why you decided to get certified. This will consist of about 12 multiple-choice questions.
What Types of Questions Are on the CompTIA A+ Exams?
The CompTIA A+ exams include a combination of multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop activities and performance-based items. The multiple-choice questions are single and multiple response. Performance-based items test your ability to solve problems in a simulated environment, which is why CompTIA A+ is recognized as a performance certification.
When taking the exams, it’s important to manage your time wisely. Most of the performance-based questions will appear at the beginning of the exam, and you won’t be able to see a clock when working on each one.
Practice is key! Click here to learn more about performance-based questionsor to try a sample of a performance-based questions.
What Are the CompTIA A+ Exam Domains, and What Do They Cover?
The CompTIA A+ 220-1101 exam includes the following domains and topics:
- Mobile devices (15%)
- Networking (20%)
- Hardware (25%)
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%)
The CompTIA A+ 220-1102 exam includes the following domains and topics:
- Operating Systems (31%)
- Security (25%)
- Software Troubleshooting (22%) • Operational Procedures (22%)
Want to review the detailed exam objectives? Click here.
You will have 90 minutes to complete each of the exams. This does not include the time necessary to check in at the testing center – so plan to arrive a little bit early.
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.
CompTIA now offers a set of comprehensive learning resources that includes 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!
