CompTIA A+ Certification: Complete Guide 2025
220-1101 & 220-1102
CompTIA A+ is the entry point for building real-world IT support skills, and the 220-1101 & 220-1102 exam series remains one of the most recognized ways to prove you can handle day-to-day technical problems. This certification is built for aspiring and early-career IT professionals who want to move into roles such as IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, or Desktop Support. Unlike broader theory-heavy credentials, A+ focuses on the hands-on knowledge employers expect when users cannot connect to Wi-Fi, a laptop will not boot, a printer fails, or a mobile device needs configuration.
For Core 1, candidates are tested across Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization and Cloud Computing, and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting, with up to 90 questions in 90 minutes and a passing score of 675 on a 900-point scale. You can expect a mix of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions, so success requires more than memorization. You need to recognize ports, cables, wireless standards, device components, and practical troubleshooting steps quickly.
On HydraNode.ai, this page helps you prepare efficiently with focused study content and free AI-generated practice tests designed around the actual A+ objectives. If you are planning a 4-8 week study timeline and want a foundational certification that can lead to better support roles, stronger technical confidence, and a path toward Network+ or Security+, CompTIA A+ is a smart place to start.
Exam Details
Resources
Everything you need to pass
Comprehensive preparation materials for your CompTIA A+ exam
Exam Content
Exam Domains & Topics
Master these 5 domains to pass your exam
Mobile Devices
Networking
Hardware
Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
Who Should Take This Exam?
- IT professionals seeking CompTIA expertise
- Infrastructure practitioners
- Cloud architects and engineers
- DevOps and infrastructure specialists
- Technical leads and solution architects
- Career changers entering cloud computing
Study Timeline
8-12 weeks
Recommended duration
Foundation · Weeks 1-2
Review exam objectives & core concepts
Deep Dive · Weeks 3-6
Study each domain with hands-on labs
Practice & Review · Weeks 7-8
Take practice exams & target weak areas
Career
Career Opportunities
Roles and salary potential for CompTIA A+ certified professionals
Related Job Titles
$65,000
Average Annual Salary
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Certification Comparisons
See how CompTIA A+ compares to other certifications
Prerequisites
There are no strict formal prerequisites for the CompTIA A+ certification. However, CompTIA recommends having foundational knowledge of infrastructure concepts and some hands-on experience before attempting the exam. Candidates who invest time in study materials and practice exams typically perform best.
CompTIA A+ FAQs
Common questions about the 220-1101 & 220-1102 certification exam
The CompTIA A+ is a professional certification offered by CompTIA that validates your expertise in the relevant technology domain. The exam code is 220-1101 & 220-1102. This certification demonstrates your ability to design, implement, and manage solutions using CompTIA technologies.
The CompTIA A+ exam typically contains 90 questions. These questions are a mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The passing score for the CompTIA A+ exam is 675/900. Note that CompTIA uses a scaled scoring system, so focus on understanding all exam domains thoroughly rather than just achieving the minimum score.
The CompTIA A+ exam duration is 90 minutes (2 hours). This includes time for reviewing your answers. We recommend practicing with timed mock exams to manage your time effectively.
The CompTIA A+ exam costs $246 per exam. Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. CompTIA occasionally offers discounts or voucher programs for certification exams.
The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain your certification, you'll need to recertify before it expires, either by passing the current exam version or through CompTIA's continuing education program.
While CompTIA doesn't always require formal prerequisites, we recommend having hands-on experience with the relevant technologies. Familiarity with core concepts and practical experience will significantly improve your chances of passing the exam.
Yes, the CompTIA A+ exam is proctored and can be taken either at a testing center or online through remote proctoring. Online proctoring allows you to take the exam from home while being monitored via webcam. Ensure you have a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection if choosing the online option.
If you don't pass the CompTIA A+ exam on your first attempt, you can retake it. CompTIA typically has a waiting period between attempts (usually 14 days for the first retake). Use this time to review the areas where you struggled and take additional practice exams.
To prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam, we recommend: 1) Review the official exam guide and objectives, 2) Gain hands-on experience with the technologies, 3) Use practice exams to identify knowledge gaps, 4) Study each exam domain thoroughly, and 5) Join study groups or forums to discuss challenging topics with other candidates.
Sources
About the CompTIA A+ Certification
The CompTIA A+ (220-1101 & 220-1102) is a foundational-level certification offered by CompTIA. This certification validates your expertise in infrastructure and is recognized globally by employers seeking qualified professionals. The exam consists of 90 questions to be completed in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 675/900. The exam fee is $246 per exam, and the certification is valid for 3 years.
Why Get CompTIA A+ Certified?
- Career Advancement: Certified professionals earn an average of $65,000 per year. CompTIA-certified professionals are among the most sought-after in the infrastructure industry.
- Industry Recognition: CompTIA certifications are respected worldwide by employers, demonstrating verified competency in infrastructure technologies and practices.
- Skill Validation: The CompTIA A+ exam rigorously tests your knowledge across 5 domains, ensuring you have the practical skills employers demand.
CompTIA A+ Exam Format & Details
The 220-1101 & 220-1102 exam is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Candidates are given 90 minutes to complete the exam, which contains approximately 90 questions. A score of 675/900 is required to pass. As a foundational-level exam, it focuses on core concepts and terminology, making it accessible to professionals new to the field.
Exam Domains & Topics
The CompTIA A+ exam covers 5 key domains. Understanding the weight of each domain helps you allocate your study time effectively:
- Mobile Devices (15% of exam)
- Networking (20% of exam)
- Hardware (25% of exam)
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11% of exam)
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29% of exam)
Who Should Take the CompTIA A+ Exam?
This certification is designed for professionals in the following roles:
- IT professionals seeking CompTIA expertise
- Infrastructure practitioners looking to validate their skills
- Professionals preparing for a career in infrastructure
- Technical specialists aiming to advance their career with an industry-recognized credential
- Team leads and managers who need to understand infrastructure concepts
Career Opportunities & Salary
Earning the CompTIA A+ certification opens doors to roles such as IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, Desktop Support. Certified professionals earn an average salary of $65,000 per year, reflecting the high demand for infrastructure skills in today's job market.
Recertification & Renewal
The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain your credential, you will need to meet CompTIA's renewal requirements before your certification expires. This may include earning continuing education credits, passing a recertification exam, or earning a higher-level certification.
Exam Registration & Cost
The 220-1101 & 220-1102 exam costs $246 per exam. You can register through CompTIA's official website or an authorized testing center. Most candidates choose between in-person testing at a Pearson VUE or PSI center and online proctored exams taken from home. Be sure to review the exam policies, including identification requirements and prohibited items, before your test date.
How to Prepare for 220-1101 & 220-1102
Most candidates need 4-8 weeks of dedicated study to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. Start by reviewing the official exam objectives, then work through each domain systematically. Regular practice with exam-style questions is essential for building confidence and identifying weak areas. Combine reading with hands-on practice to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Hydranode offers comprehensive preparation materials including practice exams, study guides, and free practice tests to help you pass on your first attempt. Our AI-powered practice questions are designed to match the format and difficulty of the actual 220-1101 & 220-1102 exam, giving you realistic preparation and instant feedback on your performance.