Overview
CompTIA A+ is an entry-level IT support certification from CompTIA, a technology industry body. It is earned by passing two separate exams, Core 1 and Core 2, which can be taken in either order. The current version is V15, which CompTIA launched on March 25, 2025. CompTIA lists help desk and IT support specialist roles as the target jobs.
Who can apply
CompTIA recommends about 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role before testing. This is a recommendation, not a stated entry requirement.
Exam pattern
Both exams share the same format. Each has at most 90 questions in a mix of multiple-choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop and performance-based questions, and runs for 90 minutes. Both are offered in English, German and Japanese.
| Exam | Code | Focus | Passing score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core 1 | 220-1201 | Hardware, networking, mobile devices, cloud | 675 out of 900 |
| Core 2 | 220-1202 | Operating systems and security | 700 out of 900 |
Syllabus
Core 1 domains and weightings
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Mobile devices | 13% |
| Networking | 23% |
| Hardware | 25% |
| Virtualization and cloud computing | 11% |
| Hardware and network troubleshooting | 28% |
Core 2 domains and weightings
| Domain | Weight |
|---|---|
| Operating systems | 28% |
| Security | 28% |
| Software troubleshooting | 23% |
| Operational procedures | 21% |
Marking and results
Scores are reported on a scale of 900. The pass mark is 675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2.
Important dates
The V15 exams launched on March 25, 2025. CompTIA says a version usually retires about three years after launch, and estimates 2028 for V15.
After the exam
CompTIA lists A+ as meeting the requirements for several US Department of Defense 8140 roles, including technical support specialist and system administrator.
Do I have to pass both exams?
Yes. The A+ certification needs a pass on both Core 1 and Core 2, in any order.
Which languages are the exams offered in?
English, German and Japanese.