If you’re preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam in 2026, you’re making a smart career move. The A+ certification is the industry-standard entry point for IT support careers — recognized by employers worldwide and required for many government and military IT positions.
This guide covers everything you need to know to pass both A+ exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102), including exam domains, study strategies, and how to find the right training program.
What Is the CompTIA A+ Certification?
CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates foundational IT skills. It covers hardware, networking, operating systems, security, and troubleshooting — the core skills every IT support technician needs on day one.
The certification requires passing two separate exams. There are no formal prerequisites, making it the ideal starting point whether you’re a complete beginner or transitioning from another field.
A+ Exam Structure: Core 1 and Core 2
Core 1 (220-1101) — Hardware and Networking
- Mobile Devices (15%) — Laptops, tablets, mobile device hardware and software
- Networking (20%) — Ports, protocols, TCP/IP, wireless networking
- Hardware (25%) — Cables, connectors, RAM, storage, CPUs, motherboards
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%) — Cloud models, virtualization concepts
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%) — Diagnosing and resolving hardware and connectivity issues
Core 2 (220-1102) — Software and Security
- Operating Systems (31%) — Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS
- Security (25%) — Threats, vulnerabilities, physical security, data protection
- Software Troubleshooting (22%) — Application issues, OS problems, malware removal
- Operational Procedures (22%) — Documentation, change management, communication
How Long Does It Take to Study for A+?
Most candidates spend 60–120 hours of study time per exam. The right timeline depends on your background:
- No IT experience: 3–6 months of self-study, or 4–8 weeks with an intensive bootcamp
- Some IT experience: 4–8 weeks self-study, or 1–2 weeks bootcamp
- Strong IT background: 2–4 weeks focused review
Bootcamp training significantly compresses the timeline. DSDT College’s CompTIA A+ training program delivers intensive, instructor-led preparation in 5 days (daytime) or 10 days (evenings) — structured to get you exam-ready fast.
Top Study Tips for Passing A+ on the First Try
1. Understand the Exam Objectives
Download the official CompTIA A+ exam objectives from CompTIA’s website. Every question on the exam maps to these domains. Treat the objectives list as your study checklist — don’t waste time studying topics that aren’t on it.
2. Get Hands-On Practice
A+ is a performance-based exam, meaning some questions require you to actually do things, not just select the right answer. Build a lab environment — even virtual machines on a laptop — and practice installing operating systems, configuring networks, and troubleshooting errors.
3. Use Practice Tests Strategically
Practice exams serve two purposes: identifying weak areas and getting comfortable with the question format. Take a diagnostic test first, study your weak domains, then retest. Aim to score consistently above 85% on practice exams before scheduling your real exam.
4. Study Networking Concepts Deeply
Networking makes up 20% of Core 1 and shows up throughout both exams. Know your TCP/IP model, common port numbers (21, 22, 25, 53, 80, 443), subnetting basics, and the differences between TCP and UDP. This is an area where many candidates lose points unnecessarily.
5. Don’t Neglect Security on Core 2
Security is 25% of the Core 2 exam and covers everything from social engineering to encryption types to physical security controls. If you plan to pursue CompTIA Security+ after A+, this domain gives you a foundation you’ll build on significantly.
A+ Study Resources for 2026
The best candidates use a combination of resources:
- Official CompTIA Study Guide — Comprehensive but dense; best used as a reference
- Professor Messer’s Free Course — Highly recommended free video series aligned to exam objectives
- Jason Dion’s Practice Tests — Industry-standard practice exam content on Udemy
- Instructor-led bootcamp — Fastest path to passing, especially for visual or hands-on learners
How Much Does the A+ Exam Cost?
Each A+ exam voucher costs approximately $246 (as of 2026). You need two vouchers for two exams — a total of around $492 in exam fees alone. Many training programs, including DSDT’s A+ bootcamp, include an exam voucher discount as part of enrollment, reducing your out-of-pocket cost significantly.
What Jobs Can You Get with CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ opens the door to entry-level IT support roles, including:
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Analyst
- Field Service Technician
- Systems Administrator (entry-level)
- Military and government IT contractor roles
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for computer support specialists is over $57,000 per year, with demand expected to grow steadily through 2030. Many IT professionals use A+ as the launching pad for higher-paying certifications like Network+, Security+, and eventually CySA+.
Should You Self-Study or Take a Bootcamp?
Self-study works well if you’re disciplined, have previous IT exposure, and can afford the time to study over several months. A bootcamp is the better choice if you want to pass quickly, need structure and accountability, or are making a career change and can’t afford to spend 4–6 months preparing.
DSDT College offers CompTIA A+ training in Detroit, Michigan — available both in-person and via live virtual instruction. Classes run 5 days (daytime) or 10 days (evenings and weekends), making them accessible even if you’re currently employed.
Ready to start? View the A+ training schedule and enroll today.
