CompTIA A+ Certification Cost: Decoding Expenses

Are you considering a career in Information Technology (IT) Support or looking to advance your existing IT career? One certification that holds immense value in the industry is the CompTIA A+ Certification. However, before embarking on this certification journey, it is crucial to understand the CompTIA A+ Certification Cost. 

By comprehensively understanding the CompTIA A+ Certification Cost, you can chart your path strategically and unlock a world of opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of Information Technology. 

So, wait no more; embark on the journey to becoming a successful professional in IT. Read this blog to know the CompTIA A+ Certification Costs. Also, explore the career prospects of this certification in detail. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is the CompTIA A+ Certification? 

2) Detailed overview of the CompTIA A+ exam 

3) Cost of CompTIA A+ Certification 

4) Is CompTIA A+ Certification worth the cost? 

5) Conclusion 

What is the CompTIA A+ Certification? 

If you’re venturing into IT or aiming to establish a career in IT Support, you’ve likely come across the term “CompTIA A+ Certification.” But what exactly is it? 

CompTIA A+ Certification is a widely recognised credential in the IT industry, particularly for individuals seeking entry-level positions in IT support and technical roles. It is administered by Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a leading provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications.

The CompTIA A+ Certification is designed to validate the foundational skills and knowledge required for IT professionals working in roles such as technical support specialists, desktop support technicians, and help desk technicians. It covers a broad range of topics related to hardware, software, networking, security, and troubleshooting.

By obtaining the CompTIA A+ Certification, individuals demonstrate their competency in essential IT skills, enhance their job prospects, and gain recognition within the industry. It serves as a valuable entry point for launching a career in IT support and provides a solid foundation for further specialization and advancement in the field.



 

Detailed overview of the CompTIA A+ exam 

To earn the A+ Certification, candidates must appear for an examination. It is the key to your career in the IT industry. So, let’s have a detailed look at the A+ exam. This exam is divided into two parts, namely: 

a) Core 1 (220 – 1101): Tests your knowledge of mobile devices, networking technologies, hardware, virtualisation and cloud computing. 

b) Core 2 (220 – 1102): Tests your knowledge of Operating Systems, security, software and operational procedures. 

Candidates must give each exam. Moreover, to appear for the exam, you must purchase a coupon. A coupon represents a unique code, and is available at CompTIA’s official site, and you must take this coupon to the testing centre. 

The tests include both multiple-choice and performance-based questions. They examine your understanding of various IT fundamentals, including hardware, software, networking, operating systems, and security. 

Furthermore, each domain possesses different weightage in the examination., Thus, you require to prepare accordingly. The Core 1 (220-1101) domains and exam score weightage are as follows: 

a) Mobile Devices (14%)

b) Networking (20%)

c) Hardware (27%)

d) Virtualisation and Cloud Computing (12%)

e) Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (27%)

The Core 2 (220-1102) domains and exam score weightage are as follows: 

a) Operating Systems (27%)

b) Security (24%)

c) Software Troubleshooting (26%)

d) Operational Procedures (23%)

The passing score for the Core 1 exam is 675 marks, while for Core 2, it’s a minimum of 700 marks. Passing both exams is necessary to earn this Certification. 

Cost of CompTIA A+ Certification  

The cost of the CompTIA A+ Certification exams typically ranged from £154 to £180 per exam. Therefore, the total cost for both exams (Core 1 and Core 2) would be approximately £308 to £334. However, the exam cost is not the only expense that you have to incur. The following are the categories in which CompTIA A+ Certification Cost is divided:

Exam fees 

To earn the CompTIA A+ Certification, you need to pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Each exam has a specific fee, which may vary based on the location and the provider. So, look at CompTIA’s official website to know the cost specified for your country. The average cost of each CompTIA A+ Certification exam is £154, i.e., a total of £308 for both exams. 

Cost of study material  

Additionally, investing in study materials such as textbooks, online courses, practice exams, and study guides is crucial for exam preparation. However, if you opt for self-study, it can save you money. 

But it’s better to take the course as it can prepare you well for the exam, providing you with one-on-one tutoring, doubt solving sessions. This makes you exam ready and eliminates the chances of retaking the exam. Passing the exam in the first go is full proof way to save money in retake fees. Some training institutes also offer significant discounts to help you save overall CompTIA A+ Certification Costs. 

Remember, check CompTIA’s official site to learn about books, eLearning, labs and lab preparation guides. Also, check the CompTIA A+ exam objective provided on the website. It will provide you with all the information you must possess before appearing for the exam. The following products are available on CompTIA’s official website to prepare for the examination: 

a) CertMaster Learn for CompTIA A+ 

b) CertMaster Labs for CompTIA A+ 

Enhance your IT career with our comprehensive CompTIA Certification Training – join now!

Training and preparation costs 

While self-study is an option, many candidates invest in training programs or boot camps to enhance their knowledge and skills. Thus, it’s crucial to be aware of the associated costs when considering these options. 

Various training programs are available to help you prepare for the CompTIA A+ Certification exams. These programs cover the exam objectives comprehensively, providing structured learning materials and expert guidance. 

The cost of training programs can vary based on factors such as the training provider, the CompTIA  A+ duration of the program, and the learning format. 

Practice exams 

Practising with exam simulations and practice tests is an excellent way to assess your readiness and build confidence. Practice exams mimic the actual exam environment, allowing you to familiarise yourself with the question types and time constraints. To give practice exams, refer to CertMaster Practice for CompTIA A+, available on its official website.  

Additional learning resources 

In addition to formal training programs and study materials, you may explore supplementary learning resources. These can include the following:

These are either free or low-cost resources. Engaging with a community of learners can provide support, additional insights, and a platform to share knowledge and experiences. 

It’s important to consider your budget and learning preferences when deciding which training and preparation options to pursue. While formal training programs may have a higher price tag, they offer structured guidance and expert support. On the other hand, self-study with carefully selected resources can be a cost-effective alternative. 

Cost of Certification renewal  

Once you’ve earned your CompTIA A+ Certification, knowing about the renewal and recertification process is important. It is valid for three years, after which you’ll need to take steps to maintain your certified status. However, this process comes with its own set of expenses.  

One way to renew your certification is by earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs). CEUs are awarded for participating in various educational activities contributing to your professional development. CompTIA requires you to earn several CEUs within the three-year certification period to qualify for recertification. Overall, the renewal cost of each of these three years will be around £19.56.

Another option for renewal is retaking the latest version of the CompTIA A+ exam. However, retaking the exam comes with an additional exam fee. The cost of the exam retake can vary, so it's important to check the latest pricing information from CompTIA’s website. 

Self-education 

Even if you are studying by yourself, you will require to purchase certain study materials. CompTIA provides a self-study guide to help you understand the fundamentals of installing, configuring and troubleshooting. It also includes concepts about PC, mobile, printer and networking device hardware and helps you boost your career in PC support. 

Another way to self-prepare for your exam is downloading practice question papers from CompTIA’s site. Remember, practice questions are not the ones that are asked of you in the exam. These just give you an idea of the type of questions that may be asked during the exam. 

These self-study guides aren’t available free of cost. You will require to pay and download the guides from its website. It’s better to buy in bundles as they are often available at discounted prices. 

Boost your IT career with a recognized CompTIA Certification. Register in the course today and succeed! 

Is CompTIA A+ Certification worth the cost? 

Investing in professional certifications often raises the question of whether the benefits outweigh the associated costs. When it comes to the CompTIA A+ Certification, it's essential to evaluate whether the investment is worth it for your IT career advancement. So, let's explore the key factors that make this certification worth the cost:

a) The industry recognition of the CompTIA A+ certification enhances your employability and opens doors to a wide range of CompTIA A+ Job opportunities. 

b) This certification can help you secure entry-level positions such as IT Support Specialist, Help Desk Technician, or Desktop Support Analyst. 

c) It also opens up opportunities for higher-paying positions, such as Network Administrator, System Administrator, or IT Manager. 

d) The knowledge and skills gained during the certification process contribute to your professional growth and make you a more effective IT professional. 

e) By obtaining the certification, you position yourself for long-term success in the IT industry, where certified professionals often enjoy higher salaries and better job stability. 

Conclusion 

If you are considering a career in IT and want to establish yourself as a knowledgeable and skilled professional, consider CompTIA A+ Certification Cost. By understanding the cost structure and exploring ways to minimise expenses, you can make an informed decision and embark on your certification journey. 

Ready to kickstart your CompTIA A+ certification journey? Register for our CompTIA A+ Certification Course.