Certifications / CompTIA A+ guide
CompTIA A+ Certification Guide for Canada & US Students
The CompTIA A+ certification (220-1201 Core 1 + 220-1202 Core 2) is the most practical first IT certification for absolute beginners, the credential Canadian help desk, desktop support, and field technician employers expect on day one. CISNET's CompTIA A+ training gives you live instruction, guided labs and a direct path into roles that pay $38K-$58K CADin CISNET's career data.
Reviewed by Qazi Irfanullah· CompTIA & Helpdesk Instructor· Updated October 2026Who CompTIA A+ is for
- Students with no IT experience who need a credible starting point
- Career changers targeting help desk, desktop support, or field support roles
- Learners who want to build confidence before networking, cloud, or security tracks
What you will cover
- Mobile Devices
Laptop hardware • Mobile device connectivity
- Networking
TCP/IP basics • Wireless networking
- Hardware
Motherboards & CPUs • RAM & storage
- Virtualization & Cloud
Cloud computing concepts • Virtual machines
- Operating Systems
Windows administration • Linux basics
- Security & Troubleshooting
Physical security • Malware removal
“A+ rewards hands-on familiarity with real hardware and operating systems. Touch the equipment, repeat the tasks, and the exam stops feeling like memorisation.”
CompTIA A+ certification quick facts
Verified CompTIA A+ exam structure, cost, and renewal cycle. Last reviewed June 2026.
| Issuing body | CompTIA |
|---|---|
| Exam code | 220-1201 (Core 1) + 220-1202 (Core 2) |
| Format | Two-exam sequence, both must be passed to earn CompTIA A+ |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE test center or CompTIA online testing |
| Question count | 90 per exam (max) |
| Time limit | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | Core 1: 675/900 · Core 2: 700/900 |
| Exam fee | US$274 per exam, and A+ needs two exams (about US$548 in total) |
| Validity | 3 years |
| Renewal | 3 years, renew by earning CEUs, passing a higher CompTIA cert, or re-taking |
| Blueprint last updated | 2022-04-01 |
Prerequisites
None formal. CompTIA recommends 9-12 months of practical experience in entry-level IT support.
What the 220-1201 (Core 1) + 220-1202 (Core 2) exam covers
- ›Core 1: Mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization & cloud, hardware/network troubleshooting
- ›Core 2: Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures
How to get CompTIA A+ certified
- 1
Confirm you meet the CompTIA A+ prerequisites
None formal. CompTIA recommends 9-12 months of practical experience in entry-level IT support. Most candidates also benefit from foundational labs and self-study before formal training.
- 2
Enrol in CISNET's live CompTIA A+ bootcamp
CISNET delivers CompTIA A+ as a 40-hour live, instructor-led online program.
- 3
Practise until your weak domains are gone
Between sessions, work exam-style questions and go back over every domain you miss. The exam rewards applied judgement, not memorisation.
- 4
Sit the 220-1201 (Core 1) + 220-1202 (Core 2) exam
Schedule the CompTIA 220-1201 (Core 1) + 220-1202 (Core 2) exam via Pearson VUE (US$274 per exam, and A+ needs two exams (about US$548 in total)). Expect 90 per exam (max) questions in 90 minutes.
- 5
Maintain your CompTIA A+ certification
3 years, renew by earning CEUs, passing a higher CompTIA cert, or re-taking. Track continuing-education credits early so renewal is paperwork, not a scramble.
Official exam resources
The exam cost, domains, and question counts on this page come from CompTIA's official blueprint. Confirm current details with the primary source before you book your exam.
What you need before you start
Most students ask the wrong question about CompTIA A+ requirements. The formal barrier is usually low; the practical one is whether you can keep a steady lab habit between sessions.
Formal and practical requirements
- No prior certification or professional experience required.
- Best for beginners who want structure and fast employability.
- A home lab with a spare PC or VM setup is usually enough to start.
Before you book the exam
Students usually lose time when they treat the exam as a memorization project. Work the blueprint, but aim for sharper judgment, repeatable lab habits, and a study pace you can sustain.
Readiness checklist
- I can commit consistent weekly study time alongside the live CompTIA A+ sessions.
- I am comfortable working through guided labs rather than only reading.
- I know why CompTIA A+ fits the role I want next.
CompTIA A+ jobs and salary paths
Use CompTIA A+ to position yourself for roles that align with security work in Canada.
IT Support Specialist
$40,000 - $55,000
Very High
Help Desk Technician
$38,000 - $50,000
Very High
Desktop Support Analyst
$42,000 - $58,000
High
Free CompTIA A+ tools
No signup, no email required. Use them while you study or before you decide whether CompTIA A+ is the right next step.
How to prepare effectively
- Focus on troubleshooting logic, hardware basics, and operating system workflows.
- Use hands-on practice with Windows tools, device setup, and ticket-style scenarios.
- Treat A+ as your base layer, not your end state.
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Popular training locations
CISNET teaches CompTIA A+ online live, so students can join from major Canadian markets without waiting for a city-specific classroom schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CompTIA A+ certification?
The CompTIA A+ certification (220-1201 Core 1 + 220-1202 Core 2) is the most practical first IT certification for absolute beginners, the credential Canadian help desk, desktop support, and field technician employers expect on day one. CISNET teaches it as a 40-hour live online course.
How much does the CompTIA A+ certification cost?
There are two costs. The exam fee is US$274 per exam, and A+ needs two exams (about US$548 in total), paid to CompTIA. CISNET's live online CompTIA A+ course is $599 CAD for 40 hours of instructor-led classes.
How long does it take to get the CompTIA A+ certification?
Most candidates are exam-ready in 8 to 12 weeks: CISNET's live CompTIA A+ course runs 40 instructor-led hours, followed by 2 to 4 weeks of focused review. Career changers starting from zero should plan another 4 weeks for the fundamentals.
Is the CompTIA A+ certification worth it in Canada?
For most people aiming at IT support specialist, help desk technician or desktop support analyst roles, yes. CISNET's Canadian career data puts those roles at $38K-$58K CAD. CompTIA A+ pays off most when it closes the skill gap between your current job and the one you want next.
Does CISNET deliver CompTIA A+ training online in Canada?
Yes. Every CompTIA A+ cohort runs live online from Mississauga, Ontario, and students join from across Canada and the United States. There is no classroom to attend.
What exam do I take for CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ is earned by passing two CompTIA exams, 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2). Each has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. The passing scores are 675/900 for Core 1 and 700/900 for Core 2.
Do I need experience before taking CompTIA A+?
No. CompTIA A+ has no formal prerequisites. CompTIA recommends 9-12 months of practical experience in entry-level IT support.
How many exams are in CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ requires passing two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) covering hardware and networking, and Core 2 (220-1202) covering software, security, and troubleshooting.
What jobs can I get with CompTIA A+?
Help Desk Technician, IT Support Specialist, Desktop Support, Field Service Technician, and Junior Systems Administrator. CISNET's Canadian career data puts these entry roles at $38,000 to $58,000.
Need help deciding if CompTIA A+ is the right next step?
Talk to CISNET and get a practical recommendation based on your current experience and target role.
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