Certifications / CompTIA A+ guide
CompTIA A+ Certification Guide for Canada & US Students
The CompTIA A+ certification (220-1101 Core 1 + 220-1102 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 tied to $40,000 - $55,000.
Reviewed by Qazi Irfanullah· CompTIA & Helpdesk Instructor· Updated July 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
CompTIA A+ certification quick facts
Verified CompTIA A+ exam structure, cost, and renewal cycle. Last reviewed June 2026.
| Issuing body | CompTIA |
|---|---|
| Exam code | 220-1101 (Core 1) + 220-1102 (Core 2) |
| Question count | 90 per exam (max) |
| Time limit | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | Core 1: 675/900 · Core 2: 700/900 |
| Exam cost (USD) | $253 |
| Validity | 3 years |
| Blueprint last updated | 2022-04-01 |
Prerequisites
None formal. CompTIA recommends 9-12 months of practical experience in entry-level IT support.
What the 220-1101 (Core 1) + 220-1102 (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. Sessions are recorded, labs stay open between classes, and one-on-one exam prep is included.
- 3
Build hands-on lab experience while you study
Pair every CISNET CompTIA A+ session with hands-on lab repetition. The exam rewards applied skill, not memorisation, so the lab work is what produces first-attempt success.
- 4
Sit the 220-1101 (Core 1) + 220-1102 (Core 2) exam
Schedule the CompTIA 220-1101 (Core 1) + 220-1102 (Core 2) exam via Pearson VUE (USD $253). 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.
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
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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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 is a foundational credential in security. It validates the skills employers expect for IT Support Specialist and Help Desk Technician in the Canadian and US job market. CISNET prepares students for the CompTIA A+ exam through live, instructor-led training with hands-on labs.
How much does the CompTIA A+ certification cost?
There are two costs: the official CompTIA A+ exam fee, currently about US$253 paid directly to the certifying body, and your preparation. CISNET's live, instructor-led CompTIA A+ training is $599 and includes hands-on labs, recorded sessions, and one-on-one exam prep, so plan for both the training and the exam fee.
How long does it take to get the CompTIA A+ certification?
Most candidates are exam-ready in 8-12 weeks: CISNET's live CompTIA A+ program runs 40 instructor-led hours, plus 2-4 weeks of focused review. Career switchers starting from zero should plan another 4 weeks of foundation building.
Is the CompTIA A+ certification worth it in Canada?
Yes for most candidates targeting IT Support Specialist or Help Desk Technician. Typical Canadian CompTIA A+-aligned roles pay $40,000 - $55,000, and the credential is widely recognized by Canadian and US employers. The ROI is strongest when CompTIA A+ closes a real skill gap on the role you want next.
Does CISNET deliver CompTIA A+ training online in Canada?
Yes. Every CompTIA A+ cohort runs online live, instructor-led from Mississauga, Ontario, with students joining across Canada and the US. Sessions are recorded, labs are open between classes, and one-on-one exam prep is included.
Is CompTIA A+ good for beginners with no IT experience?
Yes! CompTIA A+ is specifically designed for people starting their IT career with zero prior experience. It covers hardware, software, networking basics, and troubleshooting from the ground up.
How many exams are in CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ requires passing two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) covering hardware and networking, and Core 2 (220-1102) covering software, security, and troubleshooting.
How long is the CompTIA A+ course?
Our CompTIA A+ training covers both Core 1 and Core 2 in 40 hours of live instruction, delivered in weekly weekend sessions, see the schedule for current dates.
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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