IT / Hardware
CompTIA A+
A broad foundational IT certification covering hardware, operating systems, networking, troubleshooting, security and technical support skills relevant to entry-level IT infrastructure work.
At a Glance
- Provider
- CompTIA
- Level
- Foundational
- Category
- IT / Hardware
- Estimated Effort
- Self-paced preparation varies substantially by prior experience. Certification requires passing two separate exams.
- Validity
- 3 years
- Assessment
- Maximum of 90 questions per exam, including multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
Overview
CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral foundational IT certification designed around practical technical-support and IT infrastructure skills. The current V15 certification requires candidates to pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Its coverage spans computer hardware, mobile devices, networking, virtualization, cloud concepts, operating systems, security, troubleshooting and operational procedures. Although A+ is not a data-center-specific certification, its hardware and troubleshooting foundation can be relevant to people preparing for entry-level Data Center Technician and related infrastructure roles.
What It Covers
A+ covers hardware components and devices, installation and configuration, troubleshooting, operating systems, networking, virtualization and cloud concepts. It also covers security fundamentals, software troubleshooting and operational procedures associated with professional IT support. The two-exam structure provides broad exposure across both physical technology and software/support environments.
Who It's For
People building foundational IT knowledge, career changers entering technical infrastructure work, aspiring IT support professionals and candidates preparing for entry-level hands-on technology roles.
Prerequisites & Experience
Stated Prerequisites
No formal certification prerequisite.
Experience Expectations
Not a formal provider requirement.
CompTIA recommends approximately 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role, but this is recommended experience rather than a mandatory registration prerequisite.
Exam & Assessment
- Exam Code
- 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2)
- Format
- Maximum of 90 questions per exam, including multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
- Question Count
- Maximum 90 questions per exam
- Duration
- 90 minutes per exam
- Passing Score
- Core 1: 675 on a scale of 100–900. Core 2: 700 on a scale of 100–900.
- Delivery Method
- Pearson VUE testing. Available delivery options depend on region and current CompTIA/Pearson VUE policy.
Cost & Commitment
- Cost
- US$274 per exam at current published U.S. pricing
- Estimated Effort
- Self-paced preparation varies substantially by prior experience. Certification requires passing two separate exams.
- Validity
- 3 years
- Renewal
- CompTIA A+ participates in CompTIA's Continuing Education program. Candidates can renew through qualifying continuing-education pathways or other currently accepted CompTIA renewal methods.
A+ requires TWO exams, so candidates should account for two exam vouchers. Pricing varies by country and can change. Verify current regional pricing directly with CompTIA before purchasing.
Pricing and exam details change. Check the official provider page before registering or purchasing.
Why It May Be Useful
A+ can provide useful foundational knowledge for aspiring Data Center Technicians who do not yet have a strong background in computer hardware, operating systems, networking and structured troubleshooting. Its vendor-neutral approach can help career changers establish basic IT knowledge before moving into more specialized server, networking or data center training.
When It May Not Be Necessary
A+ is not a requirement for working as a Data Center Technician. Candidates who already have substantial hands-on experience with servers, computer hardware, operating systems and troubleshooting may find much of the material foundational. It also does not teach the broader power, cooling and mission-critical facility disciplines found in data-center-specific training.
Relevant Career Roles
Strongly Relevant
- Data Center Technician
IT Infrastructure
Provides foundational hardware, operating-system, networking and troubleshooting knowledge that can help candidates prepare for entry-level hands-on Data Center Technician responsibilities.
Useful
- Network Technician
Networking
Provides networking fundamentals alongside broader IT knowledge, but does not provide the networking depth of a dedicated networking certification.
- Senior Data Center Technician
IT Infrastructure
The underlying hardware and troubleshooting knowledge remains relevant, although experienced senior technicians may already operate beyond much of the certification's foundational content.
Situational
- Data Center Logistics Technician
Logistics
Can be useful where logistics responsibilities include technical asset identification, hardware staging, component handling or close coordination with infrastructure technicians.
- Data Center Operations Manager
Operations
May provide useful technical foundations for managers entering data center operations from a non-IT background, but it is not a management credential.
Career Disciplines
IT Infrastructure · Networking · Logistics · Operations
Official Provider
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Certification information is career guidance. Requirements, cost and value vary by employer, site and region.