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CompTIA A+

Launch your IT career with the world’s most recognised entry-level certification. CompTIA A+ proves you can support, troubleshoot and secure the hardware, software and networks that organisations run on. You’ll learn through clear video lessons with hands-on activities and practice tests, and prepare for both certification exams. No experience needed.

Enrol Now — £295
Duration
8–12 weeks
Format
100% online
Prerequisites
None needed
Access
12 months

About this certification

What Is CompTIA A+?

The recognised starting point for a career in IT support — and the credential employers ask for first.

The certification explained

CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard certification for launching a career in IT support. It’s vendor-neutral — built and maintained by CompTIA, a non-profit trade association — so it proves broad, practical skills that apply across any hardware, operating system or network, not just one manufacturer’s kit.

A+ certification is made up of two exams: Core 1 (220-1201) covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualisation and cloud; Core 2 (220-1202) covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures. You need to pass both to earn the certification.

A+ is built for people starting out, so there are no prerequisites — just a basic familiarity with computers and a willingness to learn. Because it’s recognised worldwide and isn’t tied to any one vendor, it’s the certification employers most often look for when hiring into entry-level IT support.

2
exams to pass — Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202)
0
prerequisites — start with no prior experience or qualifications
100%
vendor-neutral — skills that apply across any employer’s technology
A+
the world’s most recognised entry-level IT certification

Is this for me?

This Course Is for You If…

CompTIA A+ suits anyone who wants to get into IT support — whether you’re starting out, switching careers, or making your skills official.

Aspiring IT Technicians

Want to land your first IT support or help desk role and need the certification employers look for.

Career Changers

Moving into tech from another field and want a recognised, beginner-friendly first step.

Self-Taught Enthusiasts

Already tinker with computers and want to turn that into a qualification that proves it.

Help Desk & Support Staff

Already working in support and want to formalise your skills and open the door to better roles.

Hands-On Learners

Learn best by watching and doing — clear video lessons paired with guided demos and activities.

Future Network & Security Pros

Planning a longer IT career — A+ is the foundation before Network+, Security+ and beyond.

Course structure & curriculum

What You’ll Learn — Module by Module

The course runs across 7 modules covering both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), with hands-on activities and practice throughout. Total study time is around 30 hours.

Mobile Devices · Core 1
Laptop and mobile hardware · Display components · Connectivity and accessories
~3 hrs
Networking · Core 1
Protocols, ports and TCP/IP · Network hardware and wireless · SOHO networks · Network troubleshooting
~5 hrs
Hardware · Core 1
Cables, RAM and storage · Motherboards, CPUs and power · Printers · Hardware troubleshooting
~6 hrs
Virtualization & Cloud Computing · Core 1
Cloud models · Client-side virtualisation
~3 hrs
Operating Systems · Core 2
Windows, macOS and Linux · Installation and configuration · Command-line tools · Software troubleshooting
~6 hrs
Security · Core 2
Security concepts · Malware detection and prevention · Best practices · Mobile and device security
~4 hrs
Operational Procedures · Core 2
Documentation and change management · Safety and environment · Communication and professionalism
~3 hrs

What the course covers

Mobile devices & laptops

Networking & protocols

PC hardware & peripherals

Virtualisation & cloud

Hardware & network troubleshooting

Guided hands-on activities

Windows, macOS & Linux

Security concepts & best practices

Malware detection & prevention

Software troubleshooting

Operational procedures

Documentation, safety & professionalism

On-demand video lessons

Guided demos & activities

Practice questions

Pre- and post-assessments

Closed captions

Study at your own pace

What’s included

Everything You Need to Succeed

Each course includes the materials, hands-on practice, and support you need to learn the skills properly and walk into both exams ready.

12 Months Course Access

Full access to all course materials and labs for 12 months. Study on any device, online 24/7. Never lose your progress.

Expert Video Lessons

Clear, on-demand video lessons covering every objective on both exams — learn at your own pace and rewatch as often as you like.

Hands-On Activities & Practice Tests

Guided hands-on activities and demos, plus practice questions for both Core 1 and Core 2, so you build real skills and walk in knowing what to expect.

Account Manager Support

A dedicated account manager to keep you on track, answer your questions, and help you arrange your exams when you’re ready.

Help when you need it →

Certificate & Digital Badge

Complete the course and you’ll receive a Career Smarter certificate of completion and a shareable digital badge for your LinkedIn and CV. The official CompTIA A+ certification itself comes from passing the two exams.

Shareable & verifiable →

14-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Not the right course? If you change your mind within 14 days of enrolling, we’ll refund you — no fuss.

Risk-free enrolment →

In practice

CompTIA A+ in the Real World

A+ is built around the day-to-day work of IT support. See the kind of problems it trains you to solve.

Help Desk & Support

Working through the ticket queue

A user can’t log in, a laptop won’t connect to Wi-Fi, an app keeps crashing. A+ teaches a structured troubleshooting methodology — identify the problem, test a theory, fix it, verify, document — so you work calmly through whatever lands in the queue instead of guessing.

CompTIA A+ in action The same six-step method applies whether it’s a printer, a password or a blue screen — which is exactly why employers trust the certification.

Hardware & Devices

Building, repairing and upgrading

Swapping a failed drive, adding RAM, replacing a laptop screen, setting up a new starter’s machine. A+ covers the hardware inside every device an organisation uses — and the demos let you practise the steps before you do it for real.

CompTIA A+ in action Knowing how the components fit together means you can diagnose a fault to the part, not just “the computer’s broken”.

Networking & Security

Getting people connected, safely

Setting up a small office network, sorting out a dropped connection, spotting a malware infection, applying the basics of good security. A+ gives you the networking and security grounding that every IT support role now expects.

CompTIA A+ in action Recognising the signs of malware and knowing the right first steps protects users — and is a core part of the Core 2 exam.

Exam details

About the CompTIA A+ Exams

CompTIA A+ certification means passing two exams — Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). They’re an optional add-on here: add your exam vouchers at checkout, and we’ll provide them so you can book each exam through Pearson VUE — online with a proctor, or at a test centre — when you’re ready.

Exams
Two(Core 1 & 2)
Format
MC + performance
Questions
Up to 90each
Duration
90 mineach
Core 1 pass
675 / 900
Core 2 pass
700 / 900

What to Expect on Exam Day

CompTIA exams are booked and sat through Pearson VUE. You can take them online with a remote proctor, or at a local test centre — and you sit the two cores separately, whenever you’re ready for each.

Booking

When you add the exams and feel ready, your account manager helps you redeem your voucher and book through Pearson VUE — online or at a test centre near you.

Equipment required

For online testing you need a laptop or desktop (not a mobile or tablet), a working webcam and microphone, a quiet private room, and a stable internet connection.

On the day

You have 90 minutes and up to 90 questions, including performance-based questions that ask you to complete real tasks in a simulated environment — not just multiple choice.

Results

You get your score on a 100–900 scale as soon as you finish, with a report showing how you did in each area. Pass both Core 1 and Core 2 and you’re CompTIA A+ certified.

The second exam

Most learners take Core 1 first, then Core 2 once they’ve revised it. You can sit them in either order, and there’s no need to book both at once.

Student reviews

What Our Students Say

4.8

1,247 verified reviews

The majority of students pass first time, based on an internal student survey conducted in May 2026.

5★
80%
4★
15%
3★
5%
2★
0%
1★
0%
Review from Trustpilot
Dominic
I have recently booked the PRINCE2 certification. The process was made extremely easy for me with the help of Lanie, who was the account manager I spoke with. My questions were answered within minutes and the process was sped up thanks to Lanie.
Review from Trustpilot
C L WINCOTT
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I had a fantastic experience with Career Smarter from start to finish. Before enrolling on the CompTIA A+ course, they took the time to explain everything clearly, including what was included in the package and how the learning would work. I never felt rushed or pressured into making a decision, which I really appreciated.

They also showed me another training package that could be useful if I decide to continue my learning in the future, but there was absolutely no hard sell or constant follow-up. They simply gave me the information and left the decision entirely up to me, which made me feel much more comfortable.

To top it off, they offered me a discount, which was a lovely bonus.

The customer service has been excellent, they're knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely helpful. Based on my experience so far, I would highly recommend Career Smarter to anyone looking to start or develop a career in IT.

Thank you Lanie for top customer service!
Review from Trustpilot
Nicole D
I was 'talking' to my Chatgpt initially about where I could study Prince2 certifications with Agile (without the price tags that come with most learning providers) - funnily enough it was Chatgpt that led me to look at Career Smarter. So I went there ... I was able to chat online with Lanie who was very clear, helpful and because I was buying several certification courses, she helped me with a reasonable price for the whole lot. I really recommend this company and feel like there will be lots of help and support and I can always contact Lanie for any issues I'm having - I feel confident she will be resolving them!

Career Growth Path

Where This Certification Takes You

CompTIA A+ is the first rung on the IT career ladder. See the roles it opens up — and the certifications that take you further.

Where You Are Now

Any background

CompTIA A+

£22k–£30k avg.

You are here

IT Support Technician

£25k–£35k avg.

Network / Systems Admin

£35k–£48k avg.

Infrastructure / IT Manager

£45k–£65k avg.

CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for launching a career in IT support
It’s recognised by employers worldwide and often listed as a baseline requirement for IT support roles

Recommended next certifications

→ Natural next step

CompTIA Network+

Go deeper on networking — the natural next step after A+ and a core skill for any IT role.

£30k–£45kLearn more →
 → Move into security

CompTIA Security+

The entry point into cybersecurity — one of the fastest-growing, best-paid areas of IT.

£35k–£55kLearn more →
 → Add cloud

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

Add cloud skills with the AZ-900 — increasingly expected across IT support and infrastructure.

£35k–£50kLearn more →
 → Service management

ITIL® 4 Foundation

Understand how IT services are run and supported — valued in every service desk and IT team.

£35k–£55kLearn more →

Go further for less

Want more than A+? Get our entire IT library.

Upgrade to the IT Certification Training Bundle and unlock 12 months’ access to our full range of CompTIA, Cisco and Microsoft certification courses — dozens of certifications for one price. Add the upgrade in one click in the enrolment form below.

Explore the Bundle

Pricing

Simple, Transparent Pricing

One course covering both exams, no hidden extras. Add your exam vouchers at checkout when you’re ready.

Course only — right for you if…

You want to study first and buy your exam vouchers later, or you already have a way to fund the exams (for example through an employer).

Course & exams — right for you if…

You want everything sorted in one go. Choose the Include Exams option below to add both official exam vouchers (Core 1 & Core 2) at a discount on buying them separately.

CompTIA A+ — Sale Price

£495 £295 inc. VAT Save £200

Everything you need to learn both Core 1 and Core 2. Add your two official exam vouchers at checkout when you’re ready.

12 Months Course Access
Study anytime, on any device, 24/7
Expert Video Lessons
Covering every objective, at your own pace
Practice Exams & Test Prep
Modelled on both real exams
Official Exams
Optional — add both vouchers at checkout
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Change your mind, get a refund
Certificate & Digital Badge
On course completion — shareable & verifiable

Finance available at checkout · 14-day money-back guarantee

Pay Monthly

From £18.75/month

CAREER SMARTER LTD is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Social Money Limited t/a Payl8r who is authorised by the FCA under Ref. Number 675283. Credit is subject to creditworthiness and affordability assessments. Missed payments may affect your credit file, future borrowing and incur fees. Representative Example: £440.00 over 12 months at 2.50% fixed per month. Rep APR 65.5%. Monthly: £47.67. Total repayable: £572.04. 0% interest rate applies only where the loan is repaid in full within 3 months.

Team & Corporate

Bulk discounts available

Training 3 or more employees? Get volume pricing, a dedicated account manager, and custom reporting.

Talk to Our Team

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you enrol.

Is it worth becoming CompTIA A+ certified?

Absolutely. The CompTIA A+ credential is a perfect starting point for several IT careers, including a strong focus on IT support careers. Are you considering an IT career? Start with this course first, understand IT hardware and software before you build on that towards careers like networking and cybersecurity. If you are already working in IT, getting certified will make sure you are earning what you deserve and keep you ahead of your unqualified colleagues.

Is CompTIA A+ the hardest?

No. It's more difficult than the CompTIA IT Fundamentals course, but if you love IT, then it's not something you should consider difficult. This course does have two parts, the core1 and core 2, whereas most CompTIA courses have one exam or course to achieve the certification.

How many questions are on the A+ exam?

90 questions. Remember that the CompTIA A+ includes two exams, so this would require you to complete 90 multiple choice questions per exam. You have 90 minutes to complete each exam, which works out at 1 minute per question.

How much do the A+ exams cost?

On the CompTIA website, the exams are currently listed at £150 each for the UK.

What is the pass rate for the CompTIA A+?

The core 1 exam requires a passing score of 675 on a scale of 900 (75%) and the core 2 requires a passing score of 700 on a scale of 900 (77.78%).

How long does it take to learn CompTIA A+?

This can always vary, how fast does a car drive? Generally, we say around 30 hours per course. However, this could be shorter or longer depending on your learning speed and previous experience.

Can a beginner take the CompTIA A+ course?

Yes. The CompTIA website does say you need between 9 and 12 months hand-on-experience before starting. However, if you have a basic understanding of IT, then it shouldn't be a problem for you. You could start with the CompTIA IT Fundamentals if you feel like you need to start at the very beginning of IT.

Is the CompTIA A+ certification internationally recognised?

Yes. All CompTIA certifications are internationally recognised, so you could use these credentials anywhere in the world. These credentials are also well established, meaning hiring managers and organisations should already be well aware of CompTIA.

Does the CompTIA A+ expire?

Yes. If you visit the CompTIA website, you will see under retirement that they usually retire the certification version after three years of launch. This is really done because technology changes quickly, and they need to make sure your knowledge and skills stay relevant. Making sure you renew your certification isn't compulsory by CompTIA but is recommended if you want to differentiate yourself.

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career today.

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