The CompTIA A+ certification is the world’s most recognized entry-level credential for aspiring IT professionals. If you’re just starting your career in information technology, this certification is often considered the essential first step. Employers across industries rely on CompTIA A+ as proof that a candidate can troubleshoot, support, and manage today’s technologies with confidence.
At ASM Educational Center, we specialize in preparing students to pass the CompTIA A+ exam with hands-on training, expert instruction, and resources tailored to real-world job success.
What is the CompTIA A+ Certification?
CompTIA A+ validates the skills needed for today’s IT support and help desk roles. Unlike other certifications that focus narrowly on a single area, A+ covers a broad range of foundational IT topics, ensuring you’re ready to step into multiple technology roles.
Some of the key skills tested include:
Hardware: Installing and configuring PCs, mobile devices, laptops, and components.
Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, macOS, and mobile OS fundamentals.
Networking: Basic TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, and troubleshooting connectivity.
Security: Identifying and preventing common threats in support environments.
Cloud & Virtualization: Understanding how cloud computing integrates with IT support.
Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and fixing a wide range of technical issues.
CompTIA designed the A+ certification to reflect the needs of real-world IT support roles. That means it’s not just about memorizing terms — it’s about proving you can solve problems effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Why is CompTIA A+ Important for Your IT Career?
Earning CompTIA A+ can help you:
Launch your career: It’s often the first certification employers look for when hiring IT support specialists, field service technicians, or help desk staff.
Stand out to employers: According to CompTIA, over 1 million IT professionals hold the A+ certification, making it a trusted standard in the industry.
Gain confidence with technology: You’ll build practical skills that can be applied immediately on the job.
At ASM Educational Center, we’ve seen countless students use CompTIA A+ as a springboard into IT careers, often moving on to advanced certifications like Network+, Security+, and even CISSP as their careers progress.
How the A+ Exam is Structured
Currently, the A+ exam consists of two core exams:
Core 1 (220-1101) – Focused on mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing.
Core 2 (220-1102) – Focused on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Each exam features a combination of multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop items, and performance-based scenarios that test your ability to solve real problems.
To earn the certification, you must pass both Core 1 and Core 2.
What’s Coming Next: The New A+ Exam Update
As technology evolves, so do certification requirements. CompTIA regularly updates its exams to ensure certified professionals stay aligned with industry needs.
The upcoming CompTIA A+ 220-120 (Core 1 V15 / Core 2 V15) will officially replace the current 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams. Here are some of the biggest changes on the horizon:
Updated Launch Date: The new version is expected to roll out in March 2025, giving candidates a transition window to choose which version to take.
Content Adjustments: While the core focus on troubleshooting, hardware, networking, and security remains, CompTIA is shifting emphasis to reflect newer technologies like cloud integration, remote support, and modern OS environments.
Exam Experience: Expect refinements in performance-based questions, ensuring candidates can demonstrate practical, job-ready troubleshooting in real-world scenarios.
If you’re currently studying for the 220-1101 and 220-1102, don’t worry — CompTIA always provides a grace period where both versions are available. But if you’re planning long-term, you’ll want to prepare for the 220-120 series.
In our next blog, we’ll take a deeper dive into this update, compare the old and new exams side by side, and help you decide which path is right for you.
Why Train with ASM Educational Center?
At ASM Educational Center, we don’t just prepare you to pass the exam — we prepare you for your career in IT. Our program includes:
Expert instructors with years of real-world experience.
Hands-on labs that simulate real troubleshooting scenarios.
Exam-focused materials aligned with CompTIA’s latest objectives.
Flexible schedules for busy students and working professionals.
Whether you’re brand new to IT or making a career change, ASM Educational Center is the best place to start your certification journey.