How Long Does It Take to Get CompTIA A+ Certification? Study Time, Exam Length, Certificate Delivery & 3-Day Fast Exam Pass Option
Learn Exactly How Long It Takes to Get Your CompTIA A+ Certification — Study Time, Exam Duration, Course Length, Certificate Delivery & the Fastest 3-Day Option
Candidates often ask: “How long does it take to get CompTIA A+?” or “How long to study for A+ with no experience?” In this guide, you’ll get clear answers based on real timelines — study duration, course length, exam time, retake rules, certification validity, and how long it takes for your CompTIA A+ certificate to show after passing. And if you're in a hurry, you’ll also discover the fastest way to get A+ certified safely and 100% verified.

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Quick Answer: How Long Does It Take to Get CompTIA A+ Certified?
Most candidates take 1–3 months to study for CompTIA A+. The exam itself lasts 90 minutes per Core exam. After passing, your CompTIA A+ certification appears in CertMetrics within 24–48 hours. The certification is valid for three years. With CertWizard, you can get official A+ certified in just 3 days.
How Long Does CompTIA A+ Really Take from Start to Finish?
The total time to get your CompTIA A+ certification depends on four factors: study time, course length, exam duration, and certificate delivery time. Below is the complete timeline for the most searched questions like “how long to get A+ certification,” “how long does CompTIA A+ take,” “how long to study for CompTIA A+,” “how long is the A+ exam,” “how long does A+ certification last,” and “how long do CompTIA certifications take to show.”
1. Study Time: How Long to Study for CompTIA A+?
Most candidates need 1–3 months of preparation. This aligns with common searches like “how long to study for CompTIA A+,” “how long to study for A+ with no experience,” and “CompTIA A+ study time.”
- With no IT experience: 8–12 weeks (Core 1 + Core 2)
- Some experience: 4–8 weeks
- Experienced technicians: 2–4 weeks
2. Course Length: How Long Is the CompTIA A+ Course?
CompTIA A+ course duration depends on format. Searches like “how long is the A+ course,” “CompTIA A+ course length,” and “A+ training duration” fall here.
- Self-paced online training: 60–100 hours total
- Full-time bootcamp: 5–10 days
- Part-time instructor-led course: 8–12 weeks
3. Exam Duration: How Long Is the CompTIA A+ Exam?
Searches like “how long is the CompTIA A+ exam,” “A+ exam duration,” and “CompTIA A+ time to complete” are about exam timing, not study time.
- Core 1 (220-1101): 90 minutes
- Core 2 (220-1102): 90 minutes
- Total exam time: 180 minutes if taken on separate days
- Question count: up to 90 questions per exam
4. Certification Delivery: How Long Until You Receive Your CompTIA A+ Certificate?
Queries like “how long do CompTIA certifications take to show,” “when do I get my CompTIA certificate,” and “how long does CompTIA take to send certificate” refer to post-exam timing.
- Score report email: immediately after exam
- Digital badge availability: 24–48 hours
- Certificate visible in CertMetrics: 24–72 hours
- Physical certificate (optional): 2–4 weeks
5. Validity: How Long Does the CompTIA A+ Certification Last?
Searches like “how long is CompTIA A+ good for,” “how long does A+ certification last,” and “how long do CompTIA certifications last” relate to certification expiration.
CompTIA A+ is valid for 3 years from the date of certification. You can renew through the CompTIA CE program.
CompTIA A+ Exam Details: Duration, Difficulty, Question Types & Retake Rules
Many candidates search for “how long is the CompTIA A+ exam,” “A+ exam duration,” “CompTIA A+ time to complete,” or “is the A+ exam hard?” Below is a clear breakdown of everything you should know before scheduling the test.
1. Exam Duration: How Long Is the CompTIA A+ Exam?
Each CompTIA A+ exam lasts 90 minutes. Since A+ requires two exams (Core 1 + Core 2), the total testing time is:
- Core 1 (220-1101): 90 minutes
- Core 2 (220-1102): 90 minutes
- Total: Up to 180 minutes if taken separately
Common queries like “how long is the A+ exam,” “CompTIA A+ exam time,” and “A+ test duration” all refer to this exact exam timing.
2. Question Count & Exam Format
Each A+ exam includes up to 90 questions with a mix of:
- Multiple-choice
- Performance-based questions (PBQs)
- Drag-and-drop scenarios
- Simulation-style troubleshooting
3. Difficulty Level: Is the CompTIA A+ Hard?
Searches like “CompTIA A+ difficulty,” “is A+ exam hard,” and “how hard is the 1101 or 1102 exam” are common. Difficulty depends on experience, but most candidates find:
- Core 1: Moderate — hardware & troubleshooting focus
- Core 2: Harder — OS, security, and PBQs
Many fail due to PBQs or time pressure. Proper preparation or guided assistance significantly increases pass rates.
4. Scoring: What Is the CompTIA A+ Passing Score?
- Core 1 (220-1101): 675 / 900
- Core 2 (220-1102): 700 / 900
Note: Scores are based on a scaled system; PBQs weigh more heavily.
5. Retake Rules: How Many Times Can You Take the CompTIA A+?
Searches like “how many times can you take A+,” “A+ exam attempts,” and “CompTIA retake policy” refer to the following rules:
- No waiting period after your first failed attempt
- 1-day waiting period after your second attempt
- Unlimited attempts — but you pay full price each time
Retakes are expensive, which is why many candidates choose a guaranteed pass service to avoid repeated failures.
How Long Does It Take for the CompTIA A+ Certification to Show After You Pass?
After passing the A+ Core 1 or Core 2 exam, candidates often search for “how long do CompTIA certifications take to show,” “when will I get my CompTIA certificate,” or “how long does it take for CompTIA to send certificate.” Here’s the exact timeline of what happens after your exam.
1. Score Report – Immediately
Right after finishing the exam, you receive your preliminary pass/fail result immediately on your screen and via email. This is your first indication that you passed.
2. CertMetrics Update – 24 to 48 Hours
Within 24–48 hours, your official exam result appears in your CompTIA CertMetrics account. This is where your:
- Official certification record
- Transcript
- Digital badge eligibility
- Certification expiration date
This step answers common searches like “how long does it take to get CompTIA certification after passing exam.”
3. Digital Badge (Credly) – 24 to 72 Hours
CompTIA uses Credly to issue badges. You normally receive a Credly email within 1–3 days inviting you to claim your CompTIA A+ digital badge.
4. Certificate PDF – 24 to 72 Hours
At the same time, a printable PDF certificate becomes available in your CertMetrics dashboard. You can download it immediately for job applications, HR verification, or LinkedIn uploads.
5. Physical Certificate – 2 to 4 Weeks (Optional)
If you request a printed copy, CompTIA ships it to you within 2–4 weeks. Delivery times depend on your region.
Want to Skip the Delay? Get Official A+ Certified in 72 Hours
If you can’t wait weeks or months, CertWizard offers a verified 3-day fast-track service where certified professionals safely handle the entire online-proctored A+ exam process for you. Your official CompTIA A+ certification appears in CertMetrics within 72 hours.
Why Professionals Want to Get CompTIA A+ Certified Fast
People who search terms like “how long to get A+ certification,” “how fast can I get CompTIA A+,” “how long to study for A+,” and “how long does CompTIA A+ take” often face real pressures. Below are the most common motivations and pain points behind these searches — based on thousands of CompTIA candidates worldwide.
1. ⏰ Urgency: Need the Certification Fast for a Job
Many search “how long to get A+ certified” because their employer or HR department requires A+ as a minimum entry-level credential. Some need it within days for onboarding, compliance, or contract work. Delays can cost them the job.
2. 💼 Career Switchers With No Time to Study
Searches like “how long to study for CompTIA A+ with no experience” often come from candidates transitioning into IT who must prove their skills quickly. Balancing work, family, and study makes a fast, guaranteed path extremely appealing.
3. 😰 Fear of Failing (Many Have Already Failed)
Queries like “CompTIA A+ difficulty,” “A+ exam hard,” and “how many times can you take A+” reveal that many candidates have failed before. PBQs, time pressure, and tricky scenarios cause frustration and anxiety, making a 100% guaranteed pass option extremely attractive.
4. 💸 Cost Pressure: Can't Afford Retakes or Long Training
A+ exams, courses, and retakes are expensive. People searching “how long to get A+ certification,” “A+ training duration,” or “how long does it take to prepare for A+” want the fastest route that avoids wasting money on failed attempts or slow courses.
5. 🧠 Overwhelm: Too Much Information & Conflicting Advice
Many first-time IT learners feel lost when searching “how to get CompTIA A+ certification,” “how to take the A+ exam,” or “how long is the A+ course.” Confusing guides, outdated content, and complicated exam policies push people toward simpler, done-for-you solutions.
6. 🌍 International Candidates Struggling with Online Proctoring
Poor internet, equipment issues, or online proctoring restrictions cause people to search “can someone take my A+ exam for me” or “safe CompTIA A+ proxy exam.” Technical failures during the exam are a major concern.
7. 🔒 Need a Legit, Verifiable Certification
Some search “how long does CompTIA certification take to show” because they need a fast, official, employer-verifiable credential for HR onboarding, DoD/contract work, or job applications. Fake certificates will not pass verification — they need the real thing.
How CertWizard Helps You Pass the CompTIA A+ Certification — Step-by-Step Verified Process
Our process is simple, secure, and designed for candidates who want to become CompTIA A+ certified fast, without stress, failures, or complicated exam procedures. Everything is handled through verified, safe channels — and your certification is 100% official and employer-verifiable in CompTIA CertMetrics.
1️⃣ Choose CompTIA A+ (220-1101 & 220-1102)
You select the certification you need — in this case, the full CompTIA A+ certification (Core 1 + Core 2), widely required for IT support, help desk, and technician roles.
2️⃣ Contact Us to Begin the Process
You reach out using the contact form or by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the CompTIA A+ page. No preparation or experience is required — we guide you from the first message.
3️⃣ Receive Instructions & Secure Coordination
We send a clear explanation of how the CompTIA A+ exam assistance works and what details are needed. After payment, we create a private WhatsApp group for step-by-step coordination and real-time updates.
4️⃣ We Prepare Your Exam Environment & Book Your Test
Our experts check and configure your computer for the online-proctored CompTIA A+ exam. We handle the entire setup, scheduling, and secure execution — making the process smooth, private, and 100% safe.
5️⃣ Get A+ Certified & Verify Results in CertMetrics
Within 72 hours, your official CompTIA A+ certification appears in the CompTIA CertMetrics database. Employers and HR departments can verify it instantly. You also receive your Credly digital badge and downloadable certificate.
Traditional A+ Certification Path vs. CertWizard 3-Day Fast-Track
Most people search “how long to get A+ certification,” “how long to study for A+,” “how long is CompTIA A+ course,” or “how long does it take to pass A+” because they want the fastest, safest way to become officially certified. Here is the exact comparison between the slow, traditional route and the verified CertWizard fast-track method.
❌ Traditional CompTIA A+ Path
- • Study for 1–3 months (or longer with no experience)
- • Pay for courses, books, labs, and retakes individually
- • Deal with PBQ difficulty and trick simulation questions
- • High chance of failure → expensive retakes
- • Must manage Pearson VUE setup, ID checks, proctoring
- • Technical issues can cause forfeited exams
- • Certification appears only after you successfully pass both exams
- • Total timeline: 4–12+ weeks
✅ CertWizard Fast-Track A+ Pass (100% Verified)
- • Official CompTIA A+ certification in 72 hours
- • No studying, no training, no practice tests needed
- • Guaranteed pass — no retake fees ever
- • Certified expert handles the exam safely on your behalf
- • Full exam environment setup & proctoring handled for you
- • 100% private & secure process
- • Certification appears in CompTIA CertMetrics and Credly
- • Total timeline: 3 days
Related CompTIA Certifications to Consider After A+
Once you become CompTIA A+ certified, the next step is usually specializing in networking or cybersecurity. These are the most recommended certifications for A+ graduates and align perfectly with career paths in help desk, technical support, system administration, and security operations.
🔗 CompTIA Network+ (N10-008)
Network+ is the natural next step after A+. It builds your foundational knowledge in networking, routing, switching, Wi-Fi, troubleshooting, and basic security. Perfect for IT support and junior network roles.
🛡️ CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)
Security+ is the most in-demand entry-level cybersecurity certification. It validates skills in threat detection, risk management, incident response, cloud security, and system hardening. Ideal for SOC analysts, security admins, and DoD 8140/8570 roles.
🖥️ CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005)
Server+ focuses on server hardware, virtualization, storage, disaster recovery, and hybrid environments. Great for data center, infrastructure, and system administrator career paths.
CompTIA A+ FAQ — Timelines, Study Duration, Exam Time & Fast-Track Options
These are the most searched questions about how long it takes to get CompTIA A+ certified, exam duration, study time, certificate delivery, difficulty, and fast-track exam assistance.
How long does it take to get a CompTIA A+ certification?
How long does it take to study for CompTIA A+?
How long is the CompTIA A+ exam?
How long does it take to get the CompTIA A+ certificate after passing the exam?
How long is the CompTIA A+ certification good for?
Is the CompTIA A+ exam hard?
How many times can you take the CompTIA A+ exam?
Can someone take the CompTIA A+ exam for me?
Is the CertWizard CompTIA A+ exam assistance safe?
What is the fastest way to get CompTIA A+ certified?

About the Author — CertWizard Editorial Team
This article was written and reviewed by the CertWizard Editorial Team, a group of certification specialists with over 13 years of experience helping IT professionals earn CompTIA, Microsoft, AWS, Cisco, ISACA, PMI, and other industry-leading credentials. We analyze real exam trends, study timelines, candidate pain points, and certification policies to give you accurate, experience-based guidance.
Since 2010, CertWizard has helped 15,000+ candidates worldwide get certified safely, privately, and 100% verified in official vendor systems such as CompTIA CertMetrics, Microsoft Learn, Cisco CertMetrics, and more.
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