By Quick answer: How do I pass CompTIA A+?
- Plan — 12 weeks.
- Exam — 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam.
- Fee — Two exams; voucher price on the CompTIA store.
- Practise — free timed tests until you pass comfortably.
Key takeaways
- Study from the official exam objectives, not just videos.
- Hands-on practice beats rereading.
- Book the exam when practice scores are consistently strong.
CompTIA A+ rewards a structured plan. This 12-week plan covers the exam format and cost, what to study when, and how to use practice tests so you walk in ready.
The exam and the resources that help
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CompTIA A+CompTIA | Two exams1 | 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam | Free test |
| 2 | Google IT Support Professional CertificateGoogle / Coursera | $49/mo Coursera plan2 | 3–6 months at about 10 hours a week | Free test |
| 3 | CompTIA Network+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store3 | 90 minutes | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
- CompTIA A+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA A+ before you pay.Start free test →
- IT Support and Troubleshooting CertificationPractise for Google IT Support Professional Certificate before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Network+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Network+ before you pay.Start free test →
The exam, then the resources to prepare with
- CompTIACompTIA A+The examTwo exams
- CourseraGoogle IT Support Professional CertificateGentler start$49/mo Coursera plan
- CompTIACompTIA Network+Next stepVoucher price on the CompTIA store
CompTIA A+
- Cost
- Two exams1
- Format
- 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on IT support
Two exams; voucher price on the CompTIA store. Format: 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam. CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on IT support.
Best forthe exam
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- Cost
- $49/mo Coursera plan2
- Time
- 3–6 months at about 10 hours a week
Google IT Support. Google's professional certificate covers troubleshooting, networking, operating systems, system administration and security for complete beginners. It takes three to six months at about ten hours a week, with financial aid on Coursera.
Best forgentler start
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store3
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
Network+. CompTIA's Network+ covers networking concepts, infrastructure, operations and troubleshooting in a 90-minute exam. It's vendor-neutral and ANAB-accredited; CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience.
Best fornext step
A 12-week study plan
- Week 1 — Download the official objectives and take a free baseline test.
- Weeks 2–10 — Study one domain at a time with official or trusted materials.
- Week 11 — Timed full-length practice tests; fix weak domains.
- Week 12 — Light review, rest, then sit the exam.
Tips that make the difference
- Objectives first — Map every study session to an exam objective.
- Active recall — Quiz yourself instead of rereading.
- Mistake log — Write down why each wrong answer was wrong.
- Timing — Practise full-length tests under time limits.
How we ranked these picks
Exam format, fee and prerequisites come from the official page for CompTIA A+, checked 3 November 2026. The plan reflects common preparation patterns; adjust to your background.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to prepare for CompTIA A+?
About 12 weeks for most people; less with experience.
How much does CompTIA A+ cost?
Two exams; voucher price on the CompTIA store.
What is the CompTIA A+ exam format?
90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam.
How many exams is A+?
Two.
Is there a free CompTIA A+ practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers a free practice test, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- CompTIA — CompTIA A+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Google — Google IT Support Professional Certificate, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Network+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
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Start with the free CompTIA A+ Practice Test. 1,200+ free, test-based certifications graded on our server. Pass and get a founder-signed certificate with a credential ID employers can verify.