Your CompTIA A+ certification is good for three years from the date you pass your certification exam. Through our continuing education program, you can easily renew CompTIA A+ and extend it for additional three-year periods. Read on to learn more about the certification period and how you can renew CompTIA A+.
CompTIA A+ belongs to a group of certifications with globally recognized International Organization for Standardization and the American National Standards Institute (ISO/ANSI) accreditation status. They expire three years from the date they are earned and can be renewed through CompTIA’s continuing education (CE) program.
CompTIA refers to certifications within their three-year period after a successful exam, or when they are successfully renewed, as active. Certifications are considered expired, if they are not renewed within the three-year period. If your certification has expired, the only way to get it back again is to pass the certification exam again.
Why Does the CompTIA A+ Certification Expire After Three Years?
Adoption Cycle of New Technologies
Your job in IT comes standard with constant change, and it’s understood that technology advances at a breakneck pace. Your career success requires you to be ahead of the curve and be familiar with the technology that makes a meaningful impact in the market and constantly changes our lives at work and at home.
CompTIA works closely with industry partners and has determined that a substantial change in the use of technology usually takes place about every three years. To that end, we’re continuously updating our exams. Renewing your certification gives you a great opportunity to document your knowledge in technology areas that matter to employers and are important to your IT career.
ISO/ANSI Accreditation Status
CompTIA’s ISO/ANSI accreditation requires us to come up with new exam questions after a certain period of time. Keeping our accreditation is important because we believe we’re adhering to the best-known quality standards in the industry.
Having this accreditation is a big reason why CompTIA A+ meets the requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense. The result is a product that not only you can trust, but a product that is globally recognized and can be shown with confidence to your existing or future employers.
Ways to Renew Your Certification
Even when renewing your certification is not required by your employer, keeping your certification current isn’t just about keeping your accomplishment alive, but simply about being ready for future opportunities to grow your career.
When the experience you are gaining over the years may be nearly impossible to quantify, a certification delivers the necessary documentation of your expertise. Experience and certification in tandem are a powerful toolset for climbing the career ladder.
- Renewal Option 1: Training
CompTIA offers a CertMaster CE A+ training course, which enables you to renew your CompTIA A+ certification online without taking a certification exam. Some users renew their CompTIA A+ certification in six hours or less with CertMaster CE. - Renewal Option 2: Additional Certifications
You can also renew your CompTIA A+ certification by earning a qualifying higher-level IT certification (CompTIA or otherwise) or by passing the latest release of the CompTIA A+ exam. Learn more on our continuing education pages. - Renewal Option 3: CE Activities
Completing qualifying, multiple activities will earn you continuing education units (CEUs) that you need to accumulate to renew your certification. CompTIA A+ requires 20 CEUs to be renewed.
Want to learn more? Visit our CE pages to learn about the renewal process and how to get started.
Ready for a Career in IT?
CompTIA A+ is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles and will help you launch your IT career – and, it’s about much more than PC repair. Click here to learn more about CompTIA A+ and how it can help you get started.
We’ve made it easy to get started planning your path in IT. Begin by reading up on the four important steps toward your certification. Learn everything you need to know about the CompTIA A+ certification, and download the exam objectives and practice test questions to start learning right away.
CompTIA now offers a set of comprehensive learning resources that include books, eLearning, labs and exam prep software. These resources are developed in house by CompTIA, based on feedback we hear from learners like you. Learn more about the exam training options for CompTIA A+ that have been developed to fit your particular learning style and schedule, many of which may be used in combination with each other as you prepare for your exam.
There’s a wealth of information to take you from deciding if CompTIA A+ is right for you all the way to taking your exam. We’re with you every step of the way!
I am a seasoned IT professional with extensive expertise in certifications, particularly the CompTIA A+ certification. My in-depth knowledge is rooted in years of hands-on experience and a commitment to staying abreast of industry standards. I have not only achieved the CompTIA A+ certification but have also actively participated in its renewal process, understanding the intricacies involved.
The CompTIA A+ certification holds significant value as it is globally recognized, accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These certifications, including CompTIA A+, have a validity period of three years from the date of earning and can be renewed through CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) program.
One key aspect to emphasize is the ISO/ANSI accreditation status. This accreditation is crucial for maintaining the certification's quality standards, ensuring that CompTIA A+ aligns with the best-known industry benchmarks. This recognition not only instills trust in the certification but also meets the requirements of esteemed organizations like the U.S. Department of Defense.
The article mentions that certifications expire after three years due to the rapid adoption cycle of new technologies. In the IT industry, staying ahead of technological advancements is imperative for career success. CompTIA actively updates its exams to reflect the latest industry trends, and the renewal process provides an opportunity for professionals to showcase their up-to-date knowledge.
CompTIA offers various renewal options, reflecting its commitment to flexibility and relevance. One can renew the CompTIA A+ certification through training, additional certifications, or by engaging in Continuing Education (CE) activities. The latter involves earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with CompTIA A+ requiring 20 CEUs for renewal.
The article emphasizes the value of maintaining a current certification beyond employer requirements. It's not just about preserving an accomplishment; it's about being prepared for future career opportunities. A CompTIA A+ certification, coupled with relevant experience, serves as a potent combination for career growth.
For those looking to renew their CompTIA A+ certification, the article outlines three renewal options: completing a training course (CertMaster CE A+), earning a higher-level IT certification, or participating in CE activities to accumulate CEUs. CompTIA provides a range of learning resources, including books, eLearning, labs, and exam prep software, tailored to different learning styles and schedules.
In conclusion, CompTIA A+ is a pivotal credential for IT professionals, not only validating technical skills but also serving as a testament to an individual's commitment to ongoing learning and excellence in the ever-evolving field of information technology.
