How to Renew Your CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years from the date you passed your second A+ exam (either Core 1 or Core 2, whichever was completed last to earn the certification). To maintain your A+ certification, you need to participate in CompTIA's Continuing Education (CE) program. If your certification expires, you'll need to pass both the latest Core 1 and Core 2 exams again to regain your A+ certification.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the renewal process:

1. Understand Your Renewal Timeline

  • Certification Date: The date you officially earned your A+ certification (after passing both required exams).
  • Expiration Date: Three years from your A+ certification date.
  • CEU Earning Window: You can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the day you earn your A+ certification until its expiration date.
  • Renewal Deadline: All renewal requirements, including earning CEUs and paying any applicable fees, must be completed by your certification's expiration date.

2. Choose Your Renewal Option

CompTIA offers several ways to renew your A+ certification:

Option A: Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) This is a very common method.

  • CEUs Required: You need to earn 20 CEUs during your three-year renewal cycle.
  • Relevance: At least 50% of the CEU activities must relate to one or more of the CompTIA A+ exam objectives (covering hardware, software, operating systems, basic networking, security, troubleshooting, and operational procedures).

Option B: Complete CompTIA CertMaster CE for A+

  • This is a self-paced online course offered by CompTIA specifically designed for A+ renewal.
  • Successfully completing the CertMaster CE course for A+ will automatically renew your certification and fulfill the CEU requirement.
  • Typically, the CE fees are included in the price of CertMaster CE.

Option C: Pass the Latest Version of the CompTIA A+ Exams

  • You can choose to take and pass the latest versions of both the CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams.
  • This automatically renews your A+ certification.

Option D: Earn a Qualifying Higher-Level CompTIA Certification

  • Passing certain higher-level CompTIA certifications will automatically renew your A+ certification. These typically include:
    • CompTIA Network+
    • CompTIA Security+
    • CompTIA Linux+
    • CompTIA Cloud+
    • CompTIA PenTest+
    • CompTIA CySA+
    • CompTIA CASP+
  • Always check the official CompTIA website for the most current list of certifications that renew A+.

Option E: Earn Certain Non-CompTIA IT Industry Certifications

  • CompTIA recognizes some other industry certifications that can fully satisfy your A+ renewal requirement.
  • You must submit documentation for these certifications through your CompTIA certification account.
  • Check the official CompTIA website for the list of pre-approved certifications. This option often fully renews A+ and may waive CE fees.

3. How to Earn CEUs (If Choosing Option A)

If you opt to earn 20 CEUs, here are common qualifying activities:

  • Complete Training Courses:
    • Courses on topics like PC hardware, operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), mobile devices, basic networking, IT security fundamentals, troubleshooting.
    • 1 CEU per hour of instruction.
    • Documentation: Certificate of completion.
  • Attend Live Webinars:
    • Webinars on relevant IT support topics.
    • 1 CEU per hour of attendance.
    • Documentation: Proof of attendance, email confirmation.
    • Maximum for A+: 5 CEUs.
  • Attend Industry Conferences/Events:
    • Local IT user groups, tech shows, or workshops.
    • 1 CEU per hour of attendance.
    • Documentation: Badge, registration confirmation, session list.
    • Maximum for A+: 5 CEUs.
  • Complete College/University Courses:
    • Introductory courses in IT, computer science, or networking.
    • 10 CEUs per 3-4 credit hour course.
    • Documentation: Transcript.
    • Maximum for A+: 20 CEUs.
  • Work Experience:
    • If your job role involves tasks directly related to the A+ exam objectives (e.g., IT support technician, help desk).
    • 3 CEUs per year (total of 9 CEUs for the 3-year cycle).
    • Documentation: Letter from employer detailing relevant job responsibilities.
    • Maximum for A+: 9 CEUs.
  • Create Content:
    • Writing relevant articles, how-to guides, blog posts, or creating training materials for A+ level topics.
    • Varies (e.g., a well-documented blog post might be 1-2 CEUs).
    • Documentation: Copy of content, publication details.
  • Teach or Mentor:
    • Teaching basic IT courses or mentoring others on A+ related topics.
    • 1 CEU per hour of instruction.
    • Documentation: Letter from institution or mentee.
    • Maximum for A+: 10 CEUs.
  • Participate in CompTIA Exam Development Workshops (e.g., for A+):
    • Up to 20 CEUs.
    • Documentation: Provided by CompTIA.

Important for CEU Activities:

  • Relevance: Ensure activities align with A+ exam objectives.
  • Documentation: Keep meticulous records and proof for all activities. CompTIA may audit your submissions.

4. Continuing Education (CE) Fees

  • If you renew by earning CEUs (Option A) or through some non-CompTIA certifications (Option E, if it doesn't fully renew and waive fees), you will need to pay CE fees.
  • The CE fee for A+ is $25 USD per year, totaling $75 USD for the three-year cycle.
  • You can pay this fee annually or as a lump sum before your certification expires.
  • Fee Waivers: CE fees are generally waived if you renew by:
    • Completing CompTIA CertMaster CE for A+.
    • Passing the latest A+ exams.
    • Earning a qualifying higher-level CompTIA certification.
    • Earning certain approved non-CompTIA certifications that fully renew A+.

5. Step-by-Step Renewal Process (Primarily for CEU Submission)

  1. Log in to your CompTIA Certification Account: Go to https://login.comptia.org.
  2. Navigate to the "Continuing Education" section.
  3. Submit Your CEU Activities:
    • Click on "Submit CEUs" or a similar option.
    • Choose the activity type from the dropdown menu.
    • Enter the details of your completed activity (e.g., course name, provider, completion date, hours).
    • Upload the required supporting documentation for each activity.
    • Indicate how the activity relates to the A+ exam objectives.
  4. Pay Your CE Fees (if applicable):
    • Once you have submitted enough CEUs, or if you are ready to pay, navigate to the payment section.
    • Fees must be paid before your certification can be officially renewed (unless waived).
  5. Track Your Progress: Your account dashboard will show your CEU progress and certification status.
  6. Confirmation: Once you have met all requirements (earned 20 CEUs or completed an alternative renewal path, and paid any applicable fees), CompTIA will process your renewal. Your A+ certification expiration date will be extended by three years. You should receive an email confirmation.

6. Key Reminders & Best Practices for A+

  • Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute. Begin planning your CEU activities and earning them throughout your three-year cycle.
  • Understand A+ Objectives: Familiarize yourself with the official CompTIA A+ (Core 1 and Core 2) exam objectives to ensure your CEU activities are relevant.
  • Keep Documentation: Store all your CEU documentation in a safe place, even after your renewal is complete, in case of an audit.
  • Check CompTIA’s Website Regularly: Policies, approved activities, and qualifying certifications can change. Always refer to the official CompTIA Continuing Education page for the most up-to-date information.
  • Remember Both Core Exams for Retake: If you choose to renew by retaking the exam, you must pass the current versions of both A+ Core 1 and Core 2.

By following these steps and planning accordingly, you can successfully renew your CompTIA A+ certification and keep your foundational IT skills recognized. Good Luck !

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