Does CompTIA A+ Expire? CE Credits, Renewal Options, and Timelines

Your CompTIA A+ certification expires after three years from the date you pass your certification exams. All CompTIA certifications follow this rule, and they no longer offer a "Good-for-Life" status.

CompTIA A+ stands among globally-recognized certifications with International Organization for Standardization and the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ISO/ANAB) accreditation status. This elite accreditation needs regular renewal to keep the certification valuable and relevant to the industry.

An expired certification can substantially affect your career path. You might miss out on job opportunities and career growth with outdated credentials. Your certification lapse could get pricey as you might need to retake both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) exams. Crucial Exams provides complete practice tests to help you prepare for both the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 and 220-1202 exams.

CompTIA gives you several ways to renew your certification. You need 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) during your three-year certification period. In this piece, we'll look at all possible renewal options, their costs, and why keeping your CompTIA A+ certification active matters.

How Long Does CompTIA A+ Certification Last?

The CompTIA A+ certification has a clear timeline and set validity periods. You need to know when and why your certification expires to plan your professional growth and renewal strategy.

Three-Year Validity Period Explained

Your CompTIA A+ certification stays valid for three years after you pass your exam. This timeline matches CompTIA's dedication to keeping up with advanced technology standards and industry needs. IT professionals can use their credentials during this three-year window while employers recognize them.

This three-year cycle affects all CompTIA certifications earned after January 1, 2011. CompTIA picked this standard duration because the IT industry usually sees big changes during this time. These changes mean certified professionals need updated knowledge and skills to stay competitive.

Your certification clock starts the day you finish your exam requirements. The three-year period for CompTIA A+ begins once you pass both required exams (Core 1 and Core 2). This timing plays a big role in planning your renewal.

When Does CompTIA A+ Expire After Passing?

The certification ends exactly three years from your certification date. Let's say you passed your final A+ exam on January 15, 2025 - your certification would end on January 15, 2028.

CompTIA gives you some wiggle room with a 90-day grace period after expiration. You can still submit continuing education units (CEUs) during this time if you completed them within your original three-year cycle. Any learning activities after your expiration date won't count toward renewal.

Missing both deadlines has its downsides. Your only option to get back your CompTIA A+ credential is to take and pass both current certification exams. Right now, these are Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), which launched on March 25, 2025.

Crucial Exams provides complete practice tests for 220-1201 and 220-1202 to help you prepare.

Good-for-Life Certifications vs. CE Certifications

There's a big difference between older and newer CompTIA certifications. The ones earned before January 1, 2011, are "Good-for-Life" (GFL) certifications. These never expire and don't need renewal.

All CompTIA A+ certifications earned after January 1, 2011, follow the Continuing Education (CE) program. You can renew these certifications in several ways:

1. Getting 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within your three-year period
2. Finishing the CertMaster CE A+ training course
3. Getting a higher-level CompTIA certification
4. Taking and passing the current A+ exams again

CompTIA moved from Good-for-Life to CE certifications to keep their ISO/ANSI accreditation status. This accreditation requires professionals to show they're staying current with their knowledge.

CompTIA plans to move more certifications from GFL to CE status. Server+ and Project+ certifications will need renewal every three years starting October 1, 2025. Only people who pass these exams before September 30, 2025, will keep their Good-for-Life status.

You should track your certification expiration date to keep your professional credentials active. Mark your calendar and start working on renewal requirements well before the deadline.

Why CompTIA A+ Certification Expires Every Three Years

CompTIA A+ certification's three-year renewal cycle exists for good reasons. The organization's timeline stems from specific industry factors and organizational requirements. Let's get into why your certification needs regular updates.

Technology Progress and Industry Relevance

Technology never stands still. CompTIA collaborates with industry partners to track these changes. Their research shows that meaningful technological changes happen about every three years. This timeline matches perfectly with the certification's valid period. Your 2025 knowledge could become outdated by 2028 as new hardware, software, and protocols emerge.

The latest A+ exam updates show this rapid progress. The newest certification versions (220-1201 and 220-1202) now include:

• Simple artificial intelligence concepts
• Advanced cybersecurity measures for malware detection
• Cloud computing and virtualization technologies
• Improved software troubleshooting techniques
• Modern networking solutions including VPNs

Your certification loses value without regular updates. Employers use A+ certification to verify that candidates have current, practical skills. An outdated credential might raise red flags about knowledge gaps to potential employers.

CompTIA puts it well: "Your job in IT comes standard with constant change... your career success requires you to be proactive and familiar with the technology that makes a real effect".

ISO/ANSI Accreditation Requirements

CompTIA A+ has managed to keep its American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accreditation since 2008. This prestigious status comes with strict guidelines that shape the certification's lifecycle.

The ISO/IEC 17024 standard oversees CompTIA's accreditation and requires new exam questions periodically. This rule helps verify that certified professionals keep their skills current throughout their careers.

This accreditation explains why CompTIA A+ certification meets the U.S. Department of Defense Directive 8570.01-M requirements. Government and regulatory bodies trust ANSI-accredited programs because they require ongoing skill demonstration.

Since January 2011, more than 3 million CompTIA ISO/ANSI-accredited exams have been delivered. This quality standard's widespread acceptance is a key reason for the three-year validity period.

Version Updates: Core 1 and Core 2 Exam Cycles

CompTIA updates its certification exams about every three years. This regular schedule helps add new technologies and remove outdated content.

The latest version, called the 1200 series, launched on March 25, 2025, with two parts:

• Core 1 (220-1201): Hardware skills, mobile device troubleshooting, and networking
• Core 2 (220-1202): Operating systems, security protocols, and software troubleshooting

These exams should stay current until 2028, based on CompTIA's usual three-year cycle. The previous version (220-1101 and 220-1102) ends on September 25, 2025, for English-language candidates.

Remember this rule: you can't mix exam versions. Both Core 1 and Core 2 must be from the same version series. Your certification or renewal timing matters a lot.

The three-year expiration cycle works well with:

1. Technology's pace of change
2. ISO/ANSI accreditation requirements
3. CompTIA's exam development and retirement schedule

This coordinated approach keeps the certification valuable while encouraging professionals to learn throughout their careers.

Renewal Option 1: Using CertMaster CE for A+

CertMaster CE gives IT professionals a convenient way to renew their CompTIA A+ credentials. This self-paced online course lets you skip retaking exams or collecting individual continuing education units.

Course Duration and Format (8–10 Hours)

You can complete CertMaster CE for CompTIA A+ in 8 to 10 hours through self-paced eLearning. Your existing knowledge and familiarity with the material will determine the actual time you need.

The course builds on the skills you showed at the time you passed your exam and deepens your foundational knowledge. The curriculum goes beyond your existing knowledge by including new topics that match the latest exam objectives.

You'll get a learning plan tailored to your target completion date, which helps you stay on track throughout the renewal process. This lets you:

• Review core concepts from your original certification
• Learn updated material reflecting current technology trends
• Progress at your own pace without scheduling pressures
• Complete your renewal requirements in one activity

Scoring Requirements: 100% on All Assessments

Your A+ certification renewal through CertMaster CE requires perfect scores on all course assessments. This might seem daunting, but you get unlimited chances to retake the tests.

The system lets you reset any assessment where you don't score 100% from the review page and try again. You can review tough areas and improve your understanding before making more attempts.

Your certification renewal happens automatically once you achieve perfect scores on all assessments. The certification record updates without extra paperwork or verification steps.

Cost Breakdown: $129 One-Time Fee

A one-time payment of $129 covers the CompTIA CertMaster CE program for A+ certification. This price offers good value compared to other renewal options that might have multiple separate costs.

CertMaster CE eliminates the need for annual CE maintenance fees. The traditional path requires certified professionals to pay $25 yearly ($75 total over three years) to keep their certification active.

Retaking both A+ exams would cost much more than the CertMaster CE fee, making this renewal path the most cost-effective way to maintain your certification.

Eligibility Window: Within 3-Year Cycle

Your certification must be active within its three-year validity period to use CertMaster CE renewal. The renewal option becomes unavailable after your certification expires.

Right now, CertMaster CE works with three CompTIA certifications: A+, Network+, and Security+. A+ certification holders need to have passed the 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams or earlier versions to use CertMaster CE renewal.

Check your eligibility through your CompTIA certification dashboard before buying CertMaster CE. This quick check prevents potential issues or wasted money.

If you can't use CertMaster CE because your certification has expired, you have other options, though they might take more time or money. You might need to retake both current A+ exams (220-1201 and 220-1202).

Renewal Option 2: Earning CEUs Through Approved Activities

You can keep your CompTIA A+ certification current without retaking exams by earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs). This simple approach lets you build credits through your professional activities during your certification period.

Required CEUs for A+: 20 Units

Your CompTIA A+ certification renewal needs exactly 20 CEUs. The requirement stays lower than other CompTIA certifications, which makes it easier to achieve while working. You must earn these credits within three years of getting certified. Starting your CEU collection early helps avoid any last-minute rush.

The CEU collection window starts when you pass your certification exam and ends on your expiration date. To name just one example, passing your A+ certification on January 15, 2025, means your CEUs are due by January 15, 2028. Spreading your CEU activities over this timeline makes the process much smoother.

Qualifying Activities: Webinars, Work Experience, Publishing

Several professional activities count toward your 20 CEU goal. Here's what you need to know about activity limits and documentation:

Training and Education:

• Training courses: 1 CEU per hour (no maximum)
• Live webinars: 1 CEU per hour (maximum 4 CEUs)
• Conference attendance: 1 CEU per hour (maximum 4 CEUs)
• College courses: 10 CEUs per 3-4 credit-hour class
• American Council on Education courses: 10 CEUs per 3-4 credit-hour class

Professional Contributions:

• Work experience: Up to 3 CEUs annually (maximum 9 CEUs total)
• Teaching/mentoring: 1 CEU per hour
• Instructional materials: 2 CEUs per hour generated
• Blog posts: Up to 8 CEUs
• Articles/whitepapers: Up to 8 CEUs
• Published books: Up to 15 CEUs

These options let you pick activities that match your career interests. Many IT professionals complete these activities naturally through their work and development.

Activity Relevance to A+ Exam Objectives

One vital rule applies to CEU activities: The content must match CompTIA A+ exam objectives at least 50% of the time. CompTIA looks beyond topics and reviews the depth of content during their evaluation.

A general computer maintenance webinar might not qualify without specific A+ exam content. However, a course on hardware troubleshooting or Windows configuration would likely meet the requirements.

This standard keeps the certification meaningful by ensuring certified professionals stay current with A+ exam topics.

Manual Submission Process for CEUs

You'll need to submit documentation through your CompTIA certification account after completing activities. Here's what you need to do:

1. Log into your certification account
2. Select the activity type from available options
3. Upload required documentation
4. Wait for CompTIA's verification (usually 24 hours)

Different activities need specific documentation. Training courses require content descriptions and completion certificates with your name, course details, provider information, completion date, and hours. Webinar submissions need content descriptions and proof of completion or registration.

CompTIA reviews all submitted activities automatically. This process maintains high certification standards. Approved CEUs show up in your account, helping you track progress toward your 20-unit goal.

Remember to pay the annual CE fee of $25 ($75 total over three years) after collecting all 20 CEUs. Good planning helps you spread activities across your certification period instead of rushing near the deadline.

Renewal Option 3: Passing a Higher-Level Certification

Getting a higher-level CompTIA certification is the quickest way to renew your A+ credential. This approach helps you build new skills and might save you from paying extra renewal fees.

Certifications That Fully Renew A+ (e.g., Network+, Security+)

Your A+ credential automatically renews when you earn certain CompTIA certifications during your current certification cycle. Here are the most popular paths:

• Network+ certification completely renews your A+ credential. This makes sense because networking knowledge builds on hardware and software fundamentals.
• Security+ certification also renews A+ automatically. CompTIA recognizes your ongoing expertise in fundamental areas as you progress in cybersecurity specialization.

These certifications also fully renew A+:

• Linux+ certification
• Cloud+ certification (both CV0-002 and CV0-003 versions)
• Server+ certification

The benefits of renewal flow down from the highest-tier certifications like PenTest+, CySA+, and SecurityX. To cite an instance, see how SecurityX automatically renews CySA+, PenTest+, Security+, Network+ and A+ in one step.

Partial CEU Credits from Exams Like DataSys+

Not every CompTIA certification gives you full A+ renewal. Some exams give you partial Continuing Education Units (CEUs) toward your renewal requirement:

• DataSys+ certification provides 13 CEUs for your A+ renewal. This covers more than half of the 20 CEUs you need. You can get the remaining 7 CEUs through other qualifying activities.
• Project+ certification doesn't automatically renew A+ even though it's part of the CE program. Data+ certification also doesn't offer automatic renewal benefits for A+.

The partial credit system follows a simple rule - 1 hour of qualifying activity equals 1 CEU. This helps you combine different certification achievements to meet your renewal requirements.

Automatic Renewal via Higher-Level Certs

The "renewal cascade" principle makes certification management easier. Your certifications update automatically when you pass a higher-level exam.

A big plus: you only need to renew your highest-level certification. If you have both A+ and Network+ certifications, meeting Network+ renewal requirements automatically takes care of your A+ renewal.

This approach saves money too. The CE fees for lower-level certifications are waived when you use a higher-level certification to renew them. You'll just pay maintenance fees for your highest-level certification.

Your original certification dates stay the same for renewal timing. All certifications keep their three-year validity periods even when renewed together.

Advancing your certification stack offers two benefits: career growth and simpler credential maintenance.

Note that you must earn the higher-level certification during your current three-year renewal cycle. Certifications earned outside this window won't count toward automatic renewal.

Renewal Option 4: Retaking the Latest A+ Exam

The simplest solution might be your only choice. You must retake the CompTIA A+ exam as the most direct way to renew when other options don't work or deadlines have passed.

You Must Retake (Post-Expiration)

You must retake the A+ exam if your certification expires without meeting renewal requirements. Your certified status disappears from CompTIA's records after the three-year validity period ends.

CompTIA gives you a 90-day grace period after expiration. During this time you can:

• Pay outstanding CE fees
• Submit CEUs earned within your original three-year cycle

You can't use this grace period to complete new continuing education activities. You need to earn all qualifying CEUs before your expiration date. Retaking the current exam versions becomes your only option once both your certification and grace periods end.

These timing differences matter:

• If you renew within your certification period → multiple renewal options
• If you're within the 90-day grace period → you can only submit completed activities
• If you're beyond both periods → you must retake both current A+ exams

Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) Exam Structure

CompTIA's A+ certification includes two separate exams launched on March 25, 2025:

You'll get your results right after completing these computer-based tests. The exams include:

• Traditional multiple-choice questions (both single and multiple response)
• Realistic drag-and-drop scenarios
• Performance-based questions that simulate real-life IT tasks

One vital rule stands out: you must take both Core 1 and Core 2 from the same exam version – mixing versions isn't allowed. You can't pass Core 1 (220-1201) and then take an older version of Core 2.

The current version (V15) should stay valid until around 2028, based on CompTIA's typical three-year cycle.

Link to Crucial Exams Practice Tests for 1201 and 1202

Good preparation is key to retaking these exams. Crucial Exams offers complete CompTIA A+ practice tests for both parts:

• CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Practice Tests: These tests cover hardware, networking, mobile devices, and virtualization topics that match the current Core 1 exam objectives.
• CompTIA A+ 220-1202 Practice Tests: These questions focus on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures aligned with Core 2 objectives.

The practice tests match the actual exam format and provide realistic preparation. Crucial Exams updates their questions regularly to match the latest exam content, helping you spot knowledge gaps before the real test.

New candidates and those renewing expired certifications must pass both exams. The requirements stay similar for experienced professionals whose certifications have expired.

CompTIA A+ Renewal Fees and Waiver Scenarios

You need to understand the fee structure and possible waiver options to handle the financial side of your CompTIA certification renewal. Your credential maintenance involves more than just earning CEUs or taking courses - there's also a monetary component to address.

Annual CE Fee: $25 (Total $75 Over 3 Years)

The CompTIA A+ certification needs a Continuing Education (CE) fee of $25 per year. This adds up to $75 over your three-year certification cycle. You must pay these fees before your certification expires to keep your credential active.

The payment structure gives you some flexibility. You don't have to pay these fees yearly - you can pay the full $75 upfront or spread it across your three-year renewal period. All fees need to be paid before your expiration date.

Your personal certification cycle determines the payment timeline, not the calendar year. To name just one example, if you get your A+ on June 15, 2025, you'll need to pay by June 15, 2028.

Fee Waivers via CertMaster or Higher-Level Certs

You can avoid CE fees completely through several renewal paths. These situations let you skip the fees entirely:

• Completing the CompTIA CertMaster CE course for A+ ($129 one-time fee)
• Passing the newest version of the CompTIA A+ exam
• Earning a higher-level CompTIA certification during your renewal cycle

If you've already paid some CE fees and choose any of these options, you can ask for a refund through CompTIA's help system. This gives you financial flexibility as your certification strategy grows.

Only Highest-Level Cert Requires Payment

Here's great news for professionals with multiple CompTIA certifications: you only pay CE fees for your highest-level certification. This payment structure saves money for people with multiple certifications.

To name just one example, having both A+ and Security+ certifications means you'll only pay the Security+ fee ($50 annually). The A+ fee ($25 annually) gets waived automatically. This makes it much cheaper to maintain multiple certifications.

It's worth mentioning that while CE fees might be waived for lower certifications, you still need to meet the continuing education requirements for each credential. The fee waiver only applies to payments, not educational requirements.

This single-payment approach works with CompTIA's renewal cascade system where higher certifications automatically renew lower ones. You get the most value from your certification maintenance budget by focusing your financial investment on your highest credential.

Benefits of Keeping Your A+ Certification Active

A current CompTIA A+ certification offers real professional benefits beyond just keeping it from expiring. This credential remains the life-blood of IT career growth even after you get your original certification.

Improved Job Prospects and Employer Trust

Your CompTIA A+ certification makes you more employable right away, particularly for entry-level IT positions. Nine out of ten employers believe certifications help them find the right person for the job. The International Data Corporation reports that 96% of HR managers screen candidates using IT certifications during recruitment.

Companies like Intel, Dell, Ricoh, Nissan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and HP look for CompTIA A+ certified professionals when hiring support specialists. Your current certification proves to employers that your knowledge is up-to-date rather than possibly outdated.

Access to Advanced Certifications and Career Paths

The CompTIA A+ certification opens up many career paths. This credential helps you move into specialized IT roles by qualifying you for advanced certifications. You can continue your certification path with CompTIA Network+ and Security+. The Department of Defense has approved these to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements.

Professionals with IT certifications get promoted more often than those without them. You can use your renewal period to build expertise in specialized areas like cybersecurity or cloud computing. This positions you for roles with better pay.

Avoiding Re-Examination and Skill Gaps

An expired certification creates needless hurdles. You must retake both current exams once it expires, which means more study time and money. Smart renewal saves your resources and time.

Your active certification shows your steadfast dedication to professional growth and builds trust with employers. The renewal also keeps your current credential valuable.

Your active certification proves you have relevant skills that match today's technology needs.

Conclusion

A CompTIA A+ certification needs careful planning and regular action to stay current. This article explores your certification's complete lifecycle - from the three-year validity period to all available renewal options before it expires.

Letting your certification expire creates needless barriers to career growth. You'll have to retake both Core 1 and Core 2 exams, which takes time and money. Taking action early saves these resources and keeps your professional credibility intact.

You have four different ways to renew your certification. CertMaster CE offers a simple solution with a one-time fee of $129, so you won't need yearly payments. You can collect 20 CEUs through webinars, work experience, or publishing that match your professional growth needs. Getting a higher-level certification will automatically renew your A+ credential - the quickest way to advance. You can also retake current exams, especially when your certification has expired.

Money matters in choosing your renewal path. The basic $25 yearly fee adds up to $75 over three years. But this fee goes away if you pick CertMaster CE or earn a higher-level certification. Professionals with multiple CompTIA credentials only pay fees for their highest certification level.

A current certification brings real career benefits. Employers use these certifications to screen candidates during hiring. Your valid credential shows your dedication to growth and up-to-date technical knowledge, making you stand out from those with expired certifications.

Make a renewal plan that fits your career goals before your deadline comes close. You can collect CEUs over time or prepare for higher-level exams - steady progress helps avoid last-minute pressure. If your certification has expired or you're studying for new exams, Crucial Exams provides detailed practice tests for CompTIA A+ 220-1201 and 220-1202 to boost your confidence before the test.

Your CompTIA A+ certification is more than just a credential - it verifies your skills in today's tech world. Smart renewal turns this original achievement into a stepping stone for lasting career success.