Keep your A+: 20 CEUs, three years and the next credential worth taking
A+ follows a three-year cycle that begins once you pass both cores. Renew with 20 CEUs, about seven a year, through CertMaster CE, a qualifying higher CompTIA certification, another IT body's certification or approved training. If it lapses, you must pass both current exams again.
Start in year one and spread the 20 units across the cycle.
When the clock starts
The cycle begins once you have passed both cores in the same version and CompTIA has added A+ to your record. From that day you have three years.
The target
You need 20 continuing education units (CEUs) in the cycle. Divided across three years, that is about 7 a year, or roughly one every two months.
The routes
CompTIA lists several ways to renew.
| Route | Notes |
|---|---|
| CertMaster CE for A+ | A product built for this purpose |
| A qualifying higher-level CompTIA certification | For example, Network+ or Security+; confirm that it qualifies |
| A qualifying certification from another IT body | Check the list on CompTIA's pages |
| Approved training and other activities | Check each activity's CEU value |
If the cycle ends without renewal, the credential expires and you must pass both current exams again. That is the outcome to plan against.
Dates to enter on day one
- On the day A+ is added, enter the end date, with reminders at 12, 6 and 3 months before it.
- At month 24, decide your route. If you plan to earn a higher certification, check that it qualifies now, not at month 35.
- At month 30, if you are short of 20, switch to the quickest approved route.
- Each month, record anything you have done, even small items.
What to take next
Pick by direction, not by fashion.
| If you want | Consider |
|---|---|
| Networking | Network+ or CCNA |
| Security | Security+ |
| Cloud | AWS Cloud Practitioner or AZ-900 |
| Systems administration | A vendor administrator certification |
| Service management, later | An ITSM credential |
Two of those do more than one job. A qualifying Network+ or Security+ can take you forward and, if CompTIA confirms it qualifies, count towards renewal. Check that before you pay.
Record each unit as you earn it
| Date | Activity | Route | CEUs | Evidence saved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
One row per activity, filled in the week you finish it, makes the year-end total a matter of adding up rather than searching.
Put it on your CV and in your reviews
List A+ with both exam codes, 220-1201 and 220-1202, and the year you passed. If you completed lab work, add short lines for it. Then ask your manager what the next step in the support ladder needs, and match the credential to that answer.
What a late start costs
Left to the last month, 20 units become a rushed purchase of whatever still qualifies, and CompTIA can review your claims, so keep evidence of every activity.
Questions readers ask
How many CEUs does A+ need?
What happens if A+ lapses?
Can Network+ or Security+ renew my A+?
This article is independent and is not endorsed by CompTIA. Facts change: confirm them on the official page before you act.