IT Certification Verification
How to Verify a CompTIA A+ Certification
CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification, covering hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, networking, and security fundamentals. It is vendor-neutral and required by the US Department of Defense for baseline IT support roles. Here is how to confirm A+ certification status when screening IT support candidates.
Quick answer
Verify CompTIA A+ through the CompTIA Certification Verification tool at verify.comptia.org. Enter the candidate's name and certification ID number or Credly badge URL. CompTIA also issues digital badges via Credly for all current CE-edition certifications.
CompTIA A+ exam versions
CompTIA A+ has gone through multiple exam series. The current version is the Core Series (220-1101 and 220-1102, introduced in 2022). Understanding versions helps you assess whether the credential reflects current technology:
| Exam Series | Exam Numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core Series (current) | 220-1101 / 220-1102 | Launched April 2022; covers cloud, virtualization, expanded security |
| Core 1000 Series | 220-1001 / 220-1002 | Retired January 2023; still valid if held as CE edition |
| 900 Series | 220-901 / 220-902 | Retired July 2019; non-expiring legacy if earned before CE era |
CompTIA introduced the Continuing Education (CE) program in 2011. A+ earned under the CE program expires every three years and requires 20 continuing education units (CEUs) to renew. Certifications earned before the CE era are non-expiring legacy credentials.
How to verify via CompTIA
CompTIA operates a public certification verification tool:
- Go to verify.comptia.org
- Enter the candidate's first name, last name, and their CompTIA certification ID (a code in the format COMP001XXXXXXXX)
- The portal returns all current, active CompTIA certifications held by that person
- Confirm A+ is listed and note the expiration date (CE edition) or that it is listed as non-expiring (legacy)
Alternatively, candidates with CE-edition A+ can share a Credly digital badge. Verify the badge is authentic by clicking through to the Credly page and confirming the issuer is CompTIA and the earner's name matches.
Ask for the CompTIA certification ID
The verify.comptia.org portal requires the candidate's certification ID, not just their name. Ask candidates to locate their ID in their CompTIA certification account before the interview or onboarding stage.
CE renewal requirements
Current CE-edition A+ certifications require renewal every three years:
- 20 CEUs required within the 3-year certification period
- CEUs can be earned through training, higher-level CompTIA certifications, college coursework, or approved vendor certifications
- Holding a higher-level CompTIA cert (Network+, Security+) automatically renews A+ as well
- An annual maintenance fee (AMF) of $50/year is required unless the holder is a CompTIA CertMaster Learn subscriber
An expired CE-edition A+ is no longer an active CompTIA certification. The verify.comptia.org portal will not show expired credentials as active.
DoD 8140 baseline requirement
The US Department of Defense 8140 directive (formerly DoD 8570) requires baseline certification for IT and cybersecurity roles on government networks. CompTIA A+ satisfies the IAT Level I baseline requirement for technical support and end-user computing roles on government systems.
If hiring for a position involving DoD contractor or government IT support work, confirm the A+ is current (not expired) and the CE edition, as legacy non-expiring certifications may not satisfy current DoD compliance requirements at some agencies.
A+ vs. other entry-level IT certifications
| Certification | Issuer | Focus | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | CompTIA | Hardware, OS, troubleshooting, security fundamentals | 3 years (CE) |
| Google IT Support Certificate | Google / Coursera | IT support fundamentals, help desk skills | Non-expiring |
| Microsoft Fundamentals (e.g., AZ-900) | Microsoft | Cloud/Azure fundamentals | 1 year renewal |
| CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA | Networking: TCP/IP, infrastructure, troubleshooting | 3 years (CE) |
A+ remains the standard entry-level credential for IT support and helpdesk roles. Network+ and Security+ build on it for more specialized networking and cybersecurity positions.
Red flags
- Candidate cannot provide a CompTIA certification ID for portal lookup
- Certification not found or listed as expired at verify.comptia.org
- CE edition but no record of renewal CEUs or AMF payment after 3 years
- Badge image on resume not linked to a live Credly page
- Exam numbers claimed do not match the A+ series (e.g., citing Network+ or Security+ exam codes as A+)
Verification checklist
- 1. Ask the candidate for their CompTIA certification ID (format: COMP001XXXXXXXX)
- 2. Look up at verify.comptia.org and confirm A+ is listed as active
- 3. Note whether it is CE edition (expires) or legacy non-expiring; confirm CE edition is not past expiration
- 4. For DoD contractor roles: confirm CE edition and check agency-specific requirements
- 5. Optionally verify Credly badge: confirm issuer is CompTIA and earner name matches
Verify the IT candidate's educational background
Many IT support professionals hold degrees or certificates from community colleges, technical schools, or boot camps. Use VerifyED to confirm whether the institution is accredited and whether the program was legitimate.
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