A Guide to the Best CompTIA A+ Training Bootcamps

For those who are just starting on their IT career path, a CompTIA A+ certification can help you stand out from other candidates.

As an entry-level certification that allows those who hold it to demonstrate basic competencies in computer system support and IT, it is a great option for beginners in the field who want to prove their knowledge base with a certification.

If you are short on time, you can take a CompTIA A+ boot camp training program like the top options we have listed in the article below.

Overview

• Average Cost: $2,000 – $4,000
• Duration: 5 days full-time – 24 weeks part-time
• Format: Instructor-led training (in-person or online); self-paced remote learning
• Level: Beginner (1-3 years of experience is okay)

Curriculum

In the average CompTIA A+ training boot camp, you will cover key topics such as installing operating systems, configuring systems, diagnosing problems, and providing preventative maintenance.

You will also review essential networking skills that will translate to real-world issues on the job.

The goal of CompTIA A+ training is to go over the basics of IT that many professionals still use well into their careers.

These are the building blocks that will create a strong foundation for a rewarding career in this field.

While you have probably developed many of these skills in an entry-level position, it is worth reviewing them in a formal training setting so that you will be as prepared as possible to sit for the two required exams for the CompTIA A+ certification.

Benefits

There are plenty of perks to obtaining a CompTIA A+ certification.

One of the main benefits of obtaining this certification is the increase in job opportunities that it provides.

Employers would rather not take a gamble on a new IT employee.

When you are just kicking off your IT career, a certification can make or break your success in the hiring process.

If an employer has to choose between someone who has this certification and someone who lacks the certification, they will almost always prefer the candidate who is certified.

This is because it shows that you are serious and dedicated in your pursuit of a career in IT.

If you have invested the time, energy, and resources into getting your CompTIA A+ certification, an employer would be willing to take a chance on you as someone who has less experience than those who have been in the field for a longer amount of time.

CompTIA A+ certification boot camp training has important benefits to offer, such as high value for a low time commitment, camaraderie from your classmates, and an overall sense of support that will carry you through to the exam day.

Cost

While most training programs do not tell you how much they will cost, you should expect to pay around $2,000 – $3,000 for a boot camp-style training program for IT certification such as CompTIA A+.

Some self-paced programs may be less expensive.

Those with highly qualified instructors may cost more because of the increased value and knowledge that they provide.

If cost is a deterrent to you, you may want to look into funding options.

Some programs take GI bill funding while others will allow you to make a payment plan that makes them more affordable to add to your monthly budget.

Top Bootcamps

SecureNinja

If you are local to the Washington, D.C. area or you would be able to access it during the class sessions, SecureNinja’s in-person instructor-led CompTIA A+ training boot camp is one of the best options available.

This program gives you everything you need to succeed in your CompTIA A+ certification training.

Throughout the boot camp, your instructor will lead you through a review of the basics such as installation, diagnosing problems, network maintenance basics, prevention, and more.

As you may know, the CompTIA A+ certification process involves taking two tests.

The first test, CompTIA A+ 220-1101, covers PC hardware, networking, printers, laptops, operational procedures, and cloud computing.

For the second test, known as the CompTIA A+ 220-1102, students must demonstrate competency in OS (operating systems), mobile devices, troubleshooting, and basic cybersecurity.

The SecureNinja boot camp covers topics related to both of these tests.

This means that you can prepare for the entire certification process in one class rather than taking boot camp training for the first test and then taking another one for the second.

This helps you maximize your time and gain your certification with the most efficient style of learning possible.

If you do not live close enough to Washington, D.C. to be there for this training, SecureNinja also offers some live instruction sessions in California and online.

If you have a company and you would like to provide this training for your employees, you may be able to have SecureNinja come to you to teach a private training session.

For more details, you can contact SecureNinja directly.

Penn Cybersecurity Boot Camp

If you would prefer to take your boot camp-style classes on a part-time basis, the Penn Cybersecurity Boot Camp allows users to learn CompTIA A+ remotely during part-time hours.

This is especially ideal if you are working in another field or you have other obligations that make it so that full-time boot camp is not an option for you.

This program teaches you everything that a shorter program would cover with extra support to help you make it to exam day.

In this class, you will take 24 weeks to complete 9 hours of live online classes.

You should also expect to put at least 20 hours a week aside to work on homework and projects.

The classes take place over three hours an evening on three weekday evenings.

This makes it ideal for those who work a day job and want to transition to a fulfilling career in IT.

While this is significantly longer than most boot camp training, it is still shorter than getting a diploma or associate’s degree in an IT-related concentration.

As an online student at the University of Pennsylvania, you can take advantage of opportunities for educational support such as one-on-one tutoring and 24/7 on-demand learning assistance through texting or video calling.

These resources are invaluable for students who may struggle with certain topics or simply need more support.

Students in this program will also receive a CertMaster test prep tool and a voucher for the exam free of charge.

Although the program does not explicitly help with test prep, they do teach everything you would want to know to do well on the test.

For those who have minimal or nonexistent IT experience, this program offers great instruction in the basics that will prepare you to go for your certification or simply begin gaining experience in the field.

Infosec Institute

For a fast-paced five-day boot camp program that will kick you into gear for the CompTIA A+ certification exams, Infosec’s Infosec’s authorized CompTIA A+ Boot Camp is hard to beat.

Their quick yet thorough instruction style is great for those who want to gain maximum preparation in minimum time.

For those who do their best when they cram for a test, this certification training program is ideal.

In the program, you will cover essential software and hardware basics, including installing and configuring these aspects of IT materials.

You will also spend time learning how to troubleshoot mobile devices, support Windows networks, and review for the exam.

This program prepares students to take the 220-1002 exam.

On the fifth day of training, you will have the opportunity to take the test.

This means that you won’t have to worry about finding a testing site or losing the value of any of the studying that you have done.

Training Camp

If you need the assurance of a guarantee for passing the CompTIA A+ Exam, Training Camp’s boot camp training for the CompTIA A+ certification’s CompTIA A+ Exam Pass Guaranteed can give you the confidence you need to succeed.

Their award-winning exam prep course goes over a great deal of information in a short window of time.

If you want the best chance at getting ready to take the A+ 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams, this course may be right for you.

They offer online training with an authorized instructor who is comfortable keeping a quick pace while also offering strong instruction.

To further prepare for the exam, students who have completed the program can attend online, live review sessions as many times as they would like.

This post-program support is perfect for students who may still feel a little shaky in their abilities before test day.

Because IT is such a fast-evolving field, Training Camp reviews its coursework every thirty days to ensure that it is still up-to-date on the industry’s best practices and the test’s material.

This carves them out a space as a leader in the IT industry as an educational resource.

For organizations that have specific needs and desires for training, Training Camp also offers private group training opportunities that can be ideal for companies who want to distinguish themselves as a frontrunner in the IT field.

To gain the trust of your customers and clients, you can pay to have this private training to prepare your employees to take the CompTIA A+ certification exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CompTIA A+ Certification?

CompTIA A+ Certification is a type of certification that allows those who hold it to gain credibility as they search for their first IT position.

This certification shows employers that you know your way around hardware, networks, and operating systems on a basic level.

As you grow in experience, you will find that the topics you cover in this certification are ones that you will go back to every day in IT.

Do I need CompTIA A+ Certification to work in IT?

While you do not technically need a CompTIA A+ certification to land an IT job, it can be a useful certification to have for several reasons.

Firstly, if you have this certification, employers will know that you have put in the work to learn these skills formally or independently.

Secondly, you will feel more confident on your first day on the job.

Finally, it can set a foundation for higher levels of certification.

How many years of experience do I need to take the CompTIA A+ Certification exam?

To take the CompTIA A+ Certification exam, you do not need any experience working in IT.

That being said, it is recommended that you have part-time, volunteer, or full-time experience working in an IT setting to help you familiarize yourself with the topics.

How much does the CompTIA A+ Certification exam cost?

A single exam voucher for the CompTIA A+ Certification exam costs $246.00.

For test prep and other options, it may be more expensive.