The CertOwl Blog
Honest guides to CompTIA certifications: what the exams cost, how hard they really are, and how to pass them without braindumps. Written by the founder of CertOwl.
Is the CompTIA A+ worth it in 2026? An honest look
The CompTIA A+ costs over $500 and takes months to study for. Who it pays off for in 2026, who should skip it, and what it gets you.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201): what's actually on the exam
Everything on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) exam. The five domains, question types, the 675 passing score, and where most people lose points.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 vs Core 2: the difference, and which to take first
Core 1 covers hardware and networking, Core 2 covers operating systems and security. How the two A+ exams differ and which order to take them in.
How many questions are on the CompTIA A+ exam? Format explained
Each CompTIA A+ exam has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes, but most people see fewer. How the question count, PBQs and the 100-900 scoring scale really work.
How hard is the CompTIA A+? Pass rates and why people fail
CompTIA doesn't publish official A+ pass rates. What the real difficulty looks like, the most common reasons people fail, and how to avoid them.
How long does it take to study for the CompTIA A+? Realistic timelines
Realistic CompTIA A+ study timelines for beginners and IT-adjacent people, an 8-week plan per exam, and why booking the exam early is the best study hack.
CompTIA A+ exam cost in 2026: the real total, not just the voucher
The CompTIA A+ costs about $265 per exam in 2026, and you need two. Full cost breakdown including retakes, study materials, discounts and how to pay less.
Failed a CompTIA exam? The retake policy and what to do next
CompTIA's retake policy explained. No wait after a first fail, 14 days from the third attempt, full price every time. Plus a plan for passing the retake.
Do you need the A+ before the Network+? (No, but read this first)
The CompTIA Network+ has no prerequisites. Who can skip the A+ and go straight to N10-009, who shouldn't, and what the Network+ exam looks like in 2026.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) in 2026: format, difficulty, and why the military requires it
The CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam explained. Question count, the 750 passing score, 2026 pricing, and how DoD 8140 made it mandatory for thousands of jobs.