CompTIA A+ is not being phased out. However, the specific exams that make up the CompTIA A+ certification do have a limited lifespan before they are retired and replaced with newer versions. This is a common practice in the IT industry, as technology and best practices evolve rapidly, and certifications need to stay up to date.
The CompTIA A+ certification is widely recognized and respected in the IT industry, and it serves as a foundational certification for entry-level IT professionals. It covers a wide range of topics, including hardware, software, networking, security, and troubleshooting. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in IT support and technical roles.
CompTIA periodically updates the content of the A+ certification to ensure that it reflects the latest industry trends and technologies. These updates are based on feedback from industry experts, employers, and certification holders. As a result, new versions of the CompTIA A+ exams are released to replace the older versions.
The most recent update to the CompTIA A+ certification was in January 2019, when the 1000 series exams were introduced. These exams, namely the Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002), replaced the previous 900 series exams. The 1000 series exams cover the latest hardware and software technologies, including virtualization, cloud computing, and mobile devices.
While the 1000 series exams are the current version of the CompTIA A+ certification, they will eventually be retired and replaced with newer exams. However, CompTIA provides a transition period during which candidates can still take the older exams before they are retired. This allows individuals who have been preparing for the older exams to complete their certification.
In the case of the CompTIA A+ 1000 series, the retirement date is set for October 20, 2022. This means that candidates have until that date to take and pass the exams from the 1000 series. After the retirement date, the 1000 series exams will no longer be available, and candidates will need to prepare for and take the newer exams when they are released.
It’s important to note that even though the specific exams may change over time, the CompTIA A+ certification itself remains valuable and relevant. Employers still recognize and value the CompTIA A+ certification as a strong indicator of a candidate’s foundational IT knowledge and skills. So, if you are considering pursuing the CompTIA A+ certification, it is still a worthwhile investment in your IT career.
While the specific exams that make up the CompTIA A+ certification may be retired and replaced with newer versions, the certification itself is not being phased out. The CompTIA A+ certification remains highly regarded and relevant in the IT industry, and it continues to serve as a valuable credential for entry-level IT professionals.