CompTIA A+ — IT Support Foundation Certification
The CompTIA A+ is the globally recognised baseline certification for IT support professionals — and the most widely requested technology credential for help desk, tech support, and IT technician roles across Jamaica’s BPO sector, government IT divisions, and private sector organisations. Two exams, one powerful credential.
What Is the CompTIA A+ Certification?
The CompTIA A+ is the IT industry’s most recognised entry-level certification, covering the foundational skills needed to support computer hardware, software, networking, security, and operating systems in a professional environment. It is vendor-neutral — meaning it covers principles applicable across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS environments, rather than locking you into a single manufacturer’s ecosystem.
In Jamaica, the CompTIA A+ has become the de facto standard for entry into technology support careers. Jamaica’s growing BPO tech support sector — which serves US and European clients from facilities in Kingston, Portmore, and Montego Bay — frequently requires or strongly prefers A+ certification for helpdesk agents, desktop support technicians, and Level 1/2 support roles. Government of Jamaica (GOJ) IT divisions, including those within the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, and the Office of the Prime Minister, similarly recognise A+ as a baseline IT competency credential.
The CompTIA A+ requires passing two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1101), which covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualisation, and cloud computing; and Core 2 (220-1102), which covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Both exams must be passed for the certification to be awarded. Each exam includes a maximum of 90 questions (multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions) and has a 90-minute time limit.
Key Facts
Salary in Jamaica
Annual gross salary range for CompTIA A+ holders in Jamaica (JMD)
J$1,200,000 — J$5,000,000
Entry-level certification; salary grows rapidly with experience and additional certs (Network+, Security+)
Looking for IT support roles in Jamaica?
Browse helpdesk, tech support, and IT technician jobs now hiring across Jamaica.
Career Pathway
For complete beginners with no prior IT exposure. A pre-career credential that introduces core IT concepts before tackling the A+.
The core foundation. Establishes you as a qualified IT support professional, ready for helpdesk, desktop support, and tech support roles in Jamaica’s BPO and corporate sectors.
Advance into networking. Opens roles in network administration, NOC support, and infrastructure teams at Jamaica’s telecoms (Digicel, FLOW) and corporate IT departments.
Security+ moves you into cybersecurity and SOC analyst roles. ITIL 4 moves you into IT service management — both are in high demand in Jamaica’s financial services and BPO sectors at J$4M–7M+ packages.
Key Skills Assessed
Who Employs CompTIA A+ Holders in Jamaica?
BPO tech support accounts in Jamaica — particularly those serving US healthcare, financial services, and telecoms clients — frequently list CompTIA A+ as a mandatory or strongly preferred requirement. Government IT helpdesks operated by the Central Information Technology Office (CITO) and various ministries also recognise A+ as the benchmark credential for IT support staff.
How to Obtain the CompTIA A+ Certification
CompTIA publishes free PDF exam objectives for both 220-1101 and 220-1102 at comptia.org. These are your study blueprints — every exam question is drawn from these domains. Download both and use them to structure your study plan.
Top resources: Professor Messer’s free A+ videos (YouTube and professormesser.com) are the gold standard for free study. Mike Meyers’ CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 All-In-One books (McGraw-Hill) are the leading textbooks. Jason Dion’s Udemy courses include comprehensive practice exams.
The A+ includes performance-based questions (simulations) that require you to actually perform tasks — not just know the theory. Build or borrow a practice PC, install Windows and Linux, configure network settings, and troubleshoot real hardware. Hands-on time is essential for the PBQ questions.
Use Professor Messer’s practice exams, Jason Dion’s Udemy question banks, or the ExamCompass free practice tests. A consistent 85%+ on practice exams predicts a first-attempt pass on the real exam.
Schedule at pearsonvue.com/comptia. You can sit both Core 1 and Core 2 on the same day or on separate days. Online proctored sittings are available from Jamaica. Both exams cost USD $253 each (approximately J$39,200 each at current rates).
CPD & Renewal Requirements
The CompTIA A+ is valid for 3 years. CompTIA uses a Continuing Education (CE) programme for renewal. You have three options:
- CEUs (Continuing Education Units): Earn 20 CEUs per year (60 total over 3 years) through training courses, webinars, college credits, or other approved activities. Submit via CertMaster CE on the CompTIA portal.
- Pass a higher-level CompTIA exam: Passing CompTIA Network+, Security+, CySA+, or any higher certification automatically renews your A+ for a further 3 years.
- Retake the current A+ exam: Sit and pass the current exam version again before your certification expires.
CompTIA also offers CertMaster Learn and CertMaster Labs (paid tools) which generate CEU credit automatically as you complete modules — useful for busy IT professionals in Jamaica who need to maintain their certification while working full-time. Most professionals in Jamaica renew by passing Network+ or Security+, which represents a natural career progression anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Professional Designations
Find IT Support Jobs in Jamaica
Browse helpdesk, desktop support, tech support, and IT technician roles now hiring across Kingston, Montego Bay, and remote positions.
Browse IT Jobs All Designations