Stay Current: Understanding the CompTIA A+ CE Renewal Process

Are you an IT professional looking to maximize your career potential? Renewing your CompTIA A+ certification is an essential step in showcasing your dedication to continuous learning and staying relevant in the dynamic IT industry. In this post, we’ll guide you through the CompTIA A+ Continuing Education (CE) renewal process, also known as “CompTIA A+ CE”, ensuring that you maintain your competitive edge and excel in your IT career.

On this page:

• Understanding CompTIA A+ Continuing Education (CE)
• CompTIA A+ CE Requirements
• The Role of CE in Your IT Career
• CE Fees
• Managing Multiple CompTIA Certifications
• Managing the Renewal Process for CompTIA A+

Understanding CompTIA A+ Continuing Education (CE)

The CompTIA A+ Continuing Education (CE) program aims to assist IT professionals in updating their skills and knowledge, enabling them to pass the competitive job market and stay ahead in their career opportunities.

The Role of CE in your IT Career

Continuing Education (CE) plays a pivotal role in advancing and sustaining a career in the ever-evolving field of IT, particularly for CompTIA A+ certified professionals. By engaging in ongoing learning and staying updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices, CE ensures that individuals maintain their expertise and relevance in the competitive job market. For CompTIA A+ certification holders, CE not only validates their commitment to professional growth but also demonstrates their dedication to providing high-quality IT services.

Moreover, CE offers opportunities to explore new areas of specialization, broaden skill sets, and enhance problem-solving abilities, ultimately leading to greater career opportunities and advancement prospects. In essence, embracing CE as an integral part of one's career journey empowers individuals to adapt to the dynamic IT landscape, remain valuable assets to their employers, and achieve long-term success in their chosen field.

CompTIA A+ CE Requirements

To meet the CompTIA A+ CE program requirements, it’s necessary to acquire 20 CEUs within three years of achieving or renewing your certification. These CEUs can be earned through various activities, such as:

• Training courses
• Online courses
• Webinars
• Conferences
• Workshops

If you fail to meet the requirements within the three-year period, you must re-enroll in the program.

CE Fees

In addition to earning CEUs, you will also be responsible for paying a renewal fee as part of the submission process. The CompTIA A+ certification requires a renewal fee of $150, spread over the three-year period at $50 annually. The timing of your fee payment is determined by CompTIA's renewal schedule, which may vary from others you know, as it is based on your certification cycle rather than the calendar year.

Managing Multiple CompTIA Certifications

If you hold multiple CompTIA certifications, managing their renewal can be challenging. However, renewing higher-level certifications and using CE tokens can make this process simpler and more cost-effective.

Renewing Higher-Level Certifications

Renewing a CompTIA Security+ certification will automatically renew your lower-level certifications - A+ and Network+. By doing so, you maintain your level CompTIA certification status without any extra fees. This approach is more cost-effective and ensures that all your certifications remain valid and up-to-date.

Managing the Renewal Process for CompTIA A+

Fortunately, CompTIA offers flexible renewal paths that cater to your schedule, interests, and career goals. Whether you prefer a single-activity approach or a combination of multiple activities, there's a pathway that aligns with your needs. Here's a comprehensive guide to navigating the renewal process effectively.

Single Activity Renewal Path

The single activity renewal path offers a straightforward method to renew your certification through one significant effort. This path is ideal for those looking to minimize the time and complexity involved in the renewal process. Here are the options available:

• CompTIA CertMaster CE Courses: Engage with the latest content covered in the certification exam through CompTIA CertMaster CE courses. This option bridges the gap between the skills you initially demonstrated and the current requirements, eliminating the need to retake the exam.
• Earn a Higher Level Certification: Advancing your CompTIA certification automatically renews lower-level certifications. For instance, achieving certifications like CySA+, PenTest+, or CASP+ not only broadens your expertise but also renews your A+ certification without additional fees.
• Earn a Non-CompTIA IT Industry Certification: CompTIA recognizes certain industry certifications from other organizations, such as Cisco CCNA Security or ISACA CISA, as equivalent to CEUs. This option requires verifying the current list of accepted certifications on the CompTIA website due to periodic updates.
• Take a Newer Version of a Certification Exam: Renew your certification by passing an updated version of your original exam. This method ensures your knowledge and skills remain up-to-date, offering a convenient way to stay current within the typical three-year exam cycle.

Multiple Activity Renewal Path

For those who prefer or require more flexibility, the multiple activity renewal path allows you to accumulate CEUs through various qualifying activities. This approach is suitable for individuals who engage in continuous learning or professional development. Activities can include:

• Educational Activities: Earn CEUs by attending conferences, live webinars, completing courses (including American Council on Education (ACE) accredited courses, training, or college courses), or by creating instructional materials for industry-related courses.
• Professional Contributions: Participate as a subject matter expert in CompTIA exam development workshops, or earn CEUs by publishing articles, blogs, books, white papers, or through verified work experience.

The CEUs required for renewal vary by activity, reflecting the time and effort required to complete each. For example, attending a conference might earn fewer CEUs than completing a comprehensive college course. To ensure you meet the renewal criteria, always check the latest CEU values and activity qualifications on the CompTIA website.

Earning and Tracking CEUs

Earning and tracking CEUs is an important part of the renewal process, as it allows you to showcase your dedication to continuous learning and staying current with the latest industry trends and technologies. You can earn CEUs through various activities, such as attending training courses, gaining work experience related to your certification, and engaging in relevant IT industry activities.

Keeping track of your CEUs will ensure that you meet the requirements for certification renewal and make the process more efficient.

Submitting Documentation and Payment

Once you have earned the required CEUs, you must submit documentation demonstrating their completion to your CompTIA certification account. Additionally, you need to pay the annual CE fees, which amount to $25 per year or $75 for the entire three-year cycle. By adhering to these guidelines, you can successfully navigate the certification renewal process and maintain your CompTIA A+ certification

Summary

Renewing your CompTIA A+ certification is a crucial step in maintaining your competitive edge in the IT industry and enhancing your career prospects. By following the guidelines provided in this post, you can navigate the renewal process efficiently, whether through CertMaster CE, alternative options, or managing multiple certifications. Invest in your future today by renewing your CompTIA A+ certification and staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies.