Understanding CompTIA A+ for Veterans: Benefits and Career Paths
CompTIA A+ for veterans is one of the most direct paths into a stable, high-paying tech career after military service — and the VA will help pay for it.
Here’s what you need to know upfront:
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Is CompTIA A+ GI Bill® approved? | Yes — exams and training are eligible for reimbursement |
| How much does it cost? | $219 per exam ($438 total for Core 1 + Core 2) |
| How much will VA reimburse? | Up to $2,000 per test fee |
| Can military spouses get funding? | Yes — MyCAA covers up to $4,000 |
| Is it worth it? | Cybersecurity pros earn an average of $116,000/year |
The IT job market in April 2026 is under serious pressure. Over half of all organizations are reporting a cybersecurity skills shortage — and demand is growing 12 times faster than the broader U.S. job market. Veterans are exactly the kind of disciplined, mission-focused candidates employers are looking for.
The problem? Most veterans don’t know where to start, which benefits apply, or how to avoid wasting time and money on programs that don’t deliver.
This guide walks you through everything: funding, exam prep, career paths, and how to build on A+ toward advanced certifications like Security+.
I’m a career advisor at DSDT College — a nationally accredited, Military-Friendly institution — and we work every day with veterans and military families navigating CompTIA A+ for veterans and beyond, from Post-9/11 GI Bill® applications to active-duty SkillBridge transitions. If you’re ready to turn your service into a tech career, you’re in the right place.
When we talk about CompTIA A+ for veterans, we are talking about the industry standard for establishing an IT career. It is a vendor-neutral certification, meaning it doesn’t just teach you how to use one specific brand of computer; it teaches you how technology works at a fundamental level.
In the current April 2026 landscape, the “skills gap” is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a crisis for many companies. Research from CSO found that 53% of organizations are facing a cybersecurity skills shortage. This creates a massive opportunity for those entering the field. While A+ is the starting point, it sets the stage for advanced roles where cybersecurity professionals report an average salary of $116,000.
For many of our students, the journey starts with a Information Technology Associate Degree, which integrates these core certifications into a comprehensive academic framework.
Why CompTIA A+ for Veterans is the Ideal Starting Point
Veterans possess a unique “soft skill” set that is incredibly difficult to teach in a classroom: leadership, discipline, and high-stakes problem-solving. You are already mission-oriented and used to performing under pressure. These transferable skills make you a natural fit for IT.
In the military, if a communications system goes down, you don’t just sit there—you fix it. That exact mindset is what makes a great Help Desk Tier II or Field Service Technician. CompTIA A+ for veterans simply provides the technical vocabulary and “civilian speak” to match the grit you already have.
Career Opportunities with A+ Certification
Earning your A+ isn’t just about putting initials on a resume; it’s about opening doors to specific, high-demand roles. Common entry-level positions include:
- Help Desk Technician: The front line of IT support.
- Service Desk Analyst: Managing and resolving technical tickets for large organizations.
- Field Service Technician: Traveling to different sites to repair and install hardware.
- Desktop Support Specialist: Providing hands-on technical assistance to office staff.
- Technical Support Specialist: Troubleshooting software and hardware issues remotely.
Funding and Reimbursement: Navigating the GI Bill®
One of the biggest hurdles to career transition is the cost of education. Fortunately, as a veteran, you have access to some of the best educational funding in the world. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® is a powerhouse for those pursuing CompTIA A+ for veterans, often providing up to $22,805.34 per academic year for non-degree programs or private institutions.
At DSDT College, we specialize in helping you maximize these benefits. Whether you are looking for tuition and financial aid information or trying to understand how to use the GI Bill® for IT certifications, we ensure you don’t leave money on the table.
VA-Approved Training and Exam Coverage
The VA doesn’t just pay for the classes; they also reimburse the cost of the exams themselves. Under the “Licensing and Certification” benefit, the VA will pay for the cost of the test fees—up to $2,000 per test. Since the CompTIA A+ consists of two exams at $219 each (totaling $438), your benefits easily cover these costs.
It is important to work with authorized training partners who are familiar with GI Bill® funding. This ensures that the curriculum meets the rigorous standards required for VA approval.
Step-by-Step Guide to VA Reimbursement for Exam Fees
To get your money back for exam fees, you need to follow a specific process. We recommend keeping a digital folder with all your documents to make this easier.
- Take the Exam: You must pay for the exam upfront or use a voucher provided by your school.
- Gather Your Documents: You will need your receipt of payment and your exam results (pass or fail doesn’t matter for reimbursement).
- Complete Form VBA-22-0803-ARE: This is the official “Application for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees.”
- Submit via VA.gov: Upload your form and receipts through the GI Bill® website portal.
- Include your DD214: If you haven’t already established your eligibility, ensure your discharge papers are on file.
For more detailed information, you can check the official CompTIA help page: Are CompTIA Exams Approved for VA Education and Training Benefits or GI Bill® Funding?
Preparing for the CompTIA A+ Exams (Core 1 and Core 2)
The CompTIA A+ is not one single test; it is a “stacked” certification. You must pass two separate exams to become fully certified. Each exam lasts 90 minutes and features a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions (simulations).
| Exam Detail | Core 1 (220-1101) | Core 2 (220-1102) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Hardware & Infrastructure | Software & Security |
| Passing Score | 675 (on a scale of 100-900) | 700 (on a scale of 100-900) |
| Cost | $219 | $219 |
| Duration | 90 Minutes | 90 Minutes |
Mastering Core 1: Hardware and Networking
The 220-1101 exam focuses on the physical side of technology. You will need to understand:
- Mobile Devices: Configuring laptops and other mobile hardware.
- Networking: Understanding TCP/IP, WiFi, and SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) setups.
- Hardware: Identifying, using, and connecting hardware components.
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing: This is a major focus in the 1100 series, covering cloud service models and client-side virtualization.
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting: Solving real-world problems with devices and connections.
Mastering Core 2: Software and Security
The 220-1102 exam shifts the focus to the “brains” of the machine. This is where you prove you can manage the user environment:
- Operating Systems: Installing and configuring Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile OS.
- Security: Identifying and protecting against vulnerabilities like malware and social engineering.
- Software Troubleshooting: Resolving issues with OS and mobile apps.
- Operational Procedures: This is critical for veterans—it covers best practices for safety, environmental impact, and communication/professionalism.
Advancing Your Career: SkillBridge and Beyond
Once you have mastered CompTIA A+ for veterans, you shouldn’t stop there. The A+ is the foundation, but certifications like Network+ and Security+ are what qualify you for advanced government and contractor roles under DoD 8570/8140 guidelines.
For those still on active duty, the Department of Defense SkillBridge program offers a unique opportunity to train while still receiving your military pay and benefits. At DSDT College, we are proud to offer a Fort Hood Cybersecurity CSP (Career Skills Program). This is an in-person program at Fort Hood designed specifically for transitioning service members in their final 180 days.
Maximizing CompTIA A+ for Veterans through MyCAA
Military spouses are the backbone of the service community, and their careers shouldn’t have to restart every time the family PCSes. The MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts) program provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance for spouses of E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2 service members.
Since IT support and cybersecurity roles are often remote-friendly, CompTIA A+ for veterans and their spouses is a “portable career” that moves with you.
Transitioning via SkillBridge at Fort Hood
Our Cybersecurity CSP at Fort Hood is a hands-on, intensive training environment. Unlike online programs, this in-person experience allows you to work directly with instructors and peers during your transition. It focuses on taking those with basic technical aptitude and preparing them for the rigors of a cybersecurity career. If you are stationed at or near Fort Hood and are in your transition window, this is a “no-brainer” path to a civilian career.
Frequently Asked Questions about CompTIA A+ for Veterans
Can I take CompTIA A+ exams at U.S. military installations?
Yes. Many military installations, such as Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, have Pearson VUE testing centers on-site. This makes it convenient for active-duty members and their families to test in a familiar environment. You can also look for mobile testing centers or use CompTIA’s online proctoring options if you have a secure, private space.
Does the VA pay for both Core 1 and Core 2 exam fees?
Absolutely. The VA treats each exam as a separate “certification test.” Since the total cost for both is roughly $438, and the VA limit is $2,000 per test, you will be fully reimbursed for both fees as long as you have remaining GI Bill® entitlement. Just remember to submit your receipts for both exams.
Is CompTIA A+ required before taking Security+?
Technically, no—CompTIA does not require you to have A+ before taking Security+. However, we highly recommend it. A+ provides the foundational knowledge of hardware, networking, and operating systems that Security+ builds upon. Without that foundation, many students find the security concepts much harder to grasp. Think of A+ as your “Initial Entry Training” for the IT world.
Conclusion
Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce is a major life event, but you don’t have to do it alone. At DSDT College, we are committed to providing accelerated, career-focused education with no waitlists and no SAT/ACT requirements. Whether you are pursuing our Business Information Technology Specialist program or looking into our unique MRI Primary Pathway (which allows you to become an MRI tech without prior X-ray experience), we have a path for you.
Our programs are designed to be flexible and mobile-friendly, ensuring that your education moves with you. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, reach out to us today. Your mission has changed, but your potential hasn’t. Let’s get you certified.