Yes. A 14-year-old can take the CompTIA A+ exam, and the process for minors became simpler in 2026. The details below come from CompTIA’s own published policies rather than forum answers, because this is a question where secondhand information is frequently out of date.
Eligibility
CompTIA states that there are no age restrictions for its exams, and that it recommends candidates be at least 13 years old. There are no prerequisite certifications for the A+. A 14-year-old who is prepared for the material is eligible to sit the exam.
Parental Consent: The Rules Changed in June 2026
As of June 23, 2026, CompTIA’s candidate policy requires all minors to have verifiable parental consent on file before registering for a certification exam. Consent is collected digitally in advance through CompTIA’s account system, using PRIVO, a third-party consent service, so a parent or legal guardian no longer needs to appear at the testing center on exam day. Under the previous policy, minors had to be accompanied by a parent with government-issued identification, and that older requirement still applies to students who registered before June 23, 2026 for a test date after it. Families registering now go through the digital consent process instead.
How Proctored Testing Works for a Minor
A+ exams are delivered by Pearson VUE, either at a physical testing center or online with remote proctoring. The student presents identification per Pearson VUE’s current requirements, sits the exam under proctor supervision, and receives a score report. Nothing about the exam content or scoring differs by age. The A+ consists of two exams, Core 1 and Core 2, and both must be passed to earn the certification. Exams are purchased separately from any course, and no training provider can guarantee a passing result.
The Real Question Is Readiness
Eligibility is settled; readiness is individual. The A+ covers hardware, operating systems, networking basics, and troubleshooting at a professional support level, and a motivated student in grades 8 to 12 can absolutely reach it with structured preparation. ElyIT’s students have earned 45 industry certifications with an 83 percent first-attempt pass rate on the CompTIA A+, and every paid course is live and instructor-led over 12 weeks rather than self-paced video. A family unsure where a student stands can start with the free Skills Assessment, which costs nothing and answers the readiness question before any commitment. Course details are on the CompTIA A+ course page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum age for the CompTIA A+?
CompTIA sets no age restriction and recommends candidates be at least 13 years old.
Does a parent have to come to the testing center?
Not for new registrations. As of June 23, 2026, parental consent is collected digitally before registration through CompTIA’s account system. Students who registered before that date under the old policy still need a parent or legal guardian present with government-issued ID.
Can the exam be taken online instead of at a testing center?
Pearson VUE offers both in-person and online proctored delivery. Online delivery has its own identification and environment requirements, which families should review on Pearson VUE’s site before scheduling.
Is the exam included in a course?
No. Exams are purchased separately through Pearson VUE. ElyIT prepares students for the exam; CompTIA issues the certification.
How do we know if our student is ready to start?
The free Skills Assessment on the ElyIT site is designed for exactly that question and requires no purchase.
