In this page, you can find useful information about the requirements and procedures for taking CompTIA certifications exams in a PearsonVUE Test Center.
Detailed instructions and procedures to take CompTIA certification exams in PearsonVUE Test Centers
In-person testing allows candidates to take an exam by physically going to one of the many Pearson VUE Test Centers located around the world.
The certification exam is recommended to be taken in a Test Center:
- If you do not have access to a private location to take the exam
- If your internet connection is not reliable
- If you have language barriers that prevent you from having a complete understanding of written and spoken English
Phase 1 - Training course and exam purchase
If you have already purchased a training course package with exam voucher provided by iLEARN, you will be able to apply the exam voucher on PearsonVUE's website.
Phase 2 - Registration and exam scheduling
Follow these steps to register for an In-Person exam in a Test Center:
- Go to https://home.pearsonvue.com/comptia where you will be able to schedule, reschedule or cancel your exam
- Click on Log In
- Sign in using your credentials or Sign up if you do not already have an account
- Once logged in, in your dashboard, click on “View Exams”
- Find your exam in the search bar at the top of the page and then select it
- In the “exam options” section select “At a local test center” and then click Next
- Select your preferred exam language and click Next
- Verify your exam details and click Next
- You will be then required to provide some additional information
- Find a Test Center near you from the list provided
- Choose a date and the time of your exam according to the available timeslots provided
- Verify the appointment details and then proceed to checkout
- Agree to CompTIA’s testing policies
- In the “payment and billing” page, enter the Voucher code provided via e-mail to zero the balance
- Click Apply and submit your registration
- You will receive a confirmation email with the details of your in-person exam booking
- Save and make sure to bring your exam appointment confirmation email to the Test Center
Phase 3 – Taking the exam
On the scheduled day of your exam it is recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time as this will allow you to have enough time to complete the required sign-in procedures.
Make sure to bring two forms of identification. You can find acceptable forms of ID in the Candidate ID Policy available at this link.
NOTE: you are NOT allowed to bring any personal items with you into the testing room, such as bags, books, notes, computers, tablets, smartphones and smartwatches. In some test centers you can find areas where you will be able to secure your belongings, but make sure to check if this service is available in your selected test center.
A photograph of you will be taken prior to taking the exam. This photo is used to help maintain the highest level of security and authentication and is part of CompTIA’s candidate testing policies that you can read at this link.
CompTIA Retake Policy
In the event that you fail your first (1st) attempt to pass any CompTIA certification examination, CompTIA does not require any waiting period between the first (1st) and second (2nd) attempt to pass such examination. However, before your third (3rd) attempt or any subsequent attempt to pass such examination, you shall be required to wait for a period of at least fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of your last attempt to pass such examination.
If a Candidate has passed an exam (or multiple exams) and achieved a certification, he/she cannot take the exam again, using the same exam code, without prior consent from CompTIA.
For example: if a candidate has passed an exam (e.g. CompTIA Network+ N10-005) he/she will need to wait until a new series (e.g. N10-006) becomes available before attempting to recertify.
If a candidate has passed multiple exams to achieve a certification (e.g. CompTIA A+ 220-701 & 220-702) he/she will need to wait until a new series (e.g. 220-801 & 220-802) becomes available before attempting to recertify.
CompTIA beta examinations may only be taken one (1) time by each candidate.
A test found to be in violation of the retake policy will be invalidated and the candidate may be subject to a suspension period. Repeat violators will be permanently banned from participation in the CompTIA Certification Program.
CompTIA’s accomodations during an exam
CompTIA is committed to complying with applicable law for individuals with disabilities.
Requests for accommodations are handled through CompTIA's test service provider, Pearson VUE. Please visit the Pearson VUE website for more details.
English as a second language accomodation
English as a Second Language (ESL) is a 30-minute time extension for exams delivered in English in non-English speaking countries where a localized version of the exam is not available. Because all of CompTIA’s exams are available in English, ESL is not available in English-speaking countries. When registering for exams at Pearson VUE, ESL is automatically granted to candidates in eligible countries. Note: The ESL accommodation is available to candidates testing in the Canadian province of Quebec. Candidates testing with Pearson VUE in Quebec that require the ESL accommodation must contact the Pearson VUE call center in order to be granted the accommodation. Candidates in Quebec are not automatically granted the ESL accommodation.
Exam content
For security reasons, exam content is not available for review. Candidates who have comments or concerns about an exam question should submit a ticket. The subject matter expert committee will review all comments, concerns and suggestions made by candidates. However please note, CompTIA will not respond to comments regarding exam content individually.
Candidate Retesting
CompTIA reserves the right to ask any candidate to re-test if there is any suspicion of fraudulent or aberrant test scores. Re-testing will take place at a facility of CompTIA’s choosing at a mutually agreeable time.
Reschedule Policy
You must contact Pearson VUE at least a minimum of 24 hours prior to your exam appointment. Rescheduling an exam less than 24 hours prior to your appointment or failure to appear for your appointment will result in the forfeiture of your exam fee. Exams scheduled with ADA specific needs require a three day reschedule notice.
Cancellation Policy
You must contact Pearson VUE at least a minimum of 24 hours prior to your exam appointment. Canceling or failing to appear for an exam will result in the forfeiture of your exam fee. Exams scheduled with ADA specific needs require a three day cancellation notice.
You can read the full CompTIA Candidate Agreement at this link.
For further information or assistance about exam procedures, do not hesitate to contact us.