So, you’d like to know if getting the CompTIA A+ certification is in your best interests. Of course, it’s wise to count the cost: How long will you study? How much do you plan to spend? What is your study and practice schedule? If you’re thinking, “Is CompTIA A+ worth it?” you’re in the right place.
We’ll explain how A+ fits your educational and IT career journey. This article will show you how much time and money you need to spend if you decide to go for the A+ exams and the possibilities A+ opens up for you so that you can make an informed decision on this certification.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
CompTIA A+ Certification
CompTIA A+ comprises two certification exams:
- Core 1 focuses on hardware, cloud computing, and networking technology, and
- Core 2 is about software, operating systems, and cyber security basics.
Here is a chart on CompTIA A+ exam objectives (domains):
For details, refer to our A+ cheat sheet. We also have articles explaining what CompTIA A+ is and the relevant jobs open to you once you get your A+.
The CompTIA A+ is ideal for those aiming for entry-level IT help desk or technical support jobs. Consider a more challenging certification if you already have a tertiary degree in IT or a related field. Still, if you want to break into the IT industry but your foundation in IT needs to be stronger, consider taking A+.
Who Should Pursue CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ is ideal for individuals at the very beginning of their tech careers. Whether you’re just entering the workforce, switching industries, or looking to formalize your knowledge, A+ offers a strong foundation in IT support, hardware, and networking. It's often considered the “starter cert” for IT professionals, and for good reason.
Career Roles That Value A+
The A+ certification is frequently required (or strongly preferred) for roles such as:
- IT support specialists who want to build core troubleshooting skills that lead to roles in network administration or systems engineering.
- Help desk technicians who want to advance into security analyst or SOC roles by first mastering device and OS support.
- Field service technicians who aim to move into infrastructure or deployment roles within larger enterprise environments.
- Desktop support specialists who want to transition into cloud support or endpoint management role.
- Computer repair technicians who want to broaden their expertise beyond hardware fixes into full-stack IT support and systems troubleshooting.
You’ll even see A+ listed in job postings for healthcare IT support, retail tech roles, and chain computer stores.
Why CompTIA A+ Matters
CompTIA A+ focuses on the real-world troubleshooting of devices, operating systems, and peripherals. This foundational skill set prepares you for virtually any IT path, including:
- Cyber security: Understanding endpoint vulnerabilities begins with understanding the endpoints themselves.
- Network engineering: A+ introduces you to basic networking principles.
- Cloud computing: All cloud environments still rely on physical hardware and support layers.
- Machine learning/AI infrastructure: ML workflows depend on stable computing environments, often built by IT operations teams.
Who Might Skip A+?
If you’ve already been working in IT for a few years, have a computer science degree, or are deeply familiar with device architecture and troubleshooting, you may be able to bypass A+ and go straight to Network+, Security+, or a cloud/cyber specialization.
However, keep in mind: if you're applying for entry-level support roles and lack experience, A+ is often a required checkbox, even if you already know networking theory or cloud platforms.
Time and Financial Investment
It’s important to set aside time and money for A+ study materials. Moreover, owing to the evolving nature of IT, CompTIA A+ is not a one-and-done type of certification. It expires three years after you’ve passed your A+ exams, and you must take up continuing education units (CEUs) to retain your credentials, A+ or otherwise.
An excellent self-paced study course will prepare you well for the A+ exams and compensate for your lack of work or hands-on experience. If you’re looking for good A+ study resources, we’ve listed a few in the conclusion of this article. Some students pay for additional practice tests to ensure they have all their bases covered. Being part of an A+ study group online or offline is also helpful.
As of writing, the listed price of the A+ exam set is $253 (USD). You have two methods to renew your certification:
- With multiple activities: Collect at least 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through CompTIA-approved activities, including advanced certifications, work experience, publishing, and participating in industry events. To renew A+, you should upload sufficient proof of participation to your certification account and pay a renewal fee.
- With a single activity: Advanced CompTIA certifications such as Network+ and Security+ suffice to renew A+. You can also complete CompTIA’s online, self-paced continuing education course CertMaster CE, the A+ version of which costs $133 (USD) as of writing.
Although A+ has no hard-and-fast prerequisites, CompTIA recommends that A+ candidates have nine to 12 months of hands-on experience in technical roles in academia or industry, which helps reduce study time. Three to four months is the average time for someone new to IT to prepare for both A+ exams.
Knowledge Gained
As a technician, a solid working knowledge of hardware, software, and networking can help you identify and solve IT problems confidently. Being in control engenders trust in your non-technical employers and clients. The A+ technical troubleshooting steps (pictured below) are also the standard operating procedure for technicians, regardless of whether they’re A+ certified.
If you take the time to practice hands-on - opening up your computer, replacing components, setting up home Wi-Fi, or running diagnostics, you’ll walk away with real-world, resume-ready skills.
Additionally, you'll build tangible skills like:
- Assembling and upgrading computers
- Installing and troubleshooting operating systems
- Setting up networks and securing devices
- Diagnosing and fixing hardware/software issues
It’s this practical experience that sets A+ holders apart in entry-level IT roles.
Apart from technical support jobs, those aspiring to enter IT, cyber security, cloud computing, and web/app development may want to get the A+ certification to prove their technical ability.
Careers
CompTIA boasts of A+ being the industry standard for establishing a career in IT. That’s because A+ has been available since 1993 to aspiring and current IT professionals with few comparable contenders. CompTIA keeps A+ up-to-date with current technologies, making it the go-to certification for anyone desiring to enter the IT industry.
If employment in IT is your immediate concern, your main job prospects and opportunities with A+ are the following five entry-level job types:
| Job Title | Salary Range | What Else You’ll Need |
|---|---|---|
| Help Desk Technician | $48K– 57K | Basic ticketing systems, customer support, and PC troubleshooting |
| IT Support Specialist | $56K – 65K | Windows/Office 365 support, remote tools, user account setup |
| Field Service Technician | $55K – 62K | On-site hardware/software repair skills |
| Desktop Support Specialist | $60K – 61K | Hardware/software configuration, customer communication |
| Computer Repair Technician | $40K–50K | Hands-on hardware repair, component swaps, and safe tool use. |
CompTIA A+ is in high demand across the IT industry. At the time of writing, a quick Glassdoor search for U.S. jobs referencing the certification reveals more than 2,500 active listings.
A similar search on Indeed shows over 2,000 job postings in the U.S. that mention CompTIA A+ in the job description.
Here are a few representative job descriptions for roles that reference CompTIA A+ (company names omitted and postings summarized):
IT Support Technician
On-site, $46K–$63K
Delivers front-line technical support for end users through multiple channels. Responsibilities include diagnosing hardware/software issues and maintaining operating systems. Strong communication and a customer-first mindset are essential.
Desktop Support Specialist
Hybrid, $35/hour
Acts as the main IT contact for internal users, resolving technical problems and supporting day-to-day IT operations. Success in this role requires strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to explain solutions clearly.
IT Support Specialist
On-site, $55K–$60K
Handles remote support tasks such as resolving connectivity problems, documenting tickets, escalating complex issues, and contributing to IT projects. Emphasis on service quality and clear documentation.
Field Service Technician
Remote, $50K–$60K
Installs specialized systems, trains personnel, and supports field operations. Duties include report writing, safety compliance, quoting services, and managing travel logistics. Ideal for techs with mechanical and electronic skills.
Computer Repair Technician
On-site, $40K–$50K
Performs hands-on repair and maintenance of desktops, laptops, and peripherals. Tasks include hardware diagnostics, part replacements, system cleanup, and basic OS configuration. Attention to detail and steady hands required.
If you have plans for further study beyond A+, you may consider taking up Network+ and Security+ next: the former builds a solid foundation in networking and overlaps much with the latter’s syllabus.
For a detailed breakdown, refer to our A+ Jobs article.
Is CompTIA A+ Worth It Conclusion
We hope our brief article answering “Is CompTIA A+ worth it?” gives you a clear idea of the jobs A+ offers, foundational knowledge in A+, and investments to make if you pursue A+. If your goal is to enter a career in IT but have little experience, this is an ideal certification for you.
The knowledge and skills in A+ apply across much of the IT industry, so it’s important to consider your career goals when deciding whether to get A+ certified.
We believe the CompTIA A+ certification is well worth it for anyone looking to launch a career in IT support, help desk services, or technical troubleshooting. If you’re one of those individuals and ready to take the next step, don’t forget you can purchase your A+ exam voucher from us at a discounted rate, with savings of up to 30% off the official price.
You can get started pursing CompTIA A+ with lifetime access to the Complete CompTIA A+ Training Bundle (Version 15), a great way to build your skills and prepare for the exam affordably. This bundle contains over 40 hours of on-demand video courses, practice tests, and flashcards to help you ace your exam. See the banner below.
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