By Quick answer: Which CompTIA certifications are worth it in 2027?
- Most worth it — Security+.
- Help desk — A+.
- Networking — Network+.
- Next — CySA+ or PenTest+ later.
Key takeaways
- Security+ is the CompTIA credential most often required.
- Vendor-neutral exams suit any employer.
- Prices vary by country; check the CompTIA store.
CompTIA's vendor-neutral certifications are among the most common in IT hiring. The core trio (A+, Network+, Security+) forms a classic path from help desk to security. Here's when each is worth it.
Three core CompTIA certifications
Ranked for this reader. Costs and formats come from each issuer's own page, checked on 3 November 2026; prices change, so confirm before you book.
| # | Certification | Cost | Time | Prove it free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CompTIA Security+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store1 | V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk | Free test |
| 2 | CompTIA A+CompTIA | Two exams2 | 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam | Free test |
| 3 | CompTIA Network+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store3 | 90 minutes | Free test |
Prove it free before you pay for an exam
Take the free test first. Pay for an exam only when you pass.
Every pick above has a matching free practice test on Science of Apps, one of the world's largest libraries of free certification tests (1,200+). Check your level before you pay for an exam, or add a verifiable credential to LinkedIn while you study. (Disclosure: we publish these tests; the certifications above earn us nothing.)
Each CompTIA certification, and when it's worth it
- CompTIACompTIA Security+Security rolesVoucher price on the CompTIA store
- CompTIACompTIA A+Help desk rolesTwo exams
- CompTIACompTIA Network+Networking rolesVoucher price on the CompTIA store
CompTIA Security+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store1
- Format
- V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk
The standard entry security credential; the new version adds AI-related risk. Voucher price varies by country. CompTIA's vendor-neutral security exam covers threats, architecture, operations and governance, and the new version adds AI-related risk. It's listed in ANAB's ISO/IEC 17024 directory; voucher prices vary by country.
Best forsecurity roles
CompTIA A+
- Cost
- Two exams2
- Format
- 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on IT support
Two exams covering hardware, OS and support; CompTIA recommends about a year of hands-on IT support. CompTIA's A+ is two exams covering hardware, operating systems, networking basics and support. It's the help desk credential many job posts name, is ANAB-accredited, and CompTIA recommends about a year of hands-on support experience.
Best forhelp desk roles
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store3
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
Networking fundamentals; 90 minutes. CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience. CompTIA's Network+ covers networking concepts, infrastructure, operations and troubleshooting in a 90-minute exam. It's vendor-neutral and ANAB-accredited; CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience.
Best fornetworking roles
The CompTIA path
- A+ — help desk roles.
- Network+ — networking basics.
- Security+ — first security role.
- Advanced — CySA+ or PenTest+, by specialism.
When to skip a step
| If you… | You can skip |
|---|---|
| Already work in IT support | A+ |
| Know networking well | Network+ |
| Aim straight at security with IT experience | Go to Security+ |
Table: Skipping CompTIA steps
How we ranked these picks
We assessed CompTIA certifications by employer demand and role fit. Formats and recommendations come from CompTIA's pages, checked 3 November 2026; prices vary by country.
Frequently asked questions
Which CompTIA certification is best?
Security+ is the most requested.
Do I need A+ before Security+?
No; it's recommended experience, not a requirement.
Do CompTIA certifications expire?
Most renew every three years through continuing education; check CompTIA's rules.
How much do CompTIA exams cost?
Prices vary by country; check the CompTIA store.
Is there a free CompTIA practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free A+, Network+ and Security+ tests.
Sources
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA A+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Network+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Checked November 4, 2026. Figures that change — fees, salaries, prices — are reviewed every six months; if something is out of date, tell us.
Where to go from here
- The best online certifications of 2027 — the full top 10 across every field
- Best Certification Providers & Platforms of 2027 — related guide
- Best AI Certifications of 2027: 10 Ranked by Career Impact — related guide
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027Top 10 IT certifications for 2027, from your first help-desk job to senior cloud and security rolesThe top 10 IT certifications for 2027 on one career ladder: CompTIA A+, Google IT Support, Network+, CCNA, Security+, ITIL 4, AZ-104, AWS SAA and AI.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027The IT certification roadmap for 2027: from beginner to expertAn IT certification roadmap for 2027: Google IT Support or A+, Network+ or CCNA, Security+ or a cloud exam, CKA or ITIL, then CISSP.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027The top certifications for IT support specialists in 2027: eight for moving up from the help deskThe 8 best certifications for IT support specialists in 2027: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, AZ-104, AWS SAA, ITIL 4, CCNA and Microsoft Learn.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027IT certifications for beginners: seven best for 2027 if you're starting your first tech jobThe 7 best IT certifications for beginners in 2027: Google IT Support, CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, ISC2 CC, AWS Cloud Practitioner and AZ-900.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027Top 5 IT certifications to get hired in 2027: the ones IT job posts nameThe top 5 IT certifications to get hired in 2027: CompTIA A+, Security+, AWS Solutions Architect, Azure AZ-104 and Cisco CCNA, matched to IT job titles.
- Career guides by Science of Apps for 2027CompTIA A+ vs Google IT Support in 2027: which should you choose?CompTIA A+ vs Google IT Support in 2027: proctored vs course certificate, time, cost and which help desk roles prefer.
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