By Quick answer: Is CompTIA A+ worth it in 2027?
- Verdict — Worth it for help desk roles.
- Cost — Two exams; voucher price varies by country
- Time — Two to four months
- Best for — people starting in IT support
Key takeaways
- CompTIA A+ is worth it for people starting in IT support.
- It's less useful for experienced IT staff.
- Compare the alternatives below before you pay.
This is an honest review of CompTIA A+: what it covers, what it costs, who it helps and who should pick something else. We list the best alternatives so you can compare before you commit.
CompTIA A+ and its alternatives
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 A+CompTIA | Two exams1 | 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam | Free test |
| 2 | Google IT Support Professional CertificateGoogle / Coursera | $49/mo Coursera plan2 | 3–6 months at about 10 hours a week | Free test |
| 3 | CompTIA Network+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store3 | 90 minutes | Free test |
| 4 | CompTIA Security+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store4 | V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk | Free test |
| 5 | Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)Microsoft | Exam priced by country5 | 45 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.)
- CompTIA A+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA A+ before you pay.Start free test →
- IT Support and Troubleshooting CertificationPractise for Google IT Support Professional Certificate before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Network+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Network+ before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA Security+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA Security+ before you pay.Start free test →
CompTIA A+, then the alternatives worth comparing
- CompTIACompTIA A+The credential reviewedTwo exams
- CourseraGoogle IT Support Professional CertificateBeginner alternative$49/mo Coursera plan
- CompTIACompTIA Network+Next stepVoucher price on the CompTIA store
CompTIA A+
- Cost
- Two exams1
- Format
- 90 minutes and up to 90 questions per exam
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on IT support
Two exams on hardware, OS and support; ANAB ISO/IEC 17024 accredited. 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 forthe credential reviewed
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- Cost
- $49/mo Coursera plan2
- Time
- 3–6 months at about 10 hours a week
Google IT Support. Google's professional certificate covers troubleshooting, networking, operating systems, system administration and security for complete beginners. It takes three to six months at about ten hours a week, with financial aid on Coursera.
Best forbeginner alternative
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store3
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
Network+. 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 fornext step
CompTIA Security+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store4
- Format
- V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk
Security+. 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 next
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- Cost
- Exam priced by country5
- Format
- 45 minutes
AZ-900. Microsoft's Azure fundamentals exam covers cloud concepts, core Azure services, pricing and governance in 45 minutes. Training is free on Microsoft Learn, the exam is priced by country and it doesn't expire.
Best forcloud add-on
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Help desk standard | Two exams |
| Vendor-neutral | Paid |
| Accredited | Basic level |
Table: CompTIA A+ pros and cons
Our verdict
Worth it for help desk roles. It's a strong choice for people starting in IT support. If you're experienced IT staff, look at the alternatives above first.
How we ranked these picks
We reviewed CompTIA A+ on cost, time, assessment, employer recognition and fit, using the official page checked 3 November 2026. Science of Apps has no commercial relationship with the issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Is CompTIA A+ worth it?
Worth it for help desk roles. It suits people starting in IT support.
How much does CompTIA A+ cost?
Two exams; voucher price varies by country.
How long does CompTIA A+ take?
Two to four months.
A+ or Google IT Support?
Google to learn; A+ for posts that name it.
Is there a free practice test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free practice tests for this topic, instantly graded with a verifiable certificate.
Sources
- CompTIA — CompTIA A+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Google — Google IT Support Professional Certificate, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Network+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Microsoft — Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), 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.
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