By Quick answer: CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support: which should I choose in 2027?
- Choose CompTIA A+ — job posts you want name A+.
- Choose Google IT Support — you're new to tech and want structure.
- Verdict — Google to learn; A+ for posts that name it.
- Before you pay — take a free practice test.
Key takeaways
- Choose CompTIA A+ if job posts you want name A+.
- Choose Google IT Support if you're new to tech and want structure.
- Check job posts in your target market before deciding.
CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support are often compared, but they suit different people. Here's a side-by-side comparison and a clear way to choose.
The options at a glance
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 | Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)Microsoft | Exam priced by country4 | 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 →
- AZ-900 Practice TestPractise for Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) before you pay.Start free test →
Each option, and who should choose it
- CompTIACompTIA A+Hiring proofTwo exams
- CourseraGoogle IT Support Professional CertificateLearning from zero$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; ANAB-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 forhiring proof
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- Cost
- $49/mo Coursera plan2
- Time
- 3–6 months at about 10 hours a week
Three to six months. 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 forlearning from zero
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store3
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
Networking. 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
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- Cost
- Exam priced by country4
- Format
- 45 minutes
Azure basics. 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
CompTIA A+ vs Google IT Support side by side
| CompTIA A+ | Google IT Support | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Proctored, accredited | Course certificate |
| Exams | Two | None |
| Time | 2–4 months | 3–6 months |
| Best for | Help desk job posts | Complete beginners |
Table: CompTIA A+ vs Google IT Support
How to choose
- Choose CompTIA A+ — job posts you want name A+.
- Choose Google IT Support — you're new to tech and want structure.
- Still unsure — search job posts in your city for each name.
How we ranked these picks
We compared both options on cost, format, prerequisites and fit using official pages, checked 3 November 2026. Science of Apps has no commercial relationship with either issuer.
Frequently asked questions
Which do employers want?
A+ appears in more posts.
Which is easier?
Google IT Support.
Can I skip A+?
Yes for some roles.
Do both?
Often the best path.
Is there a free practice test for both?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free practice tests for both, 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)
- 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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Start with the free CompTIA A+ Practice Test. 1,200+ free, test-based certifications graded on our server. Pass and get a founder-signed certificate with a credential ID employers can verify.