By Quick answer: Is the Google IT Support Certificate worth it in 2027?
- Verdict — Worth it as the gentlest start in IT.
- Cost — Coursera subscription or aid
- Time — Three to six months at about ten hours a week
- Best for — total beginners
Key takeaways
- the Google IT Support Certificate is worth it for total beginners.
- It's less useful for people with IT experience.
- Compare the alternatives below before you pay.
This is an honest review of the Google IT Support Certificate: what it teaches, what it costs, who it helps and who should pick something else. We list the best alternatives so you can compare before you commit.
the Google IT Support Certificate 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 | Google IT Support Professional CertificateGoogle / Coursera | $49/mo Coursera plan1 | 3–6 months at about 10 hours a week | 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 |
| 4 | Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)Microsoft | Exam priced by country4 | 45 minutes | Free test |
| 5 | CompTIA Security+CompTIA | Voucher price on the CompTIA store5 | V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk | 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.)
- IT Support and Troubleshooting CertificationPractise for Google IT Support Professional Certificate before you pay.Start free test →
- CompTIA A+ Practice TestPractise for CompTIA A+ 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 →
the Google IT Support Certificate, then the alternatives worth comparing
- CourseraGoogle IT Support Professional CertificateThe certificate reviewed$49/mo Coursera plan
- CompTIACompTIA A+What posts nameTwo exams
- CompTIACompTIA Network+Networking nextVoucher price on the CompTIA store
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- Cost
- $49/mo Coursera plan1
- Time
- 3–6 months at about 10 hours a week
Troubleshooting, networking, OS, security. 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 forthe certificate reviewed
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
Help desk standard. 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 forwhat posts name
CompTIA Network+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store3
- Format
- 90 minutes
- Entry
- CompTIA recommends 9–12 months of networking experience
Networking next step. 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 next
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- Cost
- Exam priced by country4
- Format
- 45 minutes
Cloud 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 Security+
- Cost
- Voucher price on the CompTIA store5
- Format
- V7 retiring; V8 adds AI-related risk
Security next step. 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
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | Not proctored |
| Broad foundation | A+ named more in posts |
| Financial aid | Needs hands-on practice |
Table: the Google IT Support Certificate pros and cons
Our verdict
Worth it as the gentlest start in IT. It's a strong choice for total beginners. If you're people with IT experience, look at the alternatives above first.
How we ranked these picks
We reviewed the Google IT Support Certificate 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 Google IT Support worth it?
Yes for total beginners.
Google IT Support or A+?
Google to learn; A+ for job posts that name it.
How long does it take?
Three to six months at about ten hours a week.
Is it free?
With Coursera financial aid.
Is there a free test?
Yes. Science of Apps offers free IT support tests.
Sources
- Google — Google IT Support Professional Certificate, official page (checked 3 Nov 2026)
- CompTIA — CompTIA A+, 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)
- CompTIA — CompTIA Security+, 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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