CompTIA A+ Review: Is It Still Worth It for Entry-Level IT?
CompTIA A+ remains the classic broad entry-level IT certification for support, endpoint, hardware, operating-system and troubleshooting fundamentals.
Still worth it for entry IT support—less useful once you already have substantial hands-on IT experience.
CompTIA A+ remains the classic broad entry-level IT certification for support, endpoint, hardware, operating-system and troubleshooting fundamentals.
What does it really take?
A+ requires passing two exams, so budget for both exam vouchers plus any optional training. Verify the current CompTIA exam series and pricing before purchase.
Does the level fit?
There is no formal prerequisite certification. The exam is designed around entry-level technical support and operational IT knowledge.
What this credential validates
Hardware & devices
PC components, peripherals and mobile devices.
Operating systems
Windows, macOS, Linux and support tasks.
Troubleshooting
Diagnose hardware, software and connectivity issues.
Security & operations
Apply support security and operational practices.
Best when it validates work you can actually perform.
A+ aligns best with help desk, desktop support, field technician and entry IT support roles. It is a baseline, not a destination.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Broad entry-level coverage
- Strong support-role alignment
- Exam-based certification
- Good career-change foundation
- Natural bridge to Network+ or specialization
Cons
- Two-exam cost
- Broad rather than deep
- Can be redundant for experienced IT workers
- Hands-on ability still matters
- Less directly useful for networking-only roles
CompTIA A+ Review: Is It Still Worth It for Entry-Level IT? questions
Is CompTIA A+ still worth it in 2026?
Yes for entry IT support and career changers who need a broad technical baseline. Experienced support professionals may find it redundant.
Is A+ good for help desk jobs?
Yes. Its hardware, operating-system, troubleshooting and support scope aligns directly with entry support work.
Do you need experience for A+?
There is no formal experience prerequisite, although hands-on practice makes the material more meaningful.
Should I take A+ or Google IT Support?
Choose A+ for exam-based certification and Google for structured learning. Some beginners use Google to learn, then A+ to validate.
Should I take A+ before Network+?
Not mandatory. A+ first makes sense if general IT support knowledge is still weak.
Can A+ get me a job by itself?
It can strengthen a beginner application, but employers also evaluate practical troubleshooting and customer-service ability.
Still worth it for entry IT support—less useful once you already have substantial hands-on IT experience.
A+ aligns best with help desk, desktop support, field technician and entry IT support roles. It is a baseline, not a destination.