Is CompTIA A+ Worth It? An Honest Take

What if I told you the most popular IT certification might not be right for you?

CompTIA A+ gets recommended everywhere. Reddit threads, career advice articles, YouTube videos—everyone parrots the same advice: “Start with A+, it’s the foundation.” And for a lot of people, that advice is wrong.

Not wrong because A+ is a bad certification. It’s wrong because one-size-fits-all career advice rarely fits anyone particularly well.

Before you drop $500 on exam vouchers and spend three months memorizing port numbers, let’s talk about who actually benefits from CompTIA A+, who’s wasting their time, and what the certification industry won’t tell you.

The Real Cost Nobody Mentions

This is what the certification gets you:

Two exams (Core 1 and Core 2), each around $246-265 per voucher. That’s roughly $500-530 just for the tests. Fail one? Another $250+ to retake it.

Then there’s study materials. Quality courses run $200-400. Practice tests add another $50-100. Books, maybe $40-60. Even going the budget route with free resources, you’re looking at 120-160 hours of study time if you’re starting from scratch.

Let’s be honest about what those hours mean. If you’re working full-time and studying 10-15 hours per week, you’re looking at three to four months of evenings and weekends. That’s date nights canceled, hobbies on hold, and a lot of coffee.

The certification stays valid for three years. Then you renew through continuing education credits or retaking current exams.

Is this investment worth it? Depends entirely on where you’re starting from.

Who Actually Benefits from A+

Let me be direct: A+ makes the most sense for career changers with zero IT experience.

If you’re a teacher, retail manager, or office admin trying to break into IT, you face a chicken-and-egg problem. Employers want experience. You can’t get experience without a job. You can’t get a job without experience.

A+ breaks that cycle. It tells employers: “This person has baseline technical knowledge. They won’t think RAM is a type of truck.”

For career changers, the ROI is actually decent. Entry-level IT roles for A+ holders average $45,000-55,000 compared to $38,000-45,000 for uncertified candidates. That’s a $7,000-10,000 annual difference—the cert pays for itself in the first year.

The certification also works well if you’re applying to companies with strict HR filters. For a full breakdown of IT certifications and their value, see our topic hub. According to research by the International Data Corporation, 96% of HR managers use IT certifications as screening criteria during recruitment. If your resume doesn’t have “CompTIA” somewhere on it, it might never reach a human. Major employers like Dell, Intel, HP, and Blue Cross Blue Shield specifically recommend or require A+ for entry-level positions.

But there’s a huge difference between “recommended” and “required.”

Who’s Wasting Their Time (And Money)

You probably don’t need A+ if you’ve already worked in IT for more than a year.

Think about it. You’ve been resetting passwords, troubleshooting network issues, and explaining to users that their monitor isn’t the computer. You already know what A+ teaches. Paying $500 to verify knowledge you use daily? That’s a weird flex.

The uncomfortable truth? Many job postings list A+ as “preferred” or “nice to have,” but very few actually require it once you have real experience. Once you’ve got a year of help desk work on your resume, employers care more about what you’ve actually done than what tests you’ve passed.

You also don’t need A+ if you’re already heading toward a specialization. Want to do cybersecurity? Security+ matters more. Networking? CCNA is more respected. Cloud? Skip straight to AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure fundamentals.

A+ is a generalist cert for generalist roles. If you already know your direction, you might be better served by specializing sooner.

And let’s talk about the self-taught crowd. If you’ve built your own computers, run home servers, and troubleshoot family tech problems for free, A+ won’t teach you much new. The exam tests knowledge you’ve already picked up through experience. You’re paying $500 to validate skills you already have.

That might be worth it if you need the credential for HR filters. It’s not worth it if you’re hoping to learn something.

What A+ Actually Covers (The Honest Version)

The certification spans two exams with different focus areas:

Core 1 (220-1201) covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, and virtualization. You’ll learn about different types of RAM (DDR4, DDR5), connector types (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB variants), network protocols, and cloud concepts.

Core 2 (220-1202) handles operating systems, security fundamentals, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. Windows, macOS, Linux basics, malware types, and documentation practices.

The 2025 version of the exam (220-1201 and 220-1202) puts more emphasis on cloud computing, remote support, and security than previous versions. If you’ve heard someone say “A+ is outdated” or “A+ only covers legacy hardware,” they’re probably talking about earlier exam versions. CompTIA does update the content every three years.

Each exam has 90 questions with a 90-minute time limit. You need a score of 675 on Core 1 and 700 on Core 2 (out of 900) to pass. That translates to roughly 75-78% correct answers.

My honest take: about 60% of this material is genuinely useful for entry-level IT work. You will use networking fundamentals. You will troubleshoot hardware. You will need to understand operating system differences.

The other 40%? Memorizing pin counts for legacy connectors, knowing exact port numbers by heart, recalling every wireless standard ever created—this is test knowledge, not job knowledge. You’ll memorize it, pass the exam, and never think about it again.

The exam also includes performance-based questions (PBQs) that test hands-on skills. These are actually good—they simulate real troubleshooting scenarios. If you’ve never used command-line tools like PowerShell or Bash, these will trip you up.

For hands-on command-line practice, Shell Samurai offers interactive challenges that build the terminal skills you’ll need for both the exam and real IT work.

Salary Expectations: The Real Numbers

A lot of A+ marketing focuses on salary potential. Let’s look at what the data actually shows.

According to CompTIA’s own data, A+ holders earn an average of around $71,000 for IT support specialist roles. But that number includes people with years of experience and additional certifications.

For someone getting their first IT job with just A+, expect $40,000-55,000 in most markets. Higher cost-of-living areas like San Francisco or New York might push that to $55,000-70,000, but you’re also paying more for housing.

The more realistic picture:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	Notes
First IT job (A+ only)	$38,000-50,000	Help desk, desktop support
1-2 years + A+	$48,000-62,000	Senior support, tier 2
3+ years + additional certs	$58,000-80,000	Sysadmin, specialist roles

The salary bump from A+ certification versus no certification averages $5,000-10,000 annually for entry-level roles. That’s meaningful, but it’s not the $80,000+ figures you’ll see in some marketing materials—those typically require more experience or multiple certifications.

For detailed salary data by role and region, check our entry-level IT salary breakdown.

The Pass Rate Reality Check

CompTIA doesn’t publish official pass rates. Based on community data and training provider estimates, the first-time pass rate hovers around 70-80%.

That means 20-30% of test-takers fail on their first attempt.

Why do people fail? Usually one of three reasons:

Underestimating the breadth. The exam covers a LOT of topics. People study deep on hardware but forget networking. Or they nail operating systems but blank on security.

Ignoring hands-on practice. Reading about command-line tools and actually using them are different skills. The PBQs expose this gap.

Using outdated materials. CompTIA updates the exam every three years. Study guides from the previous version won’t cover current content. The latest version (2025-era exams) includes more cloud, virtualization, and security content than older versions.

If you’re going to pursue the cert, quality study materials make a real difference. Students using current, top-rated resources pass at significantly higher rates than those piecing together random YouTube videos and outdated PDFs.

Alternative Paths Worth Considering

A+ isn’t the only entry point into IT. Depending on your situation, these might serve you better:

Google IT Support Certificate

Available through Coursera, this program costs around $49/month and typically takes 3-6 months. It’s more affordable than A+ and includes hands-on labs.

The downside? It carries less weight with employers. A+ has decades of recognition. Google’s cert is newer and not universally known. But for getting your feet wet without the $500 commitment, it’s worth considering.

Skip Straight to a Home Lab

Controversial take: practical skills beat paper credentials if you can demonstrate them.

Building a home lab with old hardware or virtual machines teaches you more than any exam. Set up Active Directory, configure a Linux server, break things and fix them. Then document it all on a portfolio or GitHub.

This path works best if you can network your way into interviews. Once you’re talking to a technical interviewer, demonstrable skills matter more than certifications. The problem is getting past HR filters—which is where certs help.

Specialized Entry-Level Certs

If you already know you want cybersecurity, Security+ or entry-level security certs might be better first investments. Yes, A+ is technically foundational, but plenty of people skip it and do fine.

For networking specifically, consider whether Network+ or CCNA might be more relevant to your goals.

The Real Question: What’s Your Situation?

Let me break this down into actual decision criteria:

Get A+ if:

• You’re changing careers with no IT background
• You’re applying to large companies with strict HR screening
• Your resume needs something to prove baseline competence
• You need structure and a clear goal to motivate your studying
• Your employer will pay for it (free cert? always worth it)

Skip A+ if:

• You’ve worked IT jobs for 12+ months already
• You’re heading straight toward a specialization (security, cloud, networking)
• You have demonstrable skills through projects or home labs
• You’re targeting small companies or startups that value skills over certs
• You’re self-taught and already understand the material

Consider alternatives if:

• Budget is tight but you need credentials
• You want to test whether IT is right for you before committing $500
• You prefer project-based learning over exam cramming

Making the Most of A+ (If You Do It)

Decided A+ makes sense for you? Maximize your investment:

Don’t just study for the test. Actually use the skills. Set up virtual machines with VirtualBox. Practice command-line tools. Configure a home network. The people who retain A+ knowledge are the ones who apply it.

Use it as a launchpad, not a destination. A+ gets you in the door. What you do after matters more. Have a clear progression plan—whether that’s Security+ in six months, cloud certs in a year, or a sysadmin role within 18 months.

Combine the cert with practical experience. Even volunteer IT work counts. Help a nonprofit with their tech. Offer to fix computers for friends (okay, you probably already do this for free anyway). Real-world stories in interviews beat certification bullet points.

Study efficiently. Don’t stretch this into a six-month project. Focused studying over 8-12 weeks maintains momentum. Quality courses and practice exams make the difference between passing and almost passing.

The Industry’s Dirty Secret

Something the certification industry won’t tell you: certs are a business.

CompTIA makes money when people take exams. Training providers make money selling courses. Neither has a strong incentive to tell you “actually, you don’t need this.”

That’s not a conspiracy—it’s just economics. A+ is a good certification for the right people. It’s also a product being marketed to everyone, including people who won’t benefit.

The 96% of HR managers who use certifications for screening? That stat is real. But it doesn’t tell you whether those same managers ultimately hire based on certs or based on interviews. In my observation, certs get you in the door. Everything after that depends on what you actually know and how you present yourself.

Bottom Line

Is CompTIA A+ worth it? The honest answer: it depends on who’s asking.

For career changers breaking into IT with no experience? Yes, probably. The credential bypasses HR filters, demonstrates baseline knowledge, and correlates with higher starting salaries.

For people already working in IT? Usually not. Your experience speaks louder than a generalist certification. Invest in specialized certs that advance your specific career path.

For self-taught techies? Maybe, if you need the credential for job applications. Otherwise, you might be better served by building projects and networking your way into interviews.

The worst reason to get A+? “Everyone says you should.” The best reason? A specific job opportunity or career path that explicitly requires it.

Whatever you decide, make it an informed choice based on your actual situation—not generic advice from people who don’t know your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get an IT job with just CompTIA A+?

Yes, you can land entry-level positions with A+ alone. Help desk jobs, desktop support, and IT support specialist roles often hire A+ certified candidates without prior experience. That said, realistic expectations matter—these are entry-level roles paying $35,000-50,000 in most markets. A+ alone won’t land you a six-figure job.

How long does it take to study for CompTIA A+?

Most people need 120-160 hours total (60-80 per exam) if starting from scratch. With 10-15 hours of weekly study time, expect 3-4 months. People with existing IT experience can often prepare in 4-8 weeks with focused study. The key is consistency—cramming rarely works for an exam this broad.

Is A+ harder than Security+ or Network+?

A+ is considered the entry-level exam, but “harder” is relative. A+ covers an extremely broad range of topics (hardware, software, networking, security, troubleshooting), while Security+ and Network+ go deeper into specific areas. Many people find A+ harder because of its breadth—there’s just so much to memorize.

Should I get A+ or go straight to Security+?

If you have zero IT background, A+ first makes sense—it builds foundational knowledge that Security+ assumes you already have. If you have some IT experience or are specifically targeting cybersecurity roles, you might skip to Security+ directly. Check job postings in your area: if entry-level security jobs list A+ as a requirement, get it. If they only mention Security+, focus there.

Is CompTIA A+ recognized internationally?

Yes, A+ is vendor-neutral and recognized globally. It’s particularly valued in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. However, some regions have locally-preferred certifications. Research what employers in your specific market value before committing.