Are CompTIA A+ Technician Certifications Worth It?

If you want a fast, affordable way to break into IT, the CompTIA A+ certification might be your best first step — but is it worth the time and money? In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what the CompTIA A+ certification covers and what you can do with it.

If the last few years have proven one thing, it’s that the tech industry isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Even as other industries faced layoffs and economic uncertainty, tech kept evolving—seemingly overnight, creating new roles, tools, and entire subfields. From cloud computing and cybersecurity to AI and IT support, there’s a growing need for people who understand how to keep the digital world running smoothly.

You often don’t need a computer science degree from a top university to get your foot in the door. More and more companies are shifting their hiring mindset. They’re starting to value skills, certifications, and hands-on experience just as much — sometimes even more — than traditional degrees.

In fact, tech giants like Google, IBM, and Dell have all publicly said that they’re open to hiring people without degrees as long as they can demonstrate the right skills.

This is where certifications like CompTIA A+ can help — they’re designed to show employers you have the basic IT skills to get started.

But CompTIA A+ may not be the right choice for everyone.

It’s a well-known entry-level certification, but whether it’s worth it really depends on your situation. Things like where you are in your career, what kind of IT job you want, and how much time and money you’re willing to put into it all play a big role.

So, is CompTIA A+ worth it? You’ll soon find out.

Related Articles:

• Are Cyber Security Certifications Worth It?
• Are Cloud Architecture Certifications Worth It?
• Are Computer Networking Certifications Worth It?
• Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It?

What Is the CompTIA A+ Certification?

CompTIA A+ is often called the “starting line” for an IT career—and for good reason. As an entry-level certification designed for anyone interested in computer support or IT operations, it’s especially designed for:

• Recent high school grads exploring tech careers
• Career changers with little or no IT experience
• Students or self-learners who want to validate their knowledge
• Anyone aiming for an entry-level IT job fast, without a college degree

You don’t need a college degree or years of experience. If you’ve finished high school and are interested in tech, you’re good to go. A background in computer science or IT helps, but it’s not required.

Instead of diving into heavy coding or complex networking right away, CompTIA A+ focuses on practical, hands-on stuff:

• Hardware: How to identify, install, and troubleshoot computer parts (RAM, hard drives, motherboards, etc.)
• Operating Systems: Installing and managing Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
• Networking: Basic concepts like Wi-Fi, TCP/IP, routers, and small office/home office (SOHO) setups.
• Cybersecurity: Spotting threats, securing devices, and helping users stay safe online.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and fixing common tech issues (software bugs, hardware failures, etc.)
• Customer Support: Communicating clearly with users, documenting issues, and following procedures.

You’ll also gain confidence working with real-world tech problems in home and small business environments.

As one of the most recognized certifications in the industry, the CompTIA A+ certification value is strong and is used as a hiring benchmark, especially for entry-level roles.

When it comes to preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam, you’ve got options:

• Online courses: Tons of platforms offer video lessons, practice tests, and study guides you can take at your own pace — think Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning. It’s great if you want flexibility and don’t mind self-study.
• In-person classes: Community colleges or training centers sometimes run live classes. These usually cost more but offer direct interaction with instructors and classmates, which some people find helpful.

Many learners mix the two — doing online courses but joining study groups or occasional live sessions for support.

How Much Does the CompTIA A+ Certification Cost?

You’ve already read some of the basic CompTIA A+ benefits, now let’s find out how much this certification costs.

So, how much does CompTIA A+ cost? The question might sound easy to answer, but the exact cost depends on your situation.

CompTIA A+ Exam

Buying an Exam Voucher

To take the CompTIA A+ certification exam, you need to buy an exam voucher. This voucher is a unique code you’ll use to book your test through Pearson VUE.

• You can buy a voucher from the CompTIA Store.
• If all you need is the voucher, check the table below for pricing.
• For full exam details, visit the CompTIA A+ product page.
• If you’re ready, head straight to the store to purchase your voucher.

Note: If you don’t pass the exam, you’ll need to buy a new voucher to try again. That’s why it’s important to be well-prepared before taking the test.

Exam Voucher Prices (USD)

Exam Code	Price Range
CompTIA+ 1202	$265.00
CompTIA+ 1201	$265.00
CompTIA+ 1102	$137 – $274.00
CompTIA+ 1101	$137 – $274.00

Training and Study Options

CompTIA Learning Resources

CompTIA offers official training materials to help you prepare. These include:

• Study guides (books)
• Online learning (eLearning)
• Virtual labs
• Practice test software

Self-Study Options

Prefer to study on your own? The Official CompTIA A+ Study Guide covers everything you need to know, including how to install, configure, and troubleshoot hardware and software.

• The guide matches 100% of the exam objectives.
• Visit the CompTIA store or the Study Guide page to learn more.

You can also download practice questions to get a feel for the test. Just remember, they won’t be the exact questions from the real exam.

CertMaster: CompTIA’s Digital Learning Tools

CertMaster is a set of online tools to help you study and build tech skills. It includes:

• CertMaster Learn – Interactive learning content
• CertMaster Practice – Practice questions to test your knowledge
• CertMaster Labs – Hands-on labs to build skills

Classroom Training

Not into self-study? You can also prepare through classroom training, which is available at:

• Public institutions
• Private training centers

Prices vary widely depending on the program, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

• To find training near you, check out the CompTIA Classroom Training page.
• Organizations can also request instructor-led training directly from CompTIA.

Ways to Reduce Costs

Depending on where you live and your situation, you might qualify for free (or nearly free) CompTIA A+ training and certification. These programs are usually meant for:

• People who are unemployed or underemployed
• Veterans
• Women
• Ethnic minorities
• Displaced workers

You’ll usually find two types of programs for entry-level IT certifications:

1. Government-Funded Programs: These are often run through your local workforce board or American Job Centers. Start your search at CareerOneStop.org.
2. Nonprofit Training Programs: These are harder to find but super valuable. Some great ones include:
3. Per Scholas – NYC, D.C., Cincinnati, Columbus, Atlanta, Dallas
4. IT-Ready by Creating IT Futures – Minneapolis-St. Paul and rotating locations
5. Stride Center – San Francisco Bay Area
6. Tech901 – Memphis

Since these are designed for entry-level IT certifications, if you’re already working in tech, you might not be eligible. Spots are limited, so if you qualify—apply early!

Student Discounts

If you’re a US college student with a .edu email and student ID, you can score a CompTIA A+ exam voucher for just $97 through the CompTIA Academic Marketplace. Training materials are also discounted.

What Jobs Can You Get With a CompTIA A+ Certification?

Is CompTIA A+ worth it? Again, yes, especially when you’re just starting in IT. Once you have the A+ certification, here are some common job titles you might qualify for:

• Associate Network Engineer
• System Support Specialist
• Desktop Support Administrator
• Help Desk Analyst
• Help Desk Specialist
• Technical Support Specialist
• IT Technician

These entry-level IT jobs are everywhere:

• Businesses: Almost every company needs IT support, from small startups to huge corporations.
• Schools: Educational institutions hire IT professionals to keep computer labs and networks running.
• Government agencies: Local, state, and federal government offices have IT teams requiring A+ skills.
• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics need tech support to maintain medical equipment and systems.

The CompTIA A+ job opportunities and demands are broad because nearly every organization depends on technology now.

How Much Can You Make With a CompTIA A+ Certification?

The CompTIA A+ technician salary typically pays between $35,000 and $50,000 a year in the US, depending on your location and the employer. In some places, you might start a bit lower or even higher if demand is strong.

Here are the top two factors that affect pay:

• Experience: As you gain hands-on experience or add more certifications (like Network+ or Security+), your pay can climb quickly.
• Location: Urban areas or tech hubs usually offer higher salaries than rural ones. For example, salaries in New York, San Francisco, or Seattle might be significantly higher than in smaller towns.

Also, some employers offer bonuses, benefits, and career advancement opportunities that can increase your total compensation.

Is CompTIA A+ a Good Alternative to a College Degree?

Let’s go into the biggest debate: CompTIA A+ vs a college degree.

Is an A+ cert as good as an associate or bachelor’s degree? That depends. Here are the pros and cons of CompTIA A+ certification:

Pros:

• Affordable and quick to get
• Recognized industry-wide as a basic IT credential
• A good stepping stone into IT
• Practical skills-focused

Cons:

• Limited depth compared to degrees
• Might not open doors for higher-level IT roles or specialized careers
• Some employers strictly require a degree for certain jobs

So, what’s the bottom line?

• Cost: The CompTIA A+ certification is way cheaper. A college degree can cost thousands or tens of thousands of dollars, while A+ certification (training + exams) is under $1,000 if you’re careful.
• Time: You can prepare and pass the A+ exams in a few months if you’re dedicated, versus 2+ years for an associate degree and 4+ for a bachelor’s.
• Depth: College degrees cover a broader range of topics, including programming, theory, and advanced concepts. The A+ cert focuses mostly on practical, hands-on IT support skills.
• Job Outlook: Some employers require or prefer degrees for certain roles, but many entry-level IT jobs are open to candidates with just certifications, especially A+.

Can You Get Financial Aid or Support for CompTIA A+?

Scholarships or Grants Available

Good news! There are a lot of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid for IT certifications. Some nonprofit organizations, community colleges, and industry groups offer:

• Need-based scholarships for students pursuing IT certs
• Grants for veterans or underrepresented groups in tech

Employer Reimbursement or State Workforce Programs

• Many employers will reimburse certification costs if it helps you in your current or future job.
• Some states have workforce development programs that help cover training and exam fees for in-demand skills like IT support.

Programs at Online Colleges That Include Certification

Some online college programs bundle CompTIA A+ prep and exam vouchers into their curriculum. This means you can earn college credit and certification at the same time, sometimes using financial aid.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking to break into tech without spending a fortune on college, certifications like CompTIA A+ are great starting points for affordable IT career paths. It opens doors to real jobs and helps build your confidence in IT skills.

Who It’s Best For

• Budget-conscious students: If you don’t want to invest time and money in a full degree yet
• Career changers: If you want to get your foot in the door fast
• People seeking quick entry to IT jobs: Particularly those seeking help desk or desktop support roles

Are you ready to start your journey?

1. Research and pick a study path (online courses, community college, or self-study).
2. Look for discounts, bundles, or scholarships to save money.
3. Plan to take the two required exams within a few months.
4. Start applying for entry-level IT jobs or internships.
5. Consider additional certifications (Network+, Security+) to advance your career later.