Is CompTIA A+ Worth It?
Updated July 2026
CompTIA A+ is one of the most recognized entry-level IT certifications — but it isn't right for everyone. Here's an honest take on when it's worth your time and money.
Who it's worth it for
A+ is the standard entry ticket into IT. If you're changing careers or breaking in without a degree, it's one of the clearest ways to signal to employers that you have the baseline skills for a support role.
- Career changers with no IT experience — A+ gives you credibility and structure.
- Help desk / IT support job seekers — many postings list it as required or preferred.
- Students building a foundation before specializing in networking or security.
Jobs A+ helps you land
- Help desk technician
- Desktop / IT support specialist
- Field service technician
- Technical support representative
A+ is vendor-neutral — it's not tied to one manufacturer, so it's broadly recognized across employers.
Who might skip it
If you already work in IT, have a related degree, or hold higher certifications, A+ may be redundant — you might get more value going straight to Network+, Security+, or a cloud/vendor cert. A+ proves foundational knowledge; it won't move the needle much once you're past that stage.