If you are just starting out in IT or thinking about switching careers, you might have heard of the CompTIA A+ certification. It is often called the “starting point” for IT professionals, helping many land their first job in tech. But with new certifications, changing job roles, and a growing focus on cloud, cybersecurity, and automation, many people now ask: Is CompTIA A+ still worth it in 2025? In this blog, we will break down what the certification covers, who it is best for, the pros and cons, and whether it still holds value in today’s fast-moving tech world.
What is CompTIA A+ Certification?
The CompTIA A+ Certification is officially called the CompTIA A+ Core Series. It is one of the most well-known entry-level certifications for people who want to start a career in information technology (IT).
To earn the certification, you must pass two exams:
- Core 1 (220-1201) – Focuses on hardware, networking, mobile devices, and virtualization.
- Core 2 (220-1202) – Covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Together, these exams test your knowledge of:
- Computer hardware and peripherals
- Networking basics
- Mobile device support
- Troubleshooting skills
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile operating systems
Once you pass both exams, your certification is valid for three years. You can renew it through CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program, which allows you to keep your certification up to date by taking new training, passing higher-level exams, or completing approved learning activities.
This certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it is not tied to any specific brand or company, making it a good foundation for any IT path.
What Makes CompTIA A+ Valuable?
The CompTIA A+ certification continues to hold value in 2025, especially for people starting their journey in IT. Here is why it is considered a good starting point:
- Industry Recognition
Many employers still list CompTIA A+ as a required or preferred qualification for IT support jobs. It shows that you have the basic skills needed to work in technical roles. - Beginner-Friendly
There are no prerequisites to take the A+ exams. This makes it ideal for complete beginners or career switchers who want to enter the tech industry. - Covers Essential Skills
A+ gives you a broad foundation in many areas of IT—hardware, networking, troubleshooting, operating systems, and security. This helps you understand how all parts of IT fit together. - Vendor-Neutral
Unlike some certifications that focus only on one company’s products (like Microsoft or Cisco), A+ is vendor-neutral. That means the skills you learn can be applied in any IT environment. - Opens Doors to Other Certifications
A+ is often the first step before taking other certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Security+, or even cloud and cybersecurity certifications later on.
In short, CompTIA A+ builds a solid base for your IT career and helps you grow into more advanced roles and certifications.
Here is the section “Who Should Consider CompTIA A+?” written in a simple and helpful tone:
Who Should Consider CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ is a great choice for anyone who wants to start a career in IT but is not sure where to begin. It is designed for people with little to no experience in the tech field. You should consider this certification if you are:
- A recent graduate looking to enter the IT job market
- A career switcher moving from another field into technology
- A beginner who wants to learn the basics of computers, networks, and troubleshooting
- An aspiring IT support professional looking to work in help desk, desktop support, or field services
It is especially helpful if you are aiming for roles like:
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Technical Support Analyst
- Desktop Support Technician
- Field Service Technician
If you want to gain confidence, get your first IT job, or lay a foundation before exploring areas like cybersecurity, cloud, or networking, CompTIA A+ is a smart first step.
How Much Does It Cost (And Is It Worth the Money)?
If you are planning to take the CompTIA A+ exam in 2025, it is important to understand the costs involved and whether it offers a good return on investment.
Exam Fees
To earn the CompTIA A+ certification, you need to pass two exams—Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202).
Each exam costs approximately ₹9,350 in India, which means the total exam fee is around ₹18,700.
Training and Study Materials
Your total cost will depend on how you choose to prepare:
| Type of Resource | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Self-study (books/videos) | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Online courses (live/recorded) | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Exam vouchers (2 exams) | ₹18,700 |
| Total estimated cost | ₹33,700 – ₹53,700 |
You can reduce costs by using free resources like YouTube tutorials (e.g., Professor Messer) or joining discussion forums and study groups.
Certification Validity and Renewal
The CompTIA A+ certification is valid for three years.
To keep it active, you need to earn 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through training, higher-level certifications, or online courses.
The renewal cost is about ₹6,200 over three years.
Is It Worth the Money?
Yes—if you are just starting out in IT, the CompTIA A+ certification can be a smart investment.
- Average salary for A+ certified professionals in India ranges from ₹3 lakh to ₹6.5 lakh per year, depending on your role, company, and city.
- With focused preparation, you could recover your exam and training costs within your first year of employment.
- The certification adds credibility to your resume and helps you stand out when applying for entry-level tech jobs.
However, keep in mind that the job market is competitive. You will need to combine the certification with hands-on practice (labs, volunteering, internships) to truly make an impact.
Pros and Cons of CompTIA A+
Before investing your time and money into any certification, it is important to weigh the benefits and limitations. CompTIA A+ is a respected entry-level certification, but it may not be the right fit for everyone. Let us take a closer look at the pros and cons.
Pros of CompTIA A+
1. Widely Recognized by Employers
CompTIA A+ is one of the most well-known IT certifications globally. It is often listed as a required qualification for entry-level roles in tech support and help desk services.
2. Beginner-Friendly with No Prerequisites
You do not need any prior experience, degree, or technical background to take the A+ exam. It is specifically designed for newcomers to the IT field.
3. Covers Essential IT Skills
The certification provides a strong foundation in multiple areas, including hardware, software, networking, operating systems, and security. These are skills needed in most IT support roles.
4. Vendor-Neutral Knowledge
Unlike certifications tied to specific brands (like Microsoft or Cisco), A+ teaches concepts and skills that apply across all platforms and environments.
5. Opens the Door to Further Certifications
A+ is often the first step in a larger learning path. It prepares you for certifications like CompTIA Network+, Security+, or even specialized fields like cloud computing or cybersecurity.
Cons of CompTIA A+
1. Too Basic for Some Career Paths
If you already have hands-on experience or a computer science degree, A+ might feel too simple. It is designed for entry-level learners, not seasoned professionals.
2. Common Among Job Applicants
Because it is so popular, many candidates applying for IT support jobs also hold an A+ certification. This means it may not help you stand out unless you combine it with practical skills or real-world experience.
3. Limited Use for Advanced Roles
As you move beyond entry-level jobs, most employers will look for more advanced or specialized certifications. A+ is not enough on its own for higher-level positions in networking, security, or cloud infrastructure.
Alternatives and Complementary Paths
While CompTIA A+ is a strong foundation for starting a career in IT, it is not the only option available. Depending on your interests, goals, and existing knowledge, you may choose to take a different path—or use A+ as a stepping stone to more specialized certifications.
Alternatives to CompTIA A+
1. Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Offered on platforms like Coursera, this beginner-friendly course is a strong alternative to A+. It focuses on troubleshooting, system administration, and customer support, and is recognized by employers like Google.
2. Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals (e.g., Azure Fundamentals)
If you are interested in cloud computing or Microsoft platforms, this certification gives you an introduction to cloud concepts, Azure services, and security. It is simple and cost-effective, making it ideal for those exploring cloud careers.
3. Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
For those interested in networking and hardware, the Cisco CCT certification focuses on diagnosing, restoring, and replacing critical Cisco systems. It is a great alternative if you are leaning toward a career in networking.
Complementary Certifications After CompTIA A+
1. CompTIA Network+
This is the next logical step after A+. Network+ dives deeper into networking concepts, protocols, and security, and is ideal for roles like network technician or support analyst.
2. CompTIA Security+
For those interested in cybersecurity, Security+ introduces you to the world of threat management, risk analysis, and security policies. It is widely recognized for entry-level security jobs.
3. CompTIA Cloud+ or Cloud-Specific Certifications (AWS, Azure)
As cloud computing becomes more important, certifications like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, or CompTIA Cloud+ can help you transition into modern IT roles.
4. Linux Essentials or LPIC-1
If you want to work with servers or in systems administration, learning Linux is highly valuable. Certifications like Linux Essentials or LPIC-1 are strong additions to your skillset.
Choosing the Right Path
Your certification journey should match your career goals. If you want to work in technical support, A+ is a solid starting point. But if you are more interested in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, or networking, you might consider starting with—or quickly moving on to—more specialized paths.
What Do Employers Say About CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ continues to be one of the most recognized certifications for entry-level IT roles. For many hiring managers, it signals that a candidate has a solid understanding of the basics and is ready to take on real-world support tasks.
Many job postings for roles like Help Desk Technician, IT Support Specialist, or Technical Support Analyst list CompTIA A+ as either a required or preferred qualification. Employers see it as proof that you have the foundational skills needed to troubleshoot systems, communicate with users, and support daily IT operations.
Examples of roles where A+ is frequently mentioned:
- Desktop Support Technician – “CompTIA A+ certification preferred”
- IT Service Desk Agent – “A+ certification required or must be obtained within 90 days”
- Field Support Engineer – “Must hold or be pursuing CompTIA A+”
Helps You Get Through the HR Filter
In many companies, resumes are screened by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems scan for specific keywords, such as “CompTIA A+” or “IT certification.” Having A+ on your resume helps you pass these initial filters and increases your chances of being shortlisted for an interview.
Even if you are competing against candidates with experience, holding an A+ certification gives you an edge by showing that you have formal knowledge, discipline, and industry-aligned skills.
Conclusion
So, is CompTIA A+ still worth it in 2025? The answer depends on where you are in your career journey.
If you are just starting out in IT, switching from another field, or looking for a structured path to break into tech support roles, CompTIA A+ is absolutely worth it. It gives you a solid foundation, is widely accepted by employers, and helps you gain confidence in real-world troubleshooting and support tasks.
However, if you already have hands-on experience, a technical degree, or a clear interest in a specific field like cybersecurity or cloud, you might consider starting with a more specialized certification.
In short, CompTIA A+ remains a smart investment for beginners—but it should be treated as a launchpad, not a final destination. Pair it with practical experience and keep learning as you grow your career in the fast-moving world of IT.
