Is CompTIA A+ Worth it? Benefits, Salary, and Career Impact

The IT job market is booming; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth for computer and information technology jobs from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average. But Is CompTIA A+ worth it? If you’re wondering whether this foundational cert is a smart first step into IT, you’re not alone. Let’s break down exactly what it covers, who benefits most, how much it costs, and whether employers still value it.

Benefits of the CompTIA A+ certification

Benefits of the CompTIA A+ certification

The CompTIA A+ certification remains one of the most recognized entry-level IT credentials worldwide. If you are considering a career in information technology, here are the key benefits of earning this certification.

Career path and growth opportunities

Unlike more advanced certifications that require years of experience, A+ is intentionally designed for beginners who want to land their first technical job and build a solid foundation for long-term growth.

When you hold a CompTIA A+, you prove the core skills employers expect from junior IT professionals, which match the daily tasks of real entry-level roles, like help desk technician, technical support specialist, or desktop support.

Once you get a year or two of experience with your CompTIA A+, many people choose to specialize or move up by earning:

• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Security+
• Vendor-specific certifications like Cisco (CCNA for networking) or AWS (Cloud Practitioner).

For example, a typical path might look like this:

1. 0–1 Year: Earn CompTIA A+ → get an IT support job (help desk, field service technician).
2. 1–2 Year: Gain hands-on experience → pursue Network+ or Security+.
3. 2–5 Years: Move into specialized roles such as network admin, systems admin, or junior security analyst.

Salary and earning potential

One of the biggest reasons people choose this certification is the clear impact on pay. The CompTIA A+ salary for entry-level IT roles is often significantly higher than salaries in retail or other non-technical jobs.

Key facts about the CompTIA A+ salary in 2025:

• The average CompTIA A+ salary in the U.S. is around $63,900 per year.
• Top earners can make up to $101,000, depending on experience, role, and location.
• Most beginners start in help desk or Tier 1 support positions, earning about $48,000–$55,000 per year.
• In comparison, many retail or food service jobs pay closer to $28,000 annually.

As you gain experience and add skills or higher-level certifications, your salary potential can grow significantly.

Job opportunities and industry demand

CompTIA A+ is widely recognized as the industry standard for launching an IT support career, and it is frequently listed in job postings for foundational IT positions.

Typical entry-level roles you can pursue with CompTIA A+ include:

• Help desk technician
• IT support specialist
• Tier I or Tier II support technician
• Field service technician
• Desktop support analyst
• Service desk analyst

These roles are in demand across major employers like Intel, Dell, HP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Best Buy/Geek Squad, and even government contractors, including the U.S. Department of Defense.

A recent IDC survey confirmed that 96% of hiring managers use IT certifications, such as CompTIA A+, as screening or hiring criteria.

Work-life balance and flexibility

A less obvious but important benefit is the potential improvement in work-life balance. Many people use A+ to switch from physically demanding or unpredictable jobs to more structured IT support roles. Positions like help desk support tend to have regular hours, lower physical stress, and the possibility of hybrid or remote work.

CompTIA itself highlights that more IT roles now allow remote arrangements. This flexibility is ideal if you want to work from home or avoid long commutes.

Is CompTIA A+ worth it?

Is CompTIA A+ Worth it

Absolutely, if it matches what you need, let’s break down some key factors to help you decide whether pursuing the CompTIA A+ certification is the right move.

For personal and career goals

The CompTIA A+ is an entry-level IT certification designed to help individuals launch their careers in technology. It’s a great fit for:

• Newcomers to IT who want to build a strong technical foundation.
• Students and recent graduates are aiming for entry-level IT roles.
• Career changers are looking for a well-recognized certification to help them break into the tech industry.
• Job seekers targeting roles such as Help Desk Technician, IT Support Specialist, or Technical Support Specialist.
• Anyone who wants to validate basic IT skills and stand out in a competitive job market.

For market value and industry demand

CompTIA A+ is widely recognized by employers, especially in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and in some parts of Asia. It’s often listed as:

• A preferred or required qualification in job listings for IT support and technical roles
• A basic requirement for some government or military IT positions (especially in the U.S.).

For cost and time investment

• Exam Cost: $239 per exam (you need to pass both Core 1 and Core 2), for a total of $478.
• Study Time: Most learners need 2 to 4 months of part-time study (about 100–120 hours in total).

For opportunities for advancement

Earning the CompTIA A+ certification can be a powerful catalyst for your IT career. It not only paves the way for more advanced credentials like CompTIA Network+, Security+, or Cisco’s CCNA, but also opens up pathways into high-demand specialties such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and system administration.

More importantly, the CompTIA A+ equips you with the foundational knowledge and credibility to land hands-on roles, where real-world experience will further sharpen your skills and accelerate your professional growth.

FAQs

1. Do employers care about CompTIA A+?

Yes. Many employers list CompTIA A+ as required or preferred for help desk and IT support roles. Top companies like Dell, HP, Intel, and even U.S. government contractors recognize it.

2. Is CompTIA A+ enough to get a job?

Yes, for entry-level IT roles. CompTIA A+ alone can help you qualify for help desk, IT support, or technician jobs, especially if you have no prior IT experience. But for higher-level roles, you’ll likely need more experience or advanced certifications later.

Final thoughts

Is CompTIA A+ worth it? It is still worth it if you want an affordable, trusted way to break into IT. It proves you have the core skills employers look for in help desk and support roles. While it won’t guarantee a job on its own, it gives you a strong foundation to build on. Pair it with real experience and more certifications as you grow. For many beginners, A+ remains a smart first step toward better pay, job security, and career advancement.

Ready to take the next step? Start practicing with this free CompTIA A+ practice test to boost your confidence.