Is CompTIA A+ Worth It in 2026? Cost, Jobs & Salary

Is CompTIA A+ Worth Getting in 2026?

CompTIA A+ remains worth it for entry-level IT careers. The certification costs $465 for both exams and qualifies you for help desk, IT support, and field service technician roles with starting salaries of $35,000-$55,000. It is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification.

What CompTIA A+ Covers

CompTIA A+ validates foundational IT skills including hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, security, cloud computing, and troubleshooting. The certification requires passing two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). It is vendor-neutral and applicable across all IT environments.

Exam Structure and Cost

Each exam costs $246, totaling $465 for both. Exams include up to 90 questions each with multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions. Core 1 covers hardware, networking, and mobile devices. Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

Job Prospects and Salary

A+ certified professionals qualify for help desk technician ($35,000-$50,000), IT support specialist ($40,000-$55,000), field service technician ($35,000-$50,000), and desktop support analyst ($40,000-$55,000). CompTIA reports 96% of HR managers use certifications in hiring, with A+ the most requested entry-level credential.

Is It Worth the Investment?

Yes, with a clear ROI. Exam costs of $465 are recovered within 1-2 months of employment. A+ is a prerequisite for many IT jobs and provides the foundation for advanced certifications like Network+ and Security+. The certification opens doors to IT careers without requiring a college degree.