Google$126k median pay
14 postings
View jobs ↗ at Google matching A+
CompTIA A+
Validates foundational IT support knowledge across hardware, operating systems, networking, security and troubleshooting common technical problems.
Summary
CompTIA A+ is the standard entry-level certification for IT support, covering hardware, networking, operating systems, security and troubleshooting. It is earned through two exams, Core 1 and Core 2, and gives employers a common baseline for help desk and technician candidates.
Good fit if
- You are starting an IT career with little experience
- You want help desk, desktop support or field technician roles
- You plan to continue to Network+ and Security+
Salary & jobs
1,330 US job postings ask for A+, with IT Support Specialist as the most common job title. The median pay is $63k a year; most fall between $50k and $84k.
Top-paying job titles
Most common job titles
| Job title | ||
|---|---|---|
| Data Center Facilities Technician Controls | $126k | 10 |
| IT Support Engineer | $111k | 10 |
| Data Center Technician | $94k | 13 |
| Systems Administrator | $88k | 21 |
| IT Support Technician | $66k | 21 |
| Desktop Support Technician | $66k | 12 |
| IT Support Specialist | $64k | 47 |
| IT Support Analyst | $61k | 10 |
Top-paying employers
Google
CACI$110k median pay
15 postings
View jobs ↗ at CACI matching A+
Microsoft$94k median pay
22 postings
View jobs ↗ at Microsoft matching A+
Peraton$86k median pay
15 postings
View jobs ↗ at Peraton matching A+
General Dynamics Information Technology$70k median pay
13 postings
View jobs ↗ at General Dynamics Information Technology matching A+
ncratleos$50k median pay
67 postings
View jobs ↗ at ncratleos matching A+
Custom Computer Specialists$45k median pay
11 postings
View jobs ↗ at Custom Computer Specialists matching A+
ncr$39k median pay
83 postings
View jobs ↗ at ncr matching A+| Job title | ||
|---|---|---|
| IT Support Specialist | $64k | 47 |
| IT Support Technician | $66k | 21 |
| Systems Administrator | $88k | 21 |
| Data Center Technician | $94k | 13 |
| Desktop Support Technician | $66k | 12 |
| IT Specialist | - | 11 |
| IT Technician | - | 11 |
| Data Center Facilities Technician Controls | $126k | 10 |
| IT Support Analyst | $61k | 10 |
| IT Support Engineer | $111k | 10 |
| Msp Level 2 Technician | - | 9 |
| Service Desk Technician | - | 8 |
| Technical Support Specialist | - | 8 |
| Desktop Support Specialist | - | 6 |
| Field Service Technician | - | 6 |
Top employers
ncr83 postings
$39k median pay
Most common title: Field Service Technician Columbus Oh
View jobs ↗ at ncr matching A+ncratleos67 postings
$50k median pay
Most common title: Field Service Technician II Denver Co
View jobs ↗ at ncratleos matching A+Microsoft22 postings
$94k median pay
Most common title: Data Center Technician
View jobs ↗ at Microsoft matching A+CACI15 postings
$110k median pay
Most common title: Enterprise Service Desk Analyst I
View jobs ↗ at CACI matching A+Peraton15 postings
$86k median pay
Most common title: Systems Administrator Dco
View jobs ↗ at Peraton matching A+Google14 postings
$126k median pay
Most common title: Data Center Facilities Technician Controls
View jobs ↗ at Google matching A+General Dynamics Information Technology13 postings
$70k median pay
Most common title: Information Technology Assurance Specialist I
View jobs ↗ at General Dynamics Information Technology matching A+Custom Computer Specialists11 postings
$45k median pay
Most common title: Onsite Technician
View jobs ↗ at Custom Computer Specialists matching A+Prerequisites
Cost
What holders say
Gets you noticed for help desk roles, not hired on its own
Holders say A+ noticeably improves recruiter attention at entry level, but the resume, technical knowledge and people skills still decide the job. Others recommend pairing it with a home lab.
The material comes up in help desk interviews
One candidate says every technical question in a help desk interview came from A+, including ports and APIPA addresses. A help desk manager prefers A+ over Network+ or Security+ for staff.
The entry-level market is crowded
The most upvoted replies in 2025 and 2026 threads say A+ alone is rarely enough in the current market. One career changer got into help desk with A+ and home lab projects.
Certification path
CompTIA recommends A+ before Network+, and Network+ before Security+.
Renewal
A+ is valid for 3 years from the day you pass your second exam.
- Validity
- 3 years
- Renewal requirement
- 20 CEUs per cycle
- Renewal fee
- $75 USD
The $75 fee covers the whole three-year cycle. You pay no fee if you renew with CertMaster CE or by passing a higher CompTIA certification such as Network+ or Security+.
CompTIA continuing education fees ↗Alternatives
Tech+$129 required · Entry
CompTIA's one-exam introduction to IT concepts, for people not yet sure about an IT support career.
Google IT Support$147 required · Entry
Online course certificate in IT support with no proctored exam.
Network+$399 required · Entry
The next CompTIA step, for people who already have IT support experience.
FAQ
How many exams does CompTIA A+ require?
Two: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). You can take them in either order, but both must be from the same version. You are certified when you pass both.
How much does CompTIA A+ cost?
$548 in the US, because each exam needs its own $274 voucher. A voucher with one retake costs $359 per exam.
Is CompTIA A+ enough to get a job?
It helps you pass resume screens for help desk and desktop support roles, but most people also need hands-on practice, a home lab or customer service experience to get hired.
Can I take the A+ exams online?
Yes. You can test at a Pearson VUE test centre or online with OnVUE.
Is a+ Cyber the same as A+?
No. CompTIA a+ Cyber and a+ Network are beginner courses that prepare you for Security+ or Network+ training. The A+ certification requires the Core 1 and Core 2 exams.
How long is CompTIA A+ valid?
Three years. Renew with 20 CEUs and the $75 CE fee, by completing CertMaster CE, or by passing a higher CompTIA certification such as Network+ or Security+.
Last updated October 2026