CompTIA A+ vs Google IT Support Certificate
Compare CompTIA A+ certification and Google IT Support Professional Certificate. Industry-standard IT certification vs Google's career certificate — which is better for breaking into IT?
CompTIA A+
CompTIA
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Google (via Coursera)
Detailed Comparison
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | CompTIA A+ | Google IT Support Professional Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | CompTIA | Google (via Coursera) |
| Difficulty Level | Foundational | Foundational |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes per exam (2 exams) | Self-paced (3-6 months typical) |
| Exam Cost | $246 per exam ($492 total) | $49/month on Coursera (~$150-$300 total) |
| Exam Format | Multiple choice, performance-based questions | Online coursework, quizzes, hands-on labs, final project |
| Prerequisites | None — 9-12 months IT experience recommended | None — designed for complete beginners |
| Validity Period | 3 years (requires renewal CEUs) | No expiration |
| Ideal For | Anyone pursuing a career in IT support, help desk, or desktop support roles | Career changers and complete beginners wanting a structured learning path into IT |
| Salary Range | $65,000 | $55,000 |
Coverage Areas
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
CompTIA A+ Focus Areas
- Hardware
- Networking
- Mobile Devices
- Troubleshooting
- Operating Systems
- Security
Google IT Support Professional Certificate Focus Areas
- IT Support
- Networking
- Operating Systems
- System Administration
- Security
- Automation with Python
Expert Verdict
Our Recommendation
CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard IT certification recognized by virtually all employers. Google IT Support is a more affordable learning program that teaches fundamentals but carries less weight with hiring managers. A+ commands higher salaries.
Choose CompTIA A+
Choose CompTIA A+ if you want the gold-standard IT credential that's required or preferred in most IT job postings.
Choose Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Choose Google IT Support Certificate if you're a complete beginner on a budget who needs structured learning before pursuing A+.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support Professional Certificate?
CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard IT certification recognized by virtually all employers. Google IT Support is a more affordable learning program that teaches fundamentals but carries less weight with hiring managers. A+ commands higher salaries.
What are the salary differences between CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ typically offers salaries around $65,000, while Google IT Support Professional Certificate offers $55,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose CompTIA A+ if you want the gold-standard IT credential that's required or preferred in most IT job postings. Choose Google IT Support Certificate if you're a complete beginner on a budget who needs structured learning before pursuing A+.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
Ready to Get Certified?
Start your certification journey with our free practice exams and study guides
Related