The CompTIA A+ certification has been a staple in the IT industry for decades, serving as a gateway for many aspiring tech professionals. But with rapid advancements in technology and an ever-changing job market, you might be wondering: Is CompTIA A+ still relevant in 2025? Is it worth your time and investment?
In this engaging guide, we’ll break down the benefits, drawbacks, career opportunities, salary expectations, and even some alternatives to help you determine if earning the CompTIA A+ certification in 2025 is the right move for your career.
What is the CompTIA A+ Certification?
Think of CompTIA A+ as the “starter pack” for IT professionals. Offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), this vendor-neutral certification verifies your foundational knowledge of hardware, software, troubleshooting, networking, and security—all crucial skills for IT beginners.
To earn the certification, you must pass two exams:
- Core 1 (220-1101) – Covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, and cloud computing.
- Core 2 (220-1102) – Focuses on operating systems, software troubleshooting, security, and IT operational procedures.
💰 Cost: Each exam costs $239, bringing the total certification cost to $478 (excluding study materials and training).
Why CompTIA A+ is Worth Considering in 2025
🏆 1. Industry Recognition & Credibility
CompTIA A+ is a globally recognized certification, trusted by top employers like Dell, HP, Intel, and even the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). It’s widely accepted for help desk, IT support, and technician roles, making it a great resume booster for newcomers.
🚀 2. Ideal for IT Beginners & Career Changers
No degree? No problem! If you’re switching careers or just starting in IT, CompTIA A+ provides a well-rounded foundation in troubleshooting, hardware, software, and networking—making it the perfect launching pad.
💼 3. Strong Job Prospects
With the demand for IT support specialists growing by 6% (2022-2032), job opportunities are plentiful. CompTIA A+ can help you land roles such as:
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Analyst
- Technical Support Representative
- Field Service Technician
💰 4. Competitive Entry-Level Salary
How much can you earn? Entry-level IT professionals with CompTIA A+ typically make between $45,000 – $65,000 per year. As you gain experience and stack additional certifications, your earning potential skyrockets past $80,000+ in specialized roles.
🔄 5. A Stepping Stone for Advanced Certifications
CompTIA A+ is often a prerequisite or stepping stone for more advanced certifications, such as:
- CompTIA Network+ – Ideal for networking roles
- CompTIA Security+ – A must-have for cybersecurity careers
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – A gateway to cloud computing
- Cisco CCNA – Great for network administration
Potential Downsides of CompTIA A+ in 2025
❌ 1. Not Always Required for IT Jobs
Some employers prioritize real-world experience over certifications. If you can land an entry-level job without it, the cost and effort may not be justified.
💸 2. Certification Costs Add Up
With study materials, training courses, and exam fees, the total cost can easily exceed $600-$700. If your budget is tight, free online resources or hands-on experience might be better alternatives.
⏳ 3. Limited Growth for Advanced IT Careers
If you’re aiming to become a cybersecurity expert, cloud architect, or senior network engineer, you’ll need higher-level certifications beyond A+.
🔄 4. Certification Expiration
CompTIA A+ is valid for three years, after which you’ll need to renew it via CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program or by earning a higher certification—adding extra time and costs.
Who Should Get CompTIA A+ in 2025?
✅ You should pursue CompTIA A+ if:
- You’re new to IT and want a strong foundation
- You’re transitioning from another career into IT
- You want to increase job opportunities for entry-level positions
- Your employer requires it
- You plan to use it as a springboard for more certifications
🚫 You might skip it if:
- You already have hands-on IT experience or an IT degree
- You’re targeting cybersecurity, networking, or cloud without interest in IT support
- You can land an IT job without it
CompTIA A+ vs. Alternative Certifications
Considering other certifications? Here’s how they compare:
🔹 For Networking: Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+ 🔹 For Cybersecurity: CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) 🔹 For Cloud Computing: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals 🔹 For IT Support (Without Certification): Gain hands-on experience and apply directly
How to Prepare for CompTIA A+ in 2025
Want to ace the exam? Follow this roadmap: 1️⃣ Study the Exam Objectives – Get CompTIA’s official outline 📄 2️⃣ Use Study Guides – Grab books like "CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide" by Mike Meyers 📚 3️⃣ Enroll in Online Courses – Try Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning 🎥 4️⃣ Practice with Hands-On Labs – Use TestOut, Professor Messer, or real hardware 🛠️ 5️⃣ Join Online Communities – Engage with r/CompTIA, Discord groups, and IT forums 🌐 6️⃣ Take Practice Tests – Check out ExamCompass, MeasureUp, or Boson 📊
Final Verdict: Is CompTIA A+ Worth It in 2025?
🔵 Yes, if:
- You need an entry-level IT certification
- You want to validate your IT skills for job applications
- Your employer values it
- You plan to build upon it with advanced certifications
🔴 No, if:
- You already have IT experience and can land a job without it
- You’re aiming for high-level cybersecurity, networking, or cloud roles
- You prefer hands-on learning over certification-based training
The CompTIA A+ certification remains a strong choice for beginners in 2025, helping you break into IT with recognized credentials. However, it’s not the only path to success—so weigh your options based on your career goals, experience, and financial situation.
🚀 If IT support is your goal, CompTIA A+ is a great investment. If not, explore alternatives that align better with your ambitions. Whatever path you choose, IT is an ever-growing field full of opportunities. Good luck on your tech journey!