Key Takeaways:
- A+ Remains Relevant in 2025: CompTIA A+ continues to be a widely respected and valuable entry-level IT certification in 2025, helping individuals validate essential technical skills that employers are actively seeking.
- Launch Your IT Career with Entry-Level Roles: Earning the A+ certification opens doors to a variety of entry-level IT positions, including help desk technician, technical support specialist, and junior system administrator.
- Get Ready with Dion’s Affordable Training: Dion Training provides comprehensive and cost-effective courses and hands-on labs designed to fully prepare you for both A+ certification exams without breaking your budget.
Is the CompTIA A+ certification still a smart move in 2025, or is it yesterday’s news?
With tech jobs on the rise and certification options more varied than ever, many aspiring IT pros are wondering whether A+ still holds weight in the modern job market. You may have heard mixed reviews: some say it's essential, others call it outdated.
At Dion Training, we train thousands of students each year to pass industry certifications with confidence. Our team includes CompTIA Certified Technical Trainers who specialize in helping beginners launch successful careers. We’ve helped people with no tech background land help desk and technical support roles in just a few months—and we know what works.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through whether CompTIA A+ is worth it in 2025, who it’s for, how much it costs, and the best training resources to make it worth your investment.
What Is The CompTIA A+ Certification?
CompTIA A+ is a globally recognized entry-level IT certification designed to validate foundational skills in hardware, software, troubleshooting, and security. It’s often considered the first stepping stone for people entering the IT field with little to no experience.
The certification consists of two exams:
- Core 1 (220-1101): Mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing, and troubleshooting.
- Core 2 (220-1102): Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
These topics align closely with what you’ll actually do in roles like help desk technician, desktop support, or field technician.
Is CompTIA A+ Worth It In 2025?
The short answer? Yes—if you're new to IT.
The longer answer depends on your career goals. If you’re transitioning into IT from another field or just starting out, the A+ certification proves that you understand the basics. It gives employers confidence that you’re not walking in cold.
Even in 2025, CompTIA A+ is still listed as a requirement or preference for many entry-level IT job postings. It’s often the first checkpoint in many companies’ IT certification tracks.
Top Reasons People Say CompTIA A+ Is Worth It
- It’s Recognized Globally: You can apply to jobs in any country or industry.
- It’s Vendor-Neutral: You don’t need to specialize in a single product or system.
- It Lays the Groundwork: Many advanced certs assume A+ level knowledge.
- It’s Entry-Level: No experience is required to sit for the exams.
- It Builds Confidence: Especially if you’re coming from a non-tech background.
Who Should Get CompTIA A+?
This certification is ideal for:
- Career changers with no prior IT experience
- Recent high school or college graduates
- Military veterans transitioning to civilian roles
- Current IT support staff looking to formalize their skills
If you're aiming for a career in cybersecurity or cloud computing, A+ is a good launchpad before moving on to CompTIA Network+ or Security+.
How Much Does It Cost To Get CompTIA A+ Certified?
Pricing for the exams, study materials, and practice labs can add up. On average:
- Exam vouchers: ~$246 each (x2 for both Core 1 and Core 2)
- Study guides or courses: $50–$300
- Practice labs: $100–$150
Dion Training bundles everything you need in one place. To see a breakdown, visit our guide on CompTIA cost.
What Jobs Can You Get With A CompTIA A+ Certification?
You’ll qualify for:
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Field Service Technician
- Desktop Support Analyst
- Technical Support Specialist
These roles often serve as a launching point to more specialized positions like systems administrator, network engineer, or cybersecurity analyst.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare?
It typically takes 8–12 weeks of focused study to prepare for both exams if you're starting from scratch. The timeline may be shorter if you already work in IT or have some tech experience.
Use our CompTIA a+ tips to build a study schedule that works for you.
What About CompTIA Labs?
Dion Training’s CompTIA labs help reinforce your knowledge by allowing you to experiment in a risk-free environment. You can simulate system crashes, software installations, and troubleshooting scenarios that mimic real-world challenges.
Can You Self-Study for A+?
Absolutely. But structured CompTIA courses can fast-track your learning by organizing the content, filling in knowledge gaps, and helping you retain the most important details.
Is A+ the Only Certification You Need?
While it’s a great start, most tech roles will eventually require additional certifications. Once you earn your A+, you can pursue:
- CompTIA Network+
- Security+
- Microsoft Azure or AWS Fundamentals
These build upon your A+ foundation and open the door to specialized paths.
How A+ Certification Helps Build Technical Confidence
One of the underrated advantages of earning the CompTIA A+ certification is the personal confidence it instills. When you're just starting out in IT, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the jargon and scope of responsibilities. A+ breaks everything down into digestible parts and gives you a structured framework to understand how systems work. By the time you finish your certification, you’re not just exam-ready—you’re field-ready.
Why Employers Still Value A+ Certification
Employers continue to list A+ in job requirements because it’s a consistent indicator of baseline knowledge. It shows a candidate understands best practices in troubleshooting, ticketing, system imaging, and basic cybersecurity. When hiring for support roles, recruiters see A+ as a clear sign you’re serious about your career and have done the foundational work.
How A+ Certification Compares To Other Entry-Level Certs
Wondering how A+ stacks up to Google IT Support or Microsoft certifications? A+ has broader recognition across industries and covers a wider range of technical concepts. While vendor-specific certs may teach you tools for a single ecosystem, A+ prepares you for cross-platform, multi-vendor environments. It’s a great neutral starting point if you don’t yet know which IT specialty you’ll pursue.
Stacking A+ With Other Certs To Build Your Career
A+ isn’t the finish line—it’s the first lap. After you earn your A+, stacking it with CompTIA Network+ and Security+ can solidify your position in network or cybersecurity roles. If you prefer systems or cloud, move toward Microsoft Azure or AWS certifications. A+ is flexible—it aligns well with nearly every path in IT.
The ROI Of A+ Certification In 2025
“Is it worth getting CompTIA A certification?” often comes down to return on investment. With exam vouchers, labs, and study materials totaling around $600–$700, it’s a relatively low barrier to entry for a career that can start with a $50K salary and grow exponentially. Compared to degree programs or bootcamps, A+ offers a cost-effective, fast-track route into tech.
Flexibility For Career Changers And Non-Traditional Students
Many people pursuing A+ certification are changing careers or starting over in a new industry. Unlike a four-year degree, A+ doesn’t require prior experience or a traditional academic path. You can study on your own schedule, at your own pace, and still come out with a respected industry credential. For parents, veterans, or workers looking for a fresh start, A+ is a practical and achievable entry point into IT.
Relevance Of A+ In A Cloud-Driven World
While the tech industry increasingly emphasizes cloud and automation, that doesn’t make hardware and support knowledge obsolete. In fact, cloud platforms still require end-user devices, on-prem support, and hybrid infrastructure to function. The A+ certification includes updated content on cloud fundamentals and security best practices, ensuring it remains relevant even as the field evolves.
The Role Of Soft Skills In A+ Certification Prep
The A+ exam doesn’t just test technical knowledge—it reinforces the importance of communication and customer service. These soft skills are essential for roles like help desk support or desktop technician, where you're constantly interacting with users. Preparing for A+ teaches you how to approach problems methodically and communicate clearly under pressure, which gives you an edge in the job market.
Global Recognition And Portability Of CompTIA A+
One of the strongest arguments for “is it worth getting CompTIA A certification?” is the credential’s worldwide recognition. CompTIA A+ is vendor-neutral and accepted by employers across the globe, including government agencies and Fortune 500 companies. Whether you’re applying for remote work, relocating internationally, or simply looking to stand out in a crowded field, A+ adds credibility to your resume anywhere you go.
Employer Demand For CompTIA A+ In Job Listings
When browsing IT job boards or LinkedIn, you’ll often find that “CompTIA A+ preferred” is listed in many entry-level IT job descriptions. Employers see A+ as a baseline for understanding IT fundamentals, including hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting. Because the certification is standardized, hiring managers trust that it represents a foundational level of knowledge. That demand alone answers the question—is it worth getting CompTIA A certification? Absolutely.
Preparation Resources Make The Process Easier Than Ever
Dion Training provides comprehensive support to help students pass CompTIA A on their first try. With self-paced video lessons, interactive CompTIA labs, and budget-friendly CompTIA courses, the path to certification is more accessible than ever. Students can also tap into helpful guidance like these CompTIA A+ tips to boost their confidence and performance. The abundance of tools removes much of the uncertainty from the exam.
Final Thoughts
So, is it worth getting CompTIA A certification in 2025?
If you're looking to break into IT, there’s no better foundational cert. It validates your knowledge, opens up real job opportunities, and gives you a path to grow your career. With Dion Training’s expert-led materials, hands-on labs, and proven track record, you’ll be ready to pass both exams with confidence.
Read also:
- How to Study for CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+ – What You Need to Know
- A+ Certification Cost – What You Should Expect
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting CompTIA A Certification
Is CompTIA A+ worth it for beginners?
Yes, CompTIA A+ is specifically designed for individuals with little to no IT experience. It provides a solid foundation in hardware, software, troubleshooting, and support, making it an excellent first step into the tech industry.
How much can I make with a CompTIA A+ certification?
Entry-level salaries for A+ certified professionals typically range from $40,000 to $55,000, depending on your location, job role, and company size. With some experience or additional certifications, your earning potential can grow quickly.
Is A+ certification worth it if I have a degree?
Yes, especially if your degree isn't in computer science or a technical field, or if you're having trouble landing IT interviews. A+ certification proves your hands-on skills and practical knowledge, which many employers prioritize over education alone.
Is CompTIA worth it for career changers?
Definitely—CompTIA A+ is one of the best ways for career changers to demonstrate foundational IT skills and begin building credibility in a new field. It's affordable, widely recognized, and doesn't require prior industry experience.
Are CompTIA certs worth it long term?
Yes, CompTIA certifications like A+, Network+, and Security+ continue to serve as respected credentials in the IT industry. They’re also stackable, helping you build a long-term certification pathway as your career progresses.
Can I skip A+ and go to Network+?
You can skip A+ if you already have IT experience, but it’s often not recommended for complete beginners. A+ covers essential concepts and troubleshooting skills that make understanding more complex topics in Network+ much easier.
How long does it take to study for A+?
For most beginners, it takes about 8–12 weeks of focused, part-time study to prepare for both A+ exams. This can vary depending on your background, learning pace, and study schedule.
What's the best way to prepare?
The most effective preparation involves using structured courses, hands-on labs, and guided support from instructors or mentors. Programs like Dion Training offer all of these in one package to help you stay on track.
Is the CompTIA A+ exam hard?
The A+ exam can be challenging, especially if you're new to IT concepts or haven't taken certification exams before. However, with solid study habits, consistent practice, and quality training materials, most candidates pass within one or two attempts.
Will employers care about CompTIA A+ in 2025?
Yes—CompTIA A+ remains highly relevant in 2025, especially for help desk, support, and junior IT roles. It’s still one of the most recognized certifications for proving entry-level technical competency.
