Quick Verdict
For career changers starting with no degree, the Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals (AZ-900) is the strongest overall recommendation due to its lower upfront cost ($99), direct alignment with cloud infrastructure trends, and broader industry recognition compared to the other options. It offers a single exam path with minimal regional price variations, making it accessible for most readers.
Career changers seeking entry-level IT roles can benefit from no-degree certifications that provide practical skills and job readiness.
This comparison highlights three widely recognized options: CompTIA A+, Google IT Support Professional Certificate, and Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals, all backed by real-world wage data.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| Certification | Price | Free Plan | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | $253 per exam (two exams required, ~$506 total) — per-exam price can vary by region/reseller, confirm on official CompTIA store before publishing | Free practice questions available on CompTIA site (Core 1: comptia.org/en-us/certifications/a/core-1-v15/practice-questions/, Core 2: .../core-2-v15/practice-questions/) | 2026-09-16 |
| Google IT Support Professional Certificate | $49/month via Coursera after 7-day free trial (typical completion 3-6 months → roughly $150-$300 total; includes 3 months Google AI Pro bonus) | 7-day free trial; Coursera financial aid available | 2026-09-16 |
| Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals | $99 USD (Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 exam; price varies by proctoring country/region — Microsoft reduced this from a prior $165) | Free Microsoft Learn training modules + free official Practice Assessment + Exam Sandbox demo | 2026-09-16 |
Where These Numbers Come From
The prices and plan details in the table above are what we recorded for each certification, last checked on . Each section below links to the official site. Prices change often, so confirm the current price there before you decide.
CompTIA A+
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
CompTIA A+ is a foundational IT certification for help desk and technical support roles. It validates skills in hardware, software, networking, and security fundamentals for entry-level IT positions.
- Validated skills in hardware, software, networking, and security for help desk roles
- Two required exams with a total price of $506 (approximately $253 per exam)
- Free practice questions available for both exam cores on the official CompTIA website
Career changers seeking a low-cost, no-degree certification to enter IT support roles with real-world applicable skills.
- Offers a recognized entry point into IT careers with a focus on practical, hands-on skills
- Provides a cost-effective path compared to degree programs for career changers seeking IT roles
- Exam pricing can vary by region and reseller, requiring confirmation on the official CompTIA store before purchasing
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is an IT Support & Help Desk certification that provides foundational knowledge in technical troubleshooting and customer service. It is accessible through Coursera with a 7-day free trial and a typical completion time of 3-6 months.
- Includes a 3-month Google AI Pro bonus period
- Offers financial aid options through Courser: a Coursera platform
- Provides real-world IT support skills for entry-level roles
Career changers seeking affordable, no-degree certifications to transition into IT support roles with entry-level wage potential.
- Low cost with a typical total investment of $150-$300
- Real wage data shows potential for entry-level IT support roles
- Requires consistent time commitment for 3-6 month completion
Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals is an IT support certification focused on foundational knowledge for cloud services and infrastructure. It includes the Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 exam, which is priced at $99 USD after Microsoft reduced it from a prior $165.
- Free Microsoft Learn training modules
- Free official Practice Assessment
- Exam Sandbox demo
Career changers seeking entry-level IT support roles with a cloud-focused certification that has a verified low-cost path to entry.
- Low cost at $99 USD for the exam
- Includes free training resources and practice tools
- Price varies by proctoring country/region
What to Weigh Before You Choose
How pricing is structured
Pricing structures affect total cost and accessibility for career changers. Check if exam fees, course fees, or maintenance costs are included in the total cost before committing.
Required exams or courses
Some certifications require passing exams or completing courses, which impacts time and effort. Verify the exact number of exams or courses needed to ensure realistic time commitment.
Regional price variations
Prices can differ by location and provider, affecting affordability. Confirm current pricing through official channels to avoid unexpected costs after enrollment.
Total cost estimates
Total costs vary based on duration and additional features, so it's important to calculate realistic expenses before starting a certification. Consider all potential fees to avoid budget surprises.
Additional benefits or bonuses
Some programs offer extra resources like job assistance or bonuses that can enhance value. Evaluate what's included to understand the full package without assuming.
Our Pick and Who It Fits
CompTIA A+ is best for readers who prefer a traditional certification with two distinct exams, as it provides foundational IT knowledge and is widely recognized across the industry. Google IT Support Professional is ideal for those seeking a flexible, self-paced option with Google’s AI Pro bonus, especially if they can commit to a 3-6 month timeline. Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals suits readers focused on cloud-specific skills with a straightforward exam structure and lower upfront cost.
Common Questions
Which entry-level IT certification requires no prior experience?
All three certifications—CompTIA A+, Google IT Support Professional Certificate, and Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals—require no prior experience.
What is the typical cost range for these certifications?
Based on official pricing: CompTIA A+ requires two exams at $253 each (~$506 total); the Google IT Support Professional Certificate runs about $49/month on Coursera (roughly $150-$300 for a typical 3-6 month completion); and the Microsoft AZ-900 exam costs $99. See the comparison table above for full details and sources.
Which certification has the strongest job placement support?
We do not have verified data on job placement rates or dedicated placement programs for these certifications. Check each provider's official page for the most current information on career services.
Which certification is best for someone looking to work in cloud computing?
Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals is best for cloud computing, as it covers Microsoft Azure services, while CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support Professional Certificate focus more on general IT support and networking.
Pricing and feature details on this page are independently researched and verified against official sources.
Pricing shown was accurate at the time of publishing and may change — verify on the official site.