Career changers seeking entry into IT support roles often look for affordable, no-degree certifications that provide practical skills and industry recognition.
These certifications—CompTIA A+, CompTIA Tech+, and Google IT Support Professional Certificate—offer pathways to help desk jobs with documented wage outcomes.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | 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 |
| CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) | 확인 불가 — 공식 페이지(comptia.org/en-us/certifications/itf-pro/)에 정확한 시험비 표시 안 됨. 3rd-party 소스는 리브랜딩 전 ITF+ 기준 $130-$138로 추정(2024년 말 Tech+로 리브랜딩, 2025년 ITF+ 단종됨 — 가격 재확인 필수) | 확인 불가 — CertMaster Learn/Practice/Labs(10-40시간 분량)는 전부 유료로 확인됨, 무료 자료 언급 없음 | 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 |
CompTIA A+
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
CompTIA A+ is an IT support certification that validates foundational technical skills for help desk roles. It requires passing two exams totaling approximately $506 in exam fees.
- Validated IT support skills for entry-level help desk positions
- Two exam structure (Core 1 and Core 2) covering essential technical concepts
- Free practice questions available on the official CompTIA website
Career changers seeking entry-level IT support roles with affordable, no-degree certifications backed by real-world wage data.
- Cost-effective for entry-level IT support roles with no degree requirement
- Recognized globally as a baseline for IT career pathways
- Exam fees vary by region and reseller; must confirm pricing on official CompTIA store
CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+)
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) is a foundational IT support certification designed for individuals seeking entry-level help desk roles. It provides foundational knowledge in troubleshooting and basic system administration.
- Hands-on labs and practice materials for real-world scenario application
- Industry-recognized credential with a focus on practical IT support skills
- Transition path from ITF+ to Tech+ with updated content for current IT environments
Career changers looking to enter IT support with a practical, low-cost certification that aligns with current industry needs.
- High demand in the IT sector for entry-level support roles
- Cost-effective compared to higher-level certifications with real-world applicability
- Pricing details are uncertain and may change post-2025 due to the certification's transition
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a certification in IT Support & Help Desk skills. It provides structured learning to prepare for entry-level IT support roles.
- 3-month Google AI Pro bonus included
- Coursera platform with 7-day free trial
- Typical completion time of 3-6 months
Career changers seeking affordable, no-degree IT support certifications with real wage data backing
- Cost-effective with total costs around $150-$300 after a 7-day free trial
- Real-world relevance with Google's industry-aligned curriculum
- Requires self-discipline for 3-6 month completion timeline
Which Certification Is Best
CompTIA A+ is best for career changers seeking a traditional IT certification with a clear path to entry-level roles, as it requires two exams priced at $253 each (total ~$506) and is widely recognized in the industry. CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) is best for those who need a more affordable option with a shorter timeline, though its pricing is uncertain and it will be discontinued in 2025. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is best for learners who prefer flexible, self-paced study with a lower total cost (roughly $150-$300) and access to Google's resources.
Best Overall Recommendation
For career changers looking for the most cost-effective and practical entry into IT support with real-world relevance, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is the best overall recommendation due to its lower total cost ($150-$300), flexible learning schedule, and inclusion of Google AI Pro bonuses. However, CompTIA A+ remains the most widely recognized certification for traditional IT support roles, though it requires a higher upfront cost ($506 total).
FAQ
What's the total cost for CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ requires two exams at $253 per exam (total ~$506). Per-exam prices may vary by region/reseller; confirm on the official CompTIA store.
What's the estimated cost for CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+)?
The exact exam cost for CompTIA Tech+ is not listed on the official CompTIA page. Third-party sources estimate $130-$138 per exam for ITF+ (before rebranding to Tech+ in late 2024), but prices may change as ITF+ is discontinued in 2025.
What's the total cost for Google IT Support Professional Certificate?
$49 per month via Coursera after a 7-day free trial, with typical completion taking 3-6 months (roughly $150-$300 total). Includes a 3-month Google AI Pro bonus.
How do I choose between these certifications based on cost?
Compare the total costs: CompTIA A+ is ~$506 total (two exams), CompTIA Tech+ (ITF+) is estimated at $130-$138 per exam (total ~$260-$276), and Google IT Support is roughly $150-$300 total. Note that ITF+ is discontinued in 2025 and may not be available after that date.
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.