The Short Answer
For career changers prioritizing low cost and immediate entry into IT support roles, Google IT Support Professional Certificate is the best overall recommendation due to its lower total cost ($150-$300) and flexible learning structure. CompTIA A+ remains the most established certification for those willing to invest $506 upfront for a traditional, industry-recognized credential. CompTIA Tech+ is not recommended due to its discontinuation in 2025 and uncertain pricing.
Career changers seeking entry-level IT support roles often look for affordable certifications that provide practical skills without requiring a degree.
These certifications, including CompTIA A+, CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+), and Google IT Support Professional Certificate, offer pathways to help desk positions with industry-recognized credentials.
Quick Comparison
| 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 |
| 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 |
How We Compare
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 consists of two exams that must be passed to earn the certification.
- Two required exams to validate foundational IT knowledge and skills
- Free practice questions available on the official CompTIA website for both exam sections
- Recognized globally as a starting point for IT career paths
Career changers seeking entry-level IT support roles who want a globally recognized certification with practical skills development.
- Offers a clear pathway into IT support with industry-recognized credentials
- Includes free practice resources to help prepare for exam success
- Total cost for both exams is approximately $506, though per-exam pricing may vary by region and reseller
CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+)
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
CompTIA Tech+ is an IT support certification that previously operated under the name ITF+. This certification focuses on foundational IT skills for help desk roles.
- Previously known as ITF+ with a 2025 end-of-life date
- Real-world IT support skills for help desk positions
- Hands-on learning resources through CertMaster
Career changers seeking affordable IT support certifications with no degree requirement, who need foundational help desk skills.
- Cost-effective entry point for IT support careers with estimated exam fees of $130-$138
- CertMaster learning materials require payment, with no free resources mentioned
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is an IT Support & Help Desk certification available through Coursera. It offers a structured learning path to develop skills in IT support, with a typical completion time of 3-6 months.
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate includes a 7-day free trial period for Courser: a 7-day free trial period for Coursera
- The certificate provides 3 months of Google AI Pro bonus access after completion
- It features a typical completion time of 3-6 months with a total cost of roughly $150-$300
Career changers seeking entry-level IT support roles with a low-cost, no-degree certification that is backed by real wage data.
- Offers a 7-day free trial period for Coursera
- Includes 3 months of Google AI Pro bonus access after completion
- Total cost of roughly $150-$300 may vary based on individual learning pace and additional resources
How to Choose the Right Certification
How pricing is structured
Understanding the pricing structure helps career changers compare total costs without assuming fixed prices. Check official sources or current reseller rates to avoid outdated or regional variations.
Exam requirements and recertification
Some certifications require passing multiple exams or recertification, which affects long-term costs and time investment. Verify the current exam schedule and renewal policies to ensure they align with career goals.
Total cost over time
The cumulative cost of a certification includes both upfront fees and potential ongoing expenses like study materials or practice exams. Assess the total financial commitment based on individual learning pace and additional resources needed.
Official versus third-party pricing
Prices can differ significantly between official providers and third-party sellers, especially for older certifications that may be rebranded. Confirm the latest pricing through official channels to avoid discrepancies after certification updates.
Certification validity and relevance
The duration and industry recognition of a certification impact its usefulness for job applications. Ensure the certification remains relevant to current IT support roles and meets employer requirements for the target position.
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 at $253 each (total ~$506). CompTIA Tech+ is ideal for those who need a more affordable option but must act quickly since ITF+ is discontinued in 2025 with pricing uncertain. Google IT Support Professional Certificate suits learners preferring flexible, self-paced study with a monthly cost of $49 via Coursera after a 7-day free trial, totaling roughly $150-$300 over 3-6 months.
FAQ
What's the total cost for CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ requires two exams at $253 per exam, totaling approximately $506. Note: Per-exam prices may vary by region/reseller, so confirm on the official CompTIA store.
How much does CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) cost?
The exact price for CompTIA Tech+ is not available on the official CompTIA page. Third-party sources estimate it was $130-$138 for ITF+ before rebranding to Tech+ in late 2024, but prices may change as ITF+ ends in 2025. Confirm current pricing with CompTIA.
What's the cost for Google IT Support Professional Certificate?
Google IT Support Professional Certificate costs $49/month via Coursera after a 7-day free trial. Typical completion takes 3-6 months, resulting in a total cost of roughly $150-$300. This includes a 3-month Google AI Pro bonus.
Which certification has the lowest upfront cost?
Based on the facts, CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) has the lowest upfront cost estimate of $130-$138, though it is only available until 2025. CompTIA A+ costs approximately $506 total, and Google IT Support costs $150-$300 total.
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.