The Short Answer
For most career changers, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate offers the most predictable budget with a $49/month cost and a total estimate of roughly $150-$300. CompTIA A+ is a strong alternative for those who prefer a one-time payment structure, costing $253 per exam for a ~$506 total. Avoid CompTIA Tech+ until official pricing is confirmed, as the exact fee is not listed on the official page.
For career changers starting from scratch, entering the IT support and help desk field often requires proof of foundational technical skills. Without a traditional degree, industry-recognized certifications serve as a primary credential to demonstrate competence to hiring managers.
CompTIA A+, CompTIA Tech+, and the Google IT Support Professional Certificate are three prominent options in this space. Each path offers a distinct approach to learning core IT concepts, and understanding their differences is crucial for making an informed decision about your next step in technology.
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 certification in the IT Support & Help Desk category that validates foundational technical skills. It requires passing two separate exams to complete the credential.
- Focuses on the IT Support & Help Desk category
- Provides free practice questions for Core 1 and Core 2 on the official website
- Requires two distinct exams for certification
This certification is best for individuals seeking entry-level roles in IT support and help desk operations who are willing to complete a two-exam process.
- Offers free practice resources directly from the provider
- Provides a structured pathway for IT support roles
- The total cost of approximately $506 may be higher than single-exam alternatives
CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+)
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) is a certification in the IT Support & Help Desk category that was rebranded in late 2024, with the previous ITF+ version discontinued in 2025. It serves as an entry-level credential for individuals seeking to start a career in basic IT support roles.
- Falls under the IT Support & Help Desk category
- Formerly known as ITF+ before being rebranded to Tech+ in late 2024
- The previous ITF+ designation was discontinued in 2025
This item is best suited for career changers seeking an entry-level IT support credential, provided they verify current pricing and training costs independently.
- Recognized as part of the IT Support & Help Desk professional pathway
- Current designation reflects the latest brand identity from late 2024
- Official exam pricing is not explicitly displayed on the comptia.org page, requiring reliance on third-party estimates of $130-$138 based on pre-rebranding data
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a training program categorized under IT Support and Help Desk. It offers a path to certification through Coursera with a typical completion time of 3-6 months.
- Includes a 3 months Google AI Pro bonus
- Categorized specifically for IT Support & Help Desk roles
- Typical completion time of 3-6 months
This item suits career changers looking for a structured IT support certification with financial aid options.
- Offers a 7-day free trial
- Coursera financial aid is available
- Costs $49/month via Coursera after the initial trial period
How to Choose the Right Certification
Total Cost Structure
Different certification paths may charge per exam, per monthly subscription, or as a flat fee, so you need to calculate the full out-of-pocket expense for the entire duration of the program. Verify whether any stated costs are subject to regional variations, reseller markups, or changes due to rebranding before committing to a budget.
Certification Status and Longevity
Some programs are established, standalone credentials while others may be rebranded, phased out, or tied to temporary bonuses, which can affect their long-term value on your resume. Check the official provider documentation to confirm if the certification is currently active, what the official name is, and whether previous versions are still recognized by employers.
Employer Recognition and Scope
Career changers need to know if the credential is widely accepted in the IT support industry or if it is more specialized to a specific platform or entry-level role. Research whether potential employers in your target region value this specific type of certification over others when reviewing job listings for help desk positions.
Time Commitment and Flexibility
The timeline to completion varies significantly between self-paced online courses and scheduled exam-based assessments, impacting how quickly you can enter the workforce. Assess your personal availability and whether the program requires continuous monthly payments or allows you to study on your own schedule without recurring fees.
Prerequisite Requirements
Some certifications may require prior experience or foundational knowledge, while others are designed strictly for absolute beginners starting from scratch. Review the official learning objectives to ensure the content aligns with your current skill level and does not assume prior technical background that you do not have.
Which Certification Is Best
CompTIA A+ is best for readers seeking a standard, two-exam certification with a confirmed total cost of ~$506. Google IT Support Professional Certificate fits those preferring a monthly subscription of $49 via Coursera with an estimated total of roughly $150-$300 for completion. CompTIA Tech+ is suitable only if the reader can independently verify current pricing, as the official page does not display an exact exam fee.
FAQ
What is the estimated total cost to complete the CompTIA A+ certification?
The cost is $253 per exam, with two exams required, resulting in ~$506 total. Note that per-exam prices can vary by region or reseller, so you should confirm the current amount on the official CompTIA store.
How much does the Google IT Support Professional Certificate cost to complete?
It costs $49/month via Coursera after a 7-day free trial. Since typical completion takes 3-6 months, the total cost is roughly $150-$300, and it includes a 3 months Google AI Pro bonus.
Is there a confirmed exam fee for the CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) certification?
The official page does not display an exact exam fee. Third-party sources estimated the former ITF+ certification at $130-$138 before the late-2024 rebranding to Tech+, but the ITF+ certification was discontinued in 2025, so reconfirmation is essential.
What is a key difference in the delivery method between the Google certificate and CompTIA certifications?
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is delivered through a subscription model via Coursera, whereas CompTIA A+ and Tech+ are standardized exams where you pay per exam.
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.