Career changers looking to enter IT support with affordable certifications should consider CompTIA A+, CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+), and Google's IT Support Professional Certificate. These programs provide foundational skills for help desk roles without requiring a degree.
Choosing the right certification depends on your career goals, learning style, and the practical skills you need for entry-level IT support positions. Each option offers a pathway to higher wages through real-world experience and industry-recognized credentials.
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 a vendor-neutral IT support certification that validates foundational technical skills for help desk roles. It requires passing two exams (Core 1 and Core 2) at a total cost of approximately $506, with per-exam pricing varying by region and reseller.
- Vendor-neutral certification recognized globally for IT support positions
- Two exam structure (Core 1 and Core 2) covering essential help desk skills
- Free practice questions available on CompTIA's official website for exam preparation
Career changers seeking entry-level IT support roles who want a vendor-neutral certification with a clear pathway to further education and employment.
- Offers a solid foundation for entry-level IT support careers with strong industry recognition
- Cost-effective compared to many other IT certifications with a clear path to higher-level certifications
- Per-exam pricing can vary by region and reseller, requiring confirmation on CompTIA's official store before purchasing
CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+)
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
CompTIA Tech+ is a foundational IT support certification that prepares individuals for help desk roles. It is the successor to ITF+ and was rebranded to Tech+ in late 2024, with ITF+ scheduled to end in 2025.
- Practical focus on help desk operations and troubleshooting
- Rebranding from ITF+ to Tech+ in late 2024
- Available through major certification providers like CompTIA
Career changers seeking a low-cost, no-degree entry point into IT support with a certification that is currently active and recognized by employers.
- Industry-recognized credential for entry-level IT support roles
- Rebranded from ITF+ to Tech+ to align with current industry standards
- Exam pricing details are not publicly listed on CompTIA's official site and may vary by third-party providers
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is an IT Support and Help Desk certification available through Coursera. It provides foundational skills in IT support and helps learners prepare for entry-level roles in the field.
- Includes a 7-day free trial period to test the course before committing
- Offers a 3-month Google AI Pro bonus for completing the certification
- Typical completion time is 3-6 months with a total cost of $150-$300 after the free trial
Career changers seeking entry-level IT support roles with a low-cost, no-degree certification that aligns with real-world job market needs.
- Cost-effective with a total investment of $150-$3:00 for a 3-6 month program
- Provides practical skills for entry-level IT support positions
- The program requires consistent effort over 3-6 months to complete
Which Tool Is Best
CompTIA A+ is best for career changers seeking a traditional IT certification with two exams totaling ~$506, as it provides foundational IT skills recognized by employers. CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) is suitable for those who prefer a lower-cost option (~$130-$138) but requires confirmation of current pricing since it will end in 2025. Google IT Support Professional Certificate is ideal for learners wanting a flexible, self-paced option with a total cost of $150-$300 over 3-6 months, including a Google AI Pro bonus.
Best Overall Recommendation
For career changers prioritizing employer recognition and a clear path to entry-level IT roles, CompTIA A+ is the best overall recommendation due to its established reputation and structured exam process. However, if cost is the primary concern and you can confirm Tech+ pricing before 2025, it offers a cheaper alternative, while Google's certificate provides flexibility for those preferring online learning without upfront costs.
FAQ
What's the total cost for CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ requires two exams at $253 per exam (total ~$506), though regional pricing may vary and you should confirm on the official CompTIA store.
What's the estimated cost for CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+)?
CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) pricing is not clearly listed on the official CompTIA page, but third-party sources estimate it at $130-$138 per exam before rebranding to Tech+ in late 2024. Prices may change as ITF+ ends in 2025; verification is required.
What's the typical cost for the Google IT Support Professional Certificate?
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate costs $49/month via Coursera after a 7-day free trial, with a typical completion time of 3-6 months, resulting in a total cost of roughly $150-$300.
How do I choose between these certifications based on cost?
Compare the total costs: CompTIA A+ is ~$506 total, CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) is estimated at $130-$138 per exam (two exams), and Google IT Support Professional Certificate totals $150-$300. Consider your budget, learning timeline, and whether you prefer exam-based or self-paced learning.
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.