The Short Answer
For career changers with a full-time work schedule and budget constraints, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is the most accessible option given its monthly payment structure and predictable total cost. While CompTIA A+ remains the gold standard for IT roles, its higher upfront cost and requirement for two separate exams may be less flexible for those needing manageable short-term expenses. Readers should verify current CompTIA Tech+ pricing directly if they prefer a single-exam format, as historical prices are no longer reliable.
For career changers holding full-time jobs, selecting the right entry-level IT certification requires balancing rigorous content with flexible learning options. CompTIA A+, CompTIA Tech+, and the Google IT Support Professional Certificate are popular choices that do not require a traditional degree.
These programs serve as effective gateways into help desk roles by providing industry-recognized credentials. Understanding which format aligns best with your available study time is crucial for successfully completing your training without burning out.
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 an IT Support and Help Desk certification that requires passing two exams. It offers free practice questions on the official CompTIA website for both Core 1 and Core 2 components.
- Free practice questions are available for Core 1 and Core 2
- Covers the IT Support and Help Desk category
- Requires completion of two specific exams
This item suits individuals seeking entry-level IT Support and Help Desk roles who are looking for a no-degree certification backed by structured exam requirements.
- Access to free practice materials on the official site
- Clear structure with defined Core 1 and Core 2 components
- The total cost is approximately $506 for two exams, which can vary by region or reseller
CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+)
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
CompTIA Tech+ is a certification in the IT Support & Help Desk category that was formerly known as ITF+. It serves as an entry-level credential for individuals entering the IT field.
- Categorized specifically under IT Support & Help Desk roles
- Derived from the former ITF+ certification path
- Recognized under the CompTIA brand with a recent rebrand to Tech+
This certification suits career changers seeking entry-level IT support or help desk roles who are looking for a CompTIA-branded credential.
- Targets specific IT Support and Help Desk career paths
- Backed by the established CompTIA certification framework
- Official exam pricing is not explicitly stated on the official page, with third-party estimates ranging from $130-$138 based on the former ITF+ standard
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a Coursera course designed to prepare learners for IT Support & Help Desk roles. It offers a structured learning path that includes a 3 months Google AI Pro bonus.
- Includes a 3 months Google AI Pro bonus
- Covers IT Support & Help Desk skills
- Access to Coursera financial aid
Career changers seeking low-cost, no-degree certifications in IT support with access to financial aid.
- Starts with a 7-day free trial
- Financial aid is available
- Costs $49/month after the trial period
How to Choose the Right Certification
Total Cost Structure
You need to understand if you are paying a single upfront fee or a recurring subscription that accumulates over several months. Check the total potential expenditure including any trial periods to ensure it fits your budget.
Time to Completion
The duration of the program directly impacts how long you will be out of work or managing free time. Verify the typical timeline required to finish all modules and pass any necessary assessments.
Exam Frequency
Some certifications require multiple distinct exams while others may consolidate testing into a single final assessment. Confirm how many separate testing sessions are needed and whether they can be scheduled consecutively.
Regional Pricing Variance
Costs may fluctuate depending on your location or the specific reseller you purchase from. Review official source materials to see if listed prices are fixed or subject to regional adjustments.
Which Certification Is Best
CompTIA A+ is the most established option requiring two exams for a total of approximately $506, suitable for readers seeking a widely recognized industry standard. Google IT Support Professional Certificate offers a lower entry barrier at $49/month after a 7-day free trial, with a typical completion cost of roughly $150-$300 over 3-6 months. CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) has unclear current pricing due to recent rebranding and discontinuation of the previous version, making it a less predictable choice for budget-conscious learners.
FAQ
What is the total estimated cost to complete CompTIA A+?
The cost is $253 per exam, with two exams required, resulting in an approximate total of ~$506. 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 per month?
It costs $49/month via Coursera after a 7-day free trial. Depending on whether you take 3-6 months to complete it, the total cost is roughly $150-$300, and it includes a 3 months Google AI Pro bonus.
Is the exact exam price for CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) confirmed?
The exact price is not currently confirmed on the official page. While third-party sources estimated $130-$138 based on the pre-rebrand ITF+ pricing, the certification was rebranded to Tech+ in late 2024 and ITF+ was discontinued in 2025, so you must reconfirm the current price before purchasing.
Which option might fit a tighter budget based on the provided pricing data?
CompTIA A+ has a confirmed total of ~$506. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate ranges from roughly $150-$300 total depending on completion time. CompTIA Tech+ pricing is currently unconfirmed on official channels, making a direct price comparison difficult until you verify the current fee.
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.