Quick Verdict
We recommend Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals as the top choice for most career changers due to its specific, lower price point of $99. If you require a general IT support credential and can accommodate the higher expense, CompTIA A+ is a viable alternative at $253 per exam. Avoid CompTIA Tech+ for now unless you can independently verify current exam costs, as official sources do not list the fee.
For career changers seeking entry-level roles in IT support and help desk teams, selecting the right certification is a critical first step. These credentials validate your foundational technical knowledge and signal to employers that you possess the specific skills required to manage hardware, software, and user support tasks effectively.
Choosing between established industry standards and vendor-specific paths can be daunting without clear guidance. By understanding the distinct focus of each option, you can align your study efforts with realistic career opportunities and build a strong professional profile without the need for a traditional four-year degree.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
| 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 |
| Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals | $99 USD (Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 exam; price varies by proctoring country/region — Microsoft reduced this from a prior $165) | Free Microsoft Learn training modules + free official Practice Assessment + Exam Sandbox demo | 2026-09-16 |
Where These Numbers Come From
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 & Help Desk certification that requires passing two exams. The total cost is approximately $506, though per-exam pricing can vary by region or reseller.
- Covers IT Support & Help Desk roles
- Requires completion of two specific exams
- Offers free practice questions for both Core 1 and Core 2 on the official website
This certification is best suited for career changers seeking entry-level roles in IT Support and Help Desk who are prepared to manage variable regional pricing.
- Free practice questions are available for both exam sections
- Recognized in the IT Support and Help Desk category
- Per-exam pricing can vary by region or reseller, requiring verification before purchase
CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+)
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
CompTIA Tech+ is an IT Support & Help Desk certification that underwent a rebrand from ITF+ and is no longer available under the ITF+ name as of 2025. The official pricing status is currently unconfirmed, with third-party estimates for the former ITF+ certification ranging from $130 to $138.
- Focuses on IT Support and Help Desk skills
- Rebranded from the discontinued ITF+ certification
- Associated with CertMaster learning resources
Career changers seeking a foundational IT support credential who are willing to verify current pricing details and access paid learning resources.
- Targets entry-level IT support roles
- Part of the established CompTIA certification ecosystem
- Pricing is currently unconfirmed on official channels, requiring verification before purchase
Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals is an IT Support and Help Desk certification backed by free official training resources. It serves as an entry-level credential for professionals seeking IT industry recognition without a degree.
- Access to free Microsoft Learn training modules
- Includes a free official Practice Assessment
- Features an Exam Sandbox demo
This item suits career changers seeking an affordable, low-barrier IT credential with comprehensive free preparation tools.
- Zero cost for essential study materials via Microsoft Learn
- Exam fee of $99 USD is lower than the prior $165 price point
- The $99 USD exam fee varies by proctoring country or region
What to Weigh Before You Choose
Total cost verification steps
Pricing structures vary significantly, including whether multiple exams are required or if regional variations affect the final price. You must confirm the current fees on the official vendor store or reseller site to ensure your budget covers all necessary components.
Certification naming status updates
Some certifications have undergone recent rebranding or have specific versions that may no longer be available for new candidates. It is critical to verify which version is currently offered and ensure you are studying for the active exam code rather than a discontinued one.
Regional pricing fluctuations
The cost of certification can change based on the country or region where the exam is administered due to local proctoring fees or tax adjustments. You should check the specific pricing details for your location to get an accurate estimate of the financial commitment.
Official source reliability check
Third-party sources may provide outdated information or estimates that do not reflect the most recent price changes or product names. Always rely on the official certification provider’s website for the definitive current pricing and exam availability.
Exam structure requirements
Different certifications may require one or multiple separate examinations to achieve full accreditation, which impacts the total financial outlay. Review the official curriculum to understand if a single exam is sufficient or if a series of tests is mandatory for the credential.
Our Pick and Who It Fits
CompTIA A+ is suitable for readers seeking a broader technical foundation and are prepared for a higher total cost of $506. Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals is best for those focused on cloud concepts who prefer a lower upfront price of $99. CompTIA Tech+ may appeal to budget-conscious candidates but lacks clear public pricing data for the rebranded certification.
Common Questions
What is the total cost to earn CompTIA A+?
The cost is $253 per exam. Since two exams are required, the total is approximately $506. Note that per-exam prices can vary by region or reseller, so you should confirm the current price on the official CompTIA store before paying.
How much does the CompTIA Tech+ certification cost?
The exact price is not currently displayed on the official page. Third-party sources estimated the cost for the previous ITF+ version at $130-$138, but the certification was rebranded to Tech+ in late 2024 and ITF+ was discontinued in 2025. You must verify the current price with CompTIA directly.
What is the exam fee for Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals?
The exam fee is $99 USD for the Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 exam. This price varies by proctoring country or region, and Microsoft has reduced this amount from a prior cost of $165.
Which certification should I choose for an entry-level IT role?
CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Tech+ are specialized IT support certifications, while Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals focuses on cloud basics. You should choose based on whether you want to start in general hardware and network support or in cloud administration, keeping in mind that A+ requires two exams and Tech+ pricing is currently unverified.
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.