A+ vs Tech+: Which Certification Should You Start With?
Starting an IT career can feel a bit like stepping into a new world where everyone already seems to know the language. Certifications are often the first step people take, and two names you’ll hear right away are CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Tech+. They’re both beginner‑friendly, but they’re built with different goals in mind. Understanding those differences can help you choose the one that fits where you are right now.
CompTIA A+ has been the go‑to entry‑level certification for years. Employers recognize it, trust it, and often list it as a requirement for help desk or technical support roles. It’s very hands‑on. You learn how computers work, how to troubleshoot issues, how operating systems behave, and how to solve the kinds of problems real users run into every day. If you’ve ever been the person friends call when their laptop won’t boot or their Wi‑Fi keeps dropping, A+ builds on that instinct and turns it into a professional skill set.
Tech+ takes a different approach. Instead of diving deep into troubleshooting, it gives you a broad overview of the entire tech landscape. You get foundational exposure to IT, cybersecurity, cloud, data, and general digital concepts without being thrown straight into the technical details. It’s designed for people who are curious about tech but aren’t sure yet which direction they want to go. Think of it as a guided tour before you pick your destination.
To make the differences even clearer, here’s a simple comparison:
Feature CompTIA A+ CompTIA Tech+
Depth More technical and hands on Broad and conceptual
Difficulty Moderate Beginner friendly
Employer Recognition Very high Growing, but newer
Career Focus IT support and troubleshooting Exploring IT pathways
Best For People ready for technical roles People deciding where to start
So how do you decide which one to start with?
Choose A+ if:
– You want to work in IT support or help desk roles
– You enjoy hands‑on problem solving
– You’re ready for a more technical challenge
– You want a certification employers immediately recognize
Choose Tech+ if:
– You’re brand new to IT and still exploring your options
– You want a gentle introduction to the tech world
– You prefer learning concepts before diving into hardware and troubleshooting
– You’re not yet sure which IT specialty you want to pursue
Some people even take a blended approach: start with Tech+ to build confidence and get familiar with the landscape. When it comes to certification costs, Tech+ is not overly expensive. Once you are comfortable taking certification exams, then move on to A+ if you know you want a more technical role. That combination gives you both a broad foundation and the practical skills for employers.
In the end, there’s no wrong choice. Both certifications can help you; they just serve different purposes. The best starting point is the one that matches your comfort level, your goals, and how ready you feel to dive into the technical side of things.
After your first certification is under your belt, and you decide a career direction, keep your mind open to your next certification. While A+ and Tech+ focus on foundational skills, there are many certifications that help you advance in a specific area. For example, CompTIA Network+ takes things a step further by zeroing in on networking. Network+ isn’t usually the first stop for absolute beginners, but it’s a natural next step in our digitally connected world.
No matter which certification you start with, always check for companies, like us, who sell certification exam vouchers that save you money on your exams!
Talk to you next week!
