The definitive guide to choosing your first CompTIA certification
You've decided to break into IT, and you know CompTIA certifications are your ticket in. But which one should you tackle first? This question keeps countless aspiring IT professionals awake at night, scrolling through Reddit threads and Discord channels, hoping someone will give them the magic answer.
Here's the truth: there's no universal "right" answer, but there is a right answer for you. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision that aligns with your goals, experience level, and local job market.
Study Time: 2-3 months
Career Paths: Help desk, desktop support, field technician
Study Time: 2-4 months
Career Paths: Network technician, network admin, NOC analyst
Broader Foundation: A+ covers the entire IT ecosystem, giving you context for everything from hardware to software to basic networking.
Industry Recognition: Most entry-level IT positions list A+ as preferred or required. It's the gold standard for "this person knows IT basics."
Natural Progression: A+ builds the foundation that makes every other CompTIA certification easier to understand and pass.
Lower Barrier to Entry: Designed specifically for people with no prior IT experience.
Coming from retail, education, or any non-technical field? A+ gives you the comprehensive foundation you need.
Most help desk roles specifically ask for A+ certification. It's your fastest path to employment.
A+ opens more immediate job opportunities, getting you earning while you continue your education.
Even with a technical degree, A+ proves you can apply knowledge practically in real-world scenarios.
Specific Career Target: You already know you want to focus on networking and don't want to spend time on broader IT topics.
Existing Experience: You have some IT background, strong technical aptitude, or relevant degree.
Market Demand: Your local job market heavily favors network specialists over general IT support.
Time Efficiency: You want to specialize quickly rather than build a broad foundation.
Already working in tech support and want to move into a more specialized, higher-paying role.
Have an engineering, computer science, or related degree that covered IT fundamentals.
Specific goal of becoming a network administrator or engineer, not interested in general IT support.
Current employer specifically needs Network+ skills for a promotion or role change.
| Factor | CompTIA A+ | CompTIA Network+ |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | None - designed for beginners | Benefits from A+ or equivalent experience |
| Difficulty Level | Beginner to Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Study Resources | Abundant, many free options | Fewer but more specialized |
| Job Market Demand | Higher volume of entry-level positions | Specialized roles, often higher pay |
| Salary Potential | $35K-$50K starting | $40K-$60K starting |
1. What's your current IT experience level?
2. What's your primary career goal?
3. How much time can you dedicate to studying?
Getting both certifications without a clear purpose can actually hurt your job prospects. Employers might see you as unfocused or question why you need both for an entry-level role.
Solution: Choose one, get it, land a job, then pursue additional certifications based on your actual role needs.
What works in Silicon Valley might not work in rural Tennessee. Your local job market should heavily influence your decision.
Solution: Research actual job postings in your area, talk to local IT professionals, and consider reaching out to recruiters.
Many people underestimate the time needed for proper certification study, leading to rushed preparation and failed exams.
Solution: Plan for at least 2-3 months of consistent study time, regardless of which certification you choose.
There's no universally wrong choice between A+ and Network+, but there are wrong reasons for choosing. Don't let analysis paralysis keep you from starting your IT career.
Remember: both certifications are stepping stones, not destinations. The most important thing is to choose one, commit to it fully, and use it to launch your career. You can always add more certifications later when you have real-world experience to guide your decisions.
Use the decision framework above, research your local job market, and make your choice. Then commit to a study plan and start today.
Your future IT career is waiting – the only mistake is not starting.