People often ask which entry-level IT certification they should get, CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support Professional?   

The answer is not simple and depends on a variety of factors such as your background, the job you want, etc. In this article, we will do a straight comparison between these two popular entry level IT certifications so that you can make an informed decision. 

Theory vs Hands-On 

The theory exam for CompTIA A+ certification is a multiple-choice test that has questions that are relatively easy to answer with practice. On the other hand, Google IT Support Professional’s exam is hands-on in nature and gives you practical experience in troubleshooting various issues on Windows operating systems and resolving network connectivity problems.  

For candidates who are working professionals or have work experience in the field of computers, the Google IT Support Professional certification might be a better choice as it requires hands-on experience to answer questions.

Levels of Certification 

If you have general knowledge about computers and networking, then CompTIA A+ is most likely a good option for you. On the other hand, if you are just starting out as a computer technician or are a fresher with little work experience in this field, then Google’s certification will be more suitable due to its practical nature.  

Even if you don’t have prior computer knowledge, you can do the CompTIA A+. 

Common Benefits 

Although both of these certifications are useful for candidates who want to start their career as an entry-level computer technician, there is a clear winner in the benefits category which is CompTIA A+.  

The reason why this certification comes out on top here compared to Google’s certification is that it allows you to move onto additional certifications with relative ease. For example, after obtaining the A+ you can move onto CompTIA Network+ and Security+.  Both are highly in-demand certifications by employers. 

This makes earning new certifications easier if desired. On the other hand, Google provides no clear progression to help you advance your career in such a structured manner. 

Cost Comparison 

If you are looking to start an entry-level job as a computer technician, then the cost of obtaining certifications is another factor that you should consider before deciding what certification to get.  

While CompTIA A+ certification costs $229 US dollars, Google’s certification can be obtained for free if you complete certain requirements at their training site. If you don’t wish to go through any training or courses and just want to take their exam, then the price would be $79. 

This makes it clear that if your primary interest is getting a free entry-level certification with little work or effort needed on your part along with good potential job opportunities after obtaining this certification, then Google’s certification is a better choice. On the other hand, if you don’t mind paying for certification and are interested in multiple certifications, then CompTIA’s A+ certification is more suited to your needs. 

Which Should You Choose? 

If you want a certification that will provide you with the potential to earn multiple certifications, if desired, while making your potential job search smoother in the future, then CompTIA A+ is the better choice. If, on the other hand, you are interested in an online certificate that will allow you to enter the workforce right away without receiving additional training, then Google’s certification might be a better fit. 

Both of these certifications are useful if you want to start your career as an entry-level computer technician, but CompTIA’s A+ certification is superior in terms of available job opportunities when compared to Google’s certification. 

CompTIA is one of the most respected names when it comes to IT certifications.  The A+ certification has been around since 1993 and there are over 1 million people with the certification. It is also very well known in the IT industry. 

Based on these facts, it’s hard to argue against the recommendation of CompTIA‘s A+ certification as one of the best entry-level IT certifications out there today. 

Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate is an ideal choice if you prefer learning through self-study materials instead of attending training courses. The certificate requires a test score from an exam that is offered online, which makes it easy for students to get the certificate without any other out-of-class study materials or tests.  The CompTIA A+ exams can be prepared for via self-study or in-person instructor-led training. 

Even though both certifications require you to take an exam after you finish studying the material, Google’s IT Support Professional certificate doesn’t require any prerequisites before you begin your studies unlike CompTIA ‘s A+, which can be intimidating for some people who are not sure if their knowledge level is high enough to take either a class or online training course.

Career Outcomes 

As far as career outcomes go, CompTIA A+ is the best entry-level IT certification you can obtain for several reasons. It’s proven that CompTIA A+ certified individuals possess better employment opportunities and a higher salary than those who have taken Google’s IT Support Professional certificate because Google’s program doesn’t provide many job advantages whereas CompTIA ‘s training courses and materials are taught by people in the industry, which makes it much more relevant. 

Yes, it’s true that both of these programs will equip you with valuable skills to help you become a successful professional in whichever field or industry that interests you most, but the main difference between them is that CompTIA A+ encourages students to not only complete their coursework projects on time but also help them develop the soft skills necessary to succeed in their careers. 

CompTIA A+ is generally preferred over Google’s IT Support Professional by most people because it covers more content than Google’s certification. 

Even though Google’s IT Support Professional certification and CompTIA ‘s A+ both provide you with the theoretical knowledge necessary to succeed in your industry, Google’s IT Support Professional certificate is not generally preferred over CompTIA A+. 

Job Options 

With regard to job options, many people have the wrong assumption that after graduating from high school it is too late to pursue a career in their chosen field or industry. In reality, there are many careers available that you can obtain if you are willing to work hard and invest time into improving your skills.  

For example, an individual who receives one of these two certifications will be able to find jobs at small, medium, and large-sized businesses in addition to government agencies. 

Employment Stats 

Google’s IT Support Professional certificate has been around since 2011 whereas CompTIA ‘s A+ certification has offered training courses and materials since 1993. With that being said, Google’s IT Support Professional certificate requires a bit less time to complete than CompTIA A+.  The A+ can take about six months and up to 1 year to complete.  

Whatever your choice, remember to always stay focused and try to obtain as much knowledge and training as possible in your field of study. Dedication is still the secret ingredient, no matter what field or industry you choose to pursue.