Google IT Support Certificate vs CompTIA A+ — Which IT Certification Should You Get in 2026?
Choosing between the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and CompTIA A+ is one of the most common decisions for people entering IT. Both certifications target entry-level IT support roles, but they differ significantly in cost, format, employer recognition, and career outcomes. This guide provides a data-driven comparison to help you decide.
See also: Google IT Support Certificate Review | CompTIA Security+ vs CEH
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Google IT Support Certificate | CompTIA A+ |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Google (via Coursera) | CompTIA |
| Format | Online self-paced courses | Proctored exam (2 parts) |
| Duration | 3–6 months | 2–4 months study + exam |
| Cost | $49/month (Coursera Plus) or $399/year | $246 per exam × 2 = $492 + study materials |
| Total Cost | $147–$294 typical | $600–$900 total |
| Exam Required | No formal exam; course assessments | Yes, two proctored exams (Core 1 & Core 2) |
| Renewal | No expiration | Renew every 3 years (CE credits) |
| Employer Recognition | Strong at Google partner companies | Industry-standard, universally recognized |
| Job Roles | Help desk, IT support, desktop support | Help desk, field tech, system admin |
| Difficulty | Beginner-friendly, no prerequisites | Moderate; covers deeper hardware/networking |
Cost Breakdown
The Google certificate is significantly cheaper. At $49/month on Coursera, most learners spend $147–$294 total. Financial aid is available, and some learners complete it for free through employer-sponsored programs.
CompTIA A+ costs $492 for exam vouchers alone (two exams at $246 each). Add $200–$400 for study materials (books, practice exams, video courses), and the total reaches $700–$900. CompTIA occasionally offers bundles and student discounts.
| Cost Component | Google IT Certificate | CompTIA A+ |
|---|---|---|
| Course/Study Material | $147–$294 (included) | $200–$400 |
| Exam Fee | $0 (no separate exam) | $492 (2 × $246) |
| Renewal | $0 (no renewal) | ~$50/year (CE credits) |
| Total First Year | $147–$294 | $692–$892 |
Curriculum Comparison
Google IT Support Certificate covers 5 courses:
- Technical Support Fundamentals
- Computer Networking
- Operating Systems (Windows, Linux, macOS)
- System Administration and IT Infrastructure
- IT Security
The curriculum is practical and project-based, with hands-on labs in Qwiklabs. It emphasizes troubleshooting workflows and customer service skills.
CompTIA A+ (Core 1 & Core 2) covers:
- Core 1 (220-1101): Mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing, troubleshooting
- Core 2 (220-1102): Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures
CompTIA A+ goes deeper into hardware components, BIOS/UEFI, mobile device repair, and networking protocols. It is more technical and less focused on soft skills.
Employer Recognition
CompTIA A+ is the industry standard. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD 8570 baseline certification), required by many government contractors, and listed as a requirement in the majority of entry-level IT job postings. If a job listing says "IT certification required," they almost always mean CompTIA A+.
Google IT Support Certificate is newer but gaining traction rapidly. Google has partnered with 150+ employers (including Walmart, Bank of America, Hulu, and Sprint) who consider it equivalent to a 4-year degree for hiring purposes. However, outside of Google's employer consortium, it may not carry the same weight as A+.
| Recognition | Google IT Certificate | CompTIA A+ |
|---|---|---|
| Government/DoD | Not recognized | DoD 8570 approved |
| Fortune 500 | Growing (150+ partners) | Universally accepted |
| MSPs/IT firms | Limited | Standard requirement |
| Startups/Tech | Well-regarded | Well-regarded |
| International | Moderate | Strong global recognition |
Salary Outcomes
Both certifications lead to similar entry-level roles with comparable salaries:
| Role | Avg. Salary (USA, 2026) | Typical Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Help Desk Technician | $42,000–$52,000 | Either |
| IT Support Specialist | $48,000–$58,000 | Either |
| Desktop Support Analyst | $50,000–$62,000 | CompTIA A+ preferred |
| Field Service Technician | $45,000–$55,000 | CompTIA A+ preferred |
| Junior System Administrator | $55,000–$68,000 | CompTIA A+ + Network+ |
The Google certificate may provide a faster path to employment at Google partner companies, while CompTIA A+ opens more doors across the broader IT industry.
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Which Should You Choose?
Choose Google IT Support Certificate if:
- You are a complete beginner with no IT experience
- Budget is a primary concern (3× cheaper)
- You want to start working in IT as quickly as possible
- You are interested in working at Google partner companies
- You prefer self-paced online learning with hands-on labs
Choose CompTIA A+ if:
- You want the most universally recognized IT certification
- You plan to work for government agencies or contractors
- You want deeper hardware and networking knowledge
- You plan to pursue additional CompTIA certifications (Network+, Security+)
- Job listings in your area specifically require CompTIA A+
Best strategy for 2026: Start with the Google IT Support Certificate (cheaper, faster), then add CompTIA A+ once you are employed and can afford the exam fees. Many employers offer certification reimbursement. This way you get hired faster and build a stronger resume over time.
Can You Do Both?
Yes, and many IT professionals recommend it. The Google certificate provides excellent foundational knowledge and gets you hired quickly. CompTIA A+ adds industry credibility and opens doors to government and enterprise roles. The curricula overlap by about 60%, so studying for one makes the other significantly easier.
Recommended path:
- Complete Google IT Support Certificate (3–5 months, ~$200)
- Get hired at an entry-level IT role
- Study for CompTIA A+ using employer tuition reimbursement
- Pass CompTIA A+ exams (adds $500–$900 to your credentials)
- Continue to CompTIA Network+ or Security+ for career advancement
Ready to start? Enroll in the Google IT Support Certificate on Coursera — complete in 3-5 months, starting at $49/month. Or get unlimited access with Coursera Plus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Google IT Certificate as good as CompTIA A+? For getting your first IT job, the Google certificate is often faster and cheaper. However, CompTIA A+ has broader industry recognition, especially in government and enterprise environments. They serve slightly different purposes — Google focuses on practical skills and quick employment, while A+ provides a standardized industry credential.
Can I get a job with just the Google IT Certificate? Yes. Google's employer consortium includes 150+ companies that accept the certificate for entry-level roles. Many graduates report landing help desk and IT support positions within 1–3 months of completion. However, having both certifications significantly improves your chances.
How hard is CompTIA A+ compared to the Google certificate? CompTIA A+ is harder. It requires passing two proctored exams with a 675/900 passing score (Core 1) and 700/900 (Core 2). The Google certificate has no formal exam — you complete course assessments and projects. A+ covers more hardware details and networking protocols that require memorization.
Do I need experience before starting either certification? No. Both are designed for complete beginners. The Google certificate assumes zero prior IT knowledge. CompTIA A+ is also entry-level, though some basic computer familiarity helps. Neither requires a college degree.
Which certification pays more? Salaries are similar for entry-level roles ($42,000–$58,000). However, CompTIA A+ holders may have a slight edge in salary negotiations because of its broader recognition. The real salary difference comes from subsequent certifications (Network+, Security+, cloud certs) rather than the entry-level credential itself.
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