Is CompTIA A+ worth it in the UK? Cost, jobs and when to skip it

CompTIA A+ is worth it in the UK if you're new to IT and aiming for a first-line support or service desk job. It's the entry certification IT support managers recognise most, it covers what the job involves, and it tells an employer you've put real effort in. It's not worth it if you already work in IT or know the material, and it won't get you hired on its own. Pair it with hands-on practice and you've got a strong starter package.

Here's the detail, including the cost.

What does CompTIA A+ cover?

A+ is two exams: Core 1 and Core 2. According to CompTIA, each is 90 minutes with around 90 questions, mixing multiple choice with performance-based questions (short simulations). You have to pass both from the same series to get the certification. The current series is V15, with exam codes 220-1201 and 220-1202.

Core 1 covers mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualisation and cloud computing, and hardware and network troubleshooting. Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software and operations (things like documentation, change management and safety).

That's a close match for what first-line support actually does. You'll use the Core 2 material most: Windows, security basics and operational procedures turn up in tickets every day.

The performance-based questions are worth knowing about early. Rather than picking an answer, you might be asked to match ports to protocols, put troubleshooting steps in the right order, or configure a setting in a simulated screen. They take longer than multiple choice, so many candidates flag them and come back once the quicker questions are done.

How much does A+ cost in the UK?

Because it's two exams, you pay twice. UK prices quoted by different sources vary:

• Coursera reported £133 per exam in the UK in August 2025, so £266 for both.
• Training provider Readynez put it at about £180 per exam in 2026, or about £360 for both.

Prices change, and promotions and bundles come and go, so check CompTIA's UK store before you budget. Add study materials on top. Many people pass with low-cost video courses and practice tests. Training bundles with retakes cost more but reduce the risk of paying twice.

Our CompTIA A+ guide has more on study options.

What jobs can you get with a CompTIA A+?

A+ is aimed at entry-level support roles. Coursera lists typical jobs and average UK salaries, based on Indeed data from August 2025:

For a more recent check, IT Jobs Watch reported a median of £28,375 for UK permanent 1st line support ads in the six months to November 2026. The National Careers Service gives £24,000 as a typical starter salary for IT support technicians and £36,000 once experienced.

You'll also see roles called service desk analyst, 1st line support technician and IT support assistant. In schools, councils and the NHS, "IT technician" is common. Our first line IT support jobs guide covers what each involves.

Can you get a job with just CompTIA A+?

Sometimes. But "just A+" is a harder sell than A+ plus evidence.

Look at what UK employers ask for. On IT Jobs Watch, the most common skills in 1st line support ads in late 2026 were Microsoft 365 (53.3%), Windows (51.5%), customer service (44.6%), problem-solving (36.1%) and Active Directory (29.2%). A+ helps with the technical items, but customer service and hands-on Active Directory experience come from elsewhere.

So combine it with:

1. A home lab. Set up Windows Server in a free virtual machine, create an Active Directory domain, add users, reset passwords, apply group policies.
2. Customer service evidence. If you've worked with the public, put it front and centre on your CV.
3. Steady applications. Start applying while you study. Don't wait for the certificate to arrive.

That combination is far stronger than the certificate alone.

Who should skip A+?

Skip it, or at least think twice, if:

• You already work in IT. You've got the experience A+ is trying to prove. Spend the money on Network+, a Microsoft certification or something aligned with where you want to go next.
• You have a computing degree and practical skills. A+ may duplicate what you know, though some graduates still take it to show hands-on readiness.
• You're aiming straight at a specialism and already have the basics. If you're confident with hardware, Windows and networking, move to the next level.

For complete beginners, though, A+ is a good use of time. Skipping it to chase a more advanced certificate often backfires, because the advanced material assumes you know what A+ teaches. If you're unsure where you sit, try a set of A+ practice questions. If you're scoring well without studying, you can probably move on. If not, the exam is pitched at the right level for you.

How long does A+ take to pass?

It depends on your background and hours. Someone who already fixes PCs as a hobby might pass both exams in a couple of months. A complete beginner studying a few hours a week might take four to six months. These are rough estimates, not official figures.

Study for one exam at a time. Many people start with Core 1, but if you're more comfortable with software than hardware, Core 2 first is fine. Use practice tests in the final weeks and practise the performance-based questions specifically, as they catch people out.

Is A+ still respected by UK employers?

Yes, at entry level. It's vendor-neutral, widely known and directly relevant to support work. It won't impress a hiring manager for a senior role, but it isn't meant to. For a first job, it says you understand the fundamentals and you're serious about IT.

In practice, A+ often matters most before a human reads your CV. Recruiters and applicant tracking systems filter on keywords, and "CompTIA A+" is one of the terms they look for in first-line applications. Once you're in the interview, the certificate fades and your answers take over. Can you explain how you'd troubleshoot a user who can't connect to Wi-Fi? Can you describe what Active Directory does? A+ study gives you the vocabulary for those answers, but practice is what makes them convincing.

How Experiencely can help

If you want A+ plus real experience to go with it, our IT help desk programme includes training and three CompTIA certifications (ITF+, A+ and Cloud Essentials+), along with a live service desk placement. You're placed within 48 hours and work about an hour a day for three months, fully remote. The programme costs £2,495. If you're not hired within 60 days of finishing, you get your money back (conditions apply). You finish with the certificate and the hands-on work employers ask about.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Figures are taken from the sources below. Salary ranges are indicative and individual offers vary. Last checked 9 November 2026.

1. CompTIA: A+ has two exams, what you need to know
2. Coursera: What is the CompTIA A+ certification?
3. Readynez: UK CompTIA A+ exam price
4. IT Jobs Watch: 1st Line Support jobs, UK
5. National Careers Service: IT support technician