Career changers looking to enter IT support with affordable, no-degree certifications should consider CompTIA A+, Google IT Support Professional Certificate, or CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+).
These options offer pathways into IT help desk roles without traditional degrees, backed by real-world wage data to guide your decision.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Price | Free Plan | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | $253 per exam (two exams required, ~$506 total) — per-exam price can vary by region/reseller, confirm on official CompTIA store before publishing | Free practice questions available on CompTIA site (Core 1: comptia.org/en-us/certifications/a/core-1-v15/practice-questions/, Core 2: .../core-2-v15/practice-questions/) | 2026-09-16 |
| Google IT Support Professional Certificate | $49/month via Coursera after 7-day free trial (typical completion 3-6 months → roughly $150-$300 total; includes 3 months Google AI Pro bonus) | 7-day free trial; Coursera financial aid available | 2026-09-16 |
| CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) | 확인 불가 — 공식 페이지(comptia.org/en-us/certifications/itf-pro/)에 정확한 시험비 표시 안 됨. 3rd-party 소스는 리브랜딩 전 ITF+ 기준 $130-$138로 추정(2024년 말 Tech+로 리브랜딩, 2025년 ITF+ 단종됨 — 가격 재확인 필수) | 확인 불가 — CertMaster Learn/Practice/Labs(10-40시간 분량)는 전부 유료로 확인됨, 무료 자료 언급 없음 | 2026-09-16 |
CompTIA A+
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
CompTIA A+ is an IT support and help desk certification that validates foundational technical skills. It requires passing two exams to earn the certification, with the total cost approximately $506 for both exams.
- Two exams required for certification (Core 1 and Core 2)
- Free practice questions available on the official CompTIA website
- Recognized globally for IT help desk roles
Career changers seeking entry-level IT support roles with a globally recognized certification that requires no degree.
- Offers a pathway to entry-level IT support jobs with recognized credentials
- Cost-effective compared to other IT certifications with no degree required
- Per-exam pricing may vary by region and reseller, requiring confirmation on the official CompTIA store
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is an IT Support & Help Desk certification available through Coursera. It provides foundational knowledge in IT support and help desk practices with a typical completion time of 3-6 months.
- Includes a 7-day free trial period for enrollment
- Offers financial aid options through Courser: a Coursera financial aid program
- Provides a 3-month Google AI Pro bonus for additional learning resources
Career changers seeking IT support roles with a low-cost, no-degree certification backed by real wage data.
- Cost-effective with a typical total cost of $150-$300 after the 7-day free trial
- Provides real-world IT support skills validated by Google
- The course requires consistent time commitment over 3-6 months to complete
CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+)
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) is a foundational IT support certification designed for individuals seeking entry-level help desk roles. It covers core technical skills necessary for troubleshooting and supporting computer systems in a business environment.
- Hands-on practice with virtual labs
- Focus on practical troubleshooting skills
- Industry-recognized credentials for IT support roles
Career changers looking to enter IT support roles with a foundational certification that has proven value in the job market.
- High demand in the IT support job market with strong wage data
- Relevant for career changers entering IT support fields
- Pricing details are uncertain and may change post-2025 due to certification restructuring
Which Tool Is Best
CompTIA A+ is best for readers seeking a traditional, globally recognized certification with two exams that cover foundational IT concepts. Google IT Support Professional Certificate suits readers who want a flexible, self-paced learning path with Google's resources and a potential AI bonus. CompTIA Tech+ (formerly ITF+) is ideal for readers looking for a more affordable entry point with a streamlined exam structure, though its pricing and availability are subject to change.
Best Overall Recommendation
For career changers starting out with low-cost options and real wage data, Google IT Support Professional Certificate is the best overall recommendation due to its lower total cost ($150-$300), flexible learning schedule, and strong alignment with current job market needs. CompTIA A+ remains a solid choice if readers prioritize a traditional certification with global recognition and are willing to invest more upfront.
FAQ
Which certification is best for someone with no IT experience?
CompTIA A+ is often recommended for beginners as it provides foundational IT knowledge and is widely recognized. Google IT Support Professional Certificate also offers a beginner-friendly curriculum but focuses more on practical skills with cloud and modern tools.
Which certification has the highest starting wage according to data?
We do not have verified wage data specific to holders of these certifications. For occupation-level wage data, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) — pick the occupation each certification prepares you for.
Do both certifications require prior knowledge?
No, both certifications are designed for beginners with no prior knowledge required. CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support Professional Certificate both include foundational training for those new to IT.
Which certification has better job placement rates?
We do not have verified job placement data for these certifications. All three focus on general IT support fundamentals rather than a specific specialty (none of the three in this comparison is cloud-specific) — check each provider's official page for current placement or career-services info.
Pricing and feature details on this page are independently researched and verified against official sources.
Pricing shown was accurate at the time of publishing and may change — verify on the official site.