The Google IT Support Professional Certificate and CompTIA A+ are two of the most popular certifications for breaking into entry-level IT support roles. But which one will better prepare you for your first IT job?
While both certifications give you a thorough grounding in the basics of IT support, they differ a little when it comes to things like:
- Material covered: Google focuses on practical day-to-day IT support tasks, while CompTIA A+ provides more in-depth coverage of essential IT concepts.
- Industry recognition: CompTIA A+ is more widely recognized as the industry standard for IT professionals. Still, Google’s certification provides robust proof that you have basic IT skills.
- Cost: Google’s certification costs considerably less than CompTIA A+ certification.
- Exam structure: Google uses ongoing project work and assessments, meaning that instead of taking a single exam at the end, you’ll complete labs and quizzes throughout the course (whereas CompTIA A+ requires formal exams).
In this article, we’ll do a deep dive into how the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and CompTIA A+ compare, focusing on what you’ll learn and why the certificates appeal to different types of learners.
But the truth is that you don’t need to choose between them. If you enroll in a free IT Support training program with Climb Hire, you can study for both without any tuition costs. Plus, you’ll get thorough job training, expert-led live classes, invaluable networking opportunities, and personalized support to find your first IT role.
We’ve worked with thousands of learners looking to launch a career in tech. Over 80% of Climb Hire alumni land a rewarding and lucrative tech role within a year.
So, in this guide, we share the details of the two popular IT support certifications. Then, we explore why pursuing these certifications together is worth it if you’re looking to launch a tech career.
Ready to break into tech with a free way to earn both certifications? Apply to Climb Hire’s IT Support program now.
Google IT Support Professional Certificate: A first step into IT support
Launched in 2018, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is designed to prepare complete beginners for entry-level IT support positions. For instance, when training for the certificate, you’ll learn everything you need to know for positions such as computer systems support specialist, help desk technician, or network support tech.
To earn this certification, you have to complete the official training program offered through Coursera. Unlike traditional certifications, you can’t just take an exam to get certified by Google. Rather, you’ll be assessed as you complete the program.
Material and skills covered
To earn the Google certificate, you’ll need to complete a structured online program on Coursera. It includes videos, hands-on labs, and assessments. This is much different than CompTIA A+, where you get certified by passing two standardized tests.
The certificate program includes five course sections, each building foundational IT support knowledge through online learning:
- Technical support fundamentals, which cover computer hardware basics, operating system navigation, and software troubleshooting.
- Computer networking, focusing on network protocols, cloud computing, and network security fundamentals.
- Operating systems, diving into Windows and Linux systems, including installation, configuration, and maintenance.
- System administration and IT infrastructure services, which teaches directory services, backup management, and system deployment.
- IT security, exploring encryption, authentication, and common security threats.
The Google certificate courses are very hands-on. You’ll spend more time practicing real IT support tasks in virtual labs than getting too deep into theoretical concepts. This can make learning complex technical material easier since you’re actually doing the work you’ll need to perform on the job. Having this structured way to learn and practice is especially helpful because the material isn’t simple—you can’t just memorize a few things and earn the certificate.
However, the program’s focus on practical work means it does not cover certain technical concepts as comprehensively as CompTIA A+. This runs the risk of not fully preparing complete IT beginners for real-world work.
That being said, while there’s significant overlap with CompTIA A+ content, the Google certificate also includes several topics that aren’t found in the A+ exams:
- It goes more in-depth into cloud computing, Linux systems, and customer service skills, which can be useful for many modern IT support roles.
- It covers practical applications of AI in IT support, preparing you for the growing role of automation in IT operations.
All in all, complete beginners might find they need more comprehensive technical foundations to be comfortable in entry-level IT roles.
Exam structure
The Google IT Support Certificate works differently from traditional IT certifications. Instead of taking a single certification exam, you earn your certificate by completing assignments and tests as you go through five courses, one after another.
To pass each course, you’ll need to complete:
- Hands-on practice activities
- A final exam to check that you’ve learned the material
All assessments are open book, so you can look back at course materials and use the internet while completing them. This matches real-world IT work, where professionals often need to look things up or double-check information.
You need to earn a grade of at least 80% in the program to move forward and actually earn the certificate. If you don’t get everything right the first time, you can typically retry to improve your scores.
Industry recognition and career impact
The Google IT Support Professional certificate looks good on resumes and is recognized by many hiring managers as a solid credential. However, since it’s relatively new—launched in 2018—there are some drawbacks:
- It’s not as highly valued in the IT industry as the long-established CompTIA A+ certification.
- You’ll likely see fewer job listings that specifically ask for this cert. Most entry-level job listings will require CompTIA A+ certification.
- Since you earn it through open-book exams, some employers might not consider it as the strongest proof of technical IT skills.
- While both certifications are entry-level, the Google certificate is often seen as more introductory.
Ultimately, all of these things might make it harder to land an entry-level IT role with only this certification. That’s why we typically recommend you take the CompTIA A+ exams as well.
Cost and time investment
To earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, you’ll typically need to pay a monthly Coursera subscription fee of $49 (after a seven-day free trial) for as long as it takes you to complete the program. This means the less time you take, the less you pay.
However, keep in mind that rushing through too quickly might impact how well you learn and retain the information. It takes about 6 months to complete when studying under 10 hours per week. Since it’s self-paced, you can finish faster if you have more time to dedicate to studying.
There are no separate exam fees. But if cost is a concern, you can study the Google IT Support Professional Certificate as part of Climb Hire’s free IT Support course (more details below). You’ll get hands-on experience through live instruction without having to pay the Coursera fees.
CompTIA A+ Certification: The gold standard in entry-level IT
CompTIA A+ is widely considered the industry standard for entry-level IT certs. Launched in 1993, it’s well-established and trusted to verify that you have the core skills needed for entry-level IT support roles like desktop support technician or IT support specialist.
You’ll frequently see CompTIA A+ listed as a requirement in IT job descriptions, showing just how much employers value this certification.
Material and skills covered
Unlike the Google certificate, where the training program is required to earn the certification, the CompTIA A+ certification is earned solely by passing two separate exams. You’re free to prepare for these exams however you choose.
Core 1 (220-1101) is the first exam and covers:
- Mobile devices: Laptop and smartphone hardware components, mobile device configuration, and mobile OS security
- Networking: TCP/IP, ports, protocols, wireless networking concepts, and network configuration
- Hardware: Detailed knowledge of PC components, including motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage devices, and peripheral devices
- Virtualization and cloud computing: Basic cloud concepts, client-side virtualization, and deployment methods
- Hardware and network troubleshooting: Common hardware issues, troubleshooting methodology, and network connectivity problems
Core 2 (220-1102) is the second exam and covers:
- Operating systems: Installing, configuring, and maintaining Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Security: Physical security, authentication, encryption, malware removal, and best practices
- Software troubleshooting: Resolving OS and application issues, using system tools, and command-line functions
- Operational procedures: Documentation, disaster recovery, safety procedures, and professional communication
While it doesn’t include newer elements like customer service skills, AI applications, or automation tools, its thorough coverage of the fundamental technical concepts makes it particularly valuable for complete beginners who need a solid foundation in IT principles.
The certification is generally considered more challenging to earn than Google’s IT Support certificate, but this rigorous approach helps ensure you truly understand the material.
CompTIA A+ takes a vendor-neutral approach, meaning it tests your knowledge of IT concepts that apply across all manufacturers and platforms rather than focusing on specific brands or systems.
Since CompTIA A+ is just a certification, you’ll need to find an effective way to learn the material, whether through self-study or formal training. Programs like Climb Hire’s IT Support course can be particularly helpful, as you’ll get live instruction and hands-on practice to make sure you master the complex technical concepts that are covered on the exams.
Exam structure
As mentioned, CompTIA A+ requires passing two separate exams (Core 1 and Core 2). Each exam:
- Contains up to 90 questions
- Has a 90-minute time limit
- Requires a passing score of 675 on Core 1 and 700 on Core 2
- Includes multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions
The performance-based questions simulate real IT scenarios. Instead of simply selecting an answer, you’ll need to perform tasks like configuring a network, troubleshooting a system issue, or setting up device security—just as you would in a real IT support role.
The exams must be taken at authorized testing centers or through online proctoring, with strict supervision to ensure security. Unlike the Google IT Support Certificate’s open-book assessments, these are closed-book exams that test your ability to recall and apply information without external resources.
Industry recognition and career impact
CompTIA A+ is highly respected. It’s considered the industry standard for entry-level IT positions for several reasons:
- It’s been around for nearly 30 years and covers the necessary IT topics comprehensively.
- The rigorous, proctored exam format gives employers confidence in certificate holders’ IT knowledge.
- It’s vendor-neutral, demonstrating broad technical understanding.
- It’s regularly updated to reflect current technology trends.
For these reasons, it’s common to see the CompTIA A+ certification as a requirement on many IT support job listings. And when hiring managers see it on your resume, it’s proof that you have the technical know-how to succeed on the job. This can give you an edge over candidates without the certification, especially for entry-level positions.
Cost and time investment
To get the CompTIA A+ certification, you’ll need to spend $265 on each exam, for a total of $530. That does not include any study materials or preparation courses, which can be expensive as well. Given how extensive and complex the material is, most people need several months of dedicated study per exam to feel confident and ready. And if you’re not properly prepared and don’t pass on your first try, these costs can really add up.
While more expensive than the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, you’ll find the investment worthwhile given the certification’s strong industry recognition and potential impact on job prospects.
If cost is a concern, there’s support out there for you to get certified and launch an IT career.
For example, Climb Hire’s IT support program is completely free and includes comprehensive exam preparation over the course of six months. Plus, we cover the cost of both CompTIA A+ exams for our students.
Get both certifications (for free!) through Climb Hire’s IT Support program
After comparing these certifications, you might be wondering if you should pursue both. We think the answer is yes, as you’ll get a broader skill set and increase your chances of landing a lucrative role.
Having both certifications helps you stand out to hiring managers, combining the newer concepts (like cloud computing and automation) from the Google certificate with the deep technical foundation that CompTIA A+ provides.
At Climb Hire, our IT Support program trains you for both certifications in six months—and we cover all the certification costs, so you won’t have to pay a dime.
What’s more, our comprehensive course goes beyond just certification prep. We provide everything you need to launch your IT career successfully:
- Expert-led, live instruction in a virtual classroom where you can ask questions and get immediate feedback to help with complex concepts.
- Full coverage of all certification skills and concepts, so you’ll be fully prepared to ace the exams and assessments.
- All certification costs are included, with one attempt per CompTIA A+ exam.
- Hands-on practice and projects, where you’ll troubleshoot real IT problems, set up networks, and configure systems—the exact tasks you’ll do on the job.
- Soft skills training is incorporated into the curriculum, teaching you crucial workplace skills like customer service and professional communication that help you stand out during interviews and excel on the job.
- One-on-one support from a dedicated Career Development Advisor who helps with every aspect of your job search, from crafting a compelling resume to preparing for interviews.
- Access to our wide network of IT professionals, which can accelerate your job search through direct referrals and insider connections.
- A year of LinkedIn Premium Career to enhance your job search and networking capabilities.
- Lifetime membership to our alumni community for ongoing career growth and support.
Between the hands-on education you receive—for free—and the certifications you walk away with, Climb Hire sets you up for success. Add personalized support in finding a job, and it’s no surprise that over 80% of our graduates land positions within a year of graduating, with an average starting salary of $50k or more.
For example, Montreal Dunlap was drawn to Climb Hire because of our comprehensive curriculum and great reputation.
“The opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty members who are leaders in the field was a significant draw for me.”
After gaining all the necessary skills and certifications through our IT Support program, he landed a role as a Desktop Support Technician.
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Ready to get both CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support Professional certifications at no cost to you? Apply to Climb Hire’s IT Support program today.
Note: Enrollment may be limited to certain states. Check the learning track page for details.
Google IT Support Professional Certificate vs CompTIA A+: Which should you choose?
CompTIA A+ is the more prestigious certification that employers trust, thoroughly covering the fundamental IT concepts you’ll need for entry-level jobs. Meanwhile, the Google certificate is considered more introductory, providing hands-on practice and covering some material that A+ doesn’t, like cloud computing, automation, and customer service.
The ideal approach? Get both certifications. Together, they provide the strong technical foundation and modern skills you’ll need to get your foot in the door in IT support.
And the good news is, you don’t have to choose between them—or worry about the costs.
Through Climb Hire’s free IT Support program, you can earn both certifications while:
- Learning from expert instructors who bring real-world experience and can explain complex concepts in understandable ways
- Gaining access to a strong professional network that can lead to real job opportunities at tech companies
- Receiving dedicated career support to help you land a job
Start your path to both certifications at no cost by applying to Climb Hire’s IT Support program today.