CompTIA A+ vs. Security+: Which Certification to Choose in 2025?

Choosing between CompTIA A+ and Security+ marks a pivotal decision in your IT career. One certification builds comprehensive IT fundamentals across hardware, networking and troubleshooting. The other focuses exclusively on cybersecurity concepts, threat analysis and risk management. Your choice depends on where you are now and where you want to go. 

The difference between CompTIA A+ and Security+ becomes clear when you understand what each certification covers and which employers value most for specific roles. This guide examines both paths so you can make an informed choice about which certification deserves your time, money and effort.  

You may also be interested in our free ebook, Which entry-level certification is right for you?, which provides a guide to the most in-demand beginner cybersecurity certifications. 

What is CompTIA A+ and who is it for? 

The CompTIA A+ certification has long been the standard for entry-level IT professionals. This vendor-neutral certification validates your ability to troubleshoot, configure and maintain computer hardware and software systems across diverse computing environments. 

CompTIA designed A+ to cover the broad spectrum of skills IT support professionals need daily. The certification requires passing two comprehensive exams:  

• Core 1 (220-1201) covers hardware fundamentals, networking concepts, mobile devices and virtualization. 

• Core 2 (220-1202) focuses on operating system management, security principles, software troubleshooting and operational procedures.  

These exams launched on March 25, 2025, reflecting the latest technology trends and workplace needs. 

The overview of the CompTIA A+ certification indicates that A+ holders possess comprehensive understanding of topics ranging from installing RAM and configuring BIOS settings to managing wireless networks and implementing basic security protocols. You'll develop skills to diagnose complex hardware failures, resolve software conflicts and troubleshoot network connectivity issues. 

Core 1 exam content spans hardware components, including motherboards, processors, memory, storage devices and power supplies. The networking portion covers TCP/IP fundamentals, wireless standards and basic router configuration. Mobile device topics include iOS and Android troubleshooting and email configuration. 

Core 2 builds on this foundation with operating system expertise across Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile platforms. You'll master user account management, file system permissions and backup procedures. The security section introduces concepts like malware prevention and access controls, which serve as stepping stones to advanced security certifications. 

What makes A+ unique among IT certifications is its breadth combined with practical applicability. Rather than specializing in one vendor or technology area, A+ ensures you understand how all components of IT infrastructure interconnect and function together. This comprehensive approach explains why major employers, including Dell, HP and Intel, recognize A+ as common entry-level credential. 

Learn the differences between the CompTIA’s A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications in this Cyber Work Hacks episode from Infosec Institute.

Profile of the ideal A+ candidate 

Beginners in IT 

If you're switching careers from retail, healthcare or another field entirely, A+ provides the perfect entry point into technology careers. The certification assumes no prior IT experience, methodically building your technical knowledge from fundamental computing concepts to advanced troubleshooting scenarios. 

Career changers often find A+ particularly appealing because it's achievable without a computer science degree. The certification focuses on practical, hands-on skills that translate directly to workplace scenarios. You'll learn to replace failed hard drives, configure wireless networks and troubleshoot printer connectivity issues. 

The structured learning path helps career changers overcome everyday obstacles like intimidation from technical terminology. A+ study materials start with basic concepts and gradually introduce more complex topics, allowing you to build confidence alongside technical competency. 

Help desk and technical support specialists 

Current help desk technicians use A+ to formalize their existing knowledge while identifying and filling knowledge gaps. Many professionals working in technical support discover through A+ study that they've been avoiding certain problem types or handling complex issues through inefficient workarounds. 

The certification validates that you possess the comprehensive knowledge base necessary to troubleshoot the enormous range of issues that appear in modern help desk queues. From hardware failures and driver conflicts to network connectivity problems, A+ preparation ensures you can approach problems systematically rather than relying on memorized solutions. 

Performance-based questions in A+ exams closely mirror real help desk scenarios. You might need to configure network settings based on user requirements or diagnose hardware problems using system logs. These practical exercises assist help desk professionals in developing analytical thinking skills that separate excellent technicians from those who simply follow scripts. 

Those seeking foundational knowledge 

Some professionals pursue A+ not for immediate career advancement but to establish a solid technical foundation supporting more advanced certifications. Network administrators, cybersecurity professionals and system architects often credit their A+ knowledge as fundamental to understanding more complex technical concepts. 

A+ teaches systematic thinking about IT problems that can be invaluable across all technology disciplines. The troubleshooting methodology you develop applies equally to network outages, security incidents and system performance issues. 

What is CompTIA Security+ and who needs it? 

The CompTIA Security+ certification focuses exclusively on cybersecurity fundamentals while maintaining vendor neutrality across security technologies and platforms. This single-exam certification provides comprehensive coverage of threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture design, risk management frameworks and incident response procedures. 

Security+ assumes candidates already possess solid foundational IT knowledge. The exam doesn't waste time explaining basic networking concepts — it expects you to understand how threat actors might exploit these protocols to compromise systems. This focused approach allows Security+ to explore cybersecurity topics with substantially greater depth than A+'s introductory security coverage. 

The Security+ exam guide covers details about the exam, which includes complex scenarios involving advanced threat analysis, security policy development aligned with business objectives and regulatory compliance frameworks like GDPR and HIPAA. You'll develop expertise in identifying sophisticated attack vectors, implementing defense-in-depth security architectures and managing enterprise-scale security operations. 

The certification covers five major domains:

• General Security Concepts encompasses security principles and governance frameworks.  

• Threats, Vulnerabilities and Mitigations explores threat intelligence and vulnerability management.  

• Security Architecture covers secure design principles and infrastructure concepts.  

• Security Operations focuses on security tools and incident response.  

• Security Program Management and Oversight addresses compliance and risk management. 

The latest Security+ content reflects the current threat landscape, including cloud security challenges, IoT device vulnerabilities and advanced social engineering techniques. The exam incorporates real-world scenarios drawn from actual security incidents, requiring candidates to demonstrate practical decision-making skills rather than memorizing theoretical concepts. 

Security+ holders develop an understanding of the cybersecurity ecosystem from both technical and strategic perspectives. They can implement technical security solutions while effectively communicating security risks to executive leadership and non-technical stakeholders. 

Get our free Security+ ebook for more information on the exam. 

Who is Security+ for? 

IT professionals with 2+ years of experience 

CompTIA recommends two years of IT experience before attempting Security+, and this recommendation reflects the exam's complexity. The questions assume familiarity with networking protocols, operating systems and basic security concepts that only come with hands-on IT experience. 

Experienced IT professionals often find Security+ challenging, not because individual concepts are difficult, but because the exam requires connecting knowledge across multiple domains. Understanding how encryption works is one thing; knowing when to implement different cryptographic solutions requires broader IT context that develops through practical experience. 

Those aiming to transition into cybersecurity 

Security professionals frequently recommend Security+ as the first step into cybersecurity careers. The certification provides a comprehensive overview of the field, helping you understand which areas interest you most while building foundational knowledge across all major cybersecurity domains. 

Many Security+ holders discover their passion for specific areas of cybersecurity during their studies. Some gravitate toward penetration testing, while others focus on compliance and governance. Security+ provides exposure to all major cybersecurity areas, making it an excellent starting point for career exploration. 

System and network administrators 

Administrators responsible for maintaining IT infrastructure find Security+ valuable for understanding the security implications of their daily decisions. The certification helps them secure systems proactively rather than reactively responding to incidents after they occur. 

System administrators with Security+ can better collaborate with dedicated security teams. They understand the reasoning behind security policies and can implement them effectively without compromising system functionality or user productivity. 

Key differences: Security+ vs A+ 

Level of difficulty and focus 

A+: Broad and foundational 

CompTIA A+ covers an enormous range of topics but doesn't require deep expertise in any single area. You might answer questions about printer maintenance, wireless networking and Windows troubleshooting within the same exam session. 

This breadth creates a unique challenge. A+ test-takers must prepare for hundreds of potential topics, each requiring basic competency. The exam tests whether you can solve everyday IT problems, not whether you're an expert in any particular technology. 

The performance-based questions (PBQs) in A+ simulate real-world scenarios. You might configure a wireless network, partition a hard drive or diagnose hardware failures. These hands-on questions test practical skills that help desk technicians use daily. 

Security+: Deep and specialized 

Security+ takes a different approach, focusing exclusively on cybersecurity topics but expecting greater depth of understanding. The exam assumes you understand networking fundamentals and concentrates on security implications and threat mitigation strategies. 

Questions often require analyzing complex scenarios and choosing the most appropriate security response. You might evaluate different encryption methods for a specific use case or determine the best incident response procedure for a given situation. 

The specialization enables Security+ to cover advanced topics like threat hunting, security automation and compliance frameworks. These concepts rarely appear in generalist IT certifications but are essential for cybersecurity professionals. 

Requirements and prerequisites 

Recommended experience for A+ 

CompTIA suggests 9-12 months of hands-on IT experience before attempting A+, but many candidates succeed without this background. The recommendation reflects the practical nature of A+ questions rather than strict prerequisites. 

Self-study candidates can substitute hands-on experience with quality training materials and lab environments. Setting up virtual machines, practicing hardware installation and working through troubleshooting scenarios can provide equivalent preparation for motivated learners. 

Recommended experience for Security+ 

Security+ assumes significantly more IT background — typically 2+ years of networking and systems experience. The exam questions require understanding concepts that often come with practical IT experience. 

Network security topics in Security+ build on networking knowledge that A+ covers briefly. Cryptography questions assume understanding of how applications use encryption. Risk management scenarios require knowing how businesses use IT systems. 

Attempting Security+ without adequate IT background often leads to frustration and failure. The exam doesn't teach foundational concepts; it tests your ability to apply security principles to complex IT environments. 

Exam structure 

The structural differences between these exams reflect their different purposes and audiences. 

A+ requires passing two separate exams, each containing up to 90 questions with a 90-minute time limit. Core 1 focuses on hardware and networking fundamentals, while Core 2 covers operating systems and security basics. You must pass both exams to earn the certification, with passing scores of 675/900 for Core 1 and 700/900 for Core 2. 

Security+ consists of a single exam with up to 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit. The passing score is 750/900.  

Both exams include performance-based questions that simulate real-world tasks. A+ PBQs might ask you to configure network settings or diagnose hardware problems. Security+ PBQs often involve analyzing log files, configuring security settings or creating incident response procedures. 

Career paths and salary expectations 

Careers with a CompTIA A+ certification 

Job roles: Desktop support, help desk technician, IT specialist 

A+ opens doors to entry-level IT positions that form the backbone of technical support organizations. Desktop support specialists handle day-to-day computer problems for office workers, resolving issues ranging from software glitches to hardware failures. 

Help desk technicians represent the front line of IT support, fielding calls and tickets from users experiencing technical difficulties. A+ provides the broad knowledge base needed to troubleshoot diverse problems quickly and effectively. 

IT specialists in smaller organizations often wear multiple hats, handling everything from network maintenance to user training. The comprehensive nature of A+ preparation makes certified professionals valuable in these generalist roles. 

The CompTIA A+ jobs outlook shows strong demand for A+ certified professionals across industries. Healthcare, education and government sectors particularly value A+ certification for their technical support roles. 

Average salary for A+ holders 

A+ certified professionals earn an average U.S. salary of $65,000, according to our cybersecurity salary guide. Geographic location significantly influences salary ranges, with major metropolitan areas offering higher compensation to offset higher living costs. 

Career progression can happen relatively quickly for motivated A+ holders. Desktop support technicians often advance to specialized roles like network technician or systems administrator within 2-3 years. These advancement opportunities can significantly increase earning potential. 

The value of A+ extends beyond immediate salary considerations. The certification provides credibility with employers and serves as a foundation for more advanced certifications that command higher salaries. 

Careers with a CompTIA Security+ certification

Job roles: Security administrator, junior IT auditor, systems administrator 

Security+ holders qualify for cybersecurity positions that represent some of the fastest-growing opportunities in technology. Security administrators monitor network traffic for suspicious activity, manage access controls and implement security policies across organizational IT systems. 

Junior IT auditors assess whether organizations follow security policies and regulatory requirements. These roles combine technical knowledge with business understanding, requiring communication skills alongside technical competency. 

Systems administrators with Security+ certification command premium salaries because they secure the systems they manage. This dual competency makes them particularly valuable to organizations seeking to strengthen their security posture. 

The CompTIA Security+ jobs landscape shows expanding opportunities as organizations prioritize cybersecurity. Government contractors, financial services and healthcare organizations actively recruit Security+ certified professionals. 

Average salary for Security+ holders 

The Security+ salary guide reveals that U.S. certified professionals earn around $99,000 annually. Security consultants, incident response specialists and security architects represent the high end of earning potential for Security+ professionals. 

Geographic location affects Security+ salaries even more dramatically than A+ wages. Cybersecurity professionals in Washington D.C., San Francisco and New York City command premium salaries due to high demand and cost-of-living considerations. 

A+ vs Security+ career summary 

	CompTIA A+	CompTIA Security+
Certification path	First of three CompTIA “core” certifications	Last of three CompTIA “core” certifications
Common first roles	Help Desk Technician, Desktop Support	Security Administrator, Junior SOC Analyst
Average U.S. salary	$65,000	$99,000
Required experience	0-1 years	2+ years IT experience
Common next step	Network+ or Security+ certification	CySA+ or specialized security roles

A+ or Security+: Which to take first? 

Starting with A+ creates a solid foundation that supports every other IT certification and career path. The comprehensive curriculum ensures you understand how computer systems work at fundamental levels before specializing in any particular area. 

This foundation proves valuable even if you eventually focus on cybersecurity. Understanding hardware architectures helps you grasp how firmware attacks work. Networking knowledge from A+ becomes essential for understanding network security concepts in Security+. 

Many IT professionals who skipped A+ early in their careers eventually return to study its material. The foundational concepts become more important, not less, as you advance to senior roles requiring broad technical understanding. 

How A+ knowledge helps in preparing for Security+ 

Security+ assumes familiarity with networking protocols, operating systems and hardware architectures that A+ covers comprehensively. Students with A+ background spend less time learning prerequisites and more time mastering advanced security concepts. 

The troubleshooting methodology taught in A+ applies directly to security incident response. Both require systematic approaches to problem identification, evidence gathering and solution implementation. 

A+ performance-based questions prepare you for Security+ hands-on scenarios. The experience of working through practical problems under time pressure translates well to Security+'s more complex PBQs. 

When can you start directly with Security+? 

Experienced IT professionals with 2+ years of hands-on experience may benefit from jumping directly to Security+. Network administrators, systems engineers and senior help desk professionals often possess the prerequisite knowledge Security+ requires. 

The key question isn't years of experience, but rather depth of understanding. Can you explain how DNS works? Do you understand Windows Active Directory? Can you troubleshoot network connectivity issues? If yes, you might be ready for Security+. 

Consider your learning style when deciding. Some professionals prefer the comprehensive approach of A+ even when they have experience. Others want to focus immediately on their target specialization. 

How to choose your certification path 

Deciding between CompTIA A+ and Security+ doesn't have to feel overwhelming when you follow a systematic approach. The choice ultimately comes down to three key factors: 

• Your current IT experience level 

• Your foundational technical knowledge 

• Your specific career goals 

The path isn't always linear. Some professionals pursue both certifications, while others focus on one track exclusively. Your career goals and timeline should guide these decisions. 

Your next step in the world of IT certifications 

The choice between CompTIA A+ and Security+ ultimately depends on your current experience level and career objectives. A+ provides the comprehensive foundation that benefits every IT professional, regardless of their eventual specialization. Security+ offers a direct path into cybersecurity careers for those with sufficient IT background. 

Authorized training providers like Infosec provide paid training options to help you prepare, but there are free resources available as well. The most important decision is to start.  

Both certifications provide excellent return on investment and open doors to rewarding IT careers. Choose the path that matches your current situation and begin studying. Your future IT career awaits.