CompTIA A+ vs. Security+: 5 Surprising Truths to Guide Your Next Career Move in 2026
Introduction: The Certification Crossroads
For anyone starting a journey in Information Technology, the path is often marked by a critical decision: CompTIA A+ or Security+? This choice can feel confusing, with both certifications positioned as "entry-level" yet leading to vastly different destinations. Newcomers often wonder if they should build a broad foundation first or jump directly into the high-demand world of cybersecurity.
This article cuts through the noise to provide five clear, impactful insights to help you make a strategic decision. We will explore the surprising truths behind these two cornerstone certifications, guiding you toward the one that best fits your current experience and future career ambitions. The question isn't "which certification is better," but rather, "which one is right for you, right now."
1. Insight #1: They’re Both "Entry-Level," But for Entirely Different Careers
The core of the A+ vs. Security+ confusion lies in a simple misunderstanding of the word "entry-level." They are both entry points, but one is the door to the entire building of IT, while the other is the key to a specific, high-security room within it. CompTIA A+ is the starting block for a career in general IT support, validating the broad skills needed to troubleshoot hardware, software, and basic network issues. In contrast, CompTIA Security+ is the entry point for a specialized career in cybersecurity, focused on the principles of securing systems, managing threats, and responding to incidents.
A+ vs. Security+: Core Purpose and Target Roles
CompTIA A+ (The IT Generalist) | CompTIA Security+ (The Security Specialist) |
Purpose: Builds a broad IT foundation for troubleshooting hardware, software, and basic networking issues. | Purpose: Builds foundational knowledge for securing systems, managing threats, and responding to incidents. |
Primary Function: To keep end-users productive and resolve day-to-day tech problems. | Primary Function: To protect networks, data, and systems from threats. |
Common Job Titles: | Common Job Titles: |
2. Insight #2: The Prerequisite Isn't a Rule, It's a Roadmap
Officially, neither certification has mandatory prerequisites; you can sit for either exam at any point. However, CompTIA provides strong recommendations for a reason. For the A+ certification, they recommend 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in a lab or field support role. For Security+, the recommendation is much steeper: prior completion of the Network+ certification and at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus.
Despite these recommendations, many IT professionals—especially those with a relevant degree or existing tech experience—successfully earn their Security+ without ever taking the A+ exam. This is a common path for those who already possess the foundational knowledge that A+ covers.
The best way to view this is to see the A+ -> Network+ -> Security+ progression not as a set of rules, but as CompTIA's recommended "roadmap for success." This path is designed to build knowledge in a logical order, ensuring that you develop a comprehensive understanding of how systems and networks function before learning how to secure them, thereby preventing critical knowledge gaps.
3. Insight #3: "Harder" Is Subjective—One Tests Breadth, the Other Tests Depth
When it comes to exam difficulty, A+ and Security+ present very different challenges. As the experts at Training Camp note, the distinction is that "A+ tests breadth, while Security+ tests depth." The "harder" exam is entirely subjective and depends on your learning style and existing knowledge.
A+ can feel more difficult due to its sheer volume. To become certified, you must pass two separate exams covering a massive range of topics, from mobile device hardware and networking protocols to the command-line tools of three different operating systems. The amount of information to master can be overwhelming.
Security+, on the other hand, can feel harder because it demands a deeper, more conceptual understanding. It is a single exam, but it has a higher passing score (750 out of 900) and relies heavily on complex, scenario-based questions. These questions test your judgment and assume you already have a solid grasp of networking and systems administration, making the learning curve steep for those without a strong IT foundation.
Exam Comparison: A Tale of Two Tests
Metric | CompTIA A+ | CompTIA Security+ |
Number of Exams | Two | One |
Exam Codes | Core 1: 220-1201 / V15<br>Core 2: 220-1202 / V15 | SY0-701 |
Total Questions | Maximum of 90 per exam | Maximum of 90 |
Passing Score | Core 1: 675 / 900<br>Core 2: 700 / 900 | 750 / 900 |
Total Cost (USD) | ~$506 | ~$404 |
4. Insight #4: The Higher Salary Isn't a Shortcut
It is true that roles requiring the Security+ certification generally command higher starting salaries. However, this comes with a critical caveat: the salary advantage assumes a stronger, pre-existing background in IT. Attempting to jump directly to Security+ to chase a higher salary without the necessary experience is a common misstep.
A useful way to think about this career progression is the "two-stage rocket" analogy.
Stage 1 (A+): This is the initial booster that provides the thrust to get your career off the ground and into a professional IT job where you can gain essential hands-on experience.
Stage 2 (Security+): This is the powerful second stage that, once ignited, pushes your established career into the higher, more lucrative orbit of cybersecurity.
Candidates who pursue Security+ without a solid IT foundation risk falling into the "over-certified and under-experienced" trap. They may pass the exam but lack the practical knowledge to navigate a technical interview, making it difficult to land the very job the certification is meant for.
Salary Expectations: Foundation vs. Specialization
Certification | Experience Level | Typical Job Roles | Realistic Salary Range (USD) |
CompTIA A+ | Entry-Level (0-2 years) | Help Desk Technician, IT Support Specialist, Field Service Technician | $45,000 – $60,000 |
CompTIA Security+ | Entry-Level (0-2 years post-IT experience) | Security Analyst, Security Administrator, Systems Administrator | $65,000 – $85,000 |
5. Insight #5: Your First Certification Depends Entirely on Your Starting Point
The final decision of where to begin rests on an honest assessment of your current knowledge, experience, and career goals. There is no single right answer, but there is a clear, strategic path for every profile.
For the absolute beginner with no professional IT experience: Start with CompTIA A+. It establishes the non-negotiable foundation that all other IT and security roles are built upon. This certification is the most direct path to securing your first IT job, which is critical for gaining the hands-on experience employers demand.
For someone with 1-2 years in a non-security IT role or a relevant degree: You may be able to start with CompTIA Network+, then move to Security+. Your existing experience or education likely covers much of the A+ material. Network+ provides the direct prerequisite knowledge for Security+ and is a valuable certification in its own right for understanding how to secure networks.
For the mid-career IT professional (e.g., Network or Systems Admin) pivoting to security: Go directly to CompTIA Security+. Your years of experience already serve as the necessary foundation. The Security+ certification is the credential that will validate your security-specific knowledge and signal to employers that you are ready to make the career transition.
For anyone targeting a U.S. government or DoD-related job: CompTIA Security+ is often a mandatory baseline requirement for DoD 8140/8570 compliance, making it non-negotiable for many roles. However, it is critical to note that you must still possess the foundational A+ and Network+ level knowledge—whether through prior experience, self-study, or boot camps—to pass both the exam and the rigorous technical interviews that follow.
Conclusion: Charting Your Course
The choice between CompTIA A+ and Security+ is a strategic one, not a race. Each certification serves a distinct purpose at a different stage of an IT career. A+ is designed to build the broad, versatile foundation needed to enter the world of IT support. Security+ is the specialized launchpad that propels an established IT professional into the world of cybersecurity.
Before you commit your time and resources, take these two final, actionable steps to ensure you're making the right choice:
Perform a self-assessment. Download the official CompTIA exam objectives for both the A+ (Core 1 and 2) and Security+ exams. Read through each domain and honestly evaluate your current knowledge. If the A+ objectives feel unfamiliar, that's your starting point.
Research your local job market. Search for entry-level IT support and cybersecurity jobs in your area. Pay close attention to the "required" and "preferred" certifications listed by employers. This real-world data will give you the most accurate guidance on what your local market truly values.