Compare CompTIA A+ vs Security+ certifications to choose the right path for your IT career.
A+ vs Security+ Build your foundation. Choose your security path.
Do you need broad IT support skills or a security focus? Compare the work each certification prepares you to understand. Use your current technical knowledge to choose a practical starting point.
Study schedules, salary ranges, and optional materials budgets on this page are planning examples. They are not verified salary surveys, current price quotes, or guarantees of passing or employment. Check the current regional exam price before booking. CompTIA does not publish pass rates or individual question weights. Practice percentages are review aids, not pass predictors.
Our Recommendation: If you're new to IT, follow the A+ → Network+ → Security+ pathway. If you have experience and want cybersecurity roles, Security+ can be your first certification.
Before you begin
CompTIA A+ and Security+ serve different purposes in your IT career. A+ is the entry point to IT, covering hardware, software, and troubleshooting. Security+ focuses specifically on cybersecurity fundamentals. This guide helps you understand which certification aligns with your career goals and current experience level.
Choose CompTIA A+ If:
You're new to IT
Want a foundational cert first
Prefer lower difficulty entry
Choose CompTIA Security+ If:
You have some IT experience
Want higher salary potential
Ready for more challenge
Side-by-Side Comparison
Aspect
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Security+
Difficulty
Beginner
Intermediate
Study Time
2-4 months
2-4 months
Pass Rate
Not published
Not published
Entry Salary
$40k-$50k
$55k-$70k
Senior Salary
$75k-$95k
$100k-$130k
PrepForCerts Recommendation
If you're completely new to IT, start with A+ to build foundational knowledge. If you have IT experience and want to enter cybersecurity, you can skip to Security+ directly. Security+ commands higher salaries but requires more background knowledge.
CompTIA A+ Practice Test
CompTIA Security+ Practice Test
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get A+ or Security+ first?
Get A+ first if you're new to IT. A+ covers hardware, software, and troubleshooting fundamentals. The recommended path is A+ → Network+ → Security+. However, if you have IT experience, you can go directly to Security+.
Can I skip A+ and go straight to Security+?
Yes, Security+ has no formal prerequisites. If you have IT experience or a technical background, you can start with Security+. However, CompTIA recommends having Network+ or equivalent knowledge first.
Which pays more, A+ or Security+?
Security+ pays significantly more ($60K-$75K vs $40K-$48K for A+). Security+ qualifies you for cybersecurity roles which command higher salaries due to demand.
Security+ pays significantly more ($70K-$95K vs $52K-$65K). Security roles are specialized and in high demand, commanding premium salaries.
Which is harder, A+ or Security+?
Security+ is harder than A+. It covers more complex concepts like cryptography, risk management, and security operations. CompTIA does not publish pass rates for either exam.
Should I get A+ before Security+?
Not required, but recommended. A+ provides foundational IT knowledge (networking, operating systems) that Security+ builds upon. Those with IT experience can skip directly to Security+.
Is Security+ harder than A+?
Yes, Security+ is more challenging. It's more specialized, has performance-based questions, and requires understanding of complex security concepts. Plan for 3-4 months of study.
Can I get a cybersecurity job with just A+?
A+ alone is typically not enough for dedicated cybersecurity roles. However, it qualifies you for IT support positions where you can gain experience before pursuing Security+.