CompTIA A+ or Security+: Which Should You Start With?

If you’re just beginning your IT journey and wondering about CompTIA A+ vs Security+, you’ve probably seen the same advice everywhere. “Start with CompTIA A+.”

But then you look into Security+, and it sounds more exciting — cybersecurity, defense, and all the cool stuff. So which one should you actually take first?

Let’s compare them side by side so you can figure out what fits your goals.

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1. What Each Certification Is About

CompTIA A+

A+ is often called the “entry point” into IT. It covers the basics of hardware, operating systems, networking, and troubleshooting. Think of it as learning how computers work and how to fix them.

You’ll learn things like:

• Replacing RAM and storage drives
• Installing operating systems
• Troubleshooting network connections
• Understanding command-line tools
• Securing endpoints and managing users

It’s perfect for people starting from scratch. It also suits those wanting roles like help desk, IT support, or technician jobs.

CompTIA Security+

Security+ takes it up a level. It focuses on cybersecurity fundamentals, risk management, access control, and incident response.

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify threats and vulnerabilities
• Secure networks and systems
• Respond to attacks
• Manage encryption and authentication

It’s best suited for people who already have some IT experience and want to move into cybersecurity.

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2. How They Build on Each Other

CompTIA designed these certifications to build in layers:

1. A+ gives you the foundation.
2. Network+ adds deeper understanding of connectivity and protocols.
3. Security+ teaches you how to secure what you just learned.

Skipping A+ means jumping straight into security topics without fully understanding how systems and networks work underneath. That can make studying much harder later.

That’s why most people recommend starting with A+, then moving up.

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3. Who Should Start With A+ (CompTIA A+ vs Security+)

You should start with A+ if you:

• Are completely new to IT.
• Want to work in IT support, help desk, or technician roles.
• Don’t yet understand basic networking, command-line tools, or troubleshooting.
• Want to build a strong technical foundation before diving into cybersecurity.

A+ gives you context — you’ll actually understand what you’re securing later on in Security+.

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4. Who Should Start With Security+

You might skip A+ and start with Security+ if you:

• Already understand computers, networks, and operating systems well.
• Have hands-on experience from school or work.
  
• Want to go straight into entry-level cybersecurity roles.

Just know that Security+ assumes you already know some basic IT concepts. If you’re brand new, it might feel overwhelming at first.

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5. Cost, Difficulty, and Time

Exam	Difficulty	Cost (USD)	Ideal For	Recommended Study Time
A+ (Core 1 & 2)	Beginner	~$265 per exam (2 total)	New to IT	2–3 months
Security+ (SY0-701)	Intermediate	~$425	Early-career cybersecurity	3–4 months

 

A+ takes longer since it has two exams, but the material is easier to understand.
Security+ is one exam, but it’s broader and more abstract — focusing on analysis, policies, and security frameworks.

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6. The Best Path for Most Beginners

If you’re just starting out and want to work your way into IT or cybersecurity, this is the most balanced route:

1. Start with A+ to learn the fundamentals.
2. Move to Network+ to understand how systems connect.
3. Finish with Security+ to specialize in protecting them.

This “CompTIA trifecta” gives you a full understanding of IT — from how things work, to how they connect. You’ll also learn how to secure them.

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📘 Ready to Start Studying?

Here you can find A+, Network+, and Security+ Real Exam Question PDFs .They’re designed to mirror actual CompTIA questions. They’re perfect for learning the exam style before test day.

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💬 Final Thoughts

If you’re brand new, start with A+ — it gives you the technical confidence to understand everything else later.

If you already know your way around IT systems and want to move directly into cybersecurity, Security+ is a great starting point.

Either way, you’re taking the right first step into a solid IT career.

Start where you are — and build from there.