Security+ vs A+ — Which CompTIA Certification Fits You Better?
Compare difficulty, time-to-study, and who each exam fits. Then try a mini test.
Quick answers
- Pick based on your goal: job role, timeline, and prerequisites.
- Faster progress comes from daily practice + repeating mistakes.
- If unsure: start with the simpler/foundation exam first.
- Use the mini tests to decide which feels more natural.
A+ and Security+ are both beginner-friendly CompTIA certifications, but they are not trying to do the same job. A+ is the broader IT support and troubleshooting foundation, while Security+ is the first security-focused step for many learners.
If you are completely new to IT, A+ usually gives a safer base because it covers hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, and support workflows. If you already know basic IT and want to move toward security roles, Security+ may be the better first certification.
Use this page to choose the better fit, then test yourself with the mini quiz and continue in the app for offline packs.
Compare exams
| Category | CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) | CompTIA A+ (220-1201 / 220-1202) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beginners aiming for junior cybersecurity, SOC, or security-focused roles | Complete beginners who need broad IT support, hardware, OS, and troubleshooting fundamentals |
| Difficulty | Moderate entry-level security exam with scenario-based questions | Beginner-friendly overall, but split across two separate exams |
| Main focus | Threats, controls, IAM, hardening, monitoring, and incident response | PC hardware, Windows, mobile devices, networking basics, printers, and troubleshooting |
| Study time | Often faster if you already know IT basics | Usually longer overall because you prepare for Core 1 and Core 2 |
| Best first step | Better if you already know basic IT and want to move into security | Better if you are starting from zero and want a strong IT foundation first |
Free Practice Test
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- You want a quick baseline: 10-question mini test
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How to choose
- Pick by goal: job role and what skills you want to prove.
- Pick by timeline: if you’re unsure, start with the more foundational exam.
- Pick by feel: do both mini tests and see which question style is more natural.
- Best workflow: daily practice + review mistakes + repeat weak topics until stable.
Topics & Skills Covered
- Total beginner path
- Support/help desk vs cybersecurity path
- Difficulty and prerequisites
- What each exam proves
- Best first certification
Helpful Free Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A+ easier than Security+?
For complete beginners, A+ is usually the more natural starting point because it builds general IT support knowledge first.
Can I skip A+ and go straight to Security+?
Yes, especially if you already have basic IT knowledge. But many learners still benefit from A+ topics like operating systems, troubleshooting, and basic networking.
Which cert is better for help desk?
A+ is usually better aligned with help desk and junior IT support roles.
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