CompTIA ITF+ vs. CompTIA A+ : Everything You Need to Know in 2024

Introduction to CompTIA A+ and ITF+

IT certifications are a great way to let the employers know that you have the required skills. If you want to earn a certification, you’ll need to clear an exam associated with it. The exam may include various types of questions that includes performance-based questions as well. Performance-based questions tests your hands-on skills.

Two such IT certifications for those who want to get into an IT career are CompTIA ITF+ and CompTIA A+. Here, in this article, we are going to take you through the difference between these two certifications. Before we get into the comparison ITF+ vs A+,  let's first introduce you to these certifications. 

A+ and IT Fundamentals (ITF+) certifications are both offered by CompTIA. A+ focuses on tech support skills required for IT support roles. This A+ certification is specially designed for entry-level jobs. It will help you troubleshoot general computer issues. 

The ITF+ certification provides essential knowledge and skills required to enter the IT industry. It is more fundamental than A+ and is an excellent fit for students, people looking to change careers, or any non-technical professional who wants to learn IT skills.  

Knowledge Required to Take these Exams

ITF+ will teach you terminologies and concepts, whereas A+ will familiarize you with operating systems, cybersecurity, virtualization, networking, etc. 

ITF+ will help you figure out if a career in IT is right for you or not. To earn the certification, you need not have any prior IT experience or knowledge. This certification is mainly for people who don’t know anything about IT and cannot decide if an IT career is for them. 

Although A+ is also an entry-level certificate and does not require any previous experience, having a grasp of basic terminologies and concepts of IT is essential. So, if you already know what IT is and what it involves, you can go ahead and take A+. 

A+ vs ITF+ Exams

Both these certificates are earned through performance-based exams.  

You should pass two A+ exams, CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and CompTIA A+ 1002, each with 90 questions. CompTIA A+ 220-1001 revolves around mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing, and network troubleshooting. CompTIA A+ 1002 focuses on installing and configuring operating systems, cybersecurity, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. A+ exams also have performance-based questions that will test your practical skills. 

ITF+ will have 75 multiple-choice questions on operating systems, establishing network connectivity, identifying applications and their specific uses, best practices for security and end-user browsing, etc.

You can study online via third-party intermediaries. You can watch videos, join relevant groups and communities, and read blogs on A+ and ITF+. You can also check out CompTIA resources or join preparatory classes for these certifications.

Is CompTIA A+ Worth the Effort?

Yes, it is. 

The CompTIA A+ certificate upholds industry standards and is widely accepted and recognized. Thus, it is also a prerequisite for many jobs. You can get entry-level positions, such as help desk tech and support technician. Depending on your knowledge, skills, and experience, you can expect to earn up to US$ 50,000 per year. 

Conclusion

The IT sector is growing leaps and bounds, making it a good career choice. You can get a headstart with certifications that can turn out to be fruitful today since a career in IT pays handsomely. 

Now when you know the difference between ITF+ vs A+, go ahead and make a wise choice. CompTIA A+ is a good starting point for your IT career and will equip you with the basic skills to perform a job. ITF+ covers foundational concepts, terminology, infrastructure, security, database fundamentals, and software development. If you have a basic understanding of IT, choose A+. If you want to become familiar with basic IT concepts, go for ITF+.