A+ is still the most defensible entry credential in IT support — but the job itself is changing faster than the exam.
CompTIA A+ has been the default IT entry credential for 25 years and remains so in 2026, primarily because it's widely recognized, relatively affordable ($246 per exam), and covers a genuinely useful range of hardware, operating systems, and troubleshooting concepts. The credential is most valuable as a hiring filter for Tier 1 helpdesk and IT support roles — not as a signal that a candidate can handle senior technical work, but as a demonstration that they committed enough time to pass a structured exam. For candidates targeting government IT roles, the DoD 8570 approval for A+ gives it additional traction in that sector.
What the A+ exam has not kept pace with: AI-assisted IT support tools. Microsoft Copilot for IT support, ServiceNow's AI capabilities, and various AI-powered diagnostic tools are changing what Tier 1 support actually looks like day-to-day. The technicians who advance fastest in 2026 are those who combine A+ hardware and OS fundamentals with the ability to use AI tools to triage, document, and escalate tickets faster than peers who rely entirely on memorized procedures. A+ doesn't test this — it's a skill you bring on top of the credential.
The most efficient A+ study path: Professor Messer's free course is comprehensive and free; Jason Dion's practice exams on Udemy are the most representative of actual exam difficulty. Do practice exams early — they reveal your weak areas faster than re-reading any single resource. Aim for consistent 85%+ on practice tests before scheduling the real exam.