CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognised and most commonly required entry-level IT certification in Australia. It is a vendor-neutral, performance-based certification covering hardware, software, networking fundamentals, troubleshooting, and cybersecurity basics — the core competencies of every IT support professional. It appears in the majority of IT support, help desk, and field technician job listings on SEEK nationally.
A+ consists of two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) covering hardware, networking, and virtualisation, and Core 2 (220-1102) covering operating systems, security, and troubleshooting procedures. Both must be passed to earn the certification.
Career changers targeting IT support, help desk Level 1/2, and desktop support roles. Google IT Support certificate graduates who want to add the industry-standard formal credential to their profile. Anyone working in technical customer service who wants to formalise their skills. Retail technology staff, telecommunications frontline workers, and anyone who has been informally solving computer problems for years and wants the credential to match.
Core 1 (220-1101): Mobile devices and laptops. Networking — TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, Wi-Fi standards. Hardware — CPUs, RAM, storage, motherboards, power supplies. Virtualisation and cloud computing fundamentals. Hardware troubleshooting methodology. Core 2 (220-1102): Windows operating systems — installation, configuration, command line. macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS fundamentals. Active Directory and account management. Security — malware, social engineering, physical security, basic incident response. Operational procedures — change management, safety, environmental impacts, documentation.
IT Support Analysts with CompTIA A+ earn $55,000–$80,000 AUD at entry level. With two to three years of experience: $80,000–$100,000 AUD. A+ is a prerequisite for Security+ (which requires A+ or equivalent experience) — making it the first rung in a clear technology career ladder.
Two exam fees: approximately USD $253 each (~$385 AUD each), totalling approximately $770 AUD for both exams. Recommended study: Professor Messer's CompTIA A+ course (free on YouTube) plus a Udemy practice exam course ($15–$25 AUD on sale). Total cost: approximately $800–$830 AUD. Study time: two to four months at five to eight hours per week for both exams combined.
Pros: Most commonly required IT support credential in Australia. Vendor-neutral — applies across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. Clear progression to Network+ and Security+. Cons: Two exam cost is the highest upfront cost of entry-level tech certifications. Requires genuine hardware and OS knowledge — studying only videos without hands-on practice leaves significant gaps.
Should I do A+ before or after the Google IT Support certificate? The Google certificate is ideal preparation for A+. Complete Google IT Support first, then use that knowledge as your A+ study foundation. The combination of both is the strongest possible entry-level IT support credential package.
Does A+ expire? Yes — CompTIA A+ is valid for three years and requires renewal via continuing education units or retaking the exam.
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