How to Choose Between CompTIA A+ vs. Security+

The information technology (IT) sector is expected to experience high growth between 2024 and 2034, with an average of 317,700 new openings projected each year by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, this increase in open positions is likely to amplify a growing skills gap.

According to 2026 research by Robert Half, 72% of technology leaders said there was a skills gap in their department, and 65% said it was more challenging to find the right highly skilled worker than it had been a year before.

IT certifications can be a great way to demonstrate skills on your resume , but different IT certifications indicate different skill sets. While a bachelor’s degree in IT is a helpful starting place when preparing for both the CompTIA A+ and Security+ certifications, students should consider which exams best align with their future career goals.

What Is the CompTIA A+ Certification?

The CompTIA A+ certification exams test technology professionals on their foundational skills in IT, preparing them for entry-level roles. Employers consider this certification a useful indicator of a new technology professional’s skill level in hardware, software, troubleshooting, networking, and security.

Unlike specialized certifications, the exams test skills across many different components of IT. CompTIA A+ certification demonstrates to potential employers that technology professionals will be well-rounded IT employees.

Exam Structure

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: Core 1 and Core 2. The latest version of CompTIA A+ is V15, which is important for test-takers to remember, as they must take both Core 1 and Core 2 from the same version.

Each exam can be taken online or at registered testing centers and has a maximum of 90 questions, broken up into multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions. Test-takers have 90 minutes to complete each exam.

To pass, test takers must receive at least:

Core 1: 675 out of 900
Core 2: 700 out of 900

Exam Content and Subject Areas

The biggest difference between the CompTIA A+ and Security+ exams is their content areas. While the CompTIA Security+ exam focuses on the different facets of cybersecurity, the CompTIA A+ exams cover a wider variety of IT-related skills.

The Core 1 exam covers:

Mobile devices:
- Installing hardware components such as Wi-Fi antennas
- Configuring accessory options such as Bluetooth and docking stations
- Setting up networks and synchronizing settings
- Troubleshooting hardware and connectivity issues
Networking:
- Demonstrating understanding of networking protocols
- Setting up small-office/home-office (SOHO) networks
- Troubleshooting with networking tools
Hardware:
- Installing random access memory (RAM), central processing units (CPUs), and storage devices
- Working with various cables and connectors
- Maintaining peripherals such as printers and scanners
- Configuring motherboards and power solutions
Virtualization and cloud computing
- Demonstrating an understanding of virtual machines (VMs) and cloud models
Hardware and network troubleshooting
- Finding and fixing hardware, network, and connectivity issues
- Using troubleshooting tools such as multimeters and loopback plugs

The Core 2 exam covers:

Operating systems
- Working with operating systems (OSs), including Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Managing systems with Windows tools
- Handling file systems and OS upgrades
Security
- Demonstrating the ability to use security measures such as access controls
- Preventing and removing malware threats
Software troubleshooting
- Finding and fixing OS issues
- Troubleshooting mobile device issues
- Addressing unauthorized access
Operational procedures
- Using best practices for documentation
- Demonstrating the ability to follow all safety protocols
- Establishing recovery processes

Recommended Experience and Training

When technology professionals register for the CompTIA A+ exam, they have the option to purchase practice exams and other study aids. However, these materials are optional — passing both exams is all that’s needed to obtain the certification.

While not required, CompTIA does recommend that test-takers have at least 12 months of hands-on IT experience.

What Is the CompTIA Security+ Certification?

While the CompTIA A+ exams focus on a more generalist IT curriculum, CompTIA Security+ certification is intended for those interested in specializing in cybersecurity. Technology professionals who pass the CompTIA Security+ exam demonstrate that they have the skills to identify and remove threats, combat cyberattacks, and develop secure systems.

Exam Structure

While CompTIA A+ certification requires two exams, CompTIA Security+ certification requires just one (currently V7). However, the exam structure is similar to the CompTIA A+ certification exams. CompTIA Security+ test-takers have the option to take the exams online or at registered testing centers. They’re given 90 minutes to complete a maximum of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions.

To earn this IT certification, test-takers must pass the exam with a score of 750 out of 900.

Exam Content and Subject Areas

The CompTIA A+ certification exams do contain cybersecurity questions, but the CompTIA Security+ exam goes much more in depth regarding the many different facets of IT security. The CompTIA Security+ certification exam covers topics including:

General security concepts:
- Comparing and analyzing effective security controls
- Demonstrating an in-depth understanding of fundamental security concepts
- Ensuring secure change management
- Demonstrating skills in cryptographic solutions such as encryption and digital signatures
Threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations:
- Examining potential threat actors and motivations
- Explaining and identifying threat vectors and attack surfaces
- Demonstrating an understanding of vulnerabilities across industries
- Analyzing malicious activity
- Using mitigation techniques such as access control and configuration enforcement
Security architecture:
- Comparing architecture models
- Securing critical infrastructure
- Using data protection techniques
- Establishing recovery protocols
Security operations:
- Securing computing resources
- Managing assets
- Identifying, remediating, and reporting vulnerabilities
- Using monitoring tools
- Demonstrating an understanding of enterprise security needs
- Using identity and access management (IAM) techniques
- Explaining automation use cases and considerations
- Developing incident response processes
- Logging data and sources to support investigations
Security program management and oversight:
- Establishing security governance structures and procedures
- Managing and mitigating internal risks
- Analyzing third-party risk factors
- Ensuring security compliance and mitigating noncompliance threats
- Auditing security systems
- Promoting security awareness organizationally

Recommended Experience and Training

Another way in which the CompTIA A+ and Security+ exams differ is in their recommended training and experience. While the CompTIA A+ exam is considered entry-level, CompTIA Security+ test-takers are encouraged to first earn CompTIA Network+ certification and have two years of experience in a security or systems administrator role.

Passing the CompTIA Security+ exam is all that’s required to earn certification. However, CompTIA does also offer optional training materials.

Prepare for IT Certification Exams With NCCU Online

When comparing CompTIA A+ and Security+ certifications, the key difference is that the first covers a broad range of IT skills, while the second focuses on cybersecurity.

The online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from NCCU Online prepares graduates for both certification exams, as well as others. Students can pursue one of three concentrations: Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). They graduate with the foundational IT knowledge needed for the CompTIA A+ exam and the specialized security skills needed for the CompTIA Security+ exam.

Find out how NCCU Online can help you earn IT certification.

Recommended Readings

What’s a Computer Network Architect?

Benefits of IT Automation for Your Business

How to Become a Database Administrator

Sources:

CompTIA, A+ Core 1 & 2 V15

CompTIA, Discover Our Certifications

CompTIA, Security+

Robert Half, The Tech and IT Skills Gap Continues to Evolve. Employers, What’s Your Action Plan?

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Technology Occupations