CompTIA A+ vs. Security+: Which Should You Get First?
CompTIA A+ and Security+ sit at different points on the same general ladder — A+ is the broad, entry-level IT foundation certification, while Security+ is a step up, focused specifically on cybersecurity fundamentals.
CompTIA A+
Covers hardware, operating systems, networking basics, and troubleshooting — the general knowledge base for help desk and IT support roles. It's the certification most beginners are pointed toward first, precisely because it doesn't assume prior experience.
CompTIA Security+
Assumes some baseline IT knowledge and focuses on security concepts — threats, cryptography basics, identity management, risk. CompTIA itself positions it as a step beyond A+ and Network+, not a starting point for someone with zero IT background.
Which to get first
If you're starting from zero, A+ first. It builds the general vocabulary and troubleshooting mindset that makes Security+ material easier to absorb, and it opens entry-level help desk roles on its own. If you already work in IT support and want to pivot toward security specifically, going straight to Security+ (sometimes after Network+) makes more sense.
Compare this ROI question directly against a full bootcamp in Certification vs. Bootcamp: A Real ROI Comparison.
Want a plan built for your exact situation?
This page covers the general case. The Pathway Finder takes your background, your target lane, and what you can actually spend, then gives you the full sequence — which certifications, in what order, a real cost range, a timeline, and a straight answer on whether a bootcamp is worth it at your budget.
Independent research on bootcamps, certifications, and tech career transitions. See our Transparency page for how we're compensated. This page is general information, not professional advice — see our full Disclaimer.