Which CompTIA Certification Should I Take First in 2026?

If you’re looking to start or advance an IT career in 2026, CompTIA certifications remain one of the most trusted and employer-recognized credentials in the industry.

But with multiple certification options available, many students ask the same question:

Which CompTIA certification should I take first?

The right starting point depends on your experience level, career goals, and the type of IT role you want to pursue. This guide breaks it down clearly so you can choose the certification that gives you the strongest return on investment.

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The Best CompTIA Certification to Start With

CompTIA A+ — The Most Common Starting Point

For most beginners, CompTIA A+ is still the best first certification.

Why A+ is ideal:

• Designed for entry-level IT professionals

• No prior experience required

• Covers hardware, operating systems, networking, security, and troubleshooting

• Required or recommended for many help desk and IT support roles

Job roles include:

• IT Support Specialist

• Help Desk Technician

• Desktop Support Technician

Recommended if you’re new to IT or changing careers.

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What If You Already Have Some IT Experience?

If you already work in IT or have hands-on technical exposure, you may want to skip A+ and start higher.

CompTIA Network+ Certification

Best for those interested in:

• Networking fundamentals

• Infrastructure roles

• System administration

Common roles:

• Network Technician

• Junior Network Administrator

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CompTIA Security+ Certifcation

One of the most in-demand certifications in the world.

Security+ is ideal if you:

• Want a cybersecurity career

• Need DoD 8570 / 8140 compliance

• Already understand basic networking

Job roles include:

• Cybersecurity Analyst

• SOC Analyst

• Security Administrator

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Choosing Based on Career Path

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The Most Popular Starting Path in 2026

Many professionals follow this proven progression:

CompTIA A+ → Network+ → Security+

This combination provides:

• Strong technical foundation

• Broad job eligibility

• Long-term career flexibility

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FAQ

Can I take Security+ without A+?
Yes — especially if you already have networking or IT experience.

Is CompTIA still worth it in 2026?
Absolutely. CompTIA remains one of the most requested certification vendors in job postings.

Do CompTIA certifications expire?
Yes. Most are valid for three years and can be renewed through CE credits, taking the new exam or a higher level exam.