What the program covers
The Coursera listing, read on 2026-10-30, shows six courses. The sixth is described as optional and focuses on the job search. [1]
| Course | Listed hours |
|---|---|
| Technical Support Fundamentals | 19 |
| The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking | 22 |
| Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User | 28 |
| System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services | 24 |
| IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts | 23 |
| Accelerate Your Job Search with AI (optional) | 6 |
How it relates to CompTIA A+
The Google program is a course-completion certificate. CompTIA A+ is an exam-based certification. The Coursera listing says the program prepares you for the CompTIA A+ exams, and Google's FAQ says graduates who also pass the A+ exams earn a dual credential from CompTIA and Google. Finishing the Google program does not by itself give you A+. [1][2]
CompTIA says A+ requires two exams, taken in any order. Core 1 (220-1201) covers mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud, and hardware and network troubleshooting. Core 2 (220-1202) covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting and operational procedures. Each exam has up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. Passing scores are 675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2, on a scale up to 900. CompTIA recommends 12 months of on-the-job experience in an IT support specialist role. [3][4][5]
| Item | Google IT Support | CompTIA A+ |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Course-completion certificate | Exam-based certification |
| Assessment | Completion of the course series | Two exams: Core 1 and Core 2 |
| Price | $49 per month after a 7-day trial (US and Canada) | Exam vouchers sold by CompTIA; price not shown on the exam pages we read |
| Recommended experience | No prior experience required | 12 months of on-the-job IT support experience |
| Upkeep | None stated | Three-year renewal cycle; 20 CEUs for A+ [6] |
| College credit | ACE recommendation; page lists both 15 and 12 credits | Not covered here |
Realistic time and cost
Coursera estimates 3 months at 10 hours a week, and the listed course hours add up to 122. Google's FAQ says many learners finish its certificates in three to six months. At $49 a month that is $147 for 3 months or $294 for 6, before tax. [1][2]
Worked example: a learner with 5 free hours a week needs roughly 24 weeks to get through 122 listed hours, or about 6 months, so about $294. Add A+ exam vouchers on top if you want the industry certification, and budget study time for the A+ objectives the course does not emphasize.
Who should go straight to the CompTIA exams
This is an editorial judgement from the published requirements, not a hiring survey.
- You already work in help desk or desktop support and meet CompTIA's 12-month experience recommendation: study the A+ objectives directly.
- Job postings in your area ask for A+ by name and you can self-study: the Google course becomes optional.
- You learn best from structured lessons and have no IT background: the Google program is a reasonable first step, then take A+.
- You need college credit: check whether your school accepts the ACE recommendation before counting on it.
Before you pay: checklist
Do these in order to avoid paying for months you do not use.
- Read the Core 1 and Core 2 domain lists on CompTIA's exam pages and compare them with the six course titles.
- Decide whether your goal is the Google certificate, A+, or both.
- Block 10 hours a week on a calendar for 3 months, or plan for 6 months at half that.
- Set a reminder before the 7-day trial ends; Coursera does not allow certificates to be earned during a free trial.
- Price the two A+ exam vouchers on CompTIA's store before you start, so the total budget is clear.
Questions before you decide
Does the Google IT Support certificate include CompTIA A+?
No. The program says it prepares you for the A+ exams, and Google says graduates who also pass both A+ exams earn a dual credential. A+ still requires passing Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202).
How long does the Google IT Support certificate take?
Coursera estimates 3 months at 10 hours a week; the listed course hours add up to 122. Google says many learners finish its certificates in three to six months.
Does CompTIA A+ expire?
CompTIA describes a three-year renewal cycle and lists 20 continuing education units for A+, from qualifying activities completed during that renewal cycle.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Coursera: Google IT Support Professional Certificate Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Grow with Google: IT Support Certificate and FAQ Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- CompTIA A+ certification overview Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) exam details Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) exam details Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- CompTIA: Earn continuing education units (CEUs) Accessed 30 Oct 2026
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