When you’re assessing something’s value, you’re using different criteria depending on what the ‘something’ is. How do you evaluate the value of an IT certificate? Will CompTIA A+ provide you with the necessary knowledge to work an IT job? Will the mention of this certification on your resume make it more likely for you to get hired? Will you get a high salary thanks to CompTIA A+? All of these questions can be used to determine whether the CompTIA A+ is worth it.
The CompTIA non-profit organization offers an incredible array of information technology certifications – from those offering good foundational knowledge and practice to more advanced cybersecurity and network troubleshooting programs.
If you’re interested in obtaining the CompTIA A+ cert, here is what you need to know about its value. MyComputerCareer has helped many students become IT professionals thanks to this certification.
Industry Standard
The entire IT industry considers the CompTIA A+ an industry standard. It is one of the oldest IT certifications available, having been around since 1993. Essentially, it is a cert where it all starts, and upon which you can build your knowledge base and experience and specialize in many different IT directions.
CompTIA A+ is worth earning because it lays the groundwork you need to branch out into the role of a cybersecurity professional, a network engineer, or any other type of software developer or administrator. Most employers will require their IT staff to have this certification before they authorize training in any other IT field. According to CompTIA itself, approximately 1.2 million IT-certified professionals have the A+ cert!
To work as an HP, Dell, or Intel technician, you will need the CompTIA A+. Furthermore, the US Department of Defense recognizes this cert is an 8570 IAT Level 1 baseline certification, meaning that it is a baseline requirement for those seeking work in cybersecurity.
Ideal for Beginners
You should be aware that CompTIA A+ is geared towards beginners in the IT industry. If you have no prior work experience or knowledge and are starting from the bottom, the A+ will provide you with the basics and the confidence you need to land your first job.
The A+ is an entry-level certification, meaning that advanced IT professionals might not learn anything new from it. (Though it may still be required for specific job positions.) They could benefit from CompTIA’s more advanced certifications.
This CompTIA exam consists of performance-based questions and covers topics such as:
- Networking
- Security
- Network and Hardware Troubleshooting
- Operational Procedures
- Software Troubleshooting
- Mobile Devices
- Hardware
- Windows Operating System
- Other OS Technologies
- Cloud Computing, and more
Once you complete the exams, you will have the skills to work as a help desk technician, system support specialist, field service technician, service desk analyst, and more.
Benefits of CompTIA A+
- Better Pay
Whether you are already working in IT or are hoping to land an entry-level job in computer tech, CompTIA A+ will open the door for better salary opportunities. Globally speaking, IT professionals are some of the best-paid employees, with job security that cannot rival in any other industry. Even though obtaining a job in IT depends on many complex factors, having CompTIA A+ on your resume is sure to impress your potential employer.
- Created by IT Experts
IT experts developed this CompTIA cert, and it is continually evaluated and updated as new discoveries become relevant in the industry. Even though it was established in 1993, you don’t have to worry about whether what you’re learning has already become obsolete and whether you should be focusing on more current information.
A group of IT experts in various fields has made sure that the CompTIA A+ curriculum matches employers’ expectations and is just what you need to become a member of the IT staff today. It is also a vendor-neutral certification, meaning that you are not focusing on any particular brand of hardware or software – you are getting all-encompassing knowledge that works everywhere.
- Career Commitment
A CompTIA certification of this caliber clearly shows your colleagues and superiors that you are serious about your career. You have invested time, money, and energy into learning all the latest developments in the IT industry and gaining that solid foundation to thrive in your field.
Acquiring the CompTIA A+ is an achievement because it could take you days or even weeks to prepare for the exams. Devoting yourself to this program proves that you can only go up from there. You can show off this professional credential with pride, knowing that it makes you stand out from the competition.
- Networking
Getting a job requires writing a good resume, applying to good companies, having the necessary knowledge, experience, certifications, and knowing the right people. Networking is essential for career advancement and gaining opportunities you may not find on your own.
The CompTIA A+ creates a strong community of like-minded individuals who are all motivated to succeed in IT. Through social networks (such as Reddit, LinkedIn, and Facebook), you will be able to meet and talk with your peers and find out what they’re up to. Who knows, some of them may even point you in the direction of a life-changing position.
Conclusion
This article would summarize that CompTIA A+ is absolutely worth it for those who have no prior IT experience. The program will help you grasp the fundamentals of software and hardware, operating systems, network support, and cybersecurity. It is ideal if you feel like you don’t know much about computers but would like to have an IT career.
On the other hand, the A+ certification exam could benefit even those who are a bit further along in their careers. A certified candidate will show their employers that they are prepared to invest time and effort into their knowledge and want to work more and achieve more remarkable results in the workplace.
Just some of the advantages of the CompTIA A+ are that IT experts develop it, it helps you meet other professionals in the industry, and it will lead to a better salary down the line. With it, you can hope to work in network security, information security, as a network administrator, cybersecurity analyst, and more.
Don’t hesitate to get your CompTIA A+ professional certification as soon as you can, because it’s worth it! MyComputerCareer will be more than happy to help you with this. Contact us for more information about this one or any other IT cert – we are here to ease the way forward in your shiny new IT Career!