The CompTIA Server+ certification is a vendor-neutral certification that proves to potential employers that the certification holder has an understanding of server hardware, operating systems, virtualization, and cloud computing. But is the CompTIA Server+ worth getting? Absolutely!
For those with IT skills who want to get ahead in their career, CompTIA Server+ can be invaluable.
This certification is a stepping stone to careers in cloud and virtualization, IT management, networking, storage administration, and more.
CompTIA Server+ certifies that you have the technical skills necessary for entry-to-mid-level jobs as an IT professional.
Let’s explore what roles you can work in with this cert under your belt.
Server+ Job Roles
There are many jobs you can land with the Server+ certification. The most common ones include:
Systems Administrator
A systems administrator or a sysadmin is a person who administers computer systems. Their duties may involve the day-to-day operation of servers, monitoring and installing patches to ensure software security, managing access privileges for users (e.g., assigning user names), backing up files and/or databases on storage devices such as hard disks. They might also configure email clients, populate databases with information, and sometimes provide customer service.
A systems administrator could also administer part of the systems within an organization’s network segment. These people are usually responsible for telecommunications infrastructures such as routers, switches, firewalls, and security software, including anti-virus programs.
Server Administrator
A server administrator is a type of system administrator that focuses on servers. A server admin installs, configures, and maintains the computer systems used to support an organization’s business operations.
They are responsible for installing software such as operating systems or other applications; managing network security to protect against spam, hackers, malware (viruses), and data loss; and ensuring that the system is backed up to prevent data loss.
Server administrators also monitor server performance and make sure bandwidth usage stays within limits established by their organization’s network administrator; troubleshooting problems with hardware and software; monitoring backup systems to ensure they’re working correctly; verifying that new service packs work correctly with the server; and upgrading outdated systems.
Field Service Technician or Engineer
A field service technician is responsible for repairing hardware and software issues that cannot be accomplished remotely. They also provide technical support to customers, troubleshooting problems from their original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) service agents when possible.
A field service technician maintains their company’s brand image and reputation by providing an exceptional level of customer service to the end-user.
A field engineer is responsible for hardware installation, software technologies configuration, maintenance and repair services in a field environment supporting all product types from high-availability systems to desktop PCs. They typically play a crucial role in the initial installation and implementation of a new system. They have the necessary experience levels and knowledge of how the hardware will work together.
Data Center Technician or Engineer
Data Center technicians or engineers are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the physical space that houses servers. They make sure everything is running smoothly, checking on security measures like firewalls and anti-virus applications and making necessary repairs when something goes wrong with a server.
Data Center technicians also work closely with software developers to balance hardware and software needs. This includes the design and implementation of high-availability systems.
These technicians are responsible for keeping facilities and physical servers secure from unauthorized access, managing physical security including locks on doors and alarm systems; ensuring business continuity by backing up data such as financial records or customer information in case a disaster affects their operations (disaster recovery); responding to alarms that indicate problems with server performance or energy use.
IT Technician
IT technicians are responsible for managing information technology in businesses. They install and maintain networks, set up computer systems, troubleshoot technical problems and software issues with hardware or applications, monitor the performance of those systems by checking logs and statistics, and respond to user questions about these systems.
Job Security and Salary
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Network and Computer Systems Administrators” are in demand and will grow by 4% between 2019-2029. This growth is approximately as fast as average for all other occupations. As of May 2020, the median salary for a Systems Administrator is $84,810/year with an average hourly wage of $40.77.
Not only that, but CompTIA’s internal analysis confirms that the average salary for a Server+ certificate holder is around $82,000.
In terms of meeting job requirements, it is well-established in the information technology world that CompTIA Server+ certification provides a high-value credential to help you find and keep a job. Prospective employers and HR managers are looking for candidates who are qualified and have practical skills that make the job easier, meaning that certificate holders have a distinct advantage.
Furthermore, the CompTIA Server+ certification exam is worth it because not only does it provide you with key skills to support your team and make sure everything keeps running smoothly, but it also offers an opportunity for growth in many different directions when employers are looking for someone who has both technical ability and leadership potential.
After acquiring the Server+, you can move on to any cybersecurity exam options that CompTIA offers. Since the cybersecurity field requires hands-on experience, CompTIA’s Server+ certification is perfect for this.
Conclusion
The CompTIA Server+ certification is valuable for people who work in IT support, information technology, and data center environments. It allows you to seek a better-paying job and provide you with skills that make your current position easier to maintain.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in IT infrastructure or cybersecurity, later on, the Server+ will provide you with the foundational skills and experience necessary to advance to the position you’ve always wanted to obtain.
If you’d like to know more about the certification process, don’t hesitate to contact MyComputerCareer.