Enter the CompTIA A+ certification, which has become the de-facto entry-level qualification that is highly respected and recognized by businesses worldwide.
If you want to get into the IT sector, it’s worth it – CompTIA A+ is the industry standard entry-level certification, which is enough; it implies that you have the fundamental knowledge to begin a career in IT.
If you want to start your IT career, obtaining CompTIA A+ certification is the best method. This post will explain why you should pick this complete vendor-neutral certification.
Is CompTIA A+ Sufficient to Get a Job?
Even though the value is there, individuals still wonder if CompTIA A+ is sufficient to land a job. It can be, but it also depends on your level of experience. Did you know that one out of every ten IT support job postings include CompTIA A+?
Having CompTIA A+ on your CV, for example, can put you ahead of non-certification holders in the queue for an interview. When you’re looking for your first IT job, that’s a huge issue.
However, there are additional factors to consider. Employers, for example, will want to know how many years of experience you have. Having information is only one-half of the problem; demonstrating your ability to act on that knowledge is the other.
There are a few options for gaining valuable hands-on experience. You may share your technical knowledge with friends and family, seek to take on some tech support tasks at your present work (even if it isn’t your primary duty), or ask the IT department if they need assistance with anything. The IT community is well-known for sharing knowledge and working together on initiatives.
The CompTIA A+ test is trusted for beginning IT careers since it validates your core knowledge through performance-based questions. This means that when you study for the test, you will be immersed in simulated real-life circumstances similar to those you would experience on the job.
To acquire CompTIA A+, you must actively do activities during your certification test rather than simply answering questions to assess your knowledge. Employers who want (or need) CompTIA A+ certification recognize its benefit.
What is the cost of CompTIA A+ certification?
The CompTIA A+ Core Series requires applicants to pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). (220-1002). Core 1 includes mobile devices, networking technologies, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing, and network troubleshooting. Core 2 covers installing and configuring operating systems, enhanced security, software troubleshooting, and operational processes.
You must purchase a certification voucher for each exam. Each voucher costs $232 at retail in the United States.
It’s vital to remember that getting your CompTIA A+ certification is an investment in yourself. It will pay you back many times over as your IT career progresses. The majority of CompTIA A+ certification holders work in IT assistance, such as a help desk technician.
Help desk technicians troubleshoot technological difficulties and interact with customers. According to the Dice research, help desk technicians make an average of $51,553 per year. As you acquire experience, you will be promoted to Tier II or Tier III specialist. You will earn more money as you master these talents.
According to the Dice study, CompTIA A+ is one of the highest-paying IT certifications in the US, with A+ holders earning $78,629. Keep in mind that this pay includes IT professionals at all levels, including those just starting and those who got their CompTIA A+ years ago and have improved their careers.
Is CompTIA A+ the proper certification for me?
Here are seven reasons why you should get CompTIA A+ Certification:
Improves Your Basic Security Skills
- Provides a Rewarding Pay
- It qualifies you for a variety of job roles.
- Fundamentals that are vendor-agnostic are taught.
- Join the Growing CompTIA A+ Certified Professional Community
- It is less expensive than a degree.
- Other CompTIA Certifications Can Help You Advance Your Career
Improves Your Basic Security Skills
The CompTIA A+ certification provides hands-on expertise with cutting-edge computer software and hardware essentials. This certification allows you to get extensive troubleshooting knowledge for devices such as PCs, laptops, printers, and mobile phones.
CompTIA A+ certified individuals could also handle PC installation, system updates, configuration, preventative maintenance, issue diagnostics, IT infrastructure, and networking.
Provides a Rewarding Pay
Because it is an industry-recognized certificate, the CompTIA A+ certification might jumpstart your career by improving your chances of being employed by global and established businesses such as HP, Nissan, Dell, and Intel.
IT job openings can be found on a variety of job boards. The average pay for CompTIA A+ certified professionals is $59,000, as shown in the sample salary range below. Of course, your compensation will be determined by your experience and responsibilities; you might earn a more significant income if you have extra abilities and suitable IT certifications.
It qualifies you for a variety of job roles.
The CompTIA A+ certification prepares you for a variety of entry-level IT careers.
Network Services, Information Technology Specialist, Networking or Service Specialist, Helpdesk Consultant, Contact Center Technician, Affiliate Network Engineer, End-user Computing Technician, Data Support Specialist, Service Desk Technician, Desktop Support Administrator, and so on are a few examples.
The CompTIA A+ certification, as a leading IT certification, serves as competence assurance for companies by certifying your ability to study and develop in the IT world.
It also allows you to work on-site or from a remote location. Working in such positions fosters a work-life balance, which is essential for a fulfilling career.
Fundamentals that are vendor-agnostic are taught.
The CompTIA A+ certification teaches you vendor-independent foundations. This certification is well-known for its ability to enhance your technical knowledge foundation, with a concentration on technical terminology. This is especially important when working with a variety of vendors.
Solving SLA agreements can be difficult, especially when manufacturers require you to do troubleshooting over the phone.
While many businesses send service experts on-site to address hardware issues, it is essential to be prepared for various scenarios. Naturally, the CompTIA A+ certification comes in useful here.
Join the Growing CompTIA A+ Certified Professional Community
CompTIA A+ certification holders are part of a professional community, many of whom you may contact for career guidance and technical problems. Having a membership in this community also allows you to speed on the most recent developments.
Joining CompTIA’s IT professional organization, AITP, is another excellent opportunity to meet and engage with other certification holders on a national and local level. Being a member of such a large community accelerates your learning and assists you in overcoming barriers that many professionals experiences, such as having access to practical guidance.
It is less expensive than a degree
Many people opt to pursue a degree program before embarking on a career in information technology. If this describes you, you may be burning a hole in your pocket unnecessarily. A two-year Computer Science Associate Program costs an average of $20,784. The CompTIA A+ certification, on the other hand, costs $232.
It is not a question of whether the CompTIA A+ certification is superior to a degree. The real issue is, how do you intend to put your degree to use? Candidates seeking a profession in complicated mathematical calculation or CPU design will benefit from a degree.
However, if you want to work in technical assistance or IT operations for a company, the CompTIA A+ certification is your best bet.
Other CompTIA Certifications Can Help You Advance Your Career
After passing the CompTIA A+ certification exam, it is simple to renew your credentials and maintain them up to date. To get higher-paying employment, you can also pursue advanced certifications such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Server+, CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner), and so on.
Obtaining other CompTIA certifications such as CompTIA Project+, CompTIA CTT+, and CompTIA Cloud Essentials will further help you advance in your IT profession.
Is the CompTIA A+ Exam Difficult?
It is a personal choice. Yes, if you have little to no IT expertise, you may find studying for the CompTIA A+ test more difficult than others. But that’s the beauty of CompTIA test preparation: you choose your beginning point and your study method.
CompTIA provides conventional instructor-led training as well as self-study choices, and you may take your exam in person at an authorized testing facility or online from the comfort of your own home.
When it comes to what you put in vs. what you get out, the CompTIA A+ certification is unquestionably worthwhile – ask the almost 1.2 million CompTIA A+ certification holders.
Is CompTIA A+ the proper certification for me?
If you want to start a new profession in technology, CompTIA A+ may be the course for you. There are several more popular certificates to choose from. The most fantastic option for you is the one that will bring you to your desired destination.
What About Cisco Certifications?
Cisco certifications such as Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) are regarded as entry-level or associate-level credentials. CompTIA Network+ is more closely connected with CCNA. However, unlike CompTIA certificates, which are vendor-neutral and may be applied to any manufacturer’s platform and equipment, Cisco certifications are vendor-specific. T
They solely educate the technical skills required for Cisco solutions.
What About Microsoft Certifications?
Microsoft certificates are divided into three categories: foundations, job roles, and extra learning. Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft 365 Fundamentals, and Power Platform Fundamentals are all fundamental options in the Microsoft universe.
These are vendor-specific certificates that certify the abilities required to function within the chosen Microsoft platform, similar to the other certification choices.
What About AWS Certifications?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications certify cloud competence for AWS-enabled activities. AWS, which is more closely related to CompTIA Cloud+, is a vendor-specific certification for people working in cloud practitioners, cloud architects, and cloud developers.
All CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral, which means the skills taught can be applied to any manufacturer’s platform and equipment.
CompTIA A+ Certification Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Is CompTIA A+ Certification Worth It?
The CompTIA A+ certification will not get you a senior position. However, it is a fantastic opportunity to evaluate your technical expertise. Learning the vendor-neutral fundamentals, for example, can help you obtain a position in technical assistance or IT operations.
What Is CompTIA A+ Equivalent to?
Networking, hardware, operating systems, mobile devices, security, hardware and network troubleshooting, software troubleshooting, operational procedures, virtualization, and cloud computing are among the abilities you will learn and validate with the CompTIA A+ certification. This qualification prepares you for a wide range of IT professions.
Should I take the CompTIA A+ or Network+ exam?
Candidates seeking entry-level positions in the IT sector should begin with the CompTIA A+ certification. This certification is intended for individuals who want to work as a help desk, service center, or networking specialist, all of which require A+ troubleshooting abilities.
The CompTIA A+ certification covers the fundamentals of PC and laptop hardware, software installation, and computer and mobile operating system setup. This course will teach you how to work with networking, troubleshooting, and security. After finishing the CompTIA A+ course, you can pursue CompTIA Network + or security certification courses, particularly if you want to work in IT infrastructure.
Can CompTIA Certifications Help You Get a Job?
Yes, you can obtain a lot of employment if you have a CompTIA certification. Service desk analysts, data support technicians and help desk technicians are common entry-level positions for CompTIA A+ certified workers.
With time and experience, you can advance to become a desktop support administrator or technical support professional. End-user computing technician, field service technician, and other entry-level positions are also available.
Final Words
CompTIA A+ certification verifies your technical expertise. It denotes that you are prepared to begin your career in IT areas such as IT security, networking, technical assistance, or other related fields. Even if you want to go up the IT career ladder, getting CompTIA A+ certification provides you with essential abilities that will help you get a better job and more benefits.
