You have definitely heard of the CompTIA A+ Certification Test if you are trying to start or develop your career in information technology. But is CompTIA A+ worth it? Let IT Exams dive deep into the details of this popular certification to help you make an informed decision: Is CompTIA A+ worth it?
What is CompTIA A+ Certification?
CompTIA A+ certification is acquired by passing two exams intended by IT industry experts to validate skills essential for entry-level IT roles. CompTIA A+, on the other hand, is more than just computer repair. CompTIA A+ candidates are more prepared to debug and repair a larger range of difficulties, such as networking and operating systems, mobile devices, and security.
Unlike other certifications, which sometimes require only one area of expertise, CompTIA A+ covers a broader variety of knowledge required of technicians today, making A+ relevant to a broader number of work vocations.
The certification covers a wide variety of subjects in the following categories:
- Computer hardware
- Software
- Operating systems
- Networking, security
- Troubleshooting
What Are The Benefits Of CompTIA A+ Certification?
- Better Pay
Whether you already work in IT or are looking for an entry-level job in computer technology, CompTIA A+ will open the door to higher-paying jobs. IT experts are among of the best-paid people in the world, with job security that no other field can match. Although though getting a career in IT is dependent on a variety of complicated elements, having CompTIA A+ on your CV will undoubtedly impress your future employer.
- Created by IT Experts
This CompTIA certification was created by IT experts, and it is constantly examined and updated when new discoveries become important in the business. Despite the fact that it was founded in 1993, you don’t have to worry about if what you’re studying is already outdated and whether you should be focused on more recent material.
A committee of IT specialists from diverse disciplines has ensured that the CompTIA A+ curriculum meets the requirements of businesses and is exactly what you need to become a member of the IT staff today. It is also a vendor-neutral certification, which means you will not be concentrating on any specific brand of hardware or software – instead, you will get all-encompassing knowledge that will work anywhere.
- Career Commitment
This level of CompTIA certification clearly demonstrates to your coworkers and superiors that you are serious about your profession. You have spent time, money, and effort learning about the newest advances in the IT business and laying the groundwork for a successful career.
Getting the CompTIA A+ is a significant accomplishment because preparing for the examinations can take days or even weeks. Devoting oneself to this program demonstrates that you can only become better from here. You may proudly display this professional degree, knowing that it distinguishes you from the competition.
- Networking
Writing a strong résumé, applying to excellent organizations, having the requisite education, experience, and certifications, and knowing the right people are all crucial steps in getting a job. Networking is critical for job success and finding possibilities that you would not have found otherwise.
The CompTIA A+ certification provides a strong network of like-minded people who are all driven to succeed in IT. You will be able to meet and communicate with your peers on social networks like Reddit, LinkedIn, and Facebook, and find out what they are up to. Who knows, some of them could even guide you in the direction of a job that will change your life.
What Are The Job Opportunities With CompTIA A+ Certification?
Concerned to CompTIA a+ jobs, this certification can open doors to various entry-level IT roles, including:
Service Desk Analyst
Service desk analysts are highly skilled IT professionals that give technical assistance to users inside a business. Their primary responsibilities include responding to inquiries as well as analyzing and resolving problems. They are in charge of the technical aspects of information system units.
Average Annual Salary: $45,470
Technical Support Specialist
Technical support specialist is one of the most sought-after careers with A+ certification in the globe. A technical support expert assists and maintains hardware and computer systems. Installing, setting, and upgrading software and hardware are among their responsibilities. They may assist the firm as well as providing in-house or consumer maintenance. They are in high demand in all industries; depending on the size of the company, their job may be separated into several areas.
Average Annual Salary: $60,000
Field Service Technician
This position, also known as a network technician, is among the best you can get with CompTIA A+ certification. A field service technician is responsible for on-site end-user assistance, maintenance, programming, and installation, among other things. These specialists diagnose and repair telecommunications equipment and cabling. Among their responsibilities include repairs and customer demonstrations. Field technicians must be comfortable with not having a sedentary work life because their job requires them to be always on the go.
Average Annual Salary: $60,000
Associate Network Engineer
The network infrastructure is managed by associate network engineers, also known as network architects. They ensure network design consistency and follow strict security standards and policies. This CompTIA A+ profession will be in great demand as long as firms want associate network engineers.
Average Annual Salary: $44,282
Data Support Technician
All organizational information is gathered and recorded by a data support technician. They also aid in the recovery of corporate data. This position is crucial in a data-driven company. A degree in computer science is required for success in this field. Also, credentials such as CompTIA A+ may help you easily obtain this employment.
Average Annual Salary: $54,076
Cybersecurity Manager
This is one of the most sought-after CompTIA A+ positions. A cybersecurity manager is responsible for monitoring the routes via which information enters and departs the firm. They are responsible for monitoring and observing all network activities. They make certain that they have the resources to carry out these initiatives. Cybersecurity managers may specialize in application security, cloud security, or infrastructure security.
The pandemic, according to certain cybersecurity statistics, has significantly affected the cybersecurity landscape. Cybernetics has increased the need for cybersecurity managers, which benefits aspiring cybersecurity managers.
Average Annual Salary: $134,010.
Desktop Support Administrator
Desktop support administrator work hard to improve the end-user experience for both remote and in-house workers. They manage the service desk and respond to emails and phone calls. They also manage day-to-day operational tasks like as configuration, updates, and licensing tracking. The need for desktop support administrators is considerable and expected to grow more in the future years.
Average Annual Salary: $46,532
Help Desk Technician
A help desk technician is one of the most important CompTIA A+ professions. Because it provides technical assistance for hardware, software, and computer systems, this role is crucial to the success of IT departments. The primary tasks of a help desk technician include providing IT support, maintaining technology, and generating solutions. In addition, he or she is in responsible of replying to customer emails, chats, and phone conversations.
Average Annual Salary: $35,000 to $70,000
System Support Specialist
A system support specialist is in charge of all help desk services. He or she works with issues that affect end users, such as network failures, software difficulties, hardware problems, and so on. If an issue is beyond their expertise and ability, they escalate it to the appropriate departments. Because organizations modify their software and hardware on a regular basis, a system support specialist is a CompTIA A+ Certification vocation that will always be in demand.
Average Annual Salary: $57,500
What are the A+ Certification Exam Details and Domains?
You’ll cover a wide range of IT disciplines while studying for the CompTIA A+ certification, which will help you create a well-rounded understanding of the sector. To obtain the certification, you must pass two independent tests. To assess your skills, take the CompTIA A+ Practice Test .
The tests have a maximum of 90 multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions. Each test will take 90 minutes to complete, and a CompTIA A+ passing score of 675 for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2 is necessary (on a scale of 100-900).
Here’s a brief breakdown of the exam’s structure:
Core 1 (220-1101) Domains
- Mobile Devices (15%): Familiarize yourself with mobile device hardware and operating systems, like Android and iOS.
- Hardware (20%): Dive into different types of computer hardware, such as motherboards, processors, memory, and storage devices.
- Networking (25%): Grasp networking concepts, protocols, and devices, including routers, switches, and wireless access points.
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%): You’ll learn about virtualization technologies and cloud computing concepts, like hypervisors, virtual machines, and cloud storage.
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%): Develop the skills needed to diagnose and resolve common hardware and network issues.
Core 2 (220-1102) Domains
- Operating Systems (31%): Explore various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Security (25%): Study IT security fundamentals, such as encryption, firewalls, and authentication methods.
- Software Troubleshooting (22%): Acquire the skills to troubleshoot software-related issues, like operating system and application problems.
- Operational Procedures (22%): Understand best practices for IT professionals, including documentation, change management, and disaster recovery.
As we mentioned, this was only a brief outline. For a list of comprehensive details, CompTIA provides the official exam objectives that you’ll need to download in order to prepare for the exam.
Exam Requirements
There are no formal prerequisites for obtaining the CompTIA A+ certification. Nonetheless, CompTIA recommends that you have at least 9 to 12 months of hands-on lab or field experience. If you are new to the IT field, you might consider acquiring some hands-on experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level roles before taking the examinations.
Exam Costs
The expense of A+ certification might be substantial. Each A+ certification test costs $246, making the total cost of both examinations $492. Remember that this price does not cover study materials, training sessions, or retake costs. As a result, you’ll need to include such costs in your budget as well.
This cost may be prohibitive for some, particularly if you are new to the IT profession or have a limited budget. To assist reduce costs, investigate numerous resources and seek for cost-effective choices, such as online training classes, used study materials, or even free resources.
Is CompTIA A+ Hard?
The examinations might be difficult if you have little to no IT expertise because they cover a wide variety of topics and demand hands-on troubleshooting abilities. You may improve your odds of test success by following a planned study plan, having access to quality study resources, and being dedicated to learning. As a result, the complexity of the CompTIA A+ certification test is mostly determined by your prior knowledge, experience, and exam preparation.
Is CompTIA A+ Worth It?
So in a nutshell, is CompTIA A+ worth it? According to this reading, the CompTIA A+ is well worth the investment for people with no prior IT knowledge. The curriculum will teach you the essentials of software and hardware, operating systems, network administration, and cybersecurity. It is perfect if you believe you don’t know much about computers but want to work in IT.
On the other side, people who are farther along in their professions may profit from the A+ certification test. A certified applicant will demonstrate to their employers that they are willing to put time and effort into their knowledge and that they want to work harder and accomplish more exceptional achievements at work.
Some of the benefits of the CompTIA A+ certification include the fact that it is developed by IT specialists, it allows you to network with other professionals in the business, and it will lead to a higher wage in the future. You might use it to work in network security, information security, as a network administrator, cybersecurity analyst, and other fields.
FAQs
What are the alternative certification options to CompTIA A+?
For entry-level IT workers, there are various alternative certification alternatives available, including:
- Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
- Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
Is CompTIA A+ good for beginners?
How long is A+ Certification valid for?
The A+ certification is valid for three years after passing your tests. To keep your A+ certification current, you must acquire 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over the course of three years and submit them to CompTIA.
- You may either choose the single renewal option, which involves taking another test (not my favorite), or pay $129 for an 8-10 hour CertMaster CE A+ refresher course. Personally, I think investing $129 is a good approach to save time.
- CompTIA also provides you with the option of obtaining CEUs through additional renewal options, some of which are free. Attending industry events, completing training courses, college courses, webinars, and so on are examples of these activities.
Should I start with CompTIA A+ or CCNA?
How many times can you take CompTIA A+?
Final Words
In conclusion, if you are considering a career in the field of IT, and question “Is CompTIA A+ worth it?“, our answer is that the CompTIA A+ certification is undoubtedly worth it. It is a highly respected and widely recognized certification that validates foundational knowledge and skills essential for IT support and technical roles. However, as with any investment, it’s essential to weigh the costs, time commitment, and career goals before pursuing this certification. We hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insights on whether or not CompTIA A+ is worth it for your career aspirations. By carefully considering all the factors, you can make an informed decision that will benefit you in the long run.
