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Certifications in the IT field have become increasingly important. According to research from CompTIA, 96% of employers in tech say they are part of their screening or hiring criteria. 

One of the most popular certifications for those looking to get started in a career in IT is the CompTIA A+. If you’re wondering how to get a CompTIA A+ certification in a way that best sets you up for success, keep reading. 

We’ll review what certifications can do for you, explain what the CompTIA A+ certification is and who it is for, and show you why getting certified through CompTIA Tech Career Academy could be a smart move for your career.

Is getting a certification really worth it?

It takes time and plenty of effort to get a certification. You may already be convinced that you need one, but it is helpful to be reminded of why it can be so beneficial.

The purpose of a certification is to demonstrate to a potential employer that you have the knowledge and skills needed for a particular job. In that sense, it functions a lot like a college degree. CompTIA’s research indicates that a certification is often a requirement for certain job roles and a key way to confirm a job candidate’s subject matter knowledge. 

Further, HR staff in tech companies also said that certifications gave them evidence that candidates were able to put in hard work and reach a goal. Ninety-seven percent reported they sometimes or often relied upon certifications to differentiate between candidates who otherwise looked equally qualified for a position.

There’s no question, then, that having a certification helps to boost your value in the eyes of a potential employer. However, it has a more direct benefit for you as well. It can assure you of your knowledge and ability to do the job, allowing you to enter the job market with confidence.

What is the CompTIA A+ and who is it for?

There are many IT certifications out there. Is the CompTIA A+ the right one for you?

This certification is designed to assess basic skills and knowledge in the core areas of IT that are foundational for any role in the industry. It is the perfect starting point for those who are looking for an entry-level position in IT. 

CompTIA, the organization behind the certification, is widely-known and trusted in the industry. In fact, CompTIA’s various certifications are part of the hiring process for 9 out of 10 technology companies.

So what does the certification actually cover? Earning the CompTIA A+ demonstrates that a person has basic skills and knowledge in the following areas:

• Computer hardware

• Operating systems

• Networking

• Mobile devices

• Cybersecurity

• Cloud computing

• Troubleshooting hardware, software, and networking issues

Once you have the CompTIA A+, what kinds of jobs will it qualify you for? 

This certification is ideal preparation for the many positions in IT that fall under the general heading of technical support. This would include positions like a Help Desk Technician or a Technical Support Specialist. You will be qualified to set up, configure, and troubleshoot hardware, software, and networking systems. 

Plus, CompTIA has additional certifications that allow you to build on this foundation to acquire more skills in a particular area of IT like cybersecurity or cloud computing as you advance your career beyond the entry level. 

How to get a CompTIA A+ Certification

If the CompTIA A+ sounds like a good fit based upon your career goals, how do you go about gaining certification? It involves two distinct parts: passing the exam and gaining the skills and knowledge required to do so.

The exam

You are awarded CompTIA A+ certification upon successfully passing an examination. It has 2 parts of 90 minutes each and is designed to test both what you know as well as what you are able to do in the areas described above. You can take the exam online or in person at a testing center.

Preparing

Actually passing the exam is the easy part, assuming you are properly prepared. Getting ready is where the hard work comes in. There is a lot to learn in many distinct areas in order to do well.

There are a few ways you can proceed. On the one hand, you can do it all on your own. The internet is full of resources that will allow you to learn the basics in many areas of IT. Maybe you have a background in computers and a fair amount of hands-on experience as well to help you.

On the other hand, you can enroll in a more formal training program that will systematically assist you in acquiring the skills and knowledge needed. One way this can happen is through a traditional 4-year college degree. Depending upon your interests, goals, and stage of life, this may be a reasonable choice. (Read more about the pros and cons of an IT degree or certification.)

In contrast to a college degree, there are other training programs that are much more focused and shorter in duration for those who feel confident that the A+ certification is their best next step. 

The advantage this type of program gives you over doing it on your own is that you have a more structured learning environment and expert guidance to make sure you are preparing efficiently and adequately. The advantage compared to a college degree is that it is much more affordable and can be completed in a fraction of the time.

If a training program sounds like the right fit for you, the following section will explain why CompTIA Tech Career Academy’s IT-Ready Technical Support program is a great option to consider.

Getting your CompTIA A+ with CompTIA Tech Career Academy

When you are looking for a training program to prepare for the Comptia A+ exam, the primary thing you probably have in mind is training in the skills you’ll need to pass it. Our IT-Ready Technical Support program provides this with interactive, real-time instruction by expert teachers who have years of experience helping students just like you successfully gain certification. Our course even includes interaction with your peers, giving you a multi-layered experience to reinforce what you’re learning.

The real strength of our program, however, is that we don’t just prepare you for an exam; we prepare you for a career. After all, the reason for getting certification is to enable you to get a job. We have designed our program to give you everything you need to begin well:

• Soft skills: Employers don’t just want to know that you can troubleshoot a networking issue. They also want abilities like communication, teamwork, and problem solving. Our training targets both technical skills and professional development to get you ready in both areas.

• Job market preparation: You’ll be ready to put your best foot forward with instruction and expert feedback on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and interviewing skills. 

• Employer connections: We have built a network of over 400 organizations that hire IT staff. We’ll match you with potential employers and help make connections.

• Individualized support: Throughout the process of finding your job, you’ll get 1-on-1 coaching with our career services staff.

• Alumni network: You’ll have access to a large network of program graduates who can offer advice and help you make connections.

There are other ways to learn how to get a CompTIA A+ certification, but CompTIA Tech Career Academy offers so much more. Get your certification and the support you need to successfully launch your career. Find out more about our IT-Ready Technical Support Training.