900,000+ IT Professionals Can’t be Wrong: Why You Should Have an A+ Certification
[Posted 1 October 2013 by Kathy Yale]
CompTIA is a world leader in computer examination and certification programs. CompTIA was founded in 1982 as a computer dealer trade association and was later rebranded as the Computer Technology Industry Association, a non-profit trade organization devoted to all aspects of computing and information technology. Since the CompTIA A+ certification was first offered in 1993, it has become an industry standard in measuring basic computer competency.
What Is A+ Certification?
The CompTIA A+ certification examination tests the basic skills most likely to be needed when working in computer installation and repair. Material covered on the certification test includes computer operating systems, hardware, software, peripherals, setting up and troubleshooting computer systems and operation of mobile devices. The examination materials and the test itself are frequently updated to stay abreast of new technology. The latest revision was finalized in mid-2013, which means that people who take the examination today are tested on the newest, most relevant material available.
Why Is A+ Certification So Popular?
Nearly 1 million computer professionals have taken and successfully completed the CompTIA A+ examination. The A+ certification is the most broad-based examination offered by CompTIA and tests a wide range of basic computing skills. However, just because the A+ examination tests the most basic areas of computer knowledge does not mean that the test is easy. A person needs a minimum of several hundred hours of hands-on experience with computers and computing systems, as well as a specialized course of study, before even attempting the A+ examination.
Who Needs A+ Certification?
Anyone who is interested in a career in information technology (IT,) computer installation and repair and technical support should start by obtaining A+ certification. A+ certification can be a springboard for other computing specializations or be used as a stand-alone certification by a person interested in a career in one of the above areas.
Is An A+ Certification Required To Work As Computer Technician?
A few employers directly recognize the A+ certification and automatically favor employees who hold it and allow them to advance more quickly on the job. Some employers also require a certain level of demonstrated professional knowledge and certification, although this is not a requirement of all employers. While an A+ certification is not a requirement to work in computing, professional certification can be a plus when seeking employment or advancement in a career. Not everyone takes the time to earn professional certification, and an individual who does devote the necessary effort to become certified in one or more areas of specialization will stand out to employers in a large pool of potential employees.
How Do I Earn A+ Certification?
An individual becomes A+ certified upon the successful completion of a two part examination. Each portion of the examination includes up to 90 questions and participants have 90 minutes to finish each section. The examination can be attempted as many times as needed to pass, but a fee must be paid each time the test is taken. A passing score for the first half of the examination is 675 points out of a possible 900 and 700 points out of 900 for the second half. The test must be taken in an approved testing location under the supervision of an examination proctor.
With the United States employment outlook expected to remain unpredictable for the immediate future, it is important for individuals working in any field to improve their employment marketability by becoming certified. A+ certification is a great starting point for any computer professional who wishes to advance in his or her career.
Jump Start Your Career with an A+ Certification
[Posted 3 September 2013 by Kathy Yale]
When people have more training, they are prepared to handle a wider range of tasks. With a certification, workers will have proof that they took the necessary training and passed the exams. One certification that’s extremely useful in this digital age is the A+ certification. Acknowledged by countless companies, here is what workers and job seekers should know about the CompTIA A+ Certification.
Solid Foundation
The certification provides candidates with a solid base to build other skills. While people may want to start with higher certifications, the A+ certification is one of the most versatile options. It prepares individuals for a career in IT, and the holder can go in several different directions.
Stand Out
The job market is competitive, and job seekers need something that sets them apart. Certifications are feathers in the cap that can be highlighted on a resume. They will help a candidate get that second look by a recruiter, and it can help people land more interviews. In addition to making candidates stand out, it’s also helpful for current employees who are trying to advance within their companies. Managers are impressed with people who invest their personal time in extra training, and it can give someone the edge they need to earn a promotion.
New Opportunities
As a powerful starting point, the A+ certification prepares workers for a range of fields. Someone who is growing tired of their customer service position can use the certification to move into another field. In fact, there are several careers that look specifically for this certification. After successfully earning the certification, people can move into more technical careers by becoming PC techs, help desk technicians, field service specialists or moving into manufacturing.
Self Confidence
People who invest in this certification feel more satisfied with their careers and abilities. They know that they are educated and valuable, and it gives them the confidence they need at work. Employers take notice of this certification, and they also take notice of people who are more confident in their skills and abilities. With this certification, people can handle basic computer problems on their own.
Employers Look for the Benefits
People who are already A+ certified require less training and are more skilled. Employers are actively looking for these benefits, and some will even call people who are A+ certified before they will contact other applicants.
The A+ certification is available through several companies, and there are many benefits to making the investment. People who invest their own time in this training will improve their job prospects and earnings potential. They will stand out to employers and supervisors alike, so they are more likely to get the job they desire, be awarded the promotion or get a raise. There is also a great deal of personal satisfaction that comes along with successfully completing this type of training program. The certifications are affordable, and they are a smart career choice for anyone who wants to be in the IT field.
An A+ Certification is Your First Step to a New Career
[Posted 22 August 2013 by Kathy Yale]
Careers in the information technology or IT field have become increasingly promising over the last twenty years. Computers are now a part of everyday life for people all over the world, and in many ways computer literacy is important to be successful in just about any career. Many people know the ins and outs of using a computer in their daily lives, whether that is to play games, update Facebook, check email or to do their jobs. However, few of these people are certified to be able to hold positions in the IT field. Certifications can open up all kinds of exciting career paths for those willing to work towards them, and A+ certification is one of the most popular credentialing for those starting out in their careers in computer technology.
Obtain Proficiency as a Network Technician
A+ certification is sponsored by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association). Holding an A+ certification will show that you are trained in the basics of computer networking and network administration. Obtaining an A+ certification proves that each individual who has successfully passed the exam possesses the basic knowledge and proficiency of a computer technician.
Credentialing for a Competitive Field
The most basic reason why one would want to become A+ certified is that it is often a requirement for jobs in the IT field. The certification is industry-wide and earning it will provide individuals with the credentials to work with some of the top technology companies in the country. While basic knowledge and experience can be important on their own, having the proper credentials can serve as proof that you have undergone the training needed to perform a number of tasks that employers may ask of you.
The First Step to Further Credentialing
What you learn as you seek your A+ certification can also be applied to other certifications and specialties as well. Once you have earned your certification, you will be able to accept any number of jobs in the IT industry. In order to continue to excel and move upward in your field, further credentialing may be required. The A+ certification is part of a career path that may include Network+ certification in addition to others.
Taking the time to become A+ certified will show your computer literacy to employers, and the things you learn on the job can be applied to other certifications that will allow you to excel in your career.
How to Become A+ Certified
The A+ certification course is offered by CompTIA through their website. A number of practice tests, courses, training, and exam vouchers can be found at Total Seminars. These materials will ensure that all test takers are prepared for the exam and taking the next step in their careers.
An A+ certification is one of the basic IT certifications available in addition to being one of the most valuable. It is recognized across the PC industry, and it is an important first step for anybody who wishes to work in the world of information technology.
The A+ Certification Is Your Starting Point for a Career in IT
[Posted 1 August 2013 by Kathy Yale]
Certification is an essential career stepping stone for many professions. In the ever-changing world of computer technology, professional certification is an important way to demonstrate both knowledge and skills to potential employers. CompTIA is an industry leader in computer technology certification and offers a range of examinations and certification pathways designed to test knowledge in different aspects of computers and information technology (IT). The CompTIA A+ certification examination is one of these certification pathways.
What Is A+ Certification?
The CompTIA A+ certification examination is designed to test fundamental knowledge of a wide range of computer skills. Installation, set up and operation of computer systems, PCs, peripherals and mobile devices, as well as use of common computer software programs are the predominant topics covered by the A+ examination. The examination also covers networking, security, troubleshooting, repairs and customer service basics. Since it was first offered in the early 1990s, the A+ examination has been revised several times, most recently in 2012, to keep pace with changing technologies and system upgrades.
What Is Required To Achieve A+ Certification?
The A+ examination consists of two sections and tests proficiency in the skills most commonly used by IT professionals. The examination is designed to test knowledge and skills that should be possessed by an individual with approximately one year of on-the-job training. For a person with little hands-on computer experience or training, completion of a training course in computers and computer technology is usually necessary to pass the test. Several companies offer training materials and practice tests to help a prospective test-taker prepare for the A+ examination.
These training materials can be in the form of a textbook, training manual or online course and are purchased for independent study at the direction of the prospective test-taker. An individual must successfully complete both portions of the examination to achieve A+ certification. Each section consists of 90 questions and must be completed in 90 minutes. The examination does not focus on the products of any specific company or manufacturer but is instead designed to test general, broad-based knowledge. The A+ examination must be scheduled in advance and administered at an approved testing location under the supervision of a proctor. Approved CompTIA testing sites are located throughout the country and in many overseas locations.
What Are The Benefits Of Earning A+ Certification?
Although some employers do not require professional certification, many do place importance on being professionally certified in IT. Several computer manufacturers, including Dell, Intel and Lenovo, require all IT service professionals who work for their companies to be A+ certified as a condition of employment. Many other employers, including the United States Department of Defense, do not specifically require an A+ certification but do recognize its importance and can use certification as a basis for employee selection or promotion. In almost every case, an employer is likely to choose a candidate for employment with proven, demonstrated knowledge in a particular skill set over a potential employee with no certification or credentials.
A professional certification is more than just another line to put on a resume; it is a way to prove knowledge and skills to prospective employers. Earning a professional credential can be critical to finding a great IT job or getting a promotion. Achieving A+ certification, or any of the many IT certifications offered by CompTIA, can help give a computer professional a much-needed edge in this highly competitive field.
Fields That Need A+ Certification: There Are More Than You Think
[Posted 3 July 2013 by Kathy Yale]
As computers become more user-friendly and prevalent in our society, information technology careers are becoming very popular. We now have an entire generation of people who grew up with computers, and many of them have taught themselves to build, repair and sometimes even program their own machines. It’s easy to think that learning about computers and becoming a proficient IT technician is simple, but the truth is that there are still many fields that require an A+ certification from CompTIA. In other words, it’s not enough to simply know how to build and repair computers.
Of course, requiring A+ certification for certain career paths is hardly a bad thing. Such certifications allow technicians to prove to employers that they are knowledgeable and proficient in their chosen field, not unlike a college degree. With that being said, here are just a handful of fields that require A+ certification.
Computer Repair Technician
Many organizations employ computer repair technicians to troubleshoot any problems that may arise with their own computer systems. People can be self-taught to repair a computer, but being A+ certified will show employers that you are more than capable of handling most computer issues.
Computer Network Technician
Private companies and academic institutions alike often rely on computer networks for easy communication and problem solving, and they need technicians to help set up those networks and fix problems that may come up. Part of the job of a computer network technician is installing the cables, routers and wireless connectors necessary for any network to operate, but it also requires installing and upgrading networking software and determining the needs of every computer in the network to ensure that everything runs smoothly. It’s surprisingly intricate work, so it stands to reason that it will require A+ certification.
Help Desk Technician
Having A+ certification is also necessary to become a help desk technician. A good help desk technician will be familiar with a wide range of hardware and software issues that can plague computer users, and they will be able to find solutions even if solutions aren’t immediately clear. The help desk technician is usually the primary job that requires A+ certification in most companies, and since it’s an entry-level position it can lead to other career options down the road.
Desktop Operating Systems Support
People sometimes take operating systems for granted. Companies have tried so hard to make them as user-friendly as possible that people tend to forget how complex they can be. A desktop operating systems support specialist should know the ins and outs of an operating system, even one that seems easy for the layperson to use. An A+ certification exam requires candidates to be familiar with operating system installation, configuration and maintenance and be able to diagnose and repair problems as they arise.
If you are interested in a career in information technology, receiving A+ certification from CompTIA is practically essential. A+ certification will qualify you to perform a wide range of IT-related jobs, not to mention make you far more attractive to employers.