The Growing need for Certification
Posted by: Kathy Yale
The IT field is incredibly competitive and there are thousands of very skilled people doing their best to get an IT career. If you want to stand a chance against the competition, then you need certification. There are many certifications available, but many IT professionals say that the CompTIA A+ Certification is the best. Certification is becoming mandatory if you desire a career in the IT field.
Required for Careers
The CompTIA A+ Certification used to be required only for advanced careers and promotions. While this is still true, there are many entry-level careers that also require applicants to have this certification. This is because the company doesn’t want to waste time on applicants and employees that cannot operate certain technology.
You might know a lot about technology, and you might be able to easily complete your daily tasks without being certified. At the same time, you need to remember that your resume is the employers point of reference until they meet you. If you don’t have a CompTIA certification, then your chances of ever meeting an employer will significantly decrease.
Vendor Neutral
Another great benefit of the CompTIA certification is that it’s neutral. For example, a Windows certification only teaches you about Windows technology. This limits your prospects because many companies use Linux and other operating systems. While these certifications are great if you want to specialize in a certain area, the CompTIA is completely neutral.
The certification process will teach you how to work with technology as a whole. This is highly prized because the company might switch from one type of technology to another.
Better Salary
While getting an IT job is difficult without certification, it is possible. You might have the opportunity to show that you have enough skill to become an employee, or you might find a new company that isn’t very discerning. Even though you can get a job without certification, you should still become certified.
IT professionals with a CompTIA certification tend to make more than others in a similar position without certification. These professionals also tend to be promoted quicker.
Business Benefits
Companies don’t just want to hire skilled employees. They recognize that there are many benefits to hiring certified employees, and they want to use these advantages as much as possible. IT companies that hire certified applicants will spend less training new employees. Certification ensures that the new employees are both competent and serious about their careers.
Personal Benefits
Certification is useful because it will help you get a job, but it will also help your self-esteem. Many people don’t think that they are ready to pursue an IT career. Obtaining a certification shows that you are capable of performing the necessary tasks, and that you have the skills required to become an IT professional.
While it is possible to get an IT career without CompTIA certification, you will find that it is much easier if you are certified. Companies are looking for certified professionals as it is a sign of competence and companies have to pay very little to train certified people. If you are serious about having an IT career, then you need CompTIA certification.
