Can I Get a Job With CompTIA A+?
Having IT certifications on your resume makes a great first impression when applying for a job—and CompTIA is considered an industry standard when starting a career in IT.
If you’re wondering whether having CompTIA A+ certification training and CompTIA A+ certification will boost your ability to break into the IT field, the answer is yes. Earning the CompTIA A+ is often good enough for an entry-level IT job if you demonstrate other soft skills.
What Is CompTIA A+ Certification?
CompTIA A+ certification is earned by passing two exams that validate that you have the skills required for specific entry-level IT jobs. Unlike other certifications, which typically cover one area of expertise, CompTIA A+ covers a broad diversity of knowledge required of technicians today, making it relevant for many job roles.
CompTIA A+ is not just about PC repair—it ensures candidates know the basics about troubleshooting and solving various issues ranging from security to mobile devices, networking, and operating systems.
Career Paths With CompTIA A+ Certification
CompTIA A+ is for professionals looking to start their IT career with about nine to twelve months of hands-on experience or equivalent training. CompTIA A+ certification can prepare candidates for several job roles, including:
- Helpdesk Technician
- Field Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Tier I Support Specialist
- Associate Network Engineer
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Systems Support Technician
- End-User Computing Technician
How Much Can You Make With a CompTIA A+ Certification?
While salaries vary depending on the job, here is a list of some CompTIA A+ jobs and their average salaries.
- Help Desk Support: $45,000
- Field Service Technician: $46,000
- Support Specialists: $54,000
- Desktop Support Analyst: $60,000
If those salaries interest you, check out our posts on how long an A+ certification lasts and where you can take the A+ certification test.
Three Reasons CompTIA A+ Can Help You Land a Job
If you’re still not convinced about the benefits of a CompTIA A+ certification, here are a few good reasons it is something you invest in:
It Helps You Stand Out From the Crowd
Anything that differentiates you from others competing for the same entry-level jobs will improve your prospects. Among hundreds (possibly thousands) of applicants, a certification is the fastest way to stand out.
IT certifications, such as CompTIA A+, are extremely helpful for entry-level job seekers. They can be earned quickly, are generally more affordable than formal education classes, and don’t require any prerequisites. As a result, CompTIA A+ has been the de facto entry-level IT certification for years and is the easiest way to stand apart from other entry-level job candidates.
It’s Well-Received by Employers
CompTIA A+ is one of the most widely recognizable IT certifications. Your employer will know how hard it is to earn and the devotion required to pass this certification.
Because it is so well-known and respected as a solid certification for entry-level IT jobs, securing the CompTIA A+ helps you join an elite club of certified professionals and opens up wider job opportunities.
Having the CompTIA A+ on your resume also communicates to the employer that you’re serious about your career. In addition, if you were willing to complete it independently, employers see this as a favorable sign that you’re determined, a quick learner, and a self-starter.
It Gives You a Headstart on Training
Another reason the CompTIA A+ certification can also help you get a job is that you already have the training and knowledge necessary for certain entry-level positions. When hiring new, inexperienced employees, companies often have to invest a considerable amount in training. Most of the training cost is for certifications, so if you already have the CompTIA A+ certificate, employers see this as an investment on your part that they don’t have to make–this gives you a further edge over your competition.
Final Thoughts
Certifications have become one of the best ways employers can validate IT knowledge and skills when prior experience is unavailable, and the CompTIA A+ is incredibly well-regarded. However, to further improve your chances of landing an excellent entry-level job, we recommend developing other skills and further building your profile to supplement your CompTIA A+ training.
For instance, you can learn important soft skills such as professionalism, communication, and teamwork, take other IT classes offered by ONLC, gain field experience, and start small tech projects where possible.
