Can You Actually Get a Job With The CompTIA A+ Certification_ Is The CompTIA A+ Worth It in 2025.
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| Is Getting Your A+ Certification Worth It? |
What do the job prospects look like? What is the typical salary of someone with an A+ certification? What kinds of jobs can you expect? How does it compare to the Security+? These are the most common questions people ask when considering the CompTIA A+ certification. In this article, we’ll cover all these topics and provide insights to help answer your questions.
Overview of the CompTIA A+ Certification
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| CompTIA A+ Certification |
The CompTIA A+ certification is designed specifically for IT beginners. While CompTIA is well-known for its cybersecurity certifications, like Security+, the A+ certification is more foundational. Think of it as the "younger sibling" to Security+, focusing more on building IT basics rather than diving into cybersecurity.
For anyone without IT experience or an educational background in the field, the A+ certification serves as a great starting point. CompTIA even highlights its purpose as providing foundational IT knowledge.
Note: If you want more detailed information, you can use this link, CompTIA A+ Certification.
Job Prospects for A+ Certification Holders
Entry-Level Roles
The A+ certification is often associated with entry-level IT roles, particularly in technical support. CompTIA itself notes that the A+ appears more frequently in tech support job listings than any other IT certification. Common roles include:
- IT Technician
- Help Desk Support
- Desktop Support
Salary Expectations
According to Dice.com, the average salary for a help desk technician in the U.S. is about $52,000 per year. For A+ certification holders across all career levels (entry-level to senior roles), the average salary is approximately $78,000 annually.
Exam Structure and Costs
The A+ certification consists of two separate exams:
- Core 1 Exam
- Core 2 Exam
Unlike many certifications that require only one exam, you’ll need to pass both to earn your A+ certification. Each exam requires a separate voucher, costing around $239 each, making the total cost $478.
Prerequisites
Although there are no official prerequisites for the A+ certification, CompTIA recommends having 12 months of IT experience in roles such as:
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
- Field Technician
Comparing A+ to Security+
The A+ certification is often seen as a precursor to the Security+. However, your choice between the two depends on your goals:
A+ for Beginners
If you’re just starting in IT with no experience, the A+ is an excellent foundational certification.
Skipping A+ for Security+
If you already have some IT knowledge, such as from a boot camp, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree, you might consider skipping the A+ and starting with Security+.
Advantages of A+ Certification’s Two-Exam Format
The two-exam structure of the A+ certification offers some benefits:
- Focused Study: You can prepare for one exam at a time, reducing the need to cram all topics into a single sitting.
- Reduced Stress: Splitting the certification into two parts makes the process more manageable for beginners.
On the flip side, some people find taking two exams more stressful or costly compared to certifications like Security+, which requires only one exam.
Is A+ Worth It for Your Career?
The A+ certification is a great starting point for those new to IT. It equips you with foundational knowledge and opens doors to entry-level roles. However, if you already have some IT experience or plan to specialize in cybersecurity, you may find more value in starting directly with Security+.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, choosing the right certification depends on your career goals and current experience. The A+ certification is ideal for beginners, while the Security+ might be better suited for those with some IT background aiming for cybersecurity roles.
Whatever path you choose—A+, Security+, Network+, or another certification—remember that there’s no wrong choice if it aligns with your career aspirations. Best of luck on your certification journey! If you pass, share your success in the comments below.
