What Can I Do With a CompTIA A+ Certification?
For professionals who are looking to thrive in IT, staying on top of certifications like CompTIA A+ keeps you competitive. IT is always changing, and showing a willingness to learn, grow, and adapt to new technologies helps professionals with career advancement.
When job searching, looking for entry-level job positions like desk and technical support specialists, and PC service technicians is a good place to start.
Here’s a few more areas to consider:
1. Tech Support
IT Support Technician
Salary: $54,000
Ever watch a coworker struggle with trying to fix an office computer? As an IT support technician, your days are filled with helping people ensure their computer operating systems are working properly. IT support technicians also help with the installation and setup of new computer systems. Essentially, your job is to make sure computer systems are online and working all the time.
Job duties may include:
- Assist office personnel with installation and configuration
- Help with daily operations and systems support
- Verify the process of hardware and software components
- Troubleshoot hardware and software issues in person, remotely and via phone
- Aid company employees with computer problems
- Plan daily network backup operations
According to Comptia.org, 29.8 percent of CompTIA-certified professionals work in IT help desk careers. Many of IT help desk and support positions do not require a bachelor’s degree, only a credible certification like CompTIA A+.
2. IT Field Work
Field Service Technician
Salary: $46,000
This job role is perfect for someone who loves a change of scenery each day. As a field service technician, you will work with different clients each day who may need assistance with computer systems on-site.
Job duties may include:
- Visit a variety of worksites to troubleshoot
- Assist with software installation and configuration
- Answer customer questions about IT support
- Work under general supervision following IT policies and practices
- Run diagnostic tests on software, updates software security, etc.
There’s no shortage of companies that need onsite help with IT support. Telecommunications in particular offer opportunities to be out in the field for 10.2% of CompTIA-certified workers.
3. Cybersecurity
Salary: Starting at $47,000
If you enjoy challenging work, a career in cybersecurity is a great way to develop high level IT skills. Many cybersecurity employees help businesses discover where weaknesses are within IT systems. Working against hackers and fixing software vulnerabilities is one of the more exciting and intense areas of this field, especially for those who work for the government.
Job duties may include:
- Monitor organization’s networks for security breaches and investigate violations
- Install and use software to protect sensitive information
- Create reports on security breaches and extent of breach damages
- Research IT security trends
- Initiate security standards and best practices
- Recommend security improvements to senior IT staff
By 2021 there will be 3.5 million cybersecurity job openings in the United States alone. That means a lot of opportunities for professionals to find secure jobs, including freelance or remote work.
Stand Out in the IT Applicant Pool
Whether you want to shine among job applicants, gain more knowledge, or get a higher-paying IT job, a CompTIA A+ certification is a great start to building your career. The growing need for reputable IT workers will only continue to expand as technology advances.
Fortunately, there’s a lot of options of what you can do with a CompTIA A+ certification as it better prepares you to work in technical support and IT operational roles by challenging you to think on your feet.
Once completed, with your new credential in your pocket you’ll be on your way to earning more and advancing faster than your uncertified peers.
Ready to get CompTIA A+ certified? Check out our IT career training programs that will get you this certification:
