Top 4 reasons you need the CompTIA A+ Certification

By Sarah Morgan

Are you struggling to get your first job in IT? It can be difficult proving your skills to employers as a young person or professional who is currently retraining. 

Luckily, the entry level CompTIA A+ certification overcomes this issue and is one of the best starting points for a career in IT.

As a non-profit trade association, CompTIA has become a leading voice for the technology ecosystem, investing millions to empower ICT companies and professionals worldwide.  They possess worldwide renown and gaining a CompTIA certification identifies you as a qualified and knowledgeable professional. 

'An introduction to the A+ by CompTIA'

And here's why you need it...

1. The IT Skills Gap

Organisations in the UK are struggling to find qualified IT professionals. It’s known as the IT Skills Gap and has even found its way into Parliamentarydiscussion, with Ed Miliband stating the IT industry is being ‘let down’ by the shortage. The gap is huge with potentially 700,000 unfilled IT vacancies across the EU by 2015. It’s also widely believed to be strangling the UK’s economy and is only expected to widen with the unstoppable proliferation of technology.  

Skilled IT professionals are a valuable commodity. Get qualified and find a job in a sellers market where you are in urgent demand. 

2. It's Industry recognised

It’s  a requirement for Microsoft engineers and Dell, Intel and Lenovo service techs and is recognised by the U.S Dept of Defense. Developed directly by CompTIA and backed by major computer hardware and software vendors, it reflects the type of skills needed to excel in the role of a computer support professional.

For an employer, the CompTIA A+ is a clear demonstration of your knowledge, skills and commitment to a career within IT.

Image courtesy of Grafixar / morgeFile

3. A defined career path

A CompTIA A+ could be the key to your first job in IT. With such a strong fundamental certificate you can move onto more specialised certifications like Network+and Security+which focus on networking and IT security respectively. With these certs you can apply for roles like Network Security Engineer (£48,000PA) and Network administrator (£40,000PA).

What’s more, the CompTIA A+certification can be used to qualify as a pre-requisite for Microsoft’s MCSAand MCSEcertifications. 

4. It’s vendor neutral

A vendor neutral certification benefits those looking to break into the IT industry. Vendor neutral certs give individuals the benefits of learning on a broader scale which is exactly what you want from an entry level qualification. 

     5. You can get it done in just 4 days (The secret Firebrand reason)

It is recommended that you have experience in building computers, are familiar with windows operating systems and understand basic home networks before you begin your CompTIA A+ certification. If so, you could get certified and begin your IT career within a week.

If you don’t have recommended experience, it won’t take long to get up to speed and prepare yourself for the CompTIA A+ exams. Firebrand pre-ship study materials for you preparation to ensure you can get up to speed before you even begin your course.

Get certified with Firebrand and you can complete your CompTIA A+ in just 4 days.

About the Author:        

Sarah writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. This includes exams, training, certification trends, project management, certification, careers advice and the industry itself. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry.