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Should I get CompTIA A+ Certification?
I wonder if companies required certification for entry-level IT students, or, Is it possible for me to get a job without it.
Is it worth it?
I did some research and it said it's really good to have it just in case.
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6 answers
Updated
Bonnie’s Answer
If you have time to get some hands on experience AND get the A+ certificate this will strengthen your resume. It will show your potential employer that you’re serious about your skill development, can progress and pass projects. Bottom line is it can only help you!
Thank You So Much.
Nancy
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hey Nancy,
I worked in IT for 5 years and have stayed friends with folks in IT that hire, and I can tell you that at least in the Silicon Valley, the A+ certification doesn't count for much. It doesn't even get the candidate's resume above any others, as the certificate is not respected. I got mine before my career started and it didn't help me any. :/
Now I'm sure there are places and managers who look for the A+ certificate, but I just haven't come across any. Personally, I'd advise you to stay away and rather spend your time and resources volunteering at nonprofits and helping people diagnose their computer problems. Real experience like that counts for much more than an A+ certificate for sure.
I wish you the best of luck!
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Dexter
I worked in IT for 5 years and have stayed friends with folks in IT that hire, and I can tell you that at least in the Silicon Valley, the A+ certification doesn't count for much. It doesn't even get the candidate's resume above any others, as the certificate is not respected. I got mine before my career started and it didn't help me any. :/
Now I'm sure there are places and managers who look for the A+ certificate, but I just haven't come across any. Personally, I'd advise you to stay away and rather spend your time and resources volunteering at nonprofits and helping people diagnose their computer problems. Real experience like that counts for much more than an A+ certificate for sure.
I wish you the best of luck!
--
Dexter
Wow, thank you so much.
Nancy
Updated
Larry L.’s Answer
Ni Nancy,
Have been in IT for a number of years and I actually considered the A+ certification when I was working on my strengthening my IT foundation knowledge.
I agree that nothing beats hands on experience but if you have some knowledge of key terms, where to look for issues, etc . that will help you bridge the knowledge with the hands on experience and the A+ certification can do that.
To get an entry level job in IT you want to stand out from the crowd and certifications can help do that, but they are not a requirement and hands on experience will always go a long way.
Find opportunities to gain experience list those on your CV and never ever stop learning in this IT industry as it changes so quickly.
Wish nothing but the best for you.
Have been in IT for a number of years and I actually considered the A+ certification when I was working on my strengthening my IT foundation knowledge.
I agree that nothing beats hands on experience but if you have some knowledge of key terms, where to look for issues, etc . that will help you bridge the knowledge with the hands on experience and the A+ certification can do that.
To get an entry level job in IT you want to stand out from the crowd and certifications can help do that, but they are not a requirement and hands on experience will always go a long way.
Find opportunities to gain experience list those on your CV and never ever stop learning in this IT industry as it changes so quickly.
Wish nothing but the best for you.
Thank You So Much.
Nancy
Updated
Tanya’s Answer
I've been in this tech thing for years and I've never heard of this certification! But I googled it and it looks pretty good!
Let me ask you something... is it within your possibilities to get it? Will it cost you lots of effort to obtain it? Or is it just something your school offers and maybe it costs a bit more and you're just not sure you want to pay for it?
Now let me tell you something... There are hundreds of certifications in the IT world, certifications is how the IT world moves, you pick a line and you get a bunch of certifications for that thing you picked and that's how you get better job opportunities, you specialize in something and you become vital. I personally have a few certifications I've never used, but having them in my CV did opened some doors but mostly, they widen my view of the IT world, they helped me understand how things work and why and that makes me resilient and knowledgeable .
Never stop learning, if you can get your hands on this or any other certification, go for it, the more you learn, the better prepared you are.
Let me ask you something... is it within your possibilities to get it? Will it cost you lots of effort to obtain it? Or is it just something your school offers and maybe it costs a bit more and you're just not sure you want to pay for it?
Now let me tell you something... There are hundreds of certifications in the IT world, certifications is how the IT world moves, you pick a line and you get a bunch of certifications for that thing you picked and that's how you get better job opportunities, you specialize in something and you become vital. I personally have a few certifications I've never used, but having them in my CV did opened some doors but mostly, they widen my view of the IT world, they helped me understand how things work and why and that makes me resilient and knowledgeable .
Never stop learning, if you can get your hands on this or any other certification, go for it, the more you learn, the better prepared you are.
Thank You So Much.
Nancy
Updated
Kin’s Answer
Hi Nancy, since you want to start your career in the IT field, it is important to remember. Any certification should not be just to get a job, you should first gain as much IT knowledge as you can because knowledge is power! It will give you the confidence to crack the interview and work effectively and most importantly will give you the motivation to achieve further new goals for your career. Perhaps if you're interested in learning some networking skills, I would suggest you try to learn Cisco CCNA course! Get your CCNA, CCNP certification. This will be good for you to start your IT career.
Updated
Ruby’s Answer
First of all Thank you for asking this question and like you said that you want to start your career in It field , so from an entry level job prospective, there is no doubt that , that this certification is good for you and it may help you in getting the job. Besides getting a depends on various other factors too .
This certification will expose you with topics for example Operating System , Software fundamental and beyond , Network , IT Security , Troubleshooting etc . while doing this certification or any certification for that matter you should try to get as much as hands on knowledge possible so that it can sit in your memory and you can understand that topic thoroughly .
since you want to start your career in IT field ,so its important to keep in mind that ,
Any certification should not be just to get the job , you first should try to gain as much as knowledge possible , because knowledge is power , which will give you confidence to crack the interview and latter strength to sustain and work efficiently on the job, and most importantly will keep you motivated to proceed further in your career to achieve new heights.
That being said IT is vast field and my advise will be to acquire as much as knowledge , you can at this point do some more certification if you can , and going forward decide that which stream of IT you want to go for, and focus you study towards that direction.
Hope it helps .
Good Luck .
This certification will expose you with topics for example Operating System , Software fundamental and beyond , Network , IT Security , Troubleshooting etc . while doing this certification or any certification for that matter you should try to get as much as hands on knowledge possible so that it can sit in your memory and you can understand that topic thoroughly .
since you want to start your career in IT field ,so its important to keep in mind that ,
Any certification should not be just to get the job , you first should try to gain as much as knowledge possible , because knowledge is power , which will give you confidence to crack the interview and latter strength to sustain and work efficiently on the job, and most importantly will keep you motivated to proceed further in your career to achieve new heights.
That being said IT is vast field and my advise will be to acquire as much as knowledge , you can at this point do some more certification if you can , and going forward decide that which stream of IT you want to go for, and focus you study towards that direction.
Hope it helps .
Good Luck .
Thank You.
Nancy