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Evolve Your Career With CompTIA A+ Certification Exam

Amidst the certifications accessible for computer professionals, A+ is probably the one cited most often as a starting issue for careers in Information Technology (IT). More than 260,000 people have obtained A+ certification, viewing it as a way to find occupations as computer service technicians or to gain sufficient skills to move on to farther training.

Author: Nelson Jaques
Date: Dec 23, 2014 - 2:41:36 AM

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Amidst the certifications accessible for computer professionals, A+ is probably the one cited most often as a starting issue for careers in Information Technology (IT). More than 260,000 people have obtained A+ certification, viewing it as a way to find occupations as computer service technicians or to gain sufficient skills to move on to farther training.

Sponsored by CompTIA, an industry organization, A+ certifies abilities in entry-level PC technology. It is a vendor-neutral certification, with a focus on the expertise needed to work as a computer service technician, troubleshooting and repairing PCs.

Granted its attractiveness, it is no shock certain misconceptions have evolved about A+ certification, especially amidst people just conceiving about getting begun in IT. Is A+ certification a "must" for entry-level IT occupations? Is it for programmer wannabes? Here is a direct to help you conclude whether A+ certification is right for you.

Is A+ certification an appropriate beginning point for all IT vocations?
No. The IT world is huge, with an astounding kind of jobs available, from tech support personnel to programmers. These occupations require distinct abilities, teaching and experience. Will A+ help you find a job in tech support or overhauling computers? Yes. Will it help you find a job as a Java programmer? That's improbable. Before you sign up for an A+ certification course, be certain it's a befitting credential for your career goals.

What do you discover in an A+ certification program?
CompTIA A+ certification programs typically aim on the abilities needed for entry-level PC technicians. Candidates discover about installing, configuring, upgrading and fixing PCs. At New Horizons, the IT teaching business, a five-day or 10-day course encompasses direction in computer architecture, memory, modems, printers, hard computer disk setup and operating scheme optimization.

Is a course needed to receive A+ certification?
No. The A+ exam is accessible from Prometric and Pearson VUE. The certification exam really consists of two checks -- one focusing on centre hardware technologies, the other on operating schemes. For people who currently have know-how with PC troubleshooting, or have an allotment of self-motivation, self-study with a publication about A+, such as the A+ Certification All-in-One written test, may be the path to passing the written test.

What sort of job does A+ certification specify you to do?
CompTIA views the certification as a credential for technicians with six months of experience. Persons with A+ certification may find occupations installing, repairing and configuring PCs, or employed in technical support places.
"It's really for new entrants into the IT world," Andrea Estevez, vice president of goods and programs for New Horizons, says of A+ certification. "The folks who are taking these courses are persons who are somewhat new to IT.

In other words, consider your options and your anticipations. Are you looking to enter the area as a service technician, and then move up? Or do you desire to jump-start your vocation at a more advanced level, or in another area of IT, possibly by discovering Java, networking or some other arena? The alternative is you.

View all articles by Nelson Jaques

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