Will A+ Certification get me a job in IT field?
Hey guys, I am currently in University of Waterloo for Biological Science, however I don't feel as interested in my program as I do with technology, computers, and networking. I currently don't want to switch programs because it will be a big hassle for me, so I'll just finish it as I am in my 3rd year.
I have been building/tweaking/diagnosing computers all my life, however none of it in a professional environment. I considered it more of a hobby back in the day. Now however, I am considering doing it as a career. I discovered A+ certificate when looking around in job postings, where an employer was looking for a technician with a college degree or an A+ certificate. I looked into it and it seems like exactly what I want to get, to atleast get an entry level job for experience. I am afraid however, that once I get it, I still won't find a job and the 300 dollars that I will spend on the exams will be for naught.
So I ask you guys, is getting the A+ certificate a good idea for me? This field is where my interest lies and something I feel very passionate about. Do you guys have any other advice?
Thanks.
I have been building/tweaking/diagnosing computers all my life, however none of it in a professional environment. I considered it more of a hobby back in the day. Now however, I am considering doing it as a career. I discovered A+ certificate when looking around in job postings, where an employer was looking for a technician with a college degree or an A+ certificate. I looked into it and it seems like exactly what I want to get, to atleast get an entry level job for experience. I am afraid however, that once I get it, I still won't find a job and the 300 dollars that I will spend on the exams will be for naught.
So I ask you guys, is getting the A+ certificate a good idea for me? This field is where my interest lies and something I feel very passionate about. Do you guys have any other advice?
Thanks.
Comments
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No, A+ will not get you a job in the IT field. Your skills will get you a job in the IT field. However, the A+ will sometimes be the deciding factor between you and someone who does not have it. I know that seems like nitpicking, but I think it is important to make that distinction early on. My advice to you would be to look at job requirements for what interests you online, and then attempt to evaluate and broaden your skillset to be in line with what those jobs are looking for, if that makes sense.
Now, since you're in college and going for BioSci (I did the same track), you should go for a higher entry level cert...like Network+, Server+, or even Linux+. Instead of treating it like some complex computer thing you can't wrap your head around...treat it like a college course with material you might have been introduced to before, but it's going much more in depth.
These certs are 100000x easier than BioChem
LAE1 LUT1 LAT1 AXV1 TTV1 INC1 SSC1 SST1 GAC1 HHT1 TSV1 IWC1 IWT1 ABV1 BAC1 BBC1 TNV1
Finished
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CWTS, then WireShark
+1. Especially if you have limited/no experience in IT, it helps to have the A+. I think if it was a cheaper cert there would be a lot less naysayers; the fact that it is 300+ dollars (without vouchers) is what turns a lot of people off.
So if you enjoy it you should make the career change and dont waste your time on anything else. It will pay off later!
Again, thanks all.
All that said, A+ is a great place to start to see if it interests you.
Best of luck,
Darril Gibson
CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ Blogs
Daily Network+ and Security+ Test Taking Tips on Twitter
Great advice. It's never too late to finish that degree....
Darril
CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ Blogs
Daily Network+ and Security+ Test Taking Tips on Twitter
+1 here. A+ will broaden your knowledge period. I spent 330€ on mine with vouchers and I consider the knowledge gained from it well worth it. I too custom built computers for a hobby and believe me there is much more to learn. The typical path is there for a reason. It works. A+ Net+ then branch off from there.
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Must-have Certifications for IT Pros
Darril Gibson
CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ Blogs
Daily Network+ and Security+ Test Taking Tips on Twitter
Personally I took A+ certification classes and then got a Desktop Support job without ever taking the test. At this point getting my A+ wouldn't do me any good as my years of experience speak for quite a bit more.
You need to know the knowledge that the A+ teaches but whether or not you actually take the test is up to you. I've always told employers that if they require an A+ that I'm more than willing to obtain one within the first 30 days of employment but it's more of a formallity at this point.