Is A+ Neccessary?

Thinking of getting certified soon, Net+, CCNA, and Sec+ are definitely on my list to get, but I'm not sure if I should go for the A+ or not, from doing research and reading post on the forums I know the information is useful to know, but I am not sure if it necessary for the career path I would like to pursue. I am currently on the path to receive my BBA in InfoSec and Assurance, and I have an interest in Web App Security and Development (and also penetration testing of course lol) so I know that a solid foundation in networking is key.

My goal is to get the certifications now and try and find work while taking classes so that I can get some IT experience that will help me to score a higher salary after I receive my degree, not really interested in the Helpdesk position, but if I have to start from that position then I will, beggars can't be choosers lol

I guess my question is, for the career path that I hope to take, should I start off my certifications with the A+ or go ahead on to the Net+ and Sec+?

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13713

No certification is necessary but I find where I am located that HR departments use certain certifications as a way to sort out applicants. If you are going down the path of networking and security it is not necessary but is nice. If anything it is an added bonus for certain employers.

TCainnn

The A+ cert is basically a entry level certification. It's good to have when you are new to the IT field. I would recommend starting with the A+ cert then work your way to getting the Net+ and Security+. Once you get those it will put you above those without the certs and can give you experience in the field.

Chitownjedi

I've seen plenty of jobs require at minimum an A+,

Or it has a better "buzz" or weight to it then maybe the Net+ has had for me.... but currently if you are beginning and can use the knowledge and don't mind the money i say get it. If you are really pass it technically, i say pursue other matters and just return to it if for whatever reason it is absolutely causing you to miss out (which I doubt)

If you have no certs, and can use the knowledge I say 98 out of 100x it will only help you.

Dakinggamer87

A+ is a great entry level cert to help you get your foot in the IT field

Darril

Most of the A+ knowledge is definitely needed for people in the IT field but that's a good question on whether the cert is useful.

In the short term, I'd say that the A+ would be useful in finding work to help you get some experience. Hiring managers hear from people all the time saying "I know computers" but a certification showing you have some proficiency with computers provides some proof and many entry level jobs value the A+ knowledge and A+ certification. In other words, the A+ cert might help you get an interview but without it, your resume might be passed over.

For the long term, the A+ won't be as valuable as the Net+, CCNA, and Sec+ combined with your BBA. Also, if you get a job in Web App Security and Development or penetration testing, the A+ knowledge will be assumed and you'll be expected to have a much higher level of proficiency.

Hope this helps.

kanecain

Three years experience and a A+ cert got me a 50k job. So I'm gonna say yes.

Michael2

Most companies require IT applicants to have a certain amount of experience prior to entry. The A+ certification can replace some, if not all, of that experience. Everyone's got to start out as a tech. So even if you don't see yourself repairing computers in ten years, you'll definitely be relied upon at some point in your career to do some tech work.

klhatchett

Thanks for the replies everyone!
right now I work as a student assistant on campus so I am getting a little exposure with some A+ material,pretty much I think that If I am able to get a internship before I graduate,then I will probably just go for the Net+ and Sec+. I go to a college with a good reputation for Information Security and Assurance, and good connections in the area, so I think I will find my opportunity, I really just want to make myself more marketable to future employers

ch0ww27

I started with my Net + first, thinking that A+ was not necessary, but when i looked into some of the information that is on A+, it seems really helpful. I am currently working on my A+.

boredgamelad

I'm like you; I wanted to go into networking/security but never had any desire to get my A+ and... I don't regret not having it. I've had no shortage of opportunities come my way with just my Network+ and Security+. Darril's post essentially mirrors my experience in the field, I was getting a fair number of e-mails before but once I got my CCNA the number about tripled. I don't think the A+ is necessary for you; though it should be noted that it wouldn't hurt you to have it either.

rwdplz

The A+ had a LOT of networking material on it, getting the Network+ first might help with getting the A+

itconsult99

Do I have to find a school that offer courses for A+ certification or can this be self learning then register to take A+ exam?

DoubleNNs

boredgamelad wrote: »

I'm like you; I wanted to go into networking/security but never had any desire to get my A+ and... I don't regret not having it. I've had no shortage of opportunities come my way with just my Network+ and Security+. Darril's post essentially mirrors my experience in the field, I was getting a fair number of e-mails before but once I got my CCNA the number about tripled. I don't think the A+ is necessary for you; though it should be noted that it wouldn't hurt you to have it either.

Really? I have my Net+ and Sec+ and I haven't been able to get a single interview. The most I've gotten were 2 recruiters contact me from finding a copy of my resume somewhere, but those interactions never led to actual interviews (phone or in-person) w/ the actual employee. =/

The main reason why I'm going back to get my A+ now is because it seemed like that might be the only way to get my foot in the door w/ an entry-level help desk/desktop support type job.

itconsult99 wrote: »

Do I have to find a school that offer courses for A+ certification or can this be self learning then register to take A+ exam?

You can go either route. It seems like the popular plan of attack is to do self-study for the A+ tho - much cheaper. And for a lot of people who have previous computer use experience, the material isn't too difficult to grasp.

Darril

@DoubleNNs, sorry to hear you aren't getting any interviews. This indicates that your resume isn't getting the attention of the right people and I started to suggest that you ask for help in the job forums on this site (IT Jobs / Degrees Forums). A quick search showed you did post your resume in early December with a request for feedback. I took a few minutes to provide some feedback to you there.

Good luck with the A+ and the job search.