Have you ever wondered about credentials that aren’t restricted to a single specialization? In the ever-evolving tech industry, where diverse skills, roles, and responsibilities are the norm, is there a platform that allows you to diversify and validate your skill set?
CompTIA+ is one of the most widely recognized entry-level certifications in the Information Technology (IT) industry. It serves as a foundational credential for aspiring IT professionals and is accepted as an industry-standard certification for launching a career in IT. Ironhack offers CompTIA Security+ certification for free, covering how to manage current threats and securing hybrid environments to understand governance, risk, and compliance.
Designed by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)—a leading provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications worldwide—it validates the core skills required to manage and support computer systems, networks, and devices. This certification is technologically agnostic, making it applicable across various technologies and platforms.
What Does CompTIA A+ Cover?
The CompTIA A+ certification encompasses a broad range of topics to ensure IT professionals acquire the necessary skills for starting a career in tech. As it covers foundational concepts to become an expert in installing, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting hardware and software systems. Here is a breakdown of what the certification covers in specific:
Hardware:This includes identifying, installing, and configuring hardware components such as CPUs, memory, storage devices. These skills are crucial for supporting a remote workforce.
Networking: Understanding networking concepts, including IP addressing and wireless configurations.
Software Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving software issues, including application errors and OS-related problems.
Operating Systems: Installing and managing operating systems, such as Windows OS, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms.
Security: Learning the basics of cybersecurity, such as identifying security threats and securing devices or network connections.
Virtualization and cloud computing: Learning to compare and contrast computing concepts and set up client-side virtualization.
Exams
In order to achieve a certification in ComptTIA A+, there is a requirement to pass two specific exams, mainly because the certification covers a broad range of foundational IT topics, and dividing its content and concepts into two exams ensures a complete evaluation to ensure full candidate understanding.
Core 1 (Exam 220-1001): Covers mobile devices, cloud computing, hardware, virtualization, network troubleshooting, and technology.
Core 2 (Exam 220-1002): Focuses on software troubleshooting, operational procedures, security, and installing/configuring operating systems.
Core Certifications
The core certifications of CompTIA are the foundational certifications, which provide a solid base for a career in IT. Obtaining these certifications validate a variety of different skills across multiple areas of IT, serving as a starting point for IT professionals
IT Fundamentals: Pre-career foundational knowledge focused on how IT frameworks work.
CompTIA A+: Builds skills in device connectivity and user support, for entry-level IT support roles.
CompTIA Network+: Prepares candidates for network support roles, for aspiring network professionals.
CompTIA Security+: Equips candidates with foundational cybersecurity skills, for professionals entering cybersecurity.
Infrastructure Certifications
The infrastructure certifications focus on intermediate-level IT skills required for managing, maintaining, and optimizing IT infrastructure that includes networks, servers, and cloud systems. These types of certifications are ideal for people who want to specialize in infrastructure management and operations.
CompTIA Server+: Focuses on server support.
CompTIA Cloud+: Teaches deploying network storage resources, virtual system administration, and hybrid clouds.
CompTIA Linux+: Provides skills for managing Linux operating systems.
Cybersecurity Certifications
Cybersecurity certifications are created to validate skills and knowledge essential for roles in the cybersecurity industry. These certifications are tailored to professionals at multiple levels of their cybersecurity careers, covering basic to advanced skills in securing IT systems, networks, and data.
CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner): For designing and implementing advanced security solutions.
CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst): Prepares candidates for IT security behavioral analysis.
CompTIA PenTest+: Focuses on penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
Why pursue CompTIA A+?
CompTIA A+ and its importance serves as a foundational step for IT professionals, validating the necessary IT skills, opening doors to diverse career opportunities in tech. Here are the top reasons to pursue the CompTIA A+ certification:
Hands-on Focus: Practical, real-world problem-solving skills that ensure candidates are job-ready from the start.
Industry Recognition: Globally recognized certification that establishes a solid starting point for an IT career.
Pathway to Advanced Certifications: Serves as a prerequisite for certifications like CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.
What roles can you get with CompTIA A+ certification?
As mentioned above, CompTIA+ and its various certifications validates a range of different skills in IT, being widely recognized in the tech industry, opening doors to various IT roles. After 9-12 months of hands-on experience, candidates are prepared for roles such as:
Field technician
IT support specialist
Associate network engineer
Systems support technician
Junior systems administrator
Desktop support specialist
CompTIA+ and its related certifications are the perfect starting point for anyone looking to launch a career in IT. It provides a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, opening doors to specialized certifications and career advancement in the dynamic tech world.
Ready to kickstart your career in tech? Join Ironhack’s immersive, hands-on courses to gain the skills you need to succeed in IT. Whether you’re pursuing certifications like CompTIA+ or diving into specialized tech fields, Ironhack will help you build a future in tech!
