Over 10 years we help companies reach their financial and branding goals. Engitech is a values-driven technology agency dedicated.

Gallery

Contacts

411 University St, Seattle, USA

engitech@oceanthemes.net

+1 -800-456-478-23

Career Certification Job
A+ Certification, CompTIA A+

Authored by Derrick Jackson & Co-Author Lisa Yu

CompTIA A+ Certification: Your IT Career Starts Here

March 19, 1993. Remember that date. I am sure half of the people reading this might not have even been born yet!

That’s when the first person earned a CompTIA A+ certification. Back then, computer repair was the Wild West. You’d take your PC to three different shops and get three wildly different diagnoses (and bills). Major manufacturers like Compaq and IBM were losing sleep over it. Their reputations hinged on repair quality they couldn’t control.

So an industry consortium that started as the Association of Better Computer Dealers said “enough.” They created a standard. One test to prove you actually knew what you were doing with computers.

Fast forward to 2025, and A+ has evolved into something much bigger than PC repair.

Powered By EmbedPress

Why A+ Still Matters (When Everything’s Moving to the Cloud)

Let’s have an honest conversation about the elephant in the room. IT jobs are changing. Fast.

The old days of “every company needs 10 help desk techs” are gone. AI handles password resets now. Chatbots field basic questions. Self-service portals let users fix their own problems. Cloud providers manage infrastructure that used to require whole teams.

So why pursue A+ in 2025? Why learn about hardware when everything’s going virtual?

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: There won’t be jobs for everyone who wants them. The IT support field is contracting at the entry level. But (and this is crucial) it’s not disappearing. It’s shifting.

The New Reality of IT Support

Organizations aren’t eliminating IT support. They’re repurposing it. That basic Tier 1 help desk role answering “have you tried turning it off and on again?” calls? Yeah, that’s becoming mostly automated now. But look at what’s emerging:

Hybrid Infrastructure Specialists: Companies thought they’d go 100% cloud. Reality hit hard. Now they’re running hybrid environments (on-premise plus cloud) that are exponentially more complex. Someone needs to understand both physical servers AND cloud architecture. That’s where modern A+ knowledge becomes critical.

Security-First Support: Every support interaction is now a potential security incident. When AI flags unusual activity, humans investigate. When ransomware hits, humans respond. The modern A+ includes significant security content (28% of Core 2 exam) because that’s where the jobs are moving.

Business Technology Integrators: IT isn’t separate from business. Support professionals who understand how technology impacts operations, compliance, and customer experience become invaluable. Instead of just fixing outlook issues, and faulty adobe reader errors, IT should be a key business enabler, ensuring workflows and processes are optimized for efficiency.

What AI Can’t Do (Yet)

Let’s be specific about where humans remain essential:

Physical presence requirements: Data centers still need hands to swap failed drives. Retail locations need someone to fix POS systems. Medical facilities require on-site support for life-critical equipment. Manufacturing floors need immediate hardware response. AI can diagnose these problems remotely, but it can’t physically fix them (thank god).

Complex troubleshooting: When the problem isn’t in any knowledge base, when multiple systems interact in unexpected ways, when “it works everywhere except this one specific scenario” happens – that’s human territory. AI is good at known problems. Humans handle the unknown.

Relationship management: The C-suite executive whose laptop crashes before a board presentation doesn’t want to chat with AI. High-value clients expect human support. Internal politics require human navigation. These soft skills become MORE valuable as basic technical tasks get automated.

Compliance and audit requirements: Many industries legally require human oversight of IT systems. Healthcare (HIPAA), finance (SOX), government (various regulations) – they need certified humans who understand both technology and compliance.

The Market Reality

The CompTIA A+ still appears in more tech support job listings than any other IT credential. Major technology corporations, including Dell, HP, and Intel, either require or strongly recommend the A+ certification for their service technicians.

More importantly, the Department of Defense recognizes A+ under the DoD 8570.01-M Directive as a required baseline certification for Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level I personnel. This requirement alone opens up thousands of federal positions and defense contractor roles.

Your Competition Isn’t Just Other Humans

You’re competing with three forces:

  1. Other candidates: More people are trying to break into IT as traditional jobs disappear
  2. Automation: AI and scripts handle routine tasks
  3. Outsourcing: Remote workers globally can do support cheaper

This triple threat means you need to be strategic. You can’t just get A+ and coast. You need to position yourself where human skills matter most.

The Strategic Path Forward

If you’re still reading, you’re probably serious about making this work. Here’s real advice for navigating this landscape:

Start with A+, but don’t stop there. Use it as your foundation to quickly add specializations. The people thriving are those who can say “I do IT support AND I understand cloud security” or “I handle desktop support AND I can script automation.”

Target industries that require physical presence. Healthcare, manufacturing, retail, education – they need on-site IT support. They can’t outsource to another country or rely purely on remote assistance.

Develop adjacent skills fast. Basic scripting (Python, PowerShell) makes you the person who automates problems instead of being automated away. Understanding business processes makes you a consultant, not just support.

Build a local reputation. While big companies automate, small and medium businesses still need human IT support. Become the trusted local expert. AI can’t grab coffee with the business owner to understand their real challenges.

The Mindset Shift

Stop thinking “IT support job” and start thinking “technology problem solver.” The specific tasks change, but the need for humans who understand how technology works (and breaks) remains constant.

The modern A+ reflects this reality. Sure, you’ll learn about RAM and CPUs. But you’ll also dive into:

  • Cloud computing (because hybrid is the new normal)
  • Mobile device management (because work happens everywhere)
  • Security fundamentals (because every role is now security-adjacent)
  • Troubleshooting methodology (because solving unknown problems is your competitive advantage)

This isn’t your grandfather’s computer repair cert. It’s evolved because the industry evolved. The question isn’t whether IT support jobs will exist (they will), but whether you’ll position yourself for the ones that remain.

The hard truth? Not everyone who starts will succeed. The automation wave is real. The competition is fierce. The easy jobs are disappearing.

But for those who commit to continuous learning, who see A+ as a beginning rather than an end, who understand that adaptability beats any single skill – there’s still a path forward.

Just don’t expect it to be easy. Or guaranteed. Or anything like IT careers from 10 years ago.

Still interested? Good. That realistic mindset might be your biggest advantage.

A Tale of Two Exams

V15 dropped in March 2025 with some serious updates. Gone are the days of memorizing IRQ settings (thank goodness). Today’s A+ splits into two focused exams:

Core 1 (220-1201): The physical world of IT. Hardware, networks, mobile devices. The stuff you can touch, configure, and occasionally need to hit with percussive maintenance (kidding… mostly).

Core 2 (220-1202): The logical layer. Operating systems across Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile. Plus a hefty dose of security and professional procedures.

Each exam throws up to 90 questions at you in 90 minutes. Mix of multiple choice and those dreaded Performance-Based Questions where you actually configure systems or diagnose problems. No memorization saves you there.

Show Me the Money (Realistically)

Let’s get to the most important information. Here’s what A+ actually costs:

Bare minimum: $530 for both exam vouchers if you pass on the first shot. But that can’t be, and will not be the experience for a majority of test takers.

Smart move: Hunt for discount vouchers. Dion Training and similar vendors sell them for $236-240 each. That’s 50 bucks saved per exam.

Safety net: Bundle vouchers with retakes run $530 per exam. Pricey, but cheaper than paying full price twice.

Training varies wildly. CompTIA’s official materials? North of $1,400. University bootcamps? Try $2,600+.

But here’s a well-known secret: Professor Messer’s free video series covers everything. Combine that with $50 in practice exams and you’re set. Total investment under $600 if you’re disciplined.

Time: The Hidden Cost Nobody Talks About

CompTIA suggests 9-12 months of experience before attempting A+. Translation: These aren’t gimme exams.

Reality check for different folks:

Starting from zero? Block out 3-4 months. That’s 10-15 hours weekly, or about 150 hours total. Less than a college course, more than a weekend bootcamp.

Tinkered with computers before? Maybe 6-8 weeks to align what you know with what they test.

Already in IT but no cert? Could knock it out in 3-4 weeks of focused review.

The key? Unlike vendor certs that expire when products update, A+ stays relevant for three years. Then you either retake or earn continuing education credits.

What A+ Actually Gets You

Forget the generic “opens doors” pitch. Here’s what A+ delivers:

Immediate credibility. HR filters that auto-reject resumes without certs? You just passed them.

Government eligibility. DoD 8570 requires A+ for many federal IT positions. That’s thousands of jobs requiring exactly this cert.

Vendor recognition. Dell, HP, Intel, and others specifically request A+ for their service partners. Not prefer. Request.

Salary data varies by source, but patterns emerge:

  • Entry level: $49,000-62,000
  • With experience: $75,000-90,000
  • Specialized roles: $89,000-98,000

But those are just numbers. The real value? A+ gets you from “I fix computers for friends” to “I’m a certified IT professional.”

Who Actually Benefits From A+ (And Who’s Wasting Their Time)

Let’s get specific about who wins with A+. These aren’t hypothetical personas – they’re based on the real career transitions A+ enables.

The Career Pivoter

You’ve been working retail, hospitality, or any non-tech field. Maybe you’re the one friends call for computer help. You see IT job postings everywhere, but they all want “2-3 years experience.”

A+ breaks this catch-22 by serving as a trusted, standardized proxy for the first 6 to 12 months of on-the-job experience. It gives hiring managers the confidence to interview candidates with no formal work history. You’re not lying about experience – you’re proving foundational knowledge through a respected industry standard.

Real opportunity: Companies need on-site IT support that can’t be outsourced. Retail chains, healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants – they need someone physically present when systems fail.

The Recent Graduate

Your degree in business, communications, or liberal arts cost four years and significant debt. But IT job postings don’t care about your thesis on Shakespeare.

A+ adds immediate technical credibility to your existing degree. It shows you can learn technical concepts and apply them practically. Many employers value the combination of soft skills from your degree plus technical validation from A+.

Competitive edge: You can communicate technical concepts to non-technical people – a skill many pure IT folks lack.

The Self-Taught Tech

You’ve built gaming PCs, set up home networks, maybe run a Plex server. Your skills are real, but “I fix computers for friends” doesn’t impress HR departments.

A+ transforms informal knowledge into formal credentials. Those years of troubleshooting random issues? They’ve prepared you for the performance-based questions. You just need to fill knowledge gaps and learn the “right” way to do things you’ve been figuring out yourself.

Hidden advantage: Your hands-on experience makes the practical exam portions easier than for those who only studied theory.

The Internal Mover

You work in accounting, customer service, or operations at a company with an IT department. You’ve noticed IT makes more money and seems more stable. Maybe you’re already the unofficial tech support for your department.

A+ can be your transfer ticket. Internal moves are easier than external job hunting – the company knows you’re reliable. Add technical skills and you become a strong internal candidate for IT positions.

Strategic play: Many companies reimburse certification costs for employees. Check if yours does before paying out of pocket.

Who Should Skip A+

Computer Science Graduates: If you have a 4-year CS degree, A+ is beneath your level. You need specialization, not fundamentals. Look at cloud certifications, security credentials, or vendor-specific advanced certs.

Current IT Professionals: Already working help desk or desktop support for 2+ years? A+ won’t teach you much new. Jump straight to Network+ or Security+ for career advancement.

Pure Developers: If you’re coding full-time and happy there, A+ offers little value. It’s infrastructure-focused, not development-oriented.

Specialized Tech Workers: Database administrators, network engineers, security analysts – you need advanced certifications in your specialty, not entry-level generalist credentials.

The key question: Will A+ teach you something new AND help you get a job you couldn’t get without it? If yes, it’s worth pursuing. If no, invest your time elsewhere.

The Evolution: 1990s A+ vs. 2025 A+

The A+ certification’s 30-year journey reflects how dramatically IT work has changed. Understanding this evolution helps you appreciate why modern A+ remains relevant despite massive industry shifts.

The Original A+ (1990s): When Hardware Ruled

Back then, A+ was almost purely about physical computer repair:

  • IRQ conflicts: Manually setting interrupt requests so devices wouldn’t clash
  • Jumper settings: Physically moving tiny pins on motherboards
  • Printer maintenance: Cleaning dot matrix printers, replacing ribbons
  • Modem configuration: AT commands and dial-up troubleshooting
  • DOS/Windows 3.1: Command-line navigation was essential

The focus? Getting individual computers to work. Period. Most problems were hardware-based because software was simpler and networks were rare.

The Transformation Years (2000-2020)

As technology evolved, so did the A+ certification. The key to its enduring relevance is a rigorous, institutionalized process of adaptation. Since 2001, CompTIA has committed to refreshing the A+ exam objectives every three years, guided by direct feedback from employers and IT professionals.

Major shifts included:

  • Networking became essential (not optional)
  • Multiple operating systems entered the mix
  • Security moved from afterthought to core requirement
  • Mobile devices joined the ecosystem
  • Cloud concepts started appearing

Modern A+ (2025): Comprehensive IT Foundations

Today’s V15 reflects a vastly expanded IT landscape:

Hardware (Still Important, But Different):

  • Traditional components remain (CPUs, RAM, motherboards)
  • But add: M.2 drives, USB-C/Thunderbolt, mobile device hardware
  • Emphasis on troubleshooting methodology over memorization

Operating Systems (Not Just Windows):

  • Windows (still dominant in business)
  • macOS (growing enterprise presence)
  • Linux (essential for servers/cloud)
  • Chrome OS (education and lightweight computing)
  • Mobile OS (iOS/Android management)

Networking (Now Fundamental):

  • SOHO network configuration
  • Wireless standards and security
  • VPN setup and troubleshooting
  • Basic cloud networking concepts

Security (28% of Core 2):

  • Physical security measures
  • Logical access controls
  • Malware detection/removal
  • Wireless security protocols
  • Basic incident response

Cloud & Virtualization (The New Reality):

  • Understanding VMs and hypervisors
  • IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS distinctions
  • Hybrid cloud environments
  • Container basics

Professional Skills (21% of Core 2):

  • Change management procedures
  • Proper documentation
  • Communication techniques
  • Safety and environmental procedures
  • Basic project management

Why This Evolution Matters

The modern A+ addresses what IT support actually looks like in 2025:

  • You’re not just fixing one computer – you’re managing endpoints across an organization
  • Problems aren’t just hardware – they’re complex interactions between hardware, software, network, and cloud services
  • Every technical task has security implications
  • Communication and documentation matter as much as technical skills

This evolution makes A+ more valuable, not less. While specific technologies will continue changing, the foundational knowledge of how systems interact remains crucial. A+ teaches you to think systematically about technology problems – a skill that transcends any specific tool or platform.

The certification that started as “PC repair” has evolved into “IT professional foundations” – and that’s exactly what the modern workplace needs.

Strategic Exam Preparation: Beyond Just Studying

Success on A+ requires more than memorizing facts. The exams test whether you can think like an IT professional, not just recall information. Here’s how successful candidates approach preparation:

Understanding the Exam Philosophy

CompTIA designs questions to test judgment, not just knowledge. A typical question might present a scenario with multiple technically correct answers, but only one BEST answer considering:

  • Business impact (minimizing downtime)
  • Cost effectiveness (not always the most expensive solution)
  • Security implications (every action has security consequences)
  • User experience (keeping employees productive)

This mirrors real IT work where you balance technical solutions with business realities.

The Performance-Based Question Strategy

PBQs deserve special attention because they can’t be gamed. You either know how to perform the task or you don’t. Common PBQ scenarios include:

Network Configuration:

  • Given a network diagram, configure IP addresses correctly
  • Troubleshoot connectivity between devices
  • Set up basic firewall rules

Command Line Operations:

  • Use Windows commands to diagnose boot issues
  • Navigate Linux file systems
  • Run network diagnostics from terminal

Help Desk Simulations:

  • Prioritize tickets based on business impact
  • Document solutions properly
  • Communicate technical issues to non-technical users

Security Scenarios:

  • Identify vulnerabilities in a system configuration
  • Implement appropriate access controls
  • Respond to security incidents following proper procedures

Pro tip: Many test-takers save PBQs for last since they’re time-intensive. This ensures you don’t miss easy multiple-choice points while struggling with a complex simulation.

Layered Learning Approach

Successful candidates typically use multiple resources because different sources explain concepts differently:

Foundation Layer (Weeks 1-4):

  • Watch comprehensive video series (like Professor Messer’s free content)
  • Read through official exam objectives
  • Take notes on unfamiliar concepts

Practice Layer (Weeks 5-8):

  • Work through practice questions daily
  • Focus extra time on weak domains
  • Research why wrong answers are wrong (often more educational than getting questions right)

Hands-On Layer (Weeks 9-12):

  • Set up virtual labs or use old hardware
  • Practice command-line tools mentioned in objectives
  • Configure networks, even if just virtually

Review Layer (Final 2 weeks):

  • Take full practice exams under timed conditions
  • Review all incorrect answers
  • Focus on domains scoring below 80%

Mindset Matters

A+ tests how IT professionals think, not just what they know. Approach questions by asking:

  1. What’s the real problem here? (Not just the symptom)
  2. What’s the business impact? (Criticality determines urgency)
  3. What’s the simplest effective solution? (Not the most complex)
  4. Have I considered security? (Every action has security implications)
  5. How would I document this? (If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen)

Scheduling Strategy

Book your exam 3-4 weeks before you feel “ready.” This creates positive pressure to finish preparation. Most successful candidates report they never felt 100% ready – there’s always more to study. The key is being prepared enough to pass, not achieving perfection.

Take Core 1 first. While both exams are challenging, Core 1’s focus on hardware and networking provides a foundation that helps with Core 2’s operating system and security content. Plus, passing one exam builds confidence for the second.

Day-of-Exam Tactics

Before the exam:

  • Review port numbers, common commands, and acronyms
  • Don’t cram new material – review what you know
  • Arrive early to avoid rushing

During the exam:

  • Read questions completely – CompTIA loves “EXCEPT” and “NOT” questions
  • Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
  • Flag uncertain questions and return if time permits
  • Trust your first instinct unless you’re certain it’s wrong

Time management:

  • Aim for 45-60 seconds per multiple choice question
  • Allow 5-10 minutes per PBQ
  • Keep moving – don’t let one hard question derail your timing

Remember: You need 675/900 on Core 1 and 700/900 on Core 2. That’s roughly 75-78% correct. You can miss questions and still pass comfortably. Perfection isn’t the goal – competency is.

Career Progression: Your 5-Year Roadmap

A+ launches careers, but it’s what you do next that determines your trajectory. Let’s map out realistic progression paths with actual salary ranges from the industry data.

Year 1: Foundation Building

Starting Point: A+ Certified

  • Typical roles: Help Desk Tech ($51,000-$57,000), Desktop Support ($58,000-$62,000)
  • Focus: Gain real experience while studying for your next cert
  • Next cert: Network+ (start studying month 6)

Year 2: The Trifecta Complete

Achievement: A+ → Network+ → Security+

  • New roles available: Network Technician, Junior Security Analyst, Systems Administrator
  • Salary range: $65,000-$75,000
  • Bonus: CompTIA awards Secure Infrastructure Specialist stackable cert automatically
  • Focus: Choose your specialization path

Years 3-5: Specialization Paths

Cloud Architecture Path:

  • Add: Cloud+ or AWS/Azure certifications
  • Roles: Cloud Engineer, DevOps Junior, Hybrid Infrastructure Specialist
  • Salary potential: $85,000-$110,000

Cybersecurity Path:

  • Add: CySA+ → PenTest+ or SSCP
  • Roles: SOC Analyst, Security Engineer, Incident Response Specialist
  • Salary potential: $80,000-$105,000

Infrastructure Path:

  • Add: Linux+, Server+, VMware VCP
  • Roles: Systems Engineer, Infrastructure Specialist, Datacenter Admin
  • Salary potential: $75,000-$95,000

Leadership Path:

  • Add: Project+ and ITIL, then pursue management
  • Roles: IT Supervisor, Service Desk Manager, IT Project Coordinator
  • Salary potential: $70,000-$90,000 (with higher growth potential)

The Compound Effect

Notice how each certification multiplies value? Here’s why:

  • A+ alone: Entry-level roles, proving basic competence
  • A+ plus Network+: Shows progression and broader knowledge (plus free IT Operations Specialist cert)
  • Full Trifecta: Demonstrates commitment and well-rounded skills
  • Specialization: Makes you the go-to expert in your area

Maximizing Each Stage

During Year 1: Don’t just work tickets. Document everything. Volunteer for projects. Shadow senior techs. Build relationships. Your next job often comes from networking, not job boards.

Certification Timing: Plan one new cert every 8-12 months. Too fast and you lack experience to contextualize knowledge. Too slow and you lose momentum.

Salary Negotiations: Each new cert justifies a raise discussion. If your employer won’t pay market rate, others will. The data shows A+ cert holders averaging $83,000-$90,000 include those who job-hopped strategically.

Continuous Learning: Technology changes fast. Budget time weekly for learning something new, even after certifications. The most successful IT pros never stop being students.

Real Talk About Progression

Not everyone follows this path smoothly. Common deviations:

  • Some stay in help desk roles by choice (work-life balance, less stress)
  • Others leap directly to specialized roles if opportunity arises
  • Many take lateral moves to gain specific experience
  • Some discover they prefer hands-on work to management

The key is intentional career management. A+ starts the journey, but you choose the destination. Each certification, each job change, each new skill should align with your long-term goals.

Five years from now, you could be just another IT support tech, or you could be a specialized professional earning double your starting salary. The difference comes down to strategic progression, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities as they arise.

Working With AI: The New IT Support Reality

Let’s be specific about how AI is reshaping IT support and why A+ professionals remain essential. This isn’t theoretical – it’s happening now in organizations worldwide.

What AI Actually Does in IT Support

Modern IT Service Management platforms like Zendesk, Jira Service Management, and Moveworks use AI for:

Automated Ticket Handling:

  • Natural Language Processing categorizes and routes tickets instantly
  • No more manual sorting or misdirected requests
  • Tickets reach the right specialist faster

First-Line Response:

  • AI chatbots handle password resets (the most common ticket type)
  • Software access requests processed automatically
  • FAQ responses delivered instantly
  • Knowledge base searches improved with semantic understanding

Predictive Capabilities:

  • System monitoring identifies potential failures before they occur
  • Pattern recognition flags unusual user behavior (security)
  • Capacity planning based on usage trends

Real organizations report dramatic results. But here’s what they don’t advertise: AI handles the boring, repetitive stuff. The interesting problems? Those still need humans.

Where Humans Remain Irreplaceable

Physical Infrastructure:

  • Data centers need hands to replace failed drives
  • Network cables don’t plug themselves in
  • Hardware failures require physical diagnosis and repair
  • New deployments need installation and configuration

Complex Problem Solving:

  • “It worked yesterday, nothing changed, but now it’s broken”
  • Multiple system interactions creating unexpected behavior
  • Problems not documented in any knowledge base
  • Edge cases that require creative solutions

High-Touch Support:

  • Executive support requires discretion and judgment
  • Sensitive situations (terminations, investigations) need human handling
  • Training non-technical users demands patience and empathy
  • Building trust with difficult stakeholders

Security Response:

  • Investigating suspicious activity requires human judgment
  • Incident response needs real-time decision making
  • Social engineering attempts need human recognition
  • Compliance audits require human accountability

The New IT Support Professional

The modern A+ professional works WITH AI, not against it. Think of AI as your assistant that handles the routine so you can focus on the complex. This elevation of the human role makes A+ more valuable, not less.

Before AI:

  • 50% password resets
  • 30% basic software issues
  • 20% real problems

With AI:

  • 5% oversight of automated processes
  • 25% complex troubleshooting
  • 35% security and compliance
  • 35% business improvement projects

The job becomes more interesting, more challenging, and more valuable to organizations.

Preparing for AI-Augmented Work

The V15 A+ exam reflects this reality by emphasizing:

  • Troubleshooting methodology (28% of Core 1): Can’t automate systematic thinking
  • Security (28% of Core 2): Human judgment required for threat assessment
  • Operational procedures (21% of Core 2): Process and documentation that AI follows but humans create

Skills that become MORE important with AI:

  • Understanding how systems integrate (AI handles parts, you handle the whole)
  • Communication abilities (explaining complex issues AI flagged)
  • Business acumen (prioritizing what matters to the organization)
  • Continuous learning (staying ahead of automation)

The Partnership Model

Successful IT professionals view AI as a force multiplier:

  • AI handles ticket routing → You solve problems faster
  • AI monitors systems → You prevent outages proactively
  • AI suggests solutions → You apply judgment to choose the best one
  • AI documents patterns → You improve processes based on insights

This partnership model explains why employers still desperately need A+ certified professionals. They need people who understand technology deeply enough to work alongside AI effectively, not just follow scripts.

Future-Proofing Your Career

The IT professionals thriving despite (or because of) AI share common traits:

  • They embrace automation instead of fearing it
  • They continuously learn new skills
  • They focus on uniquely human capabilities
  • They position themselves where physical presence or judgment matters

A+ provides the foundation to develop these traits. It teaches you how technology works at a fundamental level – knowledge that remains valuable regardless of which tools or AI systems emerge.

The bottom line: AI is changing IT support dramatically. But it’s elevating the profession, not eliminating it. For those willing to adapt and grow, the opportunities are better than ever.

Making the Decision

A+ makes sense if:

  • You’re outside IT looking in
  • You fix things but lack credentials
  • You want federal/defense contractor eligibility
  • You need structure for self-study

Skip A+ if:

  • You already work in IT with proven experience
  • You have a technical degree and internships
  • You’re focused on pure programming or development
  • You want immediate specialization

The cert costs money and time. But for the right person at the right moment, it transforms “I’m good with computers” into “I’m a certified IT professional.”

That transformation? It’s worth more than the cert costs.

Ready to start? Visit comptia.org/certifications/a for official information.


Tech Jacks Solutions helps IT professionals navigate certification paths and career growth. Check our training resourcesfor more guidance.

Author

Tech Jacks Solutions

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *