A+ Certification - A Positive Advantage for Computer Support Technicians

If you want a new career in computer support, you can't do better than to earn an A+ certification. With industry-wide recognition, an A+ certification shows prospective employers what you are capable of.

by Jane Smallman
jane.smallman@collegesearchengine.com
College Degrees Search Columnist

CompTIA’s A+ certification is meant for someone who is interested in starting a career as a computer support technician. You can now earn this qualification with an online college and prepare yourself for your first job in your new career without compromising your existing commitments.

What Is A+ Certification?

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+ certification was designed to test the skills of entry-level computer support technicians. To earn A+ certification you need to pass two exams: one core exam and one elective exam

The A+ Certification Core Exam

This exam tests your ability to carry out essential tasks on personal computer hardware and operating systems from installation to emergency repair.

The A+ Certification Elective Exam

You have a choice of three elective exams, each focusing on a different job role:

Choice 1: tests skills relevant to jobs involving a high level of face-to-face contact with clients in a corporate or mobile technical environment. Job titles might include IT technician, enterprise technician, IT administrator, and field service technician
Choice 2: emphasizes client interaction and training while operating system and connectivity issues. It is geared towards personnel employed in a remote-based work environment with job titles such as help desk technician, call center technician, and remote support technician.
Choice 3: focuses on hardware-related skills and is suitable for job roles such as depot or bench technician.

Earning A+ Certification with an Online College

If you are already working or have family commitments, earning a certification from an online college is a good way to fit your studies into your spare time. Instead of having to spend limited time traveling to scheduled classes, studying with an online college means that you can log on whenever and wherever you are (providing you have access to a computer and the Internet).

Where Can A+ Certification Lead You?

A+ certification is well-known and respected in the industry, so once you have earned your certification you should be well on your way to a career as a computer service technician, with salary expectations of around $50,000 a year.

Sources

Certification Magazine
Computing Technology Industry Association

About the Author

Jane Smallman combines free-lance writing with running a mountain guiding business with her husband. She has a bachelor and master’s degree in social sciences.

Posted on January 12, 2007 at 12:42 PM

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