A+, Network+, and Security+ are some of the best entry-level certifications for a career in IT! (Photo credit: Yu Hai)
One of the most exciting things about a career in IT is the sheer amount of opportunities for advancement. Depending on your interests, you can find a job doing just about anything with computers. To prove your level of knowledge to potential employers, certifications can be very useful. With so many certifications out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here is some information that might help:
CompTIA A+
The A+ certification shows that you understand the fundamentals of IT.
Establishing a career in IT often starts by studying for and obtaining the CompTIA A+ certification. “CompTIA A+ certified professionals are proven problem solvers. They support today’s core technologies from security to cloud to data management and more” (CompTIA website). CompTIA lists the objectives for A+ qualified individuals as having the ability to:
Demonstrate baseline security skills for IT support professionals
Configure device operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android and iOS and administer client-based as well as cloud-based (SaaS) software
Troubleshoot and problem solve core service and support challenges while applying best practices for documentation, change management, and scripting
Support basic IT infrastructure and networking
Configure and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware
Implement basic data backup and recovery methods and apply data storage and management best practices
CompTIA Network+
Network+ is a good foundational certification for any career in IT.
“CompTIA Network+ helps develop a career in IT infrastructure covering troubleshooting, configuring, and managing networks” (CompTIA website). Network+ qualified individuals should be able to:
Design and implement functional networks
Configure, manage, and maintain essential network devices
Use devices such as switches and routers to segment network traffic and create resilient networks
Identify benefits and drawbacks of existing network configurations
Implement network security, standards, and protocols
Troubleshoot network problems
Support the creation of virtualized networks
CompTIA Security+
Security+ is a great entry-level certification for those who want a career in cybersecurity!
“CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career” (CompTIA website) CompTIA describes the following objectives for Security+ individuals:
Assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions
Monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT
Operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance
Identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents
“The CompTIA Triad”
Obtaining all three of the above certifications can make you very marketable to prospective employers.
As far as certifications go, starting with A+, Network+, and Security+ can be a good idea for many individuals. These foundational certifications are known as “The CompTIA Triad,” and along with other things, can help you land that first job in IT. While it is not required to get all three (or even one for some jobs), many employers screen applicants based on whether or not they have one or all of these certifications. The best thing you can do is look for IT jobs in your area that you are interested in, and see for yourself which certifications are the most requested near you.
Once you have chosen the certification(s) you want to earn, it is time to start studying. Good luck!