Americans worry over their job prospects as news feeds are flooded with stories about economic downturn. In 2021, 53 percent of U.S. adults who quit their jobs switched careers or positions as they did so, according to Pew Research center. Pew also found that job switchers tend to make a lot more than those that stay long-term in the same positions, so as prices rise and confidence falls, many in the workforce are looking to make a switch. For those making the change, choosing the right jobs and the right field can make a dramatic difference in potential earnings.
Why Get into Tech?
The tech industry is one of the strongest, most resilient sectors out there. In the summer of 2020, when the national unemployment rate skyrocketed, the tech sector saw a mere blip in comparison. When the general unemployment rate was around 14 percent, the tech industry remained below 5 percent. Many tech roles can be done remotely, and most companies have the capability to support remote roles on a shorter notice than the job market at large. According to a report by CBRE in May of 2020, out of 21.4 million jobs lost, only 137,000 were tech industry positions. More recently, the October Tech Jobs Report put out by CompTIA shows the tech sector adding workers for the 22nd month in a row, and the tech unemployment rate settles at just 2.1 percent.
What is CompTIA and CompTIA A+?
It can be intimidating to consider getting into the tech world, but now it is easier than ever to get your foot in the door. CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association, is a nonprofit trade organization based in the U.S. that has developed and administered professional IT certifications for over 20 years. It is one of the biggest providers of vendor-neutral IT certifications and recognized globally as a distinguished issuer of certifications.
One of the most widely recognized beginner certifications is the CompTIA A+ certification, which is separated into two sections, the core 1 and core 2 certifications. Just earning the certification can open doors into most entry-level IT positions and supply potential promotions for those already in the field. If you’re looking to kickstart your IT career, this is the path for you.
What Can I Do with a CompTIA A+ Certification?
These jobs are samples of the potential listings and salaries that may be available to those who have earned this certification.
Help Desk Technician
Median U.S. salary: $47,406
Technical Support Specialist
Median U.S. salary: $45,841
Desktop Support Specialist
Median U.S. salary: $58,804
These examples highlight some specific titles you may find yourself qualified for, but the door is wide open to many entry-level IT positions with this certification.
What Is Covered in the Exam?
When you take the CompTIA A+ Core 1 certification exam, you will cover the IT basics for the following categories:
Mobile devices
Networking
Hardware
Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
Core 2 covers:
Operating systems
Security
Software Troubleshooting
Operational Procedures
Each exam is 90 minutes long and has up to 90 multiple choice and practice-style questions.
Preparing for the Exam
Familiarizing yourself with the topics covered in the exam is a huge step towards passing the test. CompTIA releases a list of the topics covered to give learners a better idea of what to expect, which can be found on their website. The list also includes a glossary of all the terms used as acronyms and a list of recommended resources for practicing. For training or practicing, they recommend access to operating systems, digital tools, and physical tools such as wire strippers.
Passing the Exam
The practice supplies can be bypassed by gaining access to a preparation course that includes a virtual or in-person lab. ITPro by ACI Learning has helped countless members prepare for and pass the CompTIA A+ certification exam with their entertaining and comprehensive online courses. ITPro is an official partner of CompTIA. Not only do the edutainers make the topics engaging and easy to understand, but they also make it fun. ITPro also has a virtual practice lab where the topics covered in the course can be applied in a real scenario, better preparing the user for passing the CompTIA A+ exam.
Click here to learn more about passing CompTIA A+ with ITPro
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