[Posted 5 Mar 2013 by Kathy Yale]
If you are someone who is interested in working in a technology related field, or even if you are considering how you can better your chances of getting a job in general, you will quickly need to learn more about A+ certification. A+ certification is something that is generating attention, but what does it cover and why should you have it? Should you have it at all? Before you decide on whether you want this certification or not, take a moment to review a few key facts.
What Does A+ Certification Cover?
At the most basic level, A+ certification declares that you are a competent computer technician. A+ certification is a vendor-indepdendent certification that allows you to state that you are familiar with computer software and hardware and that you have had some training when it comes troubleshooting. The test covers everything from hardware to computer safety to networking to personal devices like laptops and PDAs. Having an A+ certification states that you have a broad and generalized amount of information about computers and networks.
Core Understanding
If you are not someone who is computer savvy, that is, you do not have a strong desire to work with computers or ascend through computer repair and design departments, then you will find that the A+ certification is an excellent workhorse certification to earn. While it does prepare you for work as an IT assistant or an IT helpdesk person, it is not designed to advance you into an upper-division IT personnel the way that more elaborate certifications will. However, becoming certified will show that you have more information than a layperson.
Increased Pay
An A+ certification will earn you approximately 11 percent more within your first year of certification than you would receive without a certification. A+ certification is excellent to have in conjunction with other certifications, like Network+. Both on its own and as a supplemental certification, the A+ certification is an excellent choice for you.
Increased Familiarity With Computers
There is far too great an impulse to see our computers and our networks as complex machinery that few people understand. We set them up clumsily and with no idea why they go together, and when they break, it takes hours, days or even weeks to fix. If you are someone who uses computers on a regular basis, it is often worth your while to find out how to repair them. Instead of handing your computer over to repair personnel who will charge you for parts in addition to an hourly wage, you will know how to do the vast majority of simple computer fixes on your own. This is invaluable for an independent worker.
Foot in the Door
With so many IT professionals looking for jobs, it is important to distinguish yourself from everyone else. By making sure that you have A+ certification, you will be able to make sure that the individuals who are looking at your resume will give it a thorough inspection. A+ certification shows that you are someone who is interested in a wide range of training and that you can follow through with a project.
Take a moment to think about what A+ certification could do for you, your career and your ability to get ahead!
