- Topics Mentioned
- Certification(s):
- CompTIA Certifications
- Exam(s):
- CompTIA Exams
CompTIA is a global provider of vendor neutral IT certifications, such as the popular A+, Network+, Security+ certifications. Most, if not all, CompTIA certifications are entry-level attracting students and those new to the IT field.
The biggest benefit of CompTIA certs is that they’re not bound to a specific technology, like Microsoft, Cisco, VMware or other vendor specific certifications. They’re also a good way for beginners to get a start in the IT field.
But are CompTIA certs worth it?
Everyone and their Grandma has one …
Many aspiring IT pros are concerned that the entry-level certs just won’t get them anywhere. The common complaint is that there are already too many people with CompTIA certs and the widespread fear is that the certifications are too basic.
Others worry that CompTIA certifications won’t help them get a job or a promotion; it’s difficult for them to see the benefits of a certification that requires time and money and doesn’t offer to set them apart from other IT pros in the field.
These might seem like disadvantages for CompTIA candidates, but the benefits that the certifications bring outweigh these concerns. Ask any successful IT professional and chances he started his career with at least one CompTIA certification.
A forum post I recently read asked:
“I know everyone and their grandma has one and I’ve personally heard from a few people that CompTIA certifications are not worth much. What do you guys think?”
The overwhelming response from the community was that CompTIA certifications are not only worth it, they “look good on your resume,” “give you an edge when applying for jobs,” and “are a prerequisite to apply for many jobs.”
Clearly, those who have achieved CompTIA certifications are not regretting their decisions. Let’s take a look at some of the real benefits CompTIA certifications bring to the table.
Benefits of CompTIA Certifications
Build a Solid Foundation of Knowledge and Skills
CompTIA certifications help candidates build a solid foundation of essentials knowledge and skills that will help them advance their careers. Starting at a higher certification level might seem like a timesaver, but often this can actually delay your progress because you’re missing the necessary fundamentals. It’s like skipping algebra and going straight for calculus, it just won’t work.
Get Extra Credit
Companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, HP and other recognize some CompTIA certification (like the A+ and Network+) in their own certification tracks and some colleges and universities offer college credit for students who obtain CompTIA certifications.
Increase Your Salary and Find New Career Opportunities
Many companies and organizations have made CompTIA certifications mandatory for certain positions and many job ads list the certs as basic requirements. Surveys also show that certified professionals earn more on average than non-certified IT pros in the same roles.
Build Your Confidence and Credibility
But probably the greatest advantage of CompTIA certifications, especially for those who are new to the IT field, is increasing your own personal confidence. By achieving a certification you gain proof that you really know what you’re talking about, which gives you more credibility and determination to advance your career.
Job Opportunities for CompTIA Candidates
So what types of jobs will you be able to apply for and feel confident in attaining with CompTIA certifications under your belt? Well, that depends on which certifications you start with. Let’s take a look at three of the most popular options:
CompTIA A+
With the A+ certification you will be able to apply for jobs as a computer technician, technical support representative, help desk specialist, printer repair technician and other similar opportunities. Some companies, like CompuCom and Ricoh, have made CompTIA A+ certification mandatory for their service technicians.
See more information on the A+ certification.
CompTIA Network+
The Network+ certification opens up even more job opportunities allowing you to work as a network administrator (usually at the jr level), network engineer, network technician, and other similar positions. Also, keep in mind that Microsoft, Novell, Cisco and HP also recognize CompTIA Network+ as part of their certification tracks.
Here’s more info on the Network+ certification.
CompTIA Security+
The Security+ certification allows you to apply for many of the jobs that require a security clearance; you’ll be able to work as a security analyst, security specialist, network security engineer and more. Many companies including Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Motorola, Symantec, as well as the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines employ Security+ certified individuals.
Read more about the Security+ certification.
I don’t think there certs are going to be worth it especially now that you have to pay $150 every three years to keep the cert.
They have other options to keep the cert but it is all on a point system and you can’t earn enough points to keep the cert with out paying for it or spending a lot of times trying to stay certified from the different areas.
I have my A+, Net+, Linux+ and Security+ and so far they haven’t made one bit of difference for me in finding work. Most places where I live don’t even have IT departments anymore, and if you do run across a job, it’s very likely that they will want you to have 5-10 years experience, mcse, ccnp or ccie, knowledge of scripting and two programming languages as well as knowledge of SQL. Good Luck…
I’m afraid that Kasia is a bit naive.
Most employers want to see candidates with certs that relate to the employer’s technical environment: therefore employer’s want to know who ‘backs’ the cert.
CompTIA don’t list the companies backing the their cert, so people with only CompTIA applying for jobs working in a (say) Microsoft and Cisco environment are going to be at a disadvantage compared with candidates that have (for example) MCSE & CCNA.
If CompTIA listed their backing companies so employers can see that Microsoft and Cisco back the CompTIA (if indeed they do) then the CompTIA would be worth something: but they don’t, so it isn’t worth jack squat.
Hi Ernie,
Thanks for your opinion! We’re always happy to hear it
I would like to know why you think that CompTIA certifications need to be “backed” by MS or Cisco… is the fact that both Microsoft and Cisco recognize and give credit for CompTIA certifications in their curriculum not enough?
You call me naive, but I wrote this post after talking to dozens of IT professionals who started their careers with CompTIA certifications and have progressed their careers to Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, etc. And guess what, they continue to recommend CompTIA certs to other aspiring IT pros.
I admit, CompTIA certifications are not for everyone, but for those starting their careers in IT they are a great way of breaking in. If you don’t believe me, do what I did and talk to IT pros who have the certs and see what they say.
I have achieved several advanced industry certifications over the years, but I still include my A+, Network +, and my Security + certification on my resume. They have always made a difference in opening up the door of opportunity. Even though I am CISSP Certified, I still went and sat for the Security + certification.
Now is the best attending colleges classes or get a cert.i have a National diploma in A+&N+ from a colleges.tell me what is the best for me to do next i would like to do more in Networking.plz anyone with advise he/she is welcom
I have a national Diploma in A+ & N+ i would like to further into IT what is the best the cert or attend again the colleges classes.plz any one with advise he/she welcome.thanx
jobs employers in nigeria will jump at these certificates you guys have if there is no job over there fly down,apply to glo,mtn etc
Kasia:
You might be victim of confirmation bias: you asked those who got into the positions, but you haven’t asked the rest who made a difference in their resume.
Obviously this is not a scientific research, so I don’t expect it to be exhaustive, but to be absolutely impartial I guess that it is needed to be some counterbalancing.
In a random sample of people, is the certification really making a difference?
very biased article. but i consider the source. you interviewed IT professionals, but how many were employers? CompTIA certs are worthless to the employers i have ever interviewed for. some have even gone as far to advise me against getting any more than what i already have. it proves nothing. anyone can go to a test collection website and get the actual answers to these cert exams. instead of interviewing “IT Professionals” (lol) go interview actual employers. trust me – they don’t care about certs.
Many jobs (including mine) require one or more CompTIA certs.
Even with an MCITP and MCSA from Microsoft, I wouldn’t have my current job without my Security+ cert.
Bottom line, there are tens of thousands of jobs that you can’t get unless you get one or more CompTIA certs. I highly recommend going further than just CompTIA certification, but anyone saying these certs make no difference is demonstrably wrong.
“Everyone and their Grandma has one …”
Isn’t that true for every CPA, doctor, and lawyer too?
I hate to say it also, but employers here (Jacksonville, FL) also don’t look highly upon the Comptia certs. I landed my current job as a tech due to my experience in the field, not certifications. One potential employer actually told me the certs I had from Comptia proves that I won’t “drool on the floor”. Shocking? I agree with them.