CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification means more than fixing high end computers. It’s problem solving, troubleshooting, and network building in defense against nefarious attacks.

To become CompTIA A+ certified, learners must complete two tests: Core 1 and Core 2. These exams test the prospect’s knowledge on installing software, connecting to networks, and basic cybersecurity mitigations, as well as basic knowledge of cloud infrastructure. To enroll and take the exams, prices can vary between about $220 and $720, with the latter including study help and including a voucher to retake the exam if necessary.

Those certified with CompTIA A+ often find themselves working in IT support, as a field technician, support specialist, network engineer, or system support technician.

Becoming certified only takes about three months, with certification lasting three years after passing the exams. It’s also possible to extend the certification by continuing with IT education.

Since there is such a range of jobs that CompTIA A+ certified professionals can earn, salaries can vary just as much. At the entry level, support technicians for IT can expect more than $50,000 in annual base salary, while those with five or more years’ experience can surpass $110,000 annually.