6 Reasons You Should Earn the New CompTIA A+

Every release of a new CompTIA A+ version opens the debate about the value of the certification. It’s one of those topics that splits industry professionals. Even in 2019.

Many people say that it is not worth the time and expense of achieving certification status. Others seem to think that it is an absolute necessity for anyone getting into the IT industry. The truth, like so many things, is probably somewhere closer to the middle.

Let’s take a closer look at the arguments for and against this entry-level certification — and discuss six reasons (in no particular order) why you should earn the new CompTIA A+ certification.

1. Earning the new CompTIA A+ certification helps you get past HR bots

Some naysayers might claim that the new A+ is only good for checking a box when you apply for jobs. But HR scanning software can be hard enough to beat. So, who wouldn’t want to have any kind of advantage?

Being CompTIA A+ certified is definitely worth it when it comes to landing entry-level jobs. It is recognized as one of the very first certifications that prospective IT pros should obtain. It validates enough general knowledge and skills about computers and networking to be useful. It is not intended as a super certification that trumps experience, but it shows employers two things.

First, you are willing to learn and advance your career. Second, it shows that you have the ability to study and pass an exam. Like it or not, certifications are a part of the job.

Believe it or not, earning CompTIA A+ places you above non-certification holders. That’s nothing to take for granted if you are just starting out. Having the A+ can help you land entry-level IT jobs like desktop support or help desk tech.

The new CompTIA A+ is a good place to start. It provides the foundational knowledge for bigger and better roles further down the line. The A+ even has the DoD stamp of approval, if you’re thinking about working for the U.S. government.

2. The new CompTIA A+certification proves you know IT fundamentals

A+ critics say the exam is only good as a basic IT competency check. But that seems like a good thing?  While it’s true A+ certification won’t land you a senior role or coveted technical position, it definitely has its place in your certification toolbox.

If you’re coming into IT without experience, studying for exams help you learn the basics. The A+ exam might only be 90 questions, but you obviously don’t know which questions. It’s like the trick where the teacher or instructor allows a cheat sheet for an exam. By the time you’ve created the cheat sheet, you don’t need it.

For tinkerers, the A+ will be a little easier — and it will help validate your knowledge. If you’ve already been building PCs and installing operating systems, then you’d easily pass the 700-series exams from years ago. But the latest A+ exams released this month covers IT security, cloud concepts, and scripting that a hobbyist might not have touched yet.

It’s easier to get a job with a certification. Passing the new CompTIA A+ confirms you know your stuff in an industry-approved way. Hobbyist experience is great. You’ll certainly thrive in a support role, but that experience won’t hold the same authority on a resume compared to A+ certification. Certifications are a basic competency assurance for an employer. And that’s exactly what a person needs if they have no experience in IT.