Best Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners

This is the third blog in a series discussing the best cybersecurity certifications for beginners in the Dayton area.

The Information Technology (IT) field is full of high-paying jobs that can lead to very fulfilling careers. With job openings within this industry growing at incredible rates, and median incomes way above that in other industries, there has never been a better time to seek out education within the IT, cybersecurity, and information security fields. Liveabout has an article that does an incredible job of detailing the numerous careers within Information Technology.

Here’s the problem, with so many different types of job opportunities and career paths, what is the best way to get an entry-level job in tech? Giving you time and experience to figure out which path best suits your goals and interests. First and foremost, you have to find a way to stand-out to potential employers. You also need to provide them with validation that you have the foundational knowledge necessary to succeed. Many people seek out degrees from a university to do this, which can definitely be a huge help. But something else you need to invest time in is industry recognized certifications, like the CompTIA A+ certification program.

What is the CompTIA A+ Certification?

When working in the IT arena, there is a vast amount of industry specific information that you have to not only understand, but also know how to implement. Between networking terminology, different types of operating systems, and best troubleshooting practices, having the ability to prove you not only understand these areas, but also that you are competent in supporting tasks related to them, can be incredibly difficult within a resume. That’s why the CompTIA A+ certification, and really any cybersecurity certification within the industry, is so vital. The CompTIA A+ certification is an industry recognized certification that proves you can think on your feet while performing critical IT tasks.

This credential is on the majority of tech support job listings, because it has been proven to validate a candidates foundational understanding of key skills around:

• Hardware
• Operating Systems
• Software Troubleshooting
• Networking
• Troubleshooting
• Security
• Mobile Devices
• Virtualization & Cloud Computing
• Operational procedures

What is the benefit of CompTIA A+ certification?

When looking at the benefit of CompTIA A+ certification, or really any certification, we truly just need to understand the value. According to the CompTIA Website, “The performance-based exams certify that you have obtained the foundational IT skills across numerous devices and operating systems.” This certification provides a pathway into in-demand job roles within the cybersecurity and IT related fields. It covers all of the essential areas within IT, to truly create a foundation to build on. This foundation is not only in developing your knowledge and understanding of IT related concepts, but also in establishing hands-on experience in implementing that knowledge.

As an added bonus, CompTIA A+ holds ISO/ANSI accreditation status, meaning that it is a certification that companies worldwide can trust. Which truly provides opportunities for you across the globe.

Can I get a job with the CompTIA A+ certification? 

There are very few credentials that are enough by themselves to guarantee a job. The same can be said with any cybersecurity certification. It’s just one piece of a very important puzzle. Most employers are looking at two very key things when inspecting talent:

• Education/Knowledge
• Experience

When looking for a job, including in IT, you have to find a way to highlight these two very important areas. Neither one is more important than the other, so you can’t put all your eggs in either basket. The key here is finding a way to increase both areas simultaneously, and then highlighting those accomplishments when talking to employers.

But here is why the CompTIA A+ certification can be a pivotal piece, it can help support both of those key areas. In order to pass the CompTIA A+ exam, and obtain your certification, you have to start by proving you understand the knowledge contained within the exam. Which covers the first key point. But it’s not just about answering questions, you also have to perform tasks during the exam that simulate real-life scenarios that you would encounter on the job. Which covers the second key point. That’s why the CompTIA A+ certification appears on more tech support job listings than any other IT credential. It’s also why this certification is trusted by so many companies within the industry.

What jobs can I get with CompTIA A+?

The CompTIA A+ certification can be the ideal route when looking at entry-level jobs within the IT industry. Some of these roles include:

• IT Support Specialist
• Help Desk Technician
• Field Services
• Associate Network Engineer
• Systems Support Technicians
• Desktop Support

If you are looking to break into the IT Field, these are incredible starting points. As an added bonus, the average salary of a CompTIA A+ holder is $78,629 according to a Dice report, making it a great route to go when looking to begin your career.

Ready to achieve your CompTIA A+ certification?

You can find additional information about CompTIA A+ through our Phishbuster Academy training center. These cybersecurity certification bootcamps are ideal for anyone looking to break into this incredible field quickly. We also have highly effective self-paced programs for those looking to take their time while preparing for this exam. For any questions regarding what certification may be best for your situation, please CONTACT US today.