#A+, #Net+, #jobexperience, #certifications, #careeradvice
🔍 Is the A+ useless if you have Net+ and job experience?
If you’re someone who’s already earned the CompTIA Net+ certification and gained valuable job experience in the IT field, you might be wondering if pursuing the A+ certification is even worth it. In this article, we’ll delve into whether the A+ is indeed useless if you have Net+ and job experience, and whether employers really value the A+ certification.
## Understanding the A+ and Net+ certifications
Before we dive into the question at hand, it’s essential to understand what the A+ and Net+ certifications entail.
### A+ certification
– The A+ certification is a foundational certification for IT professionals, covering essential skills in areas such as hardware, networking, mobile devices, and troubleshooting.
– It is widely recognized as a benchmark for entry-level IT positions and is often recommended for those seeking to validate their knowledge and skills in IT support roles.
### Net+ certification
– The Net+ certification, on the other hand, focuses specifically on networking technologies, including configuring and managing wired and wireless networks, understanding network security, and troubleshooting network problems.
– It is designed for individuals looking to establish a career in network administration or support roles.
## The value of job experience
Having job experience in the IT field is undeniably valuable, as it provides practical exposure to real-world scenarios and challenges. If you’ve already gained hands-on experience through internships, help desk roles, or other related positions, it’s a testament to your skills and capabilities.
## Do employers really want to see the A+?
So, circling back to the original question – is the A+ useless if you have Net+ and job experience, and do employers truly value the A+ certification? Let’s break it down.
### The role of certifications
– Certifications such as the A+ and Net+ serve as a way to validate your knowledge and skills in specific areas of IT. While job experience is highly regarded, certifications can provide a standardized measure of your proficiency and expertise.
– Employers often look for a combination of relevant certifications and job experience when considering candidates for IT roles. Having certifications can demonstrate your dedication to continuous learning and professional development.
### Industry demands and job requirements
– In some cases, specific job roles or companies may list the A+ certification as a requirement or preference in their job postings. This indicates that employers do value the A+ certification and view it as an asset when evaluating candidates.
– Additionally, certain government or corporate contracts may stipulate the need for employees to hold specific certifications, including the A+.
### Competitive advantage
– While job experience is invaluable, adding the A+ certification to your credentials can set you apart from other candidates who only possess job experience or a single certification. It showcases a broader skill set and a deeper understanding of foundational IT concepts.
## Combining Net+ and A+ certifications
Instead of viewing the A+ as redundant if you already have the Net+ and job experience, consider the potential benefits of combining both certifications.
### Holistic knowledge base
– Earning the A+ in addition to the Net+ can provide a more comprehensive understanding of IT fundamentals, including hardware, networking, and troubleshooting. This well-rounded knowledge base can be advantageous in various IT roles.
### Career flexibility
– By holding multiple certifications, you enhance your versatility and open up opportunities in different areas of IT. For example, while the Net+ may align with a networking-focused career path, the A+ can broaden your options for IT support roles or entry-level positions.
### Continuing education and advancement
– Pursuing the A+ certification can also serve as a stepping stone for further advancement in your IT career. It can lay the groundwork for pursuing higher-level certifications or transitioning into specialized IT domains.
## Final thoughts
In conclusion, while the A+ may not be “useless” if you have the Net+ and job experience, its value ultimately depends on your career goals, the specific job market, and the industry demands in your area. Employers do recognize the A+ certification as a valuable credential, and combining it with the Net+ can strengthen your professional profile.
As you consider your next steps in your IT career, weigh the potential benefits of adding the A+ certification to your repertoire. Whether it’s for meeting job requirements, standing out in a competitive job market, or expanding your knowledge base, the A+ can be a valuable asset in your journey.
Remember, certifications and job experience complement each other, and the combination of both can position you as a well-rounded and qualified candidate in the IT industry.
Yes. It is useless. A+ gets you to help desk jobs. You’re already there
I’d say not worth it unless you find an employer that wants to pay for your exams, A+ itself is just a way to show you know basics, but work experience > cert.
Yes. You are ready for the helpdesk.
Maybe, I learned the most basic knowledge on how computers work studying for A+ (way back in the day). I did A+, Net+, and security + in a single year then pursued CCNA.
So if you don’t care about the knowledge then I guess it makes sense to skip.
No reason to get the A+ at this point. Any employer that wants to require it in your situation isn’t going to be worth working for.
If your experience reflects the knowledge and skills of an A+ cert, I see no reason to get one. Word your resume to reflect the things you’ve done to demonstrate you know your stuff.
A+ = putting together PCs and general troubleshooting
Net+ = the basic concepts of networks without practice.
I got my A+ at 19. I didn’t have references, resume experience, or anything official to start with. I had been programming and putting together PCs since I was 14, but I needed it to just get my foot in the door. This was 1999.
Today, the world is very different. A+ doesn’t mean what it use to mean. Most people put PCs together as a well documented and celebrated hobby rather than work.
No one has asked for A+ since 2009ish. I mean, it’s not a bad thing. But it really is a “high school equivilency” of common computer knowledge.
If you want to do it, do it. It won’t give you a competitive advantage. I would just get a study series from UDemy and just run through the lessons on turbo. That may cost you $40. Better than $500. Don’t bother doing the exam cram. It’s rote memorization you’ll forget in 3 weeks.
A+ is useless. How useless?
All certs before 2011 are permanent. That includes A+/N+/Sec+.
All CompTia+ certs after 2011, require recertification.
It makes sense that recertification is a thing, but the certification itself is proved worthless by CompTia+ trying to make it more and less. Basically whatever they want. They can change it to juggling elephants, and everyone certified before the change, are now certified elephant jugglers…
CompTIA+ certs are garbage. Skip them. Get a CCNA, at least you can be considered entry level and be baseline employable. For a lower cost, almost equivalent self study timeframe.
It’s not useless, the A+ has some niche applications in security but that’s about it. If you want to do Desktop Support it’ll be good too since Desktop Support has some focuses on hardware too.
When I was on the service desk with two years of experience a Net+ AND a fucking MCSA:Win 10, HR wouldn’t let them promote me to senior helpdesk without the A+. Worked out though because they bumped me to Cloud Engineer.
Learn what you can from A+ but don’t take test. Not necessarily useless but it’s used to get you into IT, if you already in all that matters is the experience and skillset. If you have the Net+ I’d go for something like CCNA or security+.
Just depends on which route you want to take.
I just have a Sec+ and Itilv4 cert. I got a helpdesk job at a bank, then a startup company we built a noc/helpdesk from scratch, now I’m starting tomorrow as a Sr Noc analyst at a hospital. I’m gonna go for my az-104 next and then do net+ and A+ because the trifecta is just a personal goal. Also, I have experience in all as 2 years ago I did an IT bootcamp that takes you through training for all of it. The trifecta is just a personal goal of mine
Useless is a harsh word.
I just finished the A+ for WGU and I learned some stuff I didn’t know before even though I already have my CCNA and two years of IT experience. *I even use some of the stuff I learned in my job now*.
I think it’s good to get your A+ if it’s paid for by someone else; however, If you’re not going for entry level IT, it doesn’t help much beyond being a bit of fluff on the good ole CV.
Also as a note, I think the A+ either got harder or has more material than it did before, because it was only a little bit easier than my CCNA. If I was going in with no IT experience I would argue that it’s almost as hard.
I can’t see it increasing your salary or job prospects with that profile.
If your employer pays for it, get it.
The A+ is great if you want to get college credits for your IT work and are heading to a CIS or (in rare cases at some schools) a CS degree. I received 4 credits toward my BSc with my A+. The same goes for companies that pay you for more for earning certs, especially given that it is not too difficult (but there is a lot of minutiae we never use in the test, too).
But, it really is useless if you have the basic knowledge and skills it represents and if there is no other benefit from it. So, YMMV.
It depends on what you’re wanting to do. Some jobs may list it as a qualification, some might not.
Personally, I think A+ is a good cert to get. If you’re new to IT since it exposed you to all aspects of it and you can get an idea of where you want to go from there.
Having worked a help desk and being a team lead, I’ve seen a lot of people who basically memorized answer dumps to get sec+, but didn’t have the troubleshooting, logic, or background knowledge to be more independent in solving customer problems.