#ITSpecialist #APlus #SecPlus #GovernmentJobs
Hey everyone! 👋 I’m in the process of pursuing my bachelors in IT and I’m aiming for a government IT specialist role. I’m torn between whether I should start with A+ or jump straight into studying for Security+.
Here are some points to consider:
– A+ is a great foundation for IT fundamentals and can help you build a strong base of knowledge.
– Security+ is a requirement for many government IT positions and focusing on it early could save you time in the long run.
– Think about your career timeline and the urgency of getting a government job – prioritizing Security+ might speed up the process.
In my opinion, since you already have some hands-on experience as a sheetmetal mechanic, you might have a solid foundation to tackle Security+. However, taking A+ could provide you with a more well-rounded understanding of IT concepts.
What do you think? Should I skip A+ and go straight for Sec+? 🤔 Let’s discuss!
I can honestly say my A+ certification has never come up in an interview. I’m not knocking the certification at all, but if you have higher level certs, the A+ becomes irrelevant in most cases. If you’re looking to work for the government, the Sec+ is really all you need to start off with for certs.
My opinion, if you are confident you already have the knowledge tested in the A+, skip it. However, if you’re new to IT and know little, it would probably be a good idea to at least go through the material and get that needed background knowledge before pursuing the Sec+ (this goes for the Network+ as well). Whether or not you get the cert is less relevant.
Probably go sec+; IT degree will make up for it. (I’ve gotten help desk type jobs without an A+ but a degree)
Now if you do get the choice to get A+ and/or Network+ for free, then why not. But if you had to choose one and study for now, Security+.
Maybe wait a year before taking the exam so it doesn’t expire right when you graduate. (Also more time to study) but def do it before the next version of the exam comes out
I still don’t have an A+ but I do watch messers a+ videos in the background as a refresher
A+ is useless. Net+ and Sec+ are way better.
You don’t necessarily have to take the test but going through the material is worth your time depending on your background. It’s considered foundational knowledge and the Sec+ is almost more conceptual than technical. Net+ or CCNA (more in depth) concepts are also good. Sec+ is usually listed last in the trifecta for the old saying of “can’t secure what you don’t understand.”
For what it’s worth, the ‘trifecta’ is a set of stackable certifications through CompTIA. if you start with A+ and then say Net+, that will renew the prior cert and grant you the “IT Operations Specialist” certification. Taking sec+ would then renew the prior two and grant the “Secure Infrastructure Specialist” title. These aren’t as well known or well regarded as just the standard cert names but how they all interact with one another is interesting.
I plan to eventually get the “trifecta”, but I’m mainly wanting to focus on getting sec+ so maybe I get an internship or do a pathway for the government. I’m hoping I already have security clearance I’ll have a leg up on others.
Sec+ is only a requirement for DOD and some intelligence agencies.
As for a security clearance you have to have an actual job that requires one, you can’t get one beforehand.
You can. I did. I cried a lot