A+ Certification Jobs

A widely acknowledged certification for entry-level service computer technicians that has gained prominence over the years is that of A+ certifications. Those who seek A+ certifications are trained in installing, configuring, upgrading, troubleshooting, and repairing computers. A+ certifications in itself is a valuable computer certification that not only helps you to supplement your income by getting employed in A+ certification jobs, but also provides you a very solid foundation for any advanced certifications.

Sponsors

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), with its motto, "Advancing the Global IT Industry", is a non-trade association, created in 1982. Over the years, it has gone through several modifications and it sponsors the A+ certifications, besides numerous other IT certifications, like technical instruction, eCommerce and network.

Owing to industry specific education and training modules, A+ certification jobs have been in demand. CompTIA came with its program of A+ certificate exams in the year 1993. Since then, the exam conducting approach has seen many variations. As per the latest, 2009 exam version approach, candidates sitting for A+ certification exams have to pass two exams, viz., Essentials and Practical Application. After passing these exams, candidates can get A+ certification jobs in the computer service sector.

Eligibility

Obtaining A+ certification is all about your interest in the computer field and your knowledge in this field. The A+ program is generally meant for IT professionals who have nearly 500 hours of work experience and a basic understanding of software, operating systems, and PC hardware working. Knowledge and awareness about antivirus software, anti-spyware software etc., is an added advantage. The exam is a computer based test conducted by leading online testing firms like Pearson VUE and Prometric testing centers.

Career opportunities after getting A+ certifications are bright as these certificates are acknowledged over a large domain and range of Information Technology market.

Cost

Since A+ certifications are very popular, their costs have gone up in the recent years. For a single test you may have to pay nearly US$128 to US$150. More than the test taking cost, there are various other parameters on which overall expenses of your preparation may depend.

Your method of preparing for the exam also adds to your budget. Many candidates who have good knowledge and interest in computer hardware and software can prepare on their own and save money. However, if you're not brushed up with your basics, you must join a good training institute that will help you to get acquainted with the exam pattern.

Since the Internet itself is a pool of knowledge,you can choose to learn from several online programs. The A+ certificate training program is carried for 3 - 4 days. The entire A+ certification cost lies between US$300 to US$500 per day per head. However, depending on your agency offering the course and other parameters, the cost can vary.

Those candidates who're willing to prepare on their own can buy quality books available in the market after consultation with people, relative, friends or colleagues who've given similar certification exams. There are plethora of books available in the market that come in a single package along with CDs and interactive Video CDs to help candidates prepare religiously for these exams.

The A+ certifications jobs pay scale is between US$35,000 to US$60,000. However, experience in this field is vital to cross the US$50,000 mark. Moreover, the better a computer nerd you're, more will be your chances of earning a decent pay scale.

A+ certification jobs provide good background for further advancement in certification courses of IT, that in itself is a good achievement for a fresher in this field. As you gain experience, you can also do several certificate courses offered by software development biggies.