CompTIA A+ Intro
CompTIA A+ certified professionals are proven
problem solvers. They support today’s core
technologies from security to cloud to data
management and more. CompTIA A+ is the
industry standard for launching IT careers
into today’s digital world and is the preferred
qualifying credential for technical support
and IT operational roles.
VALUE Prop 1 (Career Changer/Student)
CompTIA A+ validates fundamental IT knowledge
including networking, operating systems and security,
as well developing problem-solving skills needed for
entry-level technical support careers.
VALUE Prop 2 (Employer)
CompTIA A+ ensures service desk and IT support staff have
the skills and training required to perform entry-level job
tasks including: identifying IT issues, problem-solving and
securing end-points. A+ is also the building block towards
meaningful career progression.
Accredited by ANSI to show compliance with the ISO 17024
Standard. It is also approved by the DoD for Directive
8140/8570.01-M.
Key Differentiators:
• A+ is the only industry recognized credential with
performance-based items to prove pros can think on their
feet to perform critical IT support tasks in the moment.
• A+ is trusted by employers around the world to identify
qualified job candidates in end-point IT management &
technical support roles.
• A+ is regularly revised by IT experts to ensure that it vali-
dates core skills and abilities demanded in the workplace.
BATTLE CARD
Job Roles:
• Field Service Technician
• Help Desk Technician
• Technical Support Specialist
• Desktop Support Administrator
• Service Desk Technician
• Associate Network Engineer
• Data Support Technician
Companies that Endorse A+:
• BlueCross BlueShield
• Dell
• HP
• Intel
• Nissan
• Ricoh
Skills and Competencies Acquired:
• Support basic infrastructure
• Configure and support devices
and peripherals
• Implement data backup and
management best practices
• Demonstrate baseline
security skills
• Troubleshoot and problem
solve support challenges
Additional Selling Points:
• CompTIA certifications mean proven competency on the job.
• CompTIA performance certifications validate the skills associated
with a particular job or responsibility.
Resources:
• Average Salary:
• Glassdoor.com (https://bit.ly/2GjbGcC): Field Service Technician
• UK ITJobsWatch.co.uk (https://bit.ly/2CYp84a): Field Service Technician
• A+ Additional Information:
CompTIA.org/certifications/a
• Recommended Pathways:
CompTIA.org/certifications/which-certification
• Posts: https://bit.ly/32Hmnzo
JAN 2020
CompTIA A+ (220-1001 & 220-1002 Core Series)
Competitors
Microsoft (MCSA)
Microsoft (MTA
Infrastructure)
By the Numbers:
• 1 in 10 U.S. IT job postings include A+ as a qualifying credential.
• 35K U.S. IT job ads posted annually include A+ as a job requirement.
• Over 1.2 million A+ certified professionals.
Benefits:
Candidate: CompTIA A+ opens many avenues for career development.
IT- certified pros can end up working in cybersecurity, network engineering,
network administration, business analysis or data analytics.
Employers: Certified employees can address complex IT issues, as well as
be the frontline defence for security concerns, allowing for problems to
have immediate resolution rather than being escalated.
Talking Points / A+ Advantages
• MCSA focuses on Microsoft specific products, while A+ certified pros are better equipped
to solve a variety of issues and support many critical teams.
• Unlike A+, MTA has minimal presence in job ads.
