Does an A+ certification mean anything anymore?

Yes, a CompTIA A+ certification still means something, especially as a valuable entry-level credential to get your foot in the door for help desk, desktop support, and other foundational IT roles, proving basic knowledge, but it's often not enough on its own in competitive markets; you need to combine it with experience (like call center work) and further certs (Network+, Security+) for career growth.

Does an A+ certification mean anything anymore?

The short answer is yes, the A+ is still one of the most valuable certifications for people getting started in entry-level IT roles. It teaches you the fundamentals every aspiring IT professional needs to know, and then certifies your knowledge in a formal credential that shows employers you know your stuff.

What are the three types of certification?

The three main types of professional certifications are Corporate (Internal), which are company-specific; Product-Specific, focusing on particular software or tools; and Industry-Wide, recognized across an entire field for broader career advancement, with examples including PMP for project management or AWS for cloud skills. Other categorizations exist, like those based on validation (first, second, third-party) or certificate vs certification, but the corporate, product, and industry split is common for professional development. 

Does an A+ certification expire?

Your CompTIA A+ certification is good for three years from the date you pass your certification exam. Through our continuing education program, you can easily renew CompTIA A+ and extend it for three years. Read on to learn more about the certification period and how to renew CompTIA A+.

What kind of jobs can I get with an A+ certification?

Other top CompTIA A+ job titles

• Field technician.
• Tier I support specialist.
• Desktop support specialist.
• Associate network engineer.
• Systems support technician.
• Junior systems administrator.
• Service desk analyst.
• Technical support specialist.

CompTia A+ in 2 WEEKS! (or Less)

Is A+ certification worth IT?

Yes, CompTIA A+ is generally considered worth it for those entering the IT field, acting as a recognized industry standard for foundational skills in hardware, software, networking, and security, making it excellent for landing entry-level help desk or support roles and providing a valuable stepping stone for further specialization, though soft skills and hands-on experience are also crucial for success. 

Is CompTIA still worth IT in 2025?

Yes, CompTIA certifications remain highly relevant in 2025, especially for foundational IT roles like Help Desk (A+), Networking (Network+), and Security (Security+), acting as crucial entry points and building blocks for broader IT careers, with updates like the A+ launch in March 2025 ensuring they cover evolving tech, although some argue for more advanced certs for senior roles. 

Can I put expired certifications on my resume?

Expired certifications can be relevant if they demonstrate long-term expertise or foundational skills, but make sure to clearly indicate their expired status. If the expired certification is no longer relevant to your current career path, it's best to leave it off your resume.

Is CompTIA A+ difficult to pass?

The CompTIA A+ is moderately difficult, challenging but achievable, especially for beginners, due to its broad scope covering hardware, networking, security, and troubleshooting across two exams with tricky performance-based questions, requiring hands-on practice and dedicated study to master the extensive material and time pressure. It's not overwhelmingly hard but requires understanding concepts and applying knowledge, not just memorization.
 

Which certification is most in demand?

The "most demanding" certification varies by field, but top contenders known for difficulty and high reward include the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) for cybersecurity, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) for finance, and specialized cloud/AI certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or the new AWS Certified Generative AI Developer, reflecting high demand in cloud, security, and AI. Project Management Professional (PMP) is also highly valued but more accessible, while skilled trades like Master Electrician/Plumber certifications are extremely demanding practically, notes Research.com. 

What is the hardest certification to get?

Top 10 Toughest Exams in the United States

• USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) ...
• Uniform Bar Examination/ California Bar. ...
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Exam. ...
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Exam. ...
• NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) ...
• GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

What is the easiest certification to get that pay well?

The easiest well-paying certifications often fall into quick-entry fields like Healthcare (Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, CNA), IT Support (Google IT, CompTIA), and some Trades/Logistics (HVAC, CDL, Forklift), offering fast entry into roles with salaries often starting from the mid-$30k to $50k+ range, with potential for growth into higher earnings. The "easiest" depends on your aptitude, but short-term programs (weeks to months) are available for many of these, providing good return on time invested. 

How to put A+ on a resume?

Your certification is integral to optimizing your CompTIA A+ resume and needs highlighting. Include it in your summary and cover it in your skills section. Use a dedicated certifications section where you list your certifications and any relevant details about what you covered.

Can I still take the old CompTIA A+ exam?

Students who wish to sit the current A+ exams, have until 25th September 2025 to complete both of their exams. This includes first-time exam takers and re-sits, as the current exams will no longer be available after this date.

What is the 7 second rule in resume?

The "7-second resume rule" means recruiters often spend only about 7 seconds on an initial scan to decide if a resume warrants a closer look, making it crucial to have a highly scannable, keyword-rich, and accomplishment-focused document to pass both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human eyes quickly. To pass this test, focus on a clear design, use bolded keywords and metrics (numbers/percentages) in concise, action-verb-led bullet points, and tailor everything to the specific job description to highlight your unique value and fit.
 

What are red flags on resumes?

Resume red flags are warning signs like typos, unexplained employment gaps, frequent job hopping, and unprofessional emails, indicating a lack of attention to detail or commitment, while focusing only on duties without quantifiable achievements suggests a candidate might not understand impact. Key issues include poor formatting, lack of tailoring to the job, vague descriptions, and a generic feel, signaling a candidate isn't serious or capable.
 

What are 2025 resume buzzwords to avoid?

For 2025 resumes, avoid generic buzzwords like hardworking, team player, results-driven, passionate, and proven track record, as recruiters prefer concrete, quantified achievements (e.g., "Reduced costs by 15%") over self-proclaimed traits, using action verbs like "Implemented" or "Achieved" to show impact instead of just stating qualities or duties.
 

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

Yes, earning $200,000 a year in cybersecurity is absolutely achievable, especially in senior, specialized, or high-demand roles like CISO, Security Architect, Lead Security Engineer, Cloud Security Engineer, Sales Engineer, or penetration testers in large companies or high-cost-of-living areas, often requiring significant experience, advanced skills (coding, cloud, leadership), and sometimes certifications, with top earners exceeding this significantly. 

Do employers care about CompTIA A+?

Many companies recognize CompTIA A+ as a baseline certification for entry-level IT jobs, and some even require it for these positions. However, it's essential to consider that while CompTIA A+ can help you get your foot in the door, gaining experience and continuing education will be crucial for career growth.

What is the best certification to get in 2025?

The below professional certifications could elevate your career in 2025 and beyond:

1. Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ...
2. Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) ...
3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA) ...
4. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) ...
5. CompTIA A+ ...
6. Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications.

Is CompTIA A+ really hard?

The CompTIA A+ is moderately difficult, challenging but achievable, especially for beginners, due to its broad scope covering hardware, networking, security, and troubleshooting across two exams with tricky performance-based questions, requiring hands-on practice and dedicated study to master the extensive material and time pressure. It's not overwhelmingly hard but requires understanding concepts and applying knowledge, not just memorization.
 

What's the salary with a CompTIA cert?

The median annual salary ranges between $60,000 and $62,000 2220. Surprisingly, salaries can reach $70,000 for those with comptia certification jobs and specialized experience 5. Geographic location subsequently impacts earnings, with metropolitan areas typically offering higher compensation.

Is A+ certification still a thing?

A+ Core 1 & 2 V15. Start your tech career with CompTIA A+, the industry standard certification for entry-level roles. Trusted by employers worldwide, A+ builds foundational skills in hardware, software, networking, troubleshooting, and security.