The CompTIA A+ qualification is the perfect starting point for anyone who is looking to start their I.T. career. Before we go into just a selected few roles which you can apply for it’s essential to quickly recap exactly what you’ll learn with the qualification and the skills you’ll obtain.
After taking the CompTIA A+ exam, an individual would be able to do the following:
- Troubleshoot common problems to diagnose and resolve issues
- Configure end-user devices, software and network connections
- Perform basic cybersecurity mitigations
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of scripting, the cloud and virtualization
It’s hardly surprising that there are countless companies looking to hire qualified professionals (with the CompTIA A+) who can troubleshoot and problem solve a wider variety of issues.
If you earn CompTIA A+, we focused on 3 of the roles which we feel are best suited, and which we’ve had excellent success in helping our students gain employment within (the good news is though that there are plenty of other variations of such roles)
1. Helpdesk Technician
If you like to solve technical issues and work with people, then a Helpdesk Technician role might be the career for you.
A Helpdesk Technician may have the following responsibilities:
- Diagnosing and solving computer issues
- Installing and training end users in new technologies
- Providing remote technical support over the phone or internet
- Backing up and restoring data files
- Repairing hardware and configuring software to maintain operating systems
2. IT Specialist
If you like working with people and computers and enjoy the challenges that come with problem solving, then a career as an IT Specialist may be for you.
An IT Specialist may have the following responsibilities:
- Installing and configuring computer hardware, software, systems, networks, printers and scanners
- Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks
- Responding in a timely manner to service issues and requests
- Providing technical support across the company (this may be in person or over the phone)
- Setting up accounts for new users
- Repairing and replacing equipment as necessary
- Testing new technology
- Possibly training more junior staff members
3. Field Service Technician
If your excitement for technology intersects with your love of helping people, then Field Service Technician could be the right career for you.
A Field Service Technician is responsible for analyzing, troubleshooting and evaluating technology issues in the field. This role generally supports external clients or end users in the following ways:
- Paying attention to customers’ descriptions of computer problems
- Asking questions to properly diagnose the problem
- Walking customers through the recommended problem-solving steps
- Setting up or repairing computer equipment and related devices
- Training users to work with new computer hardware or software
- Documenting changes, revisions and problems
- Providing information to other team members and managers
- Making data easily accessible to those who need it
4. Technical Support Specialist
If you enjoy problem solving and being part of the bigger picture of success, then being a Technical Support Specialist could be your next move.
A Technical Support Specialist does a range of tasks, from installing software to setting up computer workspaces, you will also be tasked with solving technical issues that arise on a day-to-day basis. Other responsibilities can include the following:
- Maintaining system capability by testing computer components
- Training users on proper use of hardware and software
- Documenting hardware and software changes, revisions and problems
- Testing an organizations’ existing equipment and programs and trying out new systems and software to see if the organization would benefit from them
- Clearly communicating with managers and co-workers to ensure understanding of the proper use of technology and any troubleshooting that may be needed
If you want to land one of these jobs, CompTIA A+ can get your foot in the door and lead you to your dream career.
To find out more, reach out to our team of Career Advisors who can help you plan for an I.T. career.