How To Start A Career In The Computer Field

By Chris Bryant

If you’re considering a career working in Information Technology – a fancy way of saying “working with computers” – congratulations! I can tell you from personal experience that it’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. I can also tell you from personal experience that it is never too late to begin!

I started my IT career 10 years ago, and it was a tough decision. I was 34 years old, and really knew next to nothing about computers. I decided to attend a technical school to get my career started, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Ten years later, I write ebooks and teach classes dealing with different facets of networking, I’ve earned the most difficult computer certification in the world, and I’ve never been happier. The same thing can happen for you.

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A Plus Training – What You Need to Know

If you work in IT and you are looking for a recognised and valuable qualification, the CompTIA A+ certification is something you will definitely have heard of. It is the Industry standard qualification for computer technicians and some companies and organisation even have it as a prerequisite for working for them. Needless to say, CompTIA A+ training and certification can help you greatly, but what is really involved.

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A+ Training 2009 – Keeping Your Qualification Up-to-Date

CompTIA A+ certification has been around since 1993 and over that time there have been four different systems of examination for it. The latest A+ examination, the 2009 edition, is split into two separate exams. The last edition, 2006, is still available, but is in the process of being phased out. If you have already gained 2006 A+ certification then it is possible to update you qualification with a bridge exam. If you have an older certification or you are training for your first A+ certification, then both of the 2009 exams are necessary.

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4 Reasons to Get CompTIA Certifications

If you are pursuing a career in the information technology field, chances are you will need to obtain some kind of IT certification in order to qualify for a job. There are many IT certification options out there, so sometimes it can be difficult to choose which one is best for you. The Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) offers a wide variety of certification exams which are well regarded in the information technology sector as a reliable indicator of employee qualification. There are lots of compelling reasons to get a CompTIA certification. Here are just a few:

1. CompTIA A+ certification is the gold standard of IT certifications.

If you’re just starting out in IT, chances are you will need to obtain your A+ certification at some point. This certification covers the absolute basics of computer technology. By obtaining this credential, you prove to prospective employers that you have the necessary knowledge to install software and hardware, perform preventative maintenance, do basic computer networking, and have a clear understanding of computer security essentials. The CompTIA A+ certification is also a prerequisite for a whole host of other certifications offered by CompTIA and other credentialing organizations. If you don’t get your CompTIA A+, you won’t be able to move on to more advanced certifications and job openings with greater levels of responsibility.

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CompTIA Amends it’s Recertification Policy

Close on the heels of releasing detailed information on its  recertification policy for A+, Network+, and Security+, CompTIA has rescinded the original plans. The most controversial part of the new program was the requirement for’ individuals who though they already had a lifetime certification from CompTIA to recertify or lose it. Under the modified plan, individuals who already have these certifications will keep them, without any renewal requirements, as will anyone who earns CompTIA’s  A+, Network+, or Security+ by December 31, 2010. All certifications earned after that will come with the required 3 year renewal plan announced earlier. This change in strategy will no doubt elicit a sigh of relief from many IT pros. You can read about the original CompTIA recertification plan here.