- Getting Ready and the Exam Preparation Checklist
- Tips for Taking the Real Exam
- Beyond the CompTIA A+ Certification
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Beyond the CompTIA A+ Certification
A person who passes the CompTIA A+ exams will be certified for three years. To maintain the certification beyond that time, you must either pass the new version of the exams (before the three years is up), pass a higher-level CompTIA exam (such as the Security+ exam), or enroll in the CompTIA Continuing Education Program. This program has an annual fee and requires that you obtain Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that count toward recertification. There are a variety of ways to accumulate CEUs. See CompTIA’s website for more information: https://www.comptia.org/continuing-education.
After you pass the exams, consider thinking about your technical future. It’s important to keep up with new technology and keep your technical skills sharp, and technical growth is important as well. Consider expanding your technical horizons by learning different technologies.
Usually, companies wait at least six months before implementing new operating systems and other applications on a large scale, but you will have to deal with new technology sooner or later—most likely sooner. Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS are always coming out with new versions. Consider keeping up with the newest versions and obtaining access to the latest software and operating systems. Practice installing, configuring, testing, securing, maintaining, and troubleshooting them.
To keep on top of the various computer technologies, think about subscribing to technology websites, RSS feeds, and periodicals—and read them on a regular basis. Check out streaming video tech channels on the Internet. Join computer Internet forums and attend technology conventions. A technician’s skills need to be constantly honed and kept up to date.
Information technology (IT) technicians need to keep learning to foster good growth in the field. Consider taking other certification exams after you complete the A+. The CompTIA A+ certification acts as a springboard to other certifications. For example, the CompTIA Security+ certification takes your skills to another level, evaluating your knowledge of how to secure networks, computers, their applications, and especially the data. Now that you know exactly how to go about passing a certification exam, consider earning more certifications to bolster your resume.
The best advice I can give is for you to do what you love. From an IT perspective, I usually break it down by technology, as opposed to by the vendor or certification. For example, you might want to learn more about email systems or securing internetworks or about systems administration or DevOps; or you might prefer to work on databases, build websites, develop apps—who knows! You are limited only by your desire.
I wish you the best of luck on your exams and in your IT career endeavors. Please let me know when you pass your exams. I would love to hear from you! Also, remember that I am available to answer any of your questions about this book via my website: https://dprocomputer.com.
Sincerely,
David L. Prowse