CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT and is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles. Companies like Intel, Dell, Ricoh, Nissan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and HP look for the CompTIA A+ certification when hiring IT support specialists, IT field service technicians, desktop support analysts, and help desk tier 2 support.
Having IT certifications makes a great first impression when looking for a job. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), 96% of human resources managers use IT certifications as screening or hiring criteria during recruitment.* Learn more about all the places your career can go with CompTIA certifications.
If you're looking to get into IT, keep reading to learn more about the types of entry-level jobs for which CompTIA A+ validates the skills.
What is an IT support specialist?
The IT support team maintains the computer networks for all types of organizations, providing technical support and ensuring the company runs smoothly.
An IT support 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 promptly 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
There are also several qualities that candidates should display:
- A technical, logical thought process
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to stick to strict deadlines
- Ability to prioritize and delegate
- A keen eye for detail
What is a help desk technician?
A help desk 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
A help desk technician must have both hard and soft skills because the position requires a solid technical understanding and the ability to communicate clearly with others. For example, when a user has a question, the help desk technician must be able to diagnose the IT issue, identify a solution, and then explain it to the user.
Read more about the daily life of a help desk technician here.
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
- Field service technician
- Data support technician
- Desktop support administrator
- End-user computing technician
- System support specialist
Other employers that recommend or require CompTIA A+ certification
- Best Buy/Geek Squad
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Canon
- Dell
- General Dynamics
- HP
- Intel
- Nissan
- Ricoh
- Sharp
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- Verizon • Wells Fargo
Ready for a career in IT?
CompTIA A+ is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles and will help you launch your IT career – it's about much more than PC repair. Click here to learn more about CompTIA A+ and how it can help you get started.
We've made it easy to start planning your path in IT. Begin by reading up on the important steps toward your certification.
CompTIA now offers a set of comprehensive learning resources that include books, eLearning, labs, and exam prep software. These resources are developed in-house by CompTIA based on feedback we hear from learners like you. Learn more about exam training options for CompTIA A+ that have been designed to fit your particular learning style and schedule, many of which may be combined as you prepare for your exam.
There's a wealth of information to take you all the way from deciding if CompTIA A+ is right for you to take your exam. We're with you every step of the way!