What to do after completing a+ certification?

a+ certification job opportunities

7 Important Things To Do After Earning the CompTIA A+

To learn about the CompTIA Network+, see our article here. To see why you may want to take the Security+ before the Network+, see our article here.

If you’ve just passed the CompTIA A+ certification, congratulations.  Earning the A+ takes a lot of effort and is quite an accomplishment. But after you let the feeling of earning your certification settle in, you may be wondering “What’s next?”  It’s understandable to wonder what step you should take after earning your A+ certification.  Let’s take a look at some of the most common options.

So, what should you do after the CompTIA A+?  After passing the CompTIA A+, most people should add their certification to their resume and LinkedIn profile, pursue opportunities to validate and apply their A+ knowledge in a job, internship or volunteer setting, and then assess which certification to complete next, such as the Network+, Security+, CCNA or MCP certifications.

Step #1:  Determine if a raise is available for you

Ideally you looked into this or spoke to your employer before you sat for and earned your A+, but if not, your first step probably should be to look into whether your employer (assuming that you’re working in a technical job) provides a bonus or raise for certifications earned, or if they will reimburse you for the testing fee now that you’ve passed.  Many employers will gladly pay for a certification exam if you pass, and some do have some sort of bonus structure. Keep in mind that if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Either way, if you’re working, it’s probably a good idea to tell your employer that you’re now certified, as that lets them know you’re taking your career seriously, and that you probably have more work options now than you did before you were certified.  

Step #2:  Add A+ to your resume

After you pass the A+ certification, one of your first steps should be to go directly to your resume and add the certification to your list of credentials. CompTIA also gives you the option to add an A+ badge to your resume if you prefer to have that graphic as well.  I don’t know how much employers do or do not notice the badge, so it’s probably just something you should do if you feel like it.

Adding the CompTIA A+ certification to your resume has a nice side benefit.  There is something really powerful in seeing your certification in writing on the same page as your name.  And by adding the A+ certification to your resume right away, you can avoid potentially sending your resume out to an employer later and possibly forgetting that the A+ certification is not listed there.  If you need help with your cyber security resume, check out our helpful hints here.

Step #3:  Add A+ to your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is the modern resume of the working world, and it has become a really powerful headhunting tool.  I know lots of cyber security professionals that have been recruited or have received unsolicited interview offers solely through LinkedIn.  In other words, if you’re getting into cyber security, you need a LinkedIn profile. While you’re at it, add your CompTIA A+ in the certifications section too.  Updating your profile with the A+ will send a notice out to your connections, which is probably the best way to get the word out that you are now A+ certified.

Step #4:  Give yourself some downtime

Studying for and passing any certification is a lot of work.  It takes several weeks or even several months of dedicated, focused study.  One of the best things you can do for yourself to avoid burnout is to take a few weeks off after you earn your certification.  Don’t dive right in and begin studying for your next certification unless you have a work requirement to meet or you’re feeling really energized to move on to the next topic.  For the most part, I recommend that people plan on earning one certification every six months, which means you can afford a little down time before you dive right back in.

Step #5:  Find opportunities to apply your A+ knowledge

It’s important to avoid becoming someone who is only paper certified. Along with your A+ certification, you really need to work to find an opportunity where you can apply and validate your CompTIA A+ knowledge.  Having this additional hands-on experience, which can be added to your resume, is a great supplement to your certification.

If you’re already working in the cyber security or IT field, good for you. Hopefully your work relates in some way to the A+ material and that your employer acknowledges and appreciates your certification.  If you’re not working in the field yet, use this opportunity as a newly A+ certified professional to look for an opportunity to build some experience and validate and apply your skills. This can be a part-time or full-time job, an internship or temporary position, or even a volunteer experience.  The most important thing is that you’re proving that you can actually apply your A+ skill set and that you are doing something that can add to your resume.

Step #6:  Assess if you need non-technical skills

Your technical skills are important, but soft skills are what can make or break your success in a position.  If you are currently working in a cyber security position and have just passed the A+, it’s worth taking a moment to assess if you should shift gears for a while to gain some non-technical experience of some sort.  Would it benefit your career right now if you learned project management or customer service skills? Would you be more likely to get a raise if you took a class on supervising others? Are you required to speak in front of others?  Every position is different, but it is important in technical fields like cyber security to not get laser focused only on attaining technical skills. Give a little thought to what other skills may help you at this point in your career.

Step #7:  Determine your next certification

For most people, the next certification is going to be something networking based.  You can move on to the CompTIA Network+, which CompTIA considers the next step after the A+ certification.  Or you can try a similar networking certification, such as Cisco’s CCNA. Some people shift gears toward software and begin work on Microsoft’s MCP, usually relating to Windows or Windows Server.  Another option, if you are already strong in networking, would be to skip the Network+ and go pursue the CompTIA Security+. That is usually considered a more desirable certification, and if you’re thinking that you’re going to be headed in the network security direction, you may want to consider that one too.

Now you know what some of the best options are for you post A+ certification.  Consider your current employment situation and your longer term plan to best determine how to leverage your A+ to move upward in your career.

How much can you make with an A+ certification?

a+ certification jobs

Introduction

Interested in getting started as an information security professional? There are quite a few potential points of entry, but earning your A+ certification might be an excellent option. Infosec positions are widely available across the U.S., and with the right certification and minimum experience, you can embark on a rewarding career.

The right certification will also ensure that you have the ability to move on to higher certs as you build confidence and experience, giving you the ability to earn more and enjoy greater challenges in your daily responsibilities.

What Is A+ Certification?

A+ certification is an entry-level credential designed for those hoping to enter the world of information security. It is backed by CompTIA, one of the most recognized infosec firms in the world. According to CompTIA, “A+ certification validates understanding of the most common hardware and software technologies in business and certifies the skills necessary to support complex IT infrastructures.”

As such, it makes an excellent starting point for those hoping to move up within the world of information security. Note that A+ is vendor neutral, so certificate holders are not tied to one particular software platform, but are certified for their knowledge across this entry-level sector. With that being said, A+ certification is not necessarily right for everyone interested in a career in the IT industry.

What Is the Average A+ Salary?

While A+ certification is an entry-level credential, you’ll find salaries vary greatly depending on a number of different factors. Among those factors are years of experience, the city where you’re employed, the actual job role you fill and even your gender. The average salary for a man with A+ certification ranges from $38,248 to $74,186. However, a woman with A+ certification has an average salary from $38,965 to $68,228. A+ certification holders are primarily male – only 7% of those with A+ certification are women.

CompTIA A+ Certification Preparation: Learn the Basics of IT

a+ it certification

Description

CompTIA’s A+ certification training will validate an understanding of the most common hardware and software technologies in business as well as the skills necessary to support complex IT infrastructures. The A+ certification by CompTIA is a powerful credential helping IT professionals- worldwide- ignite their careers by proving knowledge needed to assemble elements based on install, customer requirements, configuration and maintenance of software, PCs and devices for end users, understand the basics of security, forensics and networking, safely and properly diagnose, document and resolve common software and hardware issues while applying troubleshooting expertise. These courses prepare the student for the CompTIA A+ Certification Exams 220-802 and 220-801.

What You Will Learn

The curriculum for CompTIA’s A+ Certification Course begins with a brief history of the Development of the Computer and the basics of Computer Communication. After this common language has been learned the courses follow with The Three Stages of Computing, Microprocessors and Power Supplies. Then we look at the computer more in depth with classes on Computer Cases, ROM and RAM, Expansion Buses, Disk Drives, and CD-ROM and DVD Drives. Once an understanding of computer fundamentals has developed we focus on Printer Basics, Types of Portable Computers, Networking Requirements, Modems, Operating System Basics, and The Windows Family. After delving into Windows 98 and acquiring The Right Tools for the Job, we cover Computer Disassembly and Reassembly and Basic Troubleshooting Techniques. At the end of this course, a student walks away having had practical experience and comprehensive knowledge allowing confident execution of the CompTIA A+ 220-802 and 220-801 exams.

Who this course is for:

• students or workers new to IT
• Aspiring computer technicians

How Much Can I Make with a CompTIA A+ Certification?

comptia a+ salary

IT support offers countless paths to fulfilling jobs and rewarding pay – you determine the direction and, ultimately, how much money you can earn with CompTIA A+. Not everyone has the same reason for getting certified. In general, you can apply your CompTIA A+ certification in these ways:

• Attract the attention of employers with an endorsement of your skills that is respected globally and industrywide
• Position yourself to launch your IT career
• Confirm to yourself that you've mastered the latest skills and concepts that act as the foundation of a career in IT

In all scenarios, CompTIA A+ can serve as a springboard for a career in IT. CompTIA A+ is the only industry-recognized credential with performance-based items to prove IT pros can think on their feet to perform critical IT support tasks in the moment.

It is trusted by employers around the world to identify the go-to person in endpoint and technical support roles. CompTIA A+ is regularly re-invented by IT experts to ensure that it validates the core skills and abilities demanded in the workplace.

Jobs That Require or Benefit from a CompTIA A+ Certification

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. Jobs like support specialist, field service technician, desktop support analyst and help desk tier 2 support use the skills validated by CompTIA A+ certification.

Furthermore, companies like Intel, Dell, Ricoh, Nissan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and HP all look for CompTIA A+ certification in hiring.

Other CompTIA A+ job titles include the following:

• Service desk analyst
• Technical support specialist
• Field service technician
• Associate network engineer
• Data support technician
• Desktop support administrator
• End-user computing technician
• Help desk technician
• System support specialist

Data Center Technician Job Description

data center technician salary

Data center technicians are skilled, hands-on professionals who provide a variety of services to keep computer data servers and hardware networks operating smoothly. They are the first line of defense in safeguarding a company ‘s valuable information. Most data center technicians have full-time schedules but do not work a typical 9 to 5 shift. They work shifts that are 8-12 hours long on nights, weekends, and holidays. They normally work in server rooms where usual office noise, machine noise, or construction noise is present. Data technicians must be willing to respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day, since data support is vital to any business’s core operations.

 Data Center Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Specific job responsibilities of a data center technician differ according to where they work. However, there are several core tasks associated with the role. Based on our analysis of multiple job listings, these include:

Perform Preventative Maintenance

On a daily basis, data center technicians complete preventative maintenance of equipment and data network devices. They operate in tight spaces, run cables, and improve physical security around their assigned data center. Data center technicians engage in building projects and check utilities. To make sure the center does not overheat, they carefully examine power sources and heating and cooling controls.

Server Management and Repair

Data center technicians troubleshoot and repair servers that have hardware and network issues. They run hardware diagnostics and replace failing parts. They are responsible for day-to-day performance and capacity management of servers. If something goes wrong, data center technicians are called on to quickly fix it in order to keep business data flowing.

Monitor System Processes

Monitoring and maintaining operation of all network processes is the primary duty of data technicians. They evaluate machine temperature levels for optimal performance. Data technicians are expected to maintain accurate work records and event logs. They also create concise virtual information reports to keep company management informed of status updates.

Cross-Collaborate to Protect Data

Data technicians install and arrange new equipment for data centers. This may include physically upgrading internal system components (CPU), memory hard drives, fiber cables, copper, and more. Once they install new equipment, data technicians often collaborate with software and networking engineering teams to ensure cybersecurity and network efficiency.

Technical Support and Education

Data center technicians provide live support to clients and coworkers, and are expected to troubleshoot problems as they occur. They act as a main point person in the field, putting out fires and working on projects simultaneously. Educating other data center staff on how to properly troubleshoot hardware and software is also a key part of their role.

Data Center Technician Skills and Qualifications

Successful data center technicians are self-driven and work effectively with little supervision. Employers typically seek out candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in a technical field. They also prefer candidates who possess the following abilities:

• Hardware repair – data center technicians are hired to complete basic repair of damaged or faulty network equipment and devices
• IT computer networking – technicians are in charge of running servers, switches, routers, monitors, and computer networking
• Troubleshooting skills – performing tests to identify and fix errors in computer networks including LAN and WAN is a key component of their work
• Physical Requirements – data technicians stay on their feet, and regularly crawl, crouch, kneel, lift, and move up to 40lbs over short distances
• Inventory management – data technicians are required to maintain accurate inventory of tools, equipment, and network devices
• Communication skills – being able to explain complicated technical process in a simple to way to non-technical staff is a requirement for successful data technicians
• Technical writing skills – data technicians often develop standard operating procedures and manuals for the networks they are in charge of

What Do Data Center Technicians Do?

what is a data center technician

A data center technician oversees server centers and other centralized banks of computers for data-, cloud-, and information technology-dependent companies. He or she helps ensure that networks stay up and online, that data is accessible, and that the processing and performance speed and power maintains efficiency at all times.

Much of a data center technician's job involves actively monitoring server and network performance and then analyzing this information. The technician determines what areas, if any, are falling below efficiency standards and works to isolate and address them. He or she also performs troubleshooting for customer and client problems as well, seeking to isolate those problems within the server and processing structure.

In most cases, a company expects the technician to be able to perform routine hardware repairs, replacements, and upgrades, as well as upgrade and augment existing hardware while causing minimal, if any, downtime for users and clients. In some cases, data center technicians may be asked to create detailed reports illustrating efficiency bottlenecks and offering upgrade solutions to solve them.

Many companies also use the job title of data center technician for first-line customer support of software, applications, and network services. This job may encompass the areas already discussed, but is typically focused more on individual client and customer problem-solving, and it requires more extensive knowledge of the software applications sold by the employer.

To work as a data center technician, a person typically needs at least an associate's degree in information technology (IT) services or a similar computer-focused disciplines. Additionally, employers look for a variety of network certifications specific to a position and frequently want entry-level help desk experience.

Data Center Technician Tasks

• Troubleshoot for network, hardware and software problems.
• Maintain hardware and software inventory and maintenance logs.
• Adhere to and update documentation and user guides.
• Support users and escalate problems to ensure customer service.
• Set up, fix, maintain and patch technology in the data center.

How much does it support technician make at Amazon?

IT support technician amazon salary

Average Amazon.com IT Support hourly pay in the United States is approximately $22.35, which is 13% above the national average.

Salary information comes from 50 data points collected directly from employees, users, and past and present job advertisements on Indeed in the past 36 months.

Please note that all salary figures are approximations based upon third party submissions to Indeed. These figures are given to the Indeed users for the purpose of generalized comparison only. Minimum wage may differ by jurisdiction and you should consult the employer for actual salary figures.

Data Center Technician Skills and Qualifications

Successful data center technicians are self-driven and work effectively with little supervision. Employers typically seek out candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in a technical field. They also prefer candidates who possess the following abilities:

• Hardware repair – data center technicians are hired to complete basic repair of damaged or faulty network equipment and devices
• IT computer networking – technicians are in charge of running servers, switches, routers, monitors, and computer networking
• Troubleshooting skills – performing tests to identify and fix errors in computer networks including LAN and WAN is a key component of their work
• Physical Requirements – data technicians stay on their feet, and regularly crawl, crouch, kneel, lift, and move up to 40lbs over short distances
• Inventory management – data technicians are required to maintain accurate inventory of tools, equipment, and network devices
• Communication skills – being able to explain complicated technical process in a simple to way to non-technical staff is a requirement for successful data technicians
• Technical writing skills – data technicians often develop standard operating procedures and manuals for the networks they are in charge of

Data center markets in the US and their competitive advantages

data center salary

If the Internet boom of the late ’90s into the early 2000s created the “First Wave” of data center real estate growth, then the current cycle of annual double-digit growth from 2008 to the present is best characterized as the more robust “Second Wave.” To help find the optimal location for these data centers, companies are utilizing site selection firms to identify the best locations based on a combination of factors ranging from utilities costs, infrastructure, disaster recovery risk, real estate availability and economic incentives. “The demand for new raised-floor environments have certainly been met by new construction of enterprise data centers and the popular wholesale colocation solution,” says Michael Rareshide, Executive Vice President of Site Selection Group, who negotiates mission critical and colocation projects for these end-users. “We are not surprised by this five-fold estimate.”
Top data center markets in the US and their competitive advantages
Several major metro areas of the United States such as Silicon Valley, Northern Virginia and Northern New Jersey have developed into significant hubs for mission critical facilities during the First Wave and continue to enjoy major growth during this Second Wave. Site Selection Group has identified the 10 largest data center metro areas based on the presence of enterprise facilities and wholesale colocation capacity. The following list identifies the leading locations.    
           
Top 10 Largest Data Center Metro Areas

Northern Virginia/ Washington DC
Santa Clara / San Jose / South Bay
Northern New Jersey
Chicago
Dallas / Fort Worth
New York City
Phoenix
Seattle                        
Los Angeles
Atlanta

While no re-shuffling in and out of the top 10 is expected, the following highlights some of the positive and negative attributes of the top five markets.

5. Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)DFW is routinely at the top of most site selectors’ lists for its minimal risk factors coupled with the business friendly environment. Many wholesale colocation providers are in expansion mode and are keeping up with demand. With several corporate relocations and expansions in insurance, technology and financial sectors announced, this demand will continue to be robust.  Ease of ready power and available land sites in fiber-rich submarkets also add to this market’s attractiveness. Some competitor concerns that the market could get overbuilt have been whispered, yet the user demand suggests otherwise.

4. ChicagoChicago is also on most consultants’ lists and will continue to be a high demand market for the foreseeable future for its minimal disaster risk factors and excellent connectivity. Just a few years ago there was minimal available wholesale colocation, especially in the suburbs, but that anomaly has been corrected and the providers are now keeping up with demand. In fact, the pendulum is shifting to favor the enterprise user with several additional providers entering the market, resulting in more aggressive overall pricing.

3. Northern New JerseyWith its proximity to Manhattan, the Northern New Jersey area will remain in the top five since so many global business sectors maintain these operations in the tri-state region. As one of the first enterprise user markets to embrace outsourcing to wholesale colocation providers, the region’s competition and product availability should keep power pricing reasonably economical.

2. Santa Clara / San Jose / South BayNo surprise that Silicon Valley enjoys sustained demand as the entrepreneurial home to so many tech startups.  But land and construction costs, especially in the desirable Santa Clara area (due to Silicon Valley Power), are some of the highest in the U.S. and have discouraged some needed new development. The “cloud” (pun intended) on the horizon is the green initiatives that may be required due to California’s ongoing drought. Data centers use a lot of water, resulting in a backlash against any large water users. While noted here, green initiatives are a concern for all U.S. markets for new and existing product.

1. Northern Virginia / Washington DCDemand across all industry segments and the federal government have built this market into the largest in the U.S. Availability of power and land in fiber-rich submarkets is also important, along with numerous colocation providers. This landscape is not expected to change over the next few years.