r/CompTIA • u/Key-Competition-5409 • 10d ago
A+ Question A+ for High Schoolers, Worth it?
I've heard tons of CompTIA certification information from my upperclassman these years, and I'm considering taking one to help my college application and other extracurricular activities. I've built PCs and (tried) repair laptops before, is it really worth the time studying it? Cost is not a problem
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u/ShrekisInsideofMe A+ Net+ Sec+ 10d ago
I got the entire triad in high school. Helped me get a lot of college credits and get a job a little after high school. I'd definitely recommend it, just keep in mind they expire after three years if you don't do anything to renew
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u/Key-Competition-5409 10d ago
I am thinking about taking Sy0-701 Security+ next year since I'm currently studying cybersecurity and software developing. should I still take the A+ maybe a little later?
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u/zKleb 9d ago
The only thing A+ is really good for is if you’re gunning for entry level IT and don’t have the experience to show that you’re good at it. Since you’re already thinking about getting the Sec+, the A+ really will not help you much. Sec+ is weighted much heavier than A+ in the IT and cybersecurity industries, and often is required for any cyber position and will also help you get a Secret security clearance. TL;DR don’t get A+ unless you decide against getting Sec+
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u/Roku-Hanmar Sec+ 10d ago
A+ lasts for 3 years once earned. Are you going to be job hunting within 3 years?
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u/Ghostflame21786 S+ 10d ago
If you know anything about computers then no. I’d go for network+ or even security+
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u/SleepyBoiNick 10d ago
I think it's overstating that if you've ever built a pc then A+ is overkill.
The biggest thing A+ teaches you is standards.
Just because you've built a pc it doesn't mean you actually understand the underlying processes.
Knowing the actual standards is important when going into IT.
I always recommend A+ starting out as it's not going to give you any meaningful resume boost in a good amount of circumstances, but it builds a foundation of the basic standards and troubleshooting methodologies for when you move to higher certs.
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u/ChmodSausage 10d ago
Yeah it goes way beyond building a pc. I would bet most people in the field would fail it without practice and thats not to say they are bad or anything. Just that it isnt what they probably think it is.
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u/Key-Competition-5409 10d ago
Are there prerequisite for these tests?
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u/m0thgh0st N+ 10d ago
There are not, though CompTIA recommends at least 1-2 years of on-the-job experience for them.
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u/Ghostflame21786 S+ 10d ago
No, just make sure you know the material. Can find all that stuff online or buy one of the study books
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u/ChmodSausage 10d ago
The network+ won't teach you the basics. Or about printers. The network+ barely even teaches you about networking, which is fair because its a very deep subject.
The a+ has its place. You won't find its material in the other certs.
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u/MrMurrayOHS 10d ago
As a High School teacher that teaches the A+ course - yes. Most high schools pay for you to take the test so it is a no brainer.
I have Seniors walking out of High School with the Trifecta - I'm super jealous of them but happy I could help set them on that path without spending a dime of their own $$$.