Don't Build Your Tech Career on a Shaky Foundation

Is there anyone who would argue that a foundation is not the most important part of a building? If so, then I urge you to conduct a quick Google image search on “buildings without a solid foundation.” Spoiler alert: It isn’t pretty.

Yesterday, Anthony Sequeira of CBT Nuggets hosted a webinar about all things A+. What did we learn? A+ is the foundation of all things IT. For the first five minutes of the webinar, Sequeira went through what it will take to succeed in a number of different career tracks. The common denominator to each career track is that they were all founded on the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications.

If you are wanting to learn virtualization, start with A+. If you’re looking for a career in security, start with A+. If you’re wanting to go down the server career track, start with A+. DevOps and cloud-based computing? Start with A+.

Are you getting the picture? The foundational principles learned in the A+ course material and exam are the most important things you can learn in IT, especially if you're just entering the field. All of the material covered in A+ can be applied universally across the IT spectrum. If you are wanting to ultimately end up with high level Microsoft, Cisco or other certifications, then you had better start with A+.

The A+ certification exam was recently updated to emphasize topics and skills that are relevant in the ever-changing IT workplace. There are no prerequisites for the A+ certification, but before you are awarded the certification, you must pass two exams. Passing the CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902 exams will prepare you for success in any future certification endeavors.

There are many who will tell you that A+ certification is not valuable in the industry. If you’re talking about the A+ on its own, these cynics are probably right. With that in mind, however, what good is the foundation of a building with nothing constructed atop it? You must have the foundation to have the building, but you must also have a completed building to maximize the value and usefulness of your foundation.

In summary, get started with the A+ certification – but don’t stop there! Wherever you want to end up in your career, let A+ be your first step down the path.

About the Author — Jake Slater is the social media manager for GoCertify and a graduate of Brigham Young University. Jake roots for the Utah Jazz, who are built upon a foundation of Gordon Hayward and Rudy Gobert.