TrainACE - IT and Cybersecurity Training Blog

After being in the IT training business for over two decades, we can confidently state that certifications can make a significant difference in pursuing an IT career. When starting a career in IT, two popular options for our students are CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+. Both certifications are well-respected and can open doors to various IT career paths. In this article, we'd like to compare CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ to help you decide which is the right choice for your career.

CompTIA A+ and Network+ are two different certifications offered by CompTIA, focusing on different aspects of information technology (IT) and computer networking. CompTIA A+ training helps to prepare IT professionals to undertake professional-level activities in a wide variety of settings, focused on computer repair and basic network installation, whereas CompTIA Network+ is an entry-level certification for individuals that want to extend their knowledge and skills in the understanding of organization level networking concepts and hands-on networking techniques. So, let’s breakdown in detail the difference between A+ and Network+:

As a network engineer in Washington, D.C., you will be in the heart of the country and the IT industry. The duties of someone in this role are wide-ranging and can be very complex. Putting it simply, a network engineer is responsible for building and maintaining the daily operations of an organization’s computer networks, including an intranet, extranet, wide area network (WAN), and local area network (LAN). However, there isn’t a typical day for a network engineer, and you never know what will come up.

CompTIA certifications are some of the most sought-after credentials worldwide. The Network+ certification is an entry-level designation that validates your proficiency in managing, maintaining, installing, troubleshooting, and configuring necessary network infrastructures. Like other certifications, Network+ requires that you pass a certification exam to earn your credential. While this certification is a beginner-level credential, it doesn’t mean the exam will be easy. It requires that you study sufficiently and that you have the necessary knowledge and skills if you want to pass.

Professionals in the IT industry are in demand in Washington, D.C. and around the world. In fact, the current demand far outweighs the candidate pool for many IT roles. One of the first things that hiring managers look for in potential new hires is their certifications. The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is one of the most well-known and trusted certifying agencies for IT professionals, offering many certifications including the Network+ and Security+ credentials.

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) introduced the Network+ certification more than two decades ago, and it has continued to be one of the most recognized and sought-after credentials in the IT industry since then. The certification tests the skills of IT professionals who have some prior experience with networking that is required to work on network design and implementation.

The Washington, DC area is a rapidly growing tech hub thanks to both federal technology investments and the increasing number of startups putting down roots and opening their door in the Dulles Technology Corridor.

A CompTIA Network+ certification proves to prospective employers that you have the skills and knowledge to create, configure, manage, and troubleshoot wireless and wired networks. The Network+ certification that is provided by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), is well-known and sought after worldwide. In fact, it is globally recognized in more than 120 countries. It’s an IT certification that significantly enhances your career opportunities and earning potential.

Highly skilled IT professionals are in demand. Expanding corporate need is outstripping current candidate pools, and as a result, companies are now looking for outside-the-box IT skills that are transferable across job markets and can fill expanding cyber vacancies.

IT pros, meanwhile, aren’t static in their job searches. Recent data suggests the average worker changes jobs between 10 and 15 times over the course of his/her career. The reasons vary — better pay, improved benefits, greater autonomy — but IT career advancement often depends on transferable IT skills that are in demand across multiple industries. Let’s tackle the top four.

If you’ve been searching for a job in IT you will have undoubtedly come across a lot of information regarding the CompTIA series of IT Certifications. The CompTIA A+ and Network+ in particular, are foundational to getting started in IT, whether you are a graduate looking for that first job or a computer enthusiast who wants to jump from an unrelated job into the IT Industry. Of course, you can take both of the Certifications separately but there are several reasons to consider taking them as a combined class.