Why I Am Pursuing CompTIA A+
The first real credential on my IT roadmap
When people ask me why I chose CompTIA A+ as my first certification, I tell them the same thing: it is the most recognized entry-level IT credential there is, and almost every IT job posting I have looked at either lists it or lists skills that it covers.
What CompTIA A+ Actually Is
CompTIA A+ is a two-exam certification that covers the fundamentals of IT support and hardware. The two exams are:
- Core 1 (220-1101) — hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, cloud computing
- Core 2 (220-1102) — operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS), security, troubleshooting, operational procedures
It is not a deep-dive into any one thing. It is a foundation — the kind of knowledge a help desk technician or IT support specialist needs to do their job on day one.
Why It Makes Sense for Cybersecurity
Security is built on top of IT fundamentals. You cannot understand how to protect a network if you do not understand how a network works. You cannot harden a system if you have never set one up. CompTIA A+ forces you to learn that foundation before moving into more specialized certifications like Security+.
The path a lot of cybersecurity professionals recommend is: A+ → Network+ → Security+. I am starting at the beginning.
My Study Plan
I am using a combination of:
- Professor Messer’s free CompTIA A+ course (YouTube and his site)
- Practice exams to identify weak areas
- Hands-on practice in my own Windows and Linux environments
I do not have a test date locked in yet, but that is the goal for the coming months. I will post an update when I schedule it and again when I pass it.
