The value of CompTIA certification for IT professionals

June 19, 2017

For 25 years, CompTIA -- the Computing Technology Industry Association – has offered vendor-neutral certifications for IT professionals across all industries and experience levels. The certifications have helped thousands of people in the IT field attain new skills and professional growth. 

Cuyahoga Community College provides a pathway to CompTIA certification for those in the IT field, with courses available both online and in person.

“There are many different reasons why someone might pursue a CompTIA certification,” said Seth Pinckney, IT client manager at Tri-C. “It’s a way for someone new to the field to add an important line to their resume. It’s a way for those established in the field to demonstrate professional growth or prepare for a change in positions. In short, a CompTIA certification shows current and prospective employers that your skills are up to date.”

The statistics bear out the value of earning a CompTIA certification:

• 70 percent of IT professionals, and 93 percent of hiring managers, believe IT certifications are beneficial.

• 58 percent of organizations believe certified IT staff are more valuable, and 53 percent of organizations believe certified IT staff perform better.

• Among certified IT employees, nearly half believe they are better at insightful problem-solving, and more than a third agree they are more able to understand new and complex technologies.

• CompTIA-certified IT professionals earn, on average, more than $70,000 per year.

Throughout the second half of the year, Tri-C will offer both online and classroom training courses to prepare students for certification in CompTIA IT Fundamentals and CompTIA A+. Students can take the certification exams at the testing center on Tri-C’s Metropolitan Campus.

The four-course sequence includes:

CompTIA Fundamentals: Covers the basics, including basic computer components, workstation and software installation, basic connectivity and basic security risks.

CompTIA A+ Part 1: Builds on Fundamentals, taking a deeper dive into hardware, including PC hardware foundations, system components management, data storage management and support for printers and multifunction devices.

CompTIA A+ Part 2: Focuses on software management, including network and security foundations, operating system foundations, installing and configuring Microsoft Windows and troubleshooting system errors.

CompTIA Certification Exam Prep: Students take an in-depth look at what is covered in the CompTIA exam and how to study for it.

“We do recommend taking the in-person classes if possible,” Pinckney said. “In IT Fundamentals and our CompTIA A+ courses, there is a lot of hands-on learning, a lot of concepts that you can grasp better if you’re in the classroom, seeing and handling the computer equipment.”

Tri-C also offers online-only courses to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+ certification exams.

“It really is worth it to take the courses and the exam, when you consider the payback certification will give you in terms of your career,” Pinckney said. “Employers throughout the region are always looking for the brightest, most qualified talent, especially in an in-demand area like IT. This opens the door for you to enter into more rigorous programs, like Cleveland Codes or the Cisco Technical Training Institute, which are both offered at Tri-C.

“The CompTIA certifications represent a great steppingstone for future success in your IT career.”

Visit Tri-C's CompTIA page for more information or to register. You can also contact Tri-C's IT Center of Excellence at 216-987-4770 or computertraining@tri-c.edu.

Click here to learn more about Tri-C's Computer Support Specialist Certification.