Yes, the CompTIA A+ certification remains a highly worthwhile credential precisely because of the rigorous and relevant nature of its examination process. Its value is not anchored in prestige alone, but in its function as a comprehensive, performance-based assessment that validates core technical competency. For those entering the IT field, the question of is CompTIA A+ still worth getting is best answered by analyzing what its exam demonstrably proves to employers.
The certification's two-part examination (220-1101 & 220-1102) is designed as a practical skills audit. It moves beyond theoretical knowledge to test applied problem-solving abilities.
- Performance-Based Testing: The exam incorporates interactive simulations and performance-based questions. Candidates must demonstrate tasks like configuring a wireless network or troubleshooting a hardware failure in a virtual environment. This proves practical capability, not just memorization.
- Broad Technical Scope: The test covers a vast range of foundational IT domains, including hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, and security. Passing this exam signals a well-rounded, entry-level competency, making a candidate immediately useful in a help-desk or support role.
- Industry-Wide Recognition: The CompTIA A+ exam is universally recognized as the standard for IT operational roles. HR departments and hiring managers use it as a filtering mechanism because they trust the exam's rigor. It validates that a candidate possesses the essential skills outlined in the exam objectives.
When considering is CompTIA A+ still worth getting, the decision hinges on the exam's role as a career gateway. The assessment provides a trusted, third-party verification of your skills. It offers a structured learning path to fill knowledge gaps and delivers a credential that opens doors to initial IT employment. Therefore, the CompTIA A+ is absolutely still worth obtaining because its examination successfully certifies the practical, foundational expertise that the industry demands.