WHAT IS THE COMPTIA A+ CERTIFICATION?

The CompTIA A+ certification is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in information technology (IT). It is an entry-level qualification that is highly recognized in the industry. The certification requires performance testing to validate that professionals possess the necessary skills to solve critical IT support tasks efficiently.

WHY SHOULD I GET COMPTIA A+ CERTIFIED?

Acquiring the A+ certification demonstrates you possess the essential technical and soft skills required for a field service technician, making it an excellent starting point for individuals who wish to pursue entry-level to intermediate IT positions. Employers worldwide need these trained professionals for endpoint management and technical support roles.

WHAT KINDS OF JOBS CAN I GET WITH A COMPTIA A+ CERTIFICATION?

Earning your CompTIA A+ certification opens several job opportunities for you, although it cannot guarantee a specific position. With an A+ certification, you may become eligible for several roles, such as an IT support specialist, a help desk technician, a desktop support analyst, a field service technician, and many others.

There are no prerequisites to enroll in this CompTIA A+ course. However, you should have a basic knowledge of computer hardware and operating systems. For example, how to power up and log on to a machine, use a mouse and keyboard, and basic Microsoft Windows navigation skills.

This course is for you if you are interested in pursuing a career in information technology, specifically related to PC technology— and will prepare you to obtain a CompTIA A+ Certification designation.

CompTIA recommends all A+ exam applicants have up to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field before taking the certification exam.

Linda Matthews

Linda Matthews has years of experience both in the classroom teaching technical material and in the field solving a myriad of technical issues.

Linda possesses the background to engage deeply with cybersecurity through teaching and intellectual focus. For the past eight years, she has lived with this vast and fascinating body of knowledge. Now, she regularly trains individuals in several of the most popular security courses from CompTIA and Microsoft. CompTIA's Security+ is the foundational course students need to begin an incredible journey into cybersecurity.

Sara Perrott

Sara Perrott has been working in the information technology field for 20+ years and has devoted the last 10 of those to focusing on cybersecurity. She is a published author and a former college professor, and she is passionate about teaching the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Sara has a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security from the University of Phoenix.

Paula Woodall

Paula Woodall began her technical career as a network and computer consultant 30 years ago. She first taught at a local university before taking the CompTIA and Microsoft exams to teach certified courses. Paula has been fortunate to teach these classes worldwide for companies such as HP and Microsoft. Paula enjoys teaching classes regarding computers and networking and talking to students about how their companies put these technologies to work for them.

DO YOU NEED A CERTIFICATION TO WORK AS A HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST?

While a certification is not required to work as a human resources specialist, the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is one of the most widely known and most respected credentials in the field of human resources. It is also a requirement by most employers before you will be considered for higher-level human resources roles.

DOES THIS COURSE PREPARE ME FOR CERTIFICATION?

Yes. This Human Resources Professional training course will prepare you for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam offered by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI).

IS HUMAN RESOURCES A GOOD CAREER?

Absolutely. Every organization, large or small, needs someone who can help them with employee relations. A career in Human Resources can be whatever you make it. There are dozens and dozens of specialties and career paths to fit almost anyone interested in helping others while improving relations between employers and employees.

There are no specific prerequisites for taking this course. However, HRCI requires that you meet one of the following criteria in order to sit for PHR certification:

• Master’s degree or higher = 1 year of work experience in a professional-level HR role
• Bachelor’s degree = 2 years of work experience in a professional-level HR role
• Anything less than a bachelor’s degree = 4 years of work experience in a professional-level HR role

Anna Smith

Anna Smith has worked in the field of human resources for 30 years and has taught at the university level for over 20 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Spalding University, a master's degree in management from Webster University, and a Master Online Teaching certificate from the University of Illinois. She is also a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional. Her experience spans many areas of human resources, including recruitment, labor relations, and affirmative action plans.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE A+, NETWORK+ and SECURITY+ CERTIFICATIONS?

The A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications are sequential. A+ focuses on devices; Network+ is dedicated to the hardware, software and protocols for networking; and Security+ adds the layer of core security functions across devices, networks, and the organizations that deploy them.

WHAT JOBS CAN COMPTIA CERTIFICATION HOLDERS GET?

CompTIA calls the A+, Network+ and Security+ sequence a "stacked" credential that validates baseline skills in the three disciplines: devices, networks, and security. Each individual certification is considered an independent signal of competence in the area it addresses.

WHAT JOB TITLES DOES COMPTIA A+ PREPARE FOR?

According to CompTIA, the A+ certification is often associated with baseline or entry-level support positions such as service desk analyst, technical support specialist, field service technician, associate network engineer, data support technician, desktop support administrator, end-user computing technician, help desk technician, or system support specialist.

WHAT JOB TITLES DOES COMPTIA NETWORK+ PREPARE FOR?

According to CompTIA, the Network+ certification is often associated with positions such as Network administrator, network field engineer, computer technician, help desk technician, system engineer, network support specialist, or network analyst.

WHAT JOB TITLES DOES COMPTIA SECURITY+ PREPARE FOR?

According to CompTIA, the Security+ certification is often associated with junior IT auditor or penetration tester positions. Other titles might include systems administrator, network administrator, or security administrator.

There are no prerequisites to enroll in this course. However, you should have a basic knowledge of computer hardware and operating systems. For example, how to power up and log on to a machine, use a mouse and keyboard, and basic Microsoft Windows navigation skills.

CompTIA recommends all A+ exam applicants have up to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field before taking the certification exam. They also state possessing the A+ Certification and a minimum of 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience working in a junior network administrator/network support technician job role to complete the Network+ certification exam. CompTIA recommends at least 9 to 12 months of networking experience and two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus to take the Security+ certification exam.

Linda Matthews

Linda Matthews has years of experience both in the classroom teaching technical material and in the field solving a myriad of technical issues.

Linda possesses the background to engage deeply with cybersecurity through teaching and intellectual focus. For the past eight years, she has lived with this vast and fascinating body of knowledge. Now, she regularly trains individuals in several of the most popular security courses from CompTIA and Microsoft. CompTIA's Security+ is the foundational course students need to begin an incredible journey into cybersecurity.

Sara Perrott

Sara Perrott has been working in the information technology field for 20+ years and has devoted the last 10 of those to focusing on cybersecurity. She is a published author and a former college professor, and she is passionate about teaching the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Sara has a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security from the University of Phoenix.

Paula Woodall

Paula Woodall began her technical career as a network and computer consultant 30 years ago. She first taught at a local university before taking the CompTIA and Microsoft exams to teach certified courses. Paula has been fortunate to teach these classes worldwide for companies such as HP and Microsoft. Paula enjoys teaching classes regarding computers and networking and talking to students about how their companies put these technologies to work for them.

What is a project manager? What does a project manager do?

A project manager controls everything from start to finish. They flesh out an idea, sell it through the organization, assemble a team, organize the project steps, lead the team, manage the budget, make important decisions, update stakeholders, ensure objectives are met, provide a smooth transition, and share gained knowledge. They have ultimate control over initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, control, and closing.

What education do I need to become a project manager?

You don't necessarily need an advanced degree to become a successful project manager. However, you will need experience managing projects and a high school diploma or equivalent. Completing a project management certification course will help you understand national and global standards of project management. Choose a training course that prepares you to sit for respected certifications such as CAPM or PMP. A bachelor's or master's degree in business management, engineering, computer science, or a related field can help you climb the corporate ladder and open more opportunities.

Where do project managers work?

Project managers work in various industries, including IT, engineering, construction, healthcare, finance, and law. Regardless of the industry, they work closely with people and technology.

Can I work as a project manager without a project manager certification?

Certification is not mandatory to become a project manager, but possessing the necessary knowledge, training, and experience is essential. However, obtaining a CAPM and/or PMP certification can increase your opportunities, earning potential, and demonstrate your commitment to the industry and professional development.

This project management course is considered intermediate to advanced. Students should have completed the Essentials of Project Management program and/or have three or more years of experience leading projects.

You need at least 35 hours of formal project management training—which this program meets. The PMI also requires project management experience in a leadership role. You don't have to be a "project manager," but you do need to demonstrate that your experience is in a leadership role of some sort. In the exam application, you will document the number of hours you personally performed project work.

The amount of experience you need depends on your level of education. You will need 4,500 hours of project management experience if you have a four-year degree or equivalent from another country. If you don't have a four-year college degree, you will need 7,500 hours of project management experience.

Nikki Choyce

Nikki Choyce, PMP, has been involved in the project management field for more than 20 years and has worked as a project management consultant and instructor for much of that time. She has worked in various industries, including Information Technology, Insurance, Manufacturing, Marketing, Aerospace, Construction, Telecommunications, and Healthcare. She has worked with Microsoft Project for over 15 years. She holds the professional Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI)®.

Erica Kirwan

Erica Kirwan has more than 15 years of experience in process and project management and has held various roles as Senior Project Manager at a Fortune 200 financial services company. She earned an Advanced Project Management Certification from Stanford University and the professional Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI)®. Additionally, Erica holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, a Master of Public Administration, and recently completed a Master of Science degree in the Management of Information Technology.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE A+, NETWORK+ and SECURITY+ CERTIFICATIONS?

The A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications are sequential. A+ focuses on devices; Network+ is dedicated to the hardware, software and protocols for networking; and Security+ adds the layer of core security functions across devices, networks, and the organizations that deploy them.

WHAT JOBS CAN COMPTIA CERTIFICATION HOLDERS GET?

CompTIA calls the A+, Network+ and Security+ sequence a "stacked" credential that validates baseline skills in the three disciplines: devices, networks, and security. Each individual certification is considered an independent signal of competence in the area it addresses.

WHAT JOB TITLES DOES COMPTIA A+ PREPARE FOR?

According to CompTIA, the A+ certification is often associated with baseline or entry-level support positions such as service desk analyst, technical support specialist, field service technician, associate network engineer, data support technician, desktop support administrator, end-user computing technician, help desk technician, or system support specialist.

WHAT JOB TITLES DOES COMPTIA NETWORK+ PREPARE FOR?

According to CompTIA, the Network+ certification is often associated with positions such as Network administrator, network field engineer, computer technician, help desk technician, system engineer, network support specialist, or network analyst.

WHAT JOB TITLES DOES COMPTIA SECURITY+ PREPARE FOR?

According to CompTIA, the Security+ certification is often associated with junior IT auditor or penetration tester positions. Other titles might include systems administrator, network administrator, or security administrator.

There are no prerequisites to enroll in this course. However, you should have a basic knowledge of computer hardware and operating systems. For example, how to power up and log on to a machine, use a mouse and keyboard, and basic Microsoft Windows navigation skills.

CompTIA recommends all A+ exam applicants have up to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field before taking the certification exam. They also state possessing the A+ Certification and a minimum of 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience working in a junior network administrator/network support technician job role to complete the Network+ certification exam. CompTIA recommends at least 9 to 12 months of networking experience and two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus to take the Security+ certification exam.

Linda Matthews

Linda Matthews has years of experience both in the classroom teaching technical material and in the field solving a myriad of technical issues. Linda possesses the background to engage deeply with cybersecurity through teaching and intellectual focus. For the past eight years, she has lived with this vast and fascinating body of knowledge. Now, she regularly trains individuals in several of the most popular security courses from CompTIA and Microsoft. CompTIA's Security+ is the foundational course students need to begin an incredible journey into cybersecurity.

Sara Perrott

Sara Perrott has been working in the information technology field for 20+ years and has devoted the last 10 of those to focusing on cybersecurity. She is a published author and a former college professor, and she is passionate about teaching the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Sara has a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security from the University of Phoenix.

Paula Woodall

Paula Woodall began her technical career as a network and computer consultant 30 years ago. She first taught at a local university before taking the CompTIA and Microsoft exams to teach certified courses. Paula has been fortunate to teach these classes worldwide for companies such as HP and Microsoft. Paula enjoys teaching classes regarding computers and networking and talking to students about how their companies put these technologies to work for them.

What is a project manager? What does a project manager do?

A project manager (PM) is responsible for a project's success. A PM is tasked with a project; she or he then is responsible for forming a plan, gaining executive support for it, assembling a team and getting team member buy-in without formal authority, outlining steps, managing the budget, making critical decisions, communicating with stakeholders, and ensuring smooth handovers. PMs control all aspects of the project, including initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, control, and closing.

What is the PMP certification?

The PMI, the world's leading authority on project management, created the PMP certification to recognize project managers who have proven they have project leadership experience and expertise in any working background. The PMP credential acknowledges candidates' skills in managing the people, processes, and business priorities of professional projects.

To obtain PMP certification, a project manager must meet certain requirements and pass a 180-question exam. According to the PMI, the PMP exam was created by project leaders for project leaders so that each test question can be related to real-life project management experiences.

What is the CAPM certification?

CAPM is a PMI-awarded certification, considered the first step in project management certification. The exam is a three-hour-long, 150-question, proctored multiple-choice test. You can take the exam online from home through online proctoring sessions. To be eligible, you must have a secondary degree and complete 23 hours of project management education (this course satisfies the requirement). Once you pass the exam, you'll receive the CAPM certification.

Can I work as a project manager without a project manager certification?

Yes, you can become a project manager without certification if you have the necessary knowledge, training, and experience. However, obtaining a CAPM and/or PMP certification is recommended as it demonstrates your commitment to the industry and understanding of global standards. Possessing a certification can give you an edge over other candidates, show your willingness to learn, and increase your earning potential.

This course has no prerequisites other than a basic knowledge of how to use a computer and the Internet.

This course will prepare you to sit for the CAPM exam. To qualify for the exam, you must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

• Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate degree, or the global equivalent)
• 23 hours of project management education completed by the time you sit for the exam (This course meets the education requirement).

There are two prerequisites for PMP candidates: formal project management education and project management experience.

• Education: You need a minimum of 35 hours of formal project management training (this course meets the education requirement).
• Experience: The PMI also requires project management experience in a leadership role. You don't have to be a "project manager," but you do need to demonstrate that your experience is in a leadership role of some sort. In the exam application, you will document the number of hours you personally performed project work. You must break out that experience by process group. How much experience you need depends on your level of education. If you have a four-year degree or its equivalent from another country, you will need 4,500 hours of project management experience. If you don't have a four-year college degree, you will need 7,500 hours of project management experience.

Nikki Choyce

Nikki Choyce, PMP, has been involved in the project management field for more than 20 years and has worked as a project management consultant and instructor for much of that time. She has worked in a variety of industries, including Information Technology, Insurance, Manufacturing, Marketing, Aerospace, Construction, Telecommunications, and Healthcare. She has worked with Microsoft Project for over 15 years. She holds the professional Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI)®.

Erica Kirwan

Erica Kirwan has more than 15 years of experience in process and project management. Previously, Kirwan served as Senior Project Manager for a Fortune 200 financial services company. She earned an Advanced Project Management Certification from Stanford University and the professional Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI)®. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Public Administration.