Preparing for the Future: The Value of CompTIA A+ Certification in Today’s Job Market

Certifications are the key to career advancement and earning potential in the IT industry. Ireland is no exception, with salaries in technology roles rising by 15% to 20%. Many professionals report that certifications directly influence their earning potential, allowing them to command salaries upwards of €100,000.  

One of the most sought-after IT certifications in Ireland is the CompTIA A+. This certification creates a foundation in personal computers, networking, and troubleshooting. This globally recognised standard opens up many career opportunities in IT support and systems administration.

If you want to future-proof your IT career, the CompTIA A+ certification is a great choice. And if you're based in Ireland, UCD Professional Academy is the leading provider of this course. Keep reading to learn more about the UCD Professional Academy CompTIA A+ Course.

The Growing Importance of IT Certifications

Ireland's tech industry is experiencing a major skills shortage, especially in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics. The 2024 IT Search report says that tech salaries are set to climb 5–10% because of this shortage. 

Cybersecurity experts are in especially high demand, with analysts earning around €57,500 and managers making up to €100,000. These rising salaries show just how important certifications are for proving your skills and landing a great tech job.

A recent survey found that 64% of Irish tech workers are considering switching jobs. That’s how competitive the job market is for tech talent. 

Companies are now only hiring people with the right certifications. For example, project managers need certifications like PMP, Prince2, or ScrumMaster to get a job. In infrastructure roles, practical experience is still important, but having certifications like CCNA or MCSA makes you a much more attractive candidate.

The certifications you need depend on which part of IT you want to work in. For example:

• Cybersecurity: With Ireland becoming vulnerable to more and more cyberattacks, certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+ are really important. Cybersecurity analysts can earn around €57,500 on average, but experienced ones can make over €80,000.

• Cloud Computing: Irish companies are moving to the cloud, so certifications for cloud platforms (like AWS Certified Solutions Architect) are essential. This trend will probably continue as the industry is expected to go up by 98% till 2027.

• Data Analytics: Practical experience is crucial, but certifications in data analytics tools (like SQL or Tableau) can really help you score a job. The market for data professionals is still strong, and companies are looking for people who have both technical and critical thinking skills.

The fast-paced nature of the IT industry in Ireland necessitates continuous learning. Many companies now want their employees to engage in lifelong learning with the help of certifications to stay up-to-date. This is especially true in fields like AI and machine learning. 

Career Opportunities with CompTIA A+ Certification

The CompTIA A+ certification is a great starting point for people who want to work in IT, especially in Ireland, where the tech industry is growing rapidly. This certification shows that you have the basic skills needed for many entry-level IT jobs.

With a CompTIA A+ certification, you can apply for jobs like:

• Help Desk Technician: These professionals provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to users. The average salary for help desk technicians in Ireland is €29K to €43K annually.

• IT Support Specialist: IT support specialists maintain computer systems and networks, ensuring that technology runs smoothly within organisations. Salaries for this role typically range from €35,000 to €56,000 per year.

• Desktop Support Analyst: This role involves providing on-site support for desktop systems and applications. The average salary is around $62K to $90K, with potential increases based on experience and additional certifications.

• Field Service Technician: Field service technicians travel to client locations to install and repair hardware and software. Their salaries can vary drastically but generally start from €37,073.

• Network Administrator: Network administrators in Ireland are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting computer networks. The average yearly salary for an Irish network administrator is approximately €29,000.

The demand for IT professionals with a CompTIA A+ certification is clearly on the rise. Recent data shows that there were up to 157 permanent job openings in Ireland in the first half of 2024 that required A+ certification. It’s safe to say companies are starting to recognise how valuable this certification is.

A survey by CompTIA also found that 66% of HR managers think these IT certifications are important when they're hiring people. In Ireland, companies such as Intel, Dell, and HP are actively seeking candidates with CompTIA A+ certification for their technical support roles.

How Upskilling with CompTIA A+ Can Boost Your IT Career

Getting the CompTIA A+ certification can drastically advance your IT career in Ireland. It gives you the basic knowledge and talent needed to fill the skills gap in the industry. By upskilling with a CompTIA A+ certification, you can expect benefits like:

Skills Development

The CompTIA A+ certification covers an inclusive range of important IT skills, like hardware and software troubleshooting, networking fundamentals, and basic cybersecurity measures. These skills train certified professionals to handle any problems that come your way in IT environments. 

Industry Recognition

Big tech companies like Dell, HP, and Intel recognise the CompTIA A+ certification. Also, the certification is often seen as a requirement for more advanced IT certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Security+, so you can build on what you learned.

Professional Growth

The CompTIA A+ certification doesn't just help you find jobs right away; it also prepares you for more specialised roles. Many people who start with A+ go on to get other certifications that match their career goals, which helps them acquire better jobs with better salaries.

Course Curriculum and Learning Outcomes

The CompTIA A+ course by UCD Professional Academy is designed to prepare students for the CompTIA A+ certification exams and is taught by industry experts. 

The course spans 12 weeks, featuring live online lectures conducted by industry experts. Each week includes a three-hour session so students can receive focused instruction on critical IT support topics.

Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Course Curriculum

Here are some of the key takeaways from the course curriculum:

• Hardware Components and Assembly: The different parts of a computer system, such as the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage devices, and peripherals.

• Operating Systems: Different operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, and their basic functionalities.

• Networking Fundamentals: Network concepts, including TCP/IP, subnetting, and network protocols.

• Cybersecurity Best Practices: Essential security measures to protect computer systems and data, such as antivirus software, firewalls, and password management.

• Troubleshooting Techniques: The problem-solving skills needed to diagnose and resolve common hardware and software issues.

• Mobile Device Management: The configuration and troubleshooting of mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets.

• Cloud Computing Basics: The concepts of cloud computing and different cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).

• Virtualisation: Virtualisation technologies and their benefits, such as server consolidation and resource optimisation.

Key Outcomes

Once you finish the course, you will be able to:

• Install, configure, and troubleshoot computer hardware.

• Utilise operating systems effectively, including installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.

• Configure network connections, understand network topologies and troubleshoot network issues.

• Identify and mitigate security risks to protect computer systems and data.

• Troubleshoot common IT problems, including printer problems, network connectivity issues, and software conflicts.

• Manage mobile devices like smartphones and tablets

• Explain the concepts of cloud computing and virtualisation and their benefits.

Expert Instructors and Industry-Relevant Training

UCD Professional Academy's CompTIA A+ course is taught by a team of experienced industry professionals. These instructors have a deep understanding of IT support, so you can count on receiving the most up-to-date and relevant knowledge.

The course is designed to meet the demands

of the IT support landscape in Ireland. As we mentioned, the technology sector is experiencing a major skills shortage, particularly in IT support roles. 

According to a report from Experis Ireland, approximately 74% of employers in the tech industry report difficulty finding qualified candidates for IT positions. They need talented, certified professionals who can help reduce turnover rates in the company. That’s exactly who you can be with a CompTIA A+ certification.

UCD Academy also emphasises practical

learning through hands-on projects. You'll have a ton of opportunities to apply your IT support knowledge to real-world scenarios and build a strong portfolio of work.

At UCD Professional Academy, we believe the best way to learn CompTIA A+ is by doing. Our course is packed with hands-on projects that use real-world scenarios, mirroring what you'll encounter in your future career.

Beyond traditional lectures, the course fosters a collaborative learning environment. You'll engage in group projects, discussions, and workshops and develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

Flexible Study Options and Comprehensive Support

UCD Professional Academy’s CompTIA A+ course caters to a specific group of learners hoping to expand their technical skills. That includes professionals who may not have the schedule to pursue a full-time education or those hoping to get in touch with the right people after finishing the course. 

Here’s why our CompTIA A+ course may be the right fit for you.

Flexible Study Options

To accommodate diverse learning styles and schedules, UCD Professional Academy offers flexible study options that cater to students' needs. That includes:

• Part-time study

• Online learning

Comprehensive Support

In addition to top-notch instruction, UCD Professional Academy offers a robust support system to help students succeed. They’ll receive a wealth of online materials, including tutorials, practice exercises, and reference materials. Plus, our dedicated Student Services team is always available to help you with any questions, technical issues, or concerns. 

Industry Connections

The institute also has deep-rooted connections within Ireland's thriving tech ecosystem. This means you'll have access to real-world projects, networking opportunities, and potential internships that can seriously boost your career prospects.

Conclusion

The tech industry in Ireland needs professionals who have a CompTIA A+ certification to fill their IT support roles. Not only is this certification going to increase your chances of scoring a great job, but you’ll also be able to increase your earning potential. If you’re already in the field, you can advance your IT support career with this universally recognised certification. 

Are you ready to secure your future in IT? Enrol in the CompTIA A+ course at UCD Professional Academy and gain the foundational skills you need to thrive in today’s job market. Visit our course page today to apply or get more information!