IT certifications are like a stepping stone to a better career in IT. They demonstrate your credibility and commitment to the field and set you apart from others. That said, two great certificate options to get are the CompTIA IT fundamentals and CompTIA A+.
This post will help you understand everything there is to know about these certifications, what they cover, which one you should take, how to prepare for them, and much more. Let’s dive in.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals
CompTIA IT Fundamentals is great for anyone looking to build a robust foundation in IT and helps you decide whether an IT career is fit for you or not.
It’s also the only certification that covers all areas of IT and helps create a broader understanding for non-tech professionals looking to switch to a technical field.
Some major concepts that it covers in IT include infrastructure, data fundamentals, cyber security, and software development.
Exam details and requirements
There’s no prior experience necessary for the exam. It has a total of 75 questions in the form of multiple-choice questions that you have to solve in 60 minutes. The test has a passing score of 650/900.
The exam focuses on different domains. The basic structure and the relevant percentages are:
Benefits of Earning the Certification
If you’re looking to transition into IT, CompTIA IT Fundamentals will help you start in the right direction. Let’s look at some benefits of earning this certification.
Skills and Knowledge You Gain
The CompTIA IT Fundamentals equips you with a bunch of skills like:
Career opportunities for CompTIA IT Fundamentals certified professionals
Here are some career opportunities for CompTIA ITF+ certified professionals can get:
CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for building a fruitful career in IT. It validates that professionals have the skills required to support today’s complex IT requirements. Someone with this certification is a proven problem solver.
Unlike other certifications, CompTIA A+ covers all aspects of IT and offers a comprehensive understanding for both non-tech professionals and technical professionals looking to upgrade their skills.
Exam details and requirements
You’ll have to pass two exams in the CompTIA A+ Core Series examination including Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). The number of questions is 90 per exam core and is in the form of multiple choice questions, drag and drop, and performance-based.
Candidates also get 90 minutes per exam. The recommended experience for the examination is 9 to 12 months in the lab or field.
The passing score for Core 1 (220-1101) is 675/900 and the exam domains mainly consist of:
The passing score for Core 1 (220-1102) is 700/900 and the exam domains mainly consist of:
Benefits of Earning the Certification
Excelling in the IT field is a requirement since there are always new technologies rolling out. The CompTIA A+ certification will push you in the right direction.
Skills and Knowledge You Gain
The CompTIA A+ certifications help you gain skills such as:
Career opportunities for CompTIA A+ certified professionals
Here are some career paths you can pursue if you’re a CompTIA A+ certified professional.
Differences between CompTIA IT Fundamentals and CompTIA A+
Differences | CompTIA IT Fundamentals | CompTIA A+ |
|---|---|---|
Level of difficulty and complexity | Entry-level certification | More advanced certification |
Scope of knowledge and skills covered | Covers fundamental IT concepts, basic hardware and software, security principles, networking fundamentals, and troubleshooting techniques | Covers a wide range of topics including hardware and software troubleshooting, operating systems, networking, mobile devices, virtualization, and security |
Target audience and career pathways | Suitable for individuals new to IT or those in non-technical roles requiring basic IT knowledge | Geared towards IT support technicians or help desk professionals |
Industry recognition and value | Provides a foundation for further CompTIA certifications and demonstrates basic IT knowledge | Widely recognized in the IT industry, often considered a prerequisite for advanced roles and specialized certifications |
Which certification is right for you?
CompTIA IT Fundamentals assists in determining if a tech career suits you. If you decide to pursue it, CompTIA A+ validates your skills to employers, increasing your chances of securing an IT job.
While CompTIA IT Fundamentals provides a broad understanding of IT, CompTIA A+ focuses specifically on technical support skills, making it the trusted entry-level certification sought after by employers.
Factors to consider when choosing between the two certifications
Factors to Consider | CompTIA IT Fundamentals | CompTIA A+ |
|---|---|---|
Skills and Experience | Suitable for beginners with little to no experience in IT | More suitable for individuals with technical support skills or experience |
Career Goals | Provides a general understanding of IT concepts | Focuses specifically on technical support skills |
Employer Demand | May not have as high employer recognition as CompTIA A+ | Widely recognized and sought after by employers |
Time and Cost | Generally less time-consuming and less expensive | Requires a relatively higher time and financial investment |
How to prepare for the exams
Preparing for these certifications can be easy if you have the right resources that replicate the actual exam. Let’s look at some study materials and resources that are great for both CompTIA IT Fundamentals and CompTIA A+.
Study materials and resources for CompTIA IT Fundamentals
1. Online resources for studying
Udemy | CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Complete Course (FC0-U61)
This Udemy course is a comprehensive program that has 4 hours on-demand video with 69 lectures and 10 sections. The instructor is a professor of IT and is one of the best mentors for this certification. .
CBT Nuggets | CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Complete Course (FC0-U61)
This is an entry-level testing program that covers fundamentals of computing. It has 133 videos with 8 virtual labs and also contains a practice exam.
2. Guides and Books
CompTIA | CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Study Guide: Exam FC0-U61
A clearly written official book that has been designed from scratch to help you master your exam. It’s a self-paced book that is clearly written and very well structured.
Amazon | CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Study Guide: Exam FC0-U61
With the help of this book, you’ll learn your way around hardware and software, conduct installations, and connect to networks to get a workstation up and running smoothly.
Study materials and resources for CompTIA A+
1. Online resources for studying
Udemy | CompTIA A+ (220-1001) Complete Course
This comprehensive Udemy course covers all the necessary topics to prepare you for the CompTIA A+ 220-1001 exam.
CompTIA | CompTIA A+ Certification Training
This training consists of everything that will be on the exam. It is official and endorsed by professionals, making it an excellent resource for studying.
2. Guides and Books
CompTIA | CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Certification Study Guide
A well-written and structured book that details both parts of the CompTIA A+ exam. It’ll help you over every concept and master your exam.
Amazon | CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Ninth Edition (Exams 220-901 & 220-902)
This book contains all the material relevant to both parts of the exam. It is well-detailed, comprehensive, and an excellent resource to prepare for the exam.
Exam day tips and strategies
What to Expect on the Exam Day
Tips for answering different types of questions and manage time
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between CompTIA IT Fundamentals and CompTIA A+ is crucial for individuals looking to embark on a career in the IT industry. Both are important, but play different roles.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals serves as an ideal starting point, while CompTIA A+ focuses on technical support skills and is widely recognized by employers, making it a valuable certification for landing entry-level IT jobs.
