The Best IT Course for Beginners (2024 Guide)

Thinking about making a career change and starting in IT? With so many certifications and specializations out there, it can be hard to know where to begin. The globally recognized CompTIA A+ is an ideal starting point for beginners, laying a strong foundation for a successful IT career. In this 2024 guide, we’ll explore why CompTIA A+ is perfect for those new to the field, what you’ll learn along the way, and how you can build on this certification to advance your career.

Why CompTIA A+ is the Best Starting Point

The IT industry is a broad term that covers a wide range of areas, from hardware and software to networking and security. CompTIA A+ is designed to give you a well-rounded understanding of all these fundamentals. If you’re interested in desktop support, technical troubleshooting, or even just building a solid foundation for more advanced IT certifications, this is the place to start. A+ is like the key to your new career in the cyber world, and this is your guide to unlocking it.

Here’s why CompTIA A+ is perfect for beginners:

• No prior IT experience required: The course assumes no prior technical knowledge, making it accessible to anyone ready to learn.

• Hands-on skills: You’ll learn practical skills that are immediately applicable in real-world environments, from installing operating systems to managing network configurations.

• Broad scope: The certification covers the IT essentials, including hardware, software, operating systems, troubleshooting, and network basics. This gives you a complete toolkit for any entry-level IT role.

What You’ll Learn in CompTIA A+

• Computer hardware and troubleshooting: Understand how to assemble, maintain, and troubleshoot various devices, from PCs to mobile devices.

• Operating systems: Gain knowledge of operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS, and learn how to install and configure them.

• Networking: Get a basic understanding of networking concepts, such as IP addressing, wireless networking, and cloud computing.

• Security: Learn the essential security skills to protect data and systems, including threat identification and vulnerability management.

How do I get ready?

At ACI Learning Tech Academy, we offer comprehensive, instructor-led training for the CompTIA A+ certification, ensuring you have the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your career. You can start with our IT Support Specialist Program, designed to help you pass the certification exams for A+ with ease. We will be there to help you with each step of your learning journey, and program tuition even covers the cost of one exam voucher. Our program also assigns you an Employment Development Manager, who will help you perfect your resume and get you connected with top employers looking for new talent.

Career opportunities after passing the exam

Once you’ve earned your CompTIA A+ certification, you’ll be ready to step into various entry-level IT roles. Some common job titles include:

• IT Support Specialist

• Help Desk Technician

• Desktop Support Administrator

• Field Service Technician

These roles typically involve tasks like setting up hardware, providing technical support, troubleshooting network issues, and managing software updates. According to CompTIA, many professionals see a starting salary in the range of $45,000 to $60,000 per year for these positions, depending on location and employer.

What’s next?

If you’re looking forward to a long career in IT, earning your CompTIA A+ is just the beginning. After gaining about six months of hands-on experience in your first entry-level IT role, it will be time to think about advancing your skills. The next step is to dive deeper into networking with certifications like CompTIA Network+, which will open doors to specialized roles such as Network Administrator or Systems Administrator.

At ACI Learning Tech Academy, we provide a clear path for your growth with our Network Support Specialist Program, which includes training for CompTIA Network+, Security+, and CCNA certifications. This comprehensive, instructor-led program equips you with the skills needed to move beyond the basics of IT support into more advanced networking and security roles. With this combination of certifications, you'll be prepared for a wide range of higher-level IT positions.

Our program also includes personalized support from your Employment Development Manager, who will help you optimize your resume, prepare for interviews, and connect with top employers in the industry. By following this structured learning path, you'll not only advance your technical knowledge but also build a clear career trajectory in the IT field.

Is this training for me?

The IT industry is full of opportunities, and the CompTIA A+ certification is your ticket to the ground floor. By starting with a course that covers all the essentials, you'll build a strong foundation for a long-term career in technology.

When you're ready to take the next step, ACI Learning’s Tech Academy will be here to help. With our instructor-led programs, you will have all the knowledge and support you need to earn your A+ certification and beyond. Whether you prefer in-person training or virtual options, you'll receive hands-on learning and support from our expert instructors. Tech Academy also provides personalized career support, including resume building, LinkedIn optimization, and interview coaching, to ensure you're job-ready after completing your certification. With flexible learning schedules and real-world practice labs, ACI Learning makes it easy to keep advancing your skills and finally break into the fast-moving IT world.