Help Yourself to Help Desk Jobs With A+ Certification

by Jane Smallman
jane.smallman@computertrainingschools.com
College Search Engine Columnist

Reports from the IT industry indicate there just aren’t enough computer help desk personnel around to fill the jobs available. All you need to qualify for an entry-level job in this field is a recognized certificate like CompTIA’s A+ —and the right attitude!

Computer Help Desk Jobs in Abundance

The U.S. Department of Labor’s prediction that computer help desk jobs would increase at a “faster than average” rate is confirmed by the latest reports from IT industry analysts.

A recent survey carried out by IT recruitment firm Robert Half Technology shows that computer help desk jobs are available all over the U.S., and in many places there just aren’t enough qualified staff to fill them. Kansas City-based placement coordinator Patrick Draney says “If you are A+ certified and can’t find an entry-level help desk job, you either have a felony on your record, or you are wearing the wrong deodorant.”

This doesn’t mean, however, that basic skills aren’t essential. Before you start applying for jobs you must have

• a firm working knowledge of computer hardware and software
• excellent communication (“soft”) skills

How can you prove that you’ve got what it takes to do a help desk job? Well, earning A+ certification would be a good start.

A+ Training and Certification

The vendor-neutral CompTIA A+ certification was updated at the end of 2006 to address the latest demands of employers in the computer support industry, including new concerns with security and soft skills.

Students must now pass two exams:

• “Essentials,” which tests your basic knowledge of computer hardware and operating systems, ability to install, maintain, repair and troubleshoot, plus security and soft skills
• One of these three options: 220-602, for jobs with a high level of face-to-face interaction; 220-603, for remote support environments, where a lot of communication takes place over the phone or Internet; 220-604, which emphasizes hardware problems.

With the easy availability of A+ training programs around the country and over the Internet, sign up now, and take advantage of that surplus of computer help desk jobs!

Sources

U.S. Dept Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics
Certification Magazine
CompTIA

About the Author

Jane Smallman combines free-lance writing with running a mountain guiding business with her husband. She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the Social Sciences.