Zach, your encouragement has changed my life. 15 months ago I was stuck in a job where things had changed and it was hard for me to balance responsibilities for work and family. I saw one of your videos on the A+, heard your encouragement, and got to work. Fast forward to today, I'm 10 months into my first IT job and just completed the Trifecta. Future looks bright and I'm so thankful
So it took you roughly 15 months for the trifecta? As a college student, how long do you think it will take me as I already have other studies on my plate. How many hours and days per week did you dedicate to studying? And what is your career end goal?
congrats on the job and I hope you go far as well. Still working on my associates for IT - networking and I'm in the class for the CompTIA A+ and networking certification courses.
@@david_thao the trifecta can take less time BUT you have to really dedicate time into it. Some people read something and remember it easily. Others can read something 10 times and forget it in a day. It really depends on you and time invested. Now if you are already doing other college studies, that’s going to be hard to juggle both unless it’s similar material.
I job hunted for over a year with an Associates degree/ other certs and got very little interest from employers. After I got the Net+ I had employers reaching out to me within hours of uploading my updated resume to indeed/other job sites and I’m starting my first IT job on Monday! Studying for Sec+ now hopefully will take that around the first of the year. Huge CompTIA fan!
@@carlos1163 Vendor specific. More CLI/directly transferable skills, less high-level. I wouldn't call CompTIA a waste of time at all; I do agree that CCNA is more respected than Net+ though.
3 months of hard studying for me and got my Sec+ certification on my first try. That was my first certificate, moving to an ISSO job and got a $25,000 pay bump. Was well worth it for me.
My kid is 16 and is pursuing his Net+, Sec+for this Summer and the Linux+ for the Fall. He is already taking college courses and completing his associates in Computer Science with a focus in Information Security. Thank you for this video confirming that he is in the right direction.
@@caydenrgarrett No. I would not recommend my son to attend that school. It is not a good fit for his long term goals. He is at community college and then he will be attending one of the state universities fully online because he is starting a new network engineering internship this Fall with our local museum. WGU cannot provide him the academic rigor he needs to be prepared for cybersecurity research in academia or in the industry.
I just watched a vid from 2 years ago and now this one. I wasn't sure if it was the same channel because you look like a brand-new person. Congrats on the weight loss man. I just got my degree and am probably gonna shoot for these certs to bolster my resume since I have almost no real experience.
I have the CompTIA Trifecta. You do learn TONS of useful information preparing for these three exams, and SEC+ by far is the most difficult one (I really loved NET+). The difficult thing as actually finding a job, because these days most employers required some kind of ungrad degree so if you don't have that you might struggle to even be considered. I have been job hunting for months, and even entry level helpdesk jobs are passing me over 😅
@One Man I actually just landed a job recently, thanks in part to my military experience and security clearance. But if I didn't have that, I think some sort of college education or several years experience are pretty much required for most jobs.
@@Chrisp0394 you struggle to be considered if you don’t make some sort of portfolio. It’s hard for employers to consider someone from Certs alone. Certs don’t mean you “know how to do”. If you make a portfolio it helps tremendously. You don’t need a damn degree for IT. You only need a degree for “very specific” job roles that require it. I’ve met people with no certs break into tech but that was because the portfolio was quite good. They had proof of their skills. Yes, some jobs still require certs but if you have the skills to be beneficial, many of them don’t care about the cert if you have skills and/or work experience. With a good portfolio you can very well be hired while the employer gives you a deadline of getting the required cert. Certs can almost guarantee an interview, but NOT the guarantee of being hired. Most employers want someone that they don’t have to carry so much.
Just want to say that this video has a lot of good information. Keep it mind that you may or may not require a cert depending on the company. That's why I tell folks to build a homelab and add those skills to the resume. You should also fix your resume and linkedin profile so hiring managers can find you. Networking with hiring managers and getting a reference definitely helps.
Let's be honest Kev, this sounds like a comptia commercial and we all know these certifications are unnecessary in most circumstances. I agree it's about building the skills, a solid resume, then marketing yourself and developing your interviewing skills. He was just saying less than a year ago that these same certifications are a waste of money and you would be better served getting something like a CCNA. These types of videos are a disservice to the people trying to break into the industry.
@@Smokey_IT it depends on the company. At the end of the day. You may need a cert because of the job requirements. Some companies won't require a cert and give you a chance. It really depends on the company and hiring manager.
You've just restored my faith in my journey my friend thank you, I've been getting anxiety really bad thinking after my degree is done and my certs are done I wont find a job. but you just helped me with my anxiety. I will have all 3 Comptia certs by feb. 2023 plus my B.S in Information Tech.
got my first IT job with no experience and basic skills. over a 7 month period, got the trifecta. second IT role almost doubled my salary from my first job. and i'm in a role with more opportunities to learn even more and quadruple my skillset.
Great video. I got my Comptia Trifecta in August, now I'm working on some Microsoft certs and about to start a bachelor's program for IT management. After that I'm heading towards getting some Cisco certs. I used professor messer for Comptia certs and an currently using IT Pro TV for microsoft. I agree the lessons, labs, and practice tests are a life saver.
I just wanna say to the watchers I know it sounds like he’s just doing a forced sponsor for IT Pro Tv. But it is a really good recourse to use they have high quality courses almost every cert you can think of. Shout out to Wes that man is the goat.
I’ve talked about them so many times at this point sponsored or not. I really do love their content. When they do sponsor me at this point it’s like an added bonus. I’m going to say good things either way because I personally use them.
I have used ITProTV for about two years now and compared to other resources, it's probably one of the most reasonable when it comes to price. The amount of time/quality they put into their videos is top notch. Wes & Ronnie are my go to instructors.
I've been watching videos and hearing mixed reviews saying whether a degree is better and the online certifications won't help enough for amateurs. Which should i do because I don't really have the funds or the time to go get a degree and want to know if I can get certified online along with my full time job
@@makaveli__23 cert is good to get pass the ats system. I would also build a home lab and fix the Linkedin profile so hiring managers can find you. Depending on the company you may or may not need a cert. It also goes back to the resume and how to market yourself.
I have been watching your videos for years, DUDE please take no offence or take this in a negative way.. but DUDE you have changed and lost weight like DAMN congrats and keep it up bro!
Used certmaster learn to study for A+. Passed it but for Network + I've been using ITpro and am enjoying much more. A lot less dry and the labs/ practice labs are great resources for the price.
Hello, I'm so happy to have found this video of you explaining the CompTia exams. I'm looking into the certifications and did not know which onse should be take first leading me to the Security one. This was such a great explanation. Thank you
Only 17 but I just passed the 1101, studying for the 1102 rn. Going to college for a bachelors in information systems during the fall but gonna continue to study for certifications on the side
If any of you live in California you can sign up for Calbright College for free training in A+ and they include coverage of the exam. You have to be a California resident though. They also offer career assistance, tutoring and job placement
Wow I did not know this? So the entire exam cost will be covered? Let’s say I fail, will they be willing to pay for the retake? And another thing is what if I am a current student attending a university. Will I be eligible for this program? Looking to get the A+ but would like to save money on resources and the exam. TIA!
@@justrok79 so when I sign up, they do not ask me questions about my college status? Also would you consider the videos and resources provided by calbright to be enough to pass the exam? Or would you add additional resources such as Jason dion practice exams or professor messer videos.
Very informative video, just a small thing I noticed; on the A+ Core 2 section where you listed the exam objectives for 1102; you listed the exam objectives for 1002.
I'm starting from zero. About to take A+ core 1 soon. My goal is cyber security..hoping I'll be able to find an analyst support role that will pay me enough to live until I can get the experience and certs for that.
Just got my Sec+ yesterday first attempt but I did take my Net+ before. I want to be a pentester. I’ll need to pivot to a sysadmin or network admin position first, and maybe take a CCNA before that so I have more chance to break free from IT Support. With the A+, I only studied the material without taking the test. I really don’t think it’s worth to pay over $500 for the most basic cert and having to submit to 2 tests to get only 1 cert and only be able to get Helpdesk or Support jobs. Well, unless your dream is to be in IT support. I’ll try to move on at the beginning of 2023 but I feel I need the CCNA.
@JustinsArt_Dojo007 That's exactly how I felt about the A+. I was able to get a job in Cybersecurity without having to take the CCNA, try to go Sysadmin and stuff. I skip that step. So recently, I was preparing to take the CySA+ but honestly I felt something different about having another CompTIA cert on my resume. So I'm going take the BTL1, which is the Security Blue Team cert. I bet it will improve my experience and help me increase my salary as I'm adding this cert and the Sec+ to my current experience in Cybersecurity to get a better opportunity in the market.
Just found this channel. I'm trying to break into cybersecurity with very little experience. I took a 6 month bootcamp that came with a voucher for Sec+. I just took my Sec+ 701 exam yesterday and passed by a tiny bit. I went into the exam thinking I was going to fail but got really lucky on the PBQ questions. I studied a ton for two months. The scope of the material covered on the Sec+ is insane. I'm trying to decide if its worthwhile to go and take the A+ exams now or if I should just start applying for jobs. Sounds like the latter?
Great advice your giving bud. Strangely saw your video pop up on my YT homepage right after I uploaded a new A+ video so I kinda feel like those folks at YT are spying on us with their suggestions if you ask me lol. Anyhoo, you're giving some solid good advice and I fully agree with what you said. Hopefully some of folks take your advice and go sit for some of those exams.
I’m in a 4 months program to get the trifecta. I’ve already passed A+. also, I just got out of the Army and I have security clearance so I need to get a job that requires clearance to maintain it. My instructor keeps telling me that I’ll have to start in help desk but I don’t want to go that path. I’m also pursuing my BS in computer science with concentration on cyber and network security. What job do you think I should apply for since I have no working experience in IT? I Look forward to your response
Thank you for confirming what I need to just go ahead and do. I'm currently in school for my Associate degree in Computer Information Systems with the possibility of getting another degree in Cyber Security. I was in the Signal Branch of the army so some of the information I know but I know what to do now. Hopefully by the time summer is over I'll have all three of these certificates.
Hi! I am looking into joining ACI Learning through their physical training building in Irving,TX. I didn't know about the self-study IT Pro site. Can you give me a list of pros and cons for these two avenues for IT training?
I have a question, would the labs in ITpro help you get real world experience? I see a lot of actual jobs wanting years of experience, a assiocate or bachelors or A+. As someone who's currently self studying for A+ and working a full time job it does have me kinda worried about companys not hiring due to no experience so I would like to get some be it labs, real software, other certs etc.
I always say that practical experience in a homelab can be put your resume. It definitely shows you are eager and a good self-learner. Let me know if you have any problems
@@Mr.man712 thats a good way to learn the about hardware. I would hire you lol since you know how to change components. Put that on your CV and keep learning. 🔥🔥🔥
Great video, with tons of helpful knowledge, but I for one am slightly confused. You mention that you only have Sec+ but highly recommend A+ and Net+ before attempting Sec+? Did you complete those or just have enough field and residential knowledge that you felt comfortable taking Sec+? TVMIA! I'm definitely going to keep watching yoru videos.
If you live in Ohio maybe other places? UC is giving free computer courses! You have to start a core basic class like GED or computer basics then you can go on to compIFT goggle IT then compTIA
I just went through my score report on both cores of the A+ exam. I did pass by the way, but the report shows that I missed questions in areas that I'm positive I got correct. The PBQs on the exams are pretty badly worded and seem glitchy at best. I'm willing to bet that if some of you out there have failed the A+, Net+ or Security + that you thought you passed it's not your fault. PearsonVUE does word some of the questions by design so that you really need to pay attention. However, there are from what I saw when taking the exams, flaws in the wording that is not by design.
Is it worthwhile for a Software Engineer with a degree in Software Development? I already have an Engineering role but think I'd like to pivot into security engineering at some point.
I started the Comptia A+ courses on Udemy about 2 years ago and got 80% through core 1 but the problem I found was simply how bored I got during the videos. I would find myself literally falling asleep while watching because I need some kind of interaction to keep me going. I want to get back into it/finish it, but I need something more interactive to complete it (I’m a kinesthetic learner; listening/watching doesn’t do it for me).
I've had all three at one time: The problem I have with the CompTIA Certs is that they expire every 3 years and they are costly. I did not renew them and let them expire because they cost like $500-$600 each (as of June 2023). They have pros and cons.
Why do you only have security+ and thats enoughbut we have to have A+ and N+? Other than helping understand better but im able to skip to S+ wouldn't that fine?
It’s Kinda hard to learn a lot of these things just by watching videos and stuff I’m more of a physical learner by hands on experience with an instructor. I can’t watch videos or read a book and get the info stuck in my brain. Anybody got any advice to get over this learning block? I’m currently trying for the A+ and all I got to learn from is Prof Messer and Dion but I can’t seem to understand anything even when I write the notes down on paper
I have to disagree with the assertion that Sec+ is their best. Honestly, it gets yawned at on my resume.. but the CASP got me insane attention... Now I'm a CISSP and I'm actually having to go get my sec+ and casp later to get pay raises.. but comptia is gonna be a day of studying to update what the covers. Now, as a base, jump point.. hell yes. If you're looking to get into cyber like a CISM, CISO, ISSO, ISSM, etc.. you're gonna wanna get this, and start studying for your CASP.
Thanks for the video! I have had the trifecta since August…began a transition into IT Sep 2021, but I cant even get an interview. Any tips on getting to the next step in getting hired?
I bought comptia A+ book i was studing through it in my home but due to some reason i left my hometown and now i am staying 2000km away from my home for job . Now i want to study it on my free time , Can anyone knows How to get comptia A+ All in one ebook online ?
would you recommend this as a career change for someone with no prior experience? I want to pursue a career change but I feel so discouraged considering the current state of economy and all these employment cuts :(
By the time you get all your certs and some experience the economy won't be like it is now. Think of it as preparing now for the person you'll be in 2 to 3 yrs. I'm 42 and switching careers...I'd say go for it.
Coming from someone who decided to switch careers and get into IT at 30, id say it is worth it. I went straight for Sec+ and "skipped" A+ and Net+. Studied for a month and half and passed the cert with no prior professional IT experience. Not even help desk. I landed a help desk job with an aviation company after putting out about 3 applications with my resume in about a months time. It wasnt hard at all to score a job, just do some home lab work, get a cert or 2 and make your resume appeal to hiring managers. Trust me, the horizon in IT is bright and i think less effected by the economy than many other trades. Simply put, GO AFTER IT! Pursue that career change! It has been hands down the best professional step ive taken in life. Doing something you enjoy makes a big difference in personal health and happiness which we all need a little more of these days. Best of Luck
@@tylerfournier I’m new to all of this, I keep seeing “home lab” throw around in all of these comments, I’m not sure what that is? Do you mind giving insight?
I got all 3 now...what do I do next? I'm not sure if I want to go down the security route of things but if i did....what do I do? more certs? get a job with security? I am currently almost at 4 years xp in IT support for a broad range of things, mainly desktop support, currently.
I had all 3 when I started. I just put my resume out there and hoped for the best. My first job was working tech support at an elementary school. That was kinda cool. Then I was a field tech. Every business from McDonalds to Home Depot to banks etc.. have IT equipment. You get tickets to go fix whatever is wrong. You get explicit directions that anyone who has those certs can follow. I did it for Walmart for a year or so once. I loved going to all the stores and having access to the server room where NONE of them are allowed....lol. Kind of an ego thing. Mind you, my resume was ALWAYS on Monster and Indeed while I did this. ALWAYS. You move up faster in pay by getting jobs at new places. Where you are working is NOT going to give you a raise of any significance. Then I got a call to be a computer support guy on an Air Force base. My security + is what got me that job. I started at 39k in 2015 and now make 81 k by keeping that resume out there !!! Final advice. Always re upload your resume every 2 weeks even though nothing new is on your resume. Recruiters are looking for resumes that have more recently been uploaded. If you are at you job even only 2 months and get a better offer. Take it. The company you are working for would dump you in a minute to save money so you need to have ZERO reservations about dumping them ( with 2 weeks notice of course) Good luck !!!!
A plus certified Security Plus certified next to my list is Network plus certified but I want to need money because I was told you want to get your network plus should anyone get your CCNA and then you want to get your side routes associated back to back from one another well that's interesting
CompTIA A+ should be skipped. Only if you're applying for a government position is when HR requires it. Take N+ and do CCNA. CCNA is hard, but seems to be better at opening doors.
@RUN CMD but is it worth renewing every time they expire? That seems to be the one thing that holds me back from this. I have been in IT for about 4-5 years now. I had the A+ and I've studied for other exams for the knowledge but never took the exams just because the expire every 3 years
CompTIA has a program where they let you renew all of your certs by only retaking the highest one you’ve earned. So if you go on to take Network+ and a Security+, you can renew your Security+ and also get renewal on the other two.
Hi, can you compare comptia a+ to isaca information technology certified associate? I want to start a career in tech and i am looking into this two courses as a first step into tech
I have the same question, have you figured it out? I already have my web development and design diploma so I already know the basics of WAN and LAN. Is it required? I’d prefer to save time and money and jump straight into security
The practive questions on Comptia's website are easier than what will actually be on the exam. The website Crucial Exams has a lot of practice questions which are likely worded how the actual A+ exam will be.
