I Needed to Hear This About CompTIA and So Do You

Okay sis, I need you to sit down for this one. You know how we are always talking about ways to make real money without the 4-year degree trap? Well, I found something that actually works — and it is called CompTIA. Yeah, that weird acronym you have probably seen floating around TikTok or LinkedIn but ignored because it sounded technical and scary.

Listen, I get it. When I first heard about CompTIA certifications, I thought it was for computer science majors or guys who built their own gaming PCs. But here is the thing nobody tells you: CompTIA is literally designed for people who are starting from zero. Like, zero experience. Zero coding skills. Zero tech background. And it can double your salary in under six months.

I am not exaggerating. I have watched women in our community go from working retail and struggling to pay rent to landing remote IT jobs making $60k+ a year. All because they took a chance on one certification. And I want that for you too.

What Even Is CompTIA and Why Should You Care?

Alright, let me break this down in plain English. CompTIA is basically the organization that created the most respected entry-level IT certifications in the world. Think of it like the driver’s license for the tech industry. You need it to prove you know what you are doing, even if you have never worked in tech before.

The one you want to pay attention to is called CompTIA A+. This is the certification that covers the fundamentals: hardware, software, networking, troubleshooting, security — all the stuff that entry-level IT jobs require. And here is the wild part: you do not need any college credits to take the exam. You just need to study and pass two tests.

Now, I know what you are thinking. “But I am not good at computers.” Girl, neither was I. I literally cried the first time I opened a study guide because I did not know what a motherboard was. But the CompTIA A+ curriculum is built for beginners. It assumes you know nothing and teaches you everything from the ground up. You can do this.

How Much Money Are We Actually Talking About?

Let me hit you with some real numbers because I know you are trying to figure out if this is worth your time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for IT support specialists is around $57,000. But here is the thing: that is the median. Women in our community who got their CompTIA A+ certification are reporting starting salaries between $45,000 and $65,000 — and that is for entry-level roles.

Now compare that to the average salary for a 22-year-old with a bachelor’s degree, which is around $50,000. And they have student loan debt. You? You can get your CompTIA A+ for under $500 total, including the exam fees and study materials. No debt. No waiting four years. No sitting in lectures about things you will never use.

And here is the part that really gets me: once you have that CompTIA A+ on your resume, you are not stuck at that salary. You can stack more certifications on top of it — like CompTIA Network+ or Security+ — and your earning potential jumps to $80k, $90k, even six figures within a few years. This is not a dead-end gig. This is a ladder.

What Does the CompTIA A+ Actually Cover?

I want you to understand exactly what you will be learning so you can stop being scared and start being excited. The CompTIA A+ certification is split into two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Each exam covers different topics, and you have to pass both to get certified.

Core 1 covers hardware, networking, mobile devices, and troubleshooting. Basically, you learn how computers and networks actually work. You will know how to fix a laptop that will not turn on, set up a Wi-Fi network, and diagnose why something is running slow. These are real skills that employers are desperate for.

Core 2 covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. This is where you learn about Windows, macOS, Linux, cybersecurity basics, and how to keep data safe. In a world where every company is terrified of hackers, this knowledge is gold.

The best part? You can study for both exams in about 8-12 weeks if you are consistent. I am talking about studying for an hour a day, maybe two hours on weekends. That is less time than you probably spend scrolling TikTok every week.

What Jobs Can You Actually Get With CompTIA A+?

This is the part where I need you to pay attention because a lot of people online will tell you that CompTIA A+ only gets you a help desk job. And yeah, help desk is a common entry point. But let me tell you what help desk actually looks like in 2024.

Help desk roles are not what you think. You are not just answering phones and resetting passwords all day. Many help desk positions are remote, meaning you can work from your bedroom in pajamas. You are troubleshooting real problems, learning on the job, and building skills that will carry you into higher-paying roles. Plus, a lot of companies will pay for your next CompTIA certification once you are hired.

But help desk is not the only option. With your CompTIA A+, you can also apply for roles like:

• IT Support Specialist – $45k-$65k
• Field Service Technician – $40k-$60k
• Desktop Support Analyst – $50k-$70k
• Junior Network Administrator – $55k-$75k
• Technical Support Engineer – $55k-$80k

And here is the thing: once you have six months to a year of experience in any of these roles, you can start applying for jobs that pay even more. The CompTIA A+ is your foot in the door. After that, the sky is the limit.

The Truth Nobody Tells You About CompTIA

Okay, I am going to keep it real with you because that is what sisters do. Getting your CompTIA A+ is not going to be easy. The exams are tough. There is a lot of information to memorize. You will probably fail your first practice test and feel like giving up. I have seen it happen to so many women.

But here is the truth: the people who pass are not the ones who are naturally good at tech. They are the ones who refuse to quit. They are the ones who study even when they are tired after work. They are the ones who join study groups and ask questions when they do not understand something. And they are the ones who end up doubling their salaries and changing their lives.

You are not behind. You are not too old. You are not too dumb. You are exactly where you need to be. The only thing standing between you and a CompTIA certification is the decision to start.

How to Get Your CompTIA A+ Without Losing Your Mind

Alright, let me give you a step-by-step plan that actually works. No fluff. No “manifest your dream job” nonsense. Just real steps that real women have used to pass their CompTIA A+ exams.

Step 1: Get the official study materials. Start with the CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One For Dummies book I mentioned earlier. It is written in plain English and covers everything you need to know. Pair it with Professor Messer’s free YouTube videos — he is basically the unofficial godfather of CompTIA exam prep. His videos are free, comprehensive, and actually enjoyable to watch.

Step 2: Take practice exams early and often. Do not wait until you feel “ready.” Take a practice exam on day one to see where you are. Then take one every week. This will show you exactly what you need to focus on. Use Jason Dion’s practice exams on Udemy — they are the closest thing to the real test.

Step 3: Join a study group. I cannot stress this enough. Studying alone is lonely and hard. Join the TechMae community or find a CompTIA study group on Discord or Reddit. Having other women to ask questions and share resources with makes a huge difference.

Step 4: Schedule your exam. This is the most important step. Pick a date 8-12 weeks out and pay for the exam. When you have money on the line, you will actually study. The CompTIA A+ exam costs about $246 per test, so $492 total. It is an investment, but it pays for itself within your first month on the job.

Step 5: Pass and celebrate. When you pass, and you will, take yourself out to dinner. Post about it on LinkedIn. Update your resume. Start applying for jobs. You earned this.

What About Imposter Syndrome?

I know you are probably sitting there thinking, “But what if I am not smart enough? What if I fail? What if everyone finds out I do not know what I am doing?” Girl, I felt the exact same way. Every single woman who has ever gotten a CompTIA certification felt that way at some point.

Here is the thing: imposter syndrome is not a sign that you do not belong. It is a sign that you are stepping into something new and uncomfortable. And that is exactly where growth happens. The women who succeed in tech are not the ones who feel confident all the time. They are the ones who show up anyway.

You belong in this space. You deserve a career that pays you well and gives you freedom. And a CompTIA certification is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to get there. Do not let fear talk you out of something that could change your entire life.

This is the kind of stuff women talk about inside TechMae every single day. No judgment, just real ones keeping it real.

Related: This post is a must-read for women on their journey.

Start Here

Your one action for today is simple: go to the CompTIA website and download the A+ exam objectives. Just look at them. See what is covered. Realize that every single topic on that list is something you can learn. Then decide if you want to take the next step.

You do not have to decide your whole career today. You just have to decide to look. That is it. One small step. And if you decide this is for you, come back and let us know. We will cheer you on every step of the way.

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