Plan your path in tech with the right certification: Here’s what to know

Cloud computing, cybersecurity, and machine learning are just a few of many sought-after job trends that are driving the tech industry forward. With this growth comes the need to fill current and future tech positions with skilled candidates. If you're interested in how to start a career in tech, CompTIA can help. With an actionable plan, the right skill set, and an industry-recognized tech certification, that candidate can be you.

If you're interested in tech but are not quite sure how to get into the field, you're not alone. A rewarding tech career can feel out of reach if you're someone who doesn't have technical skills. If you are in a different line of work or don't have a college degree in tech (or a degree at all for that matter), the job search for a tech career can feel that much more intimidating.

It's never too late to pursue your interest in a tech career. For many people, especially career switchers, not having technical skills is one of the biggest roadblocks. If you don't have a technical background or years of experience, with the right tech certification and training from online courses, you can become a tech professional.

As an industry recognized and globally respected tech certification body, CompTIA certifications can help you become a tech professional. With over 2.3 million people holding a combined 3.3 million CompTIA certifications, we're proud to have helped launch and advance the tech careers of people from all backgrounds in nearly every industry. Find the right CompTIA certification and join the ranks of today's tech professionals.

You have what it takes to become a tech professional

Technology has advanced rapidly over the past couple of years and has impacted nearly every sector and the industries within them. As such, there are a variety of roles you can pursue in the technology field. If you're new to the technology field, you likely already have strong transferable skills that can help you succeed after you gain the right technical skills.

If you're new to the workforce, now is the time to grow in tech. CompTIA's State of the Tech Workforce reports that the tech workforce continues to grow faster than average compared to all other job roles in the nation. Technology occupations are expected to see 18.4% growth from 2024 to 2034. This is twice the rate of overall employment across the economy.

While the data is black and white, the same can't be said for human nature. Change, especially concerning career paths, can be difficult no matter your age, skill set, or experience. If you want to pursue a tech career, but haven't yet, it's important to reflect on what's stopping you and what you can do about it. Let's take a closer look at some common challenges adults young and old face when they're considering a career path in technology.

Do I need a college degree to land a tech job?

While a college degree is valuable, you do not need one to pursue various tech jobs. In fact, having the right skillset is growing in popularity among employers. CompTIA's 2024 Workforce and Learning Trends report indicates that 49% of hiring managers say a skills-based hiring approach is a new and compelling strategy. Tech skills can be taught, and CompTIA has defined certifications that allow you to develop relevant technical skills for the tech role you want to pursue.

I'm a career switcher, how do I pivot into tech?

If you're already in the workforce, but not in a tech-related role, it's important to recognize that you have valuable skills. While you might not be an expert in operating systems or networks, you have transferrable soft skills like problem solving skills that are critical for success in a tech career. When you learn the right technical skills, there are no limits on how you can advance in technology.

To make the career pivot, you need to erase the doubt that you may have about your future in tech. Next, you'll need to develop your technical skills to help you move into an entry level tech role -whatever that role may be.

What is a CompTIA certification?

The right tech certifications offer a credible and cost-effective way to build the right skills. CompTIA training and certifications have helped support countless career switchers learn the right technical skills for the next chapter in their career. Find out how you can plan your career change with CompTIA and narrow down the right training program for your career goals.

I'm not sure which tech role to pursue

When you break past the mental hurdle of starting a tech career, the next struggle you'll likely face is deciding which tech role to pursue. Cybersecurity brings with it an exciting allure, while networking and systems administration might conjure up your curiosity for how things work. It's good to have an idea of what you're interested in, but you should also do your research into tech roles you might not be familiar with. Exposure to different roles will help you narrow the right one for your future in tech.

CompTIA helps simplify this process in several ways. You can start by taking our Career Quiz to see what tech roles line up with your interests and personality. Learn about careers like data science, software engineering, and many others. Next, you'll want to dive into the details with our Career Path Planning Tool. Explore the unique skills required in each role and gain insight into what an average day in that role looks like. This tool will also help you learn about the best tech certifications for beginners.

Gain the right technical skills to land a tech role

Finding the right tech role that suits your interests and skills is important and is the best way to start breaking into IT. When you do that, you'll know what technical skills you'll need to develop. Looking at job descriptions of roles you want to pursue will give you an idea of the skills you should develop. As a global leader in tech education and skills development, CompTIA offers relevant certifications that line up with today's market demands. To ensure CompTIA certifications are up to date with industry standards, all certifications undergo regular updates so that learners have skills and knowledge of the latest tools and technologies

CompTIA certification exam objectives also spell out the skills, tools, and concepts you need to know to pass the associated exam. While CompTIA exams are rigorous, they reflect the highest and latest standards in the current tech landscape. Successfully obtaining a CompTIA certification validates that you have the skills needed for specific tech roles.

To help prepare you for success, CompTIA offers various training solutions designed to meet your learning needs. For example, you'll get access to hands on practice through simulation labs. You'll also have access to narrative-style videos, flashcards, e-books, and other resources that will help you gain a thorough understanding of exam objectives.

How to get into tech: Plan your path toward a tech career

With a clear goal, a written plan, and the right mindset, you can land a rewarding tech career -regardless of your current career or skillset. Start planning your next career move when you take these actionable steps:

• Know your interests - Line your interests up with the right tech career when you take our Career Quiz

• Do your research - Explore the tech role and even the tech company you want to work in and narrow down the right fit for your goals. Dive into the specifics when you use our Career Explorer tool. Here, you can learn about median annual salaries, projected job growth, and more.

• Get certified - Explore CompTIA certifications to see what skills align with job roles you're interested in pursuing. Here, you'll also gain more insight into how to get certified in IT.

• Start your training - When you're ready to start your tech journey, start training for your certification with CompTIA training bundles. Bundles offer a wealth of learning skills to develop your technical skills. Plus, bundles come with an exam voucher + retake. Visit the CompTIA storefront to learn more.

• Stay motivated - Starting anything new can feel overwhelming. Use our Study Plan Tool to help keep you on track. Need inspiration or want to feel motivated? Explore how career switchers and those new to the workforce found success with CompTIA training and certification when you read our blogs.

Ready to break into tech? Your tech career is closer than you think. Take control of your future and reach your career goals when you start planning your path in tech. Use our IT Path Planning Tool to explore CompTIA certification paths and take the first step toward your career.