Eight in ten executives across the UAE, KSA and Oman value IT certifications as mark of validated IT skills
CompTIA, the leading provider of vendor neutral skills certifications for the world's information technology (IT) workforce, announced today the availability of Arabic-language versions of its latest CompTIA A+ certification exams.
CompTIA A+ is widely recognized throughout the IT industry as the leading certification for IT support technicians.
"The IT technician's role is increasingly more complex and sophisticated than in the days of the break-fix PC repairman," said Terry Erdle, executive vice president, certification and learning, CompTIA. "Their responsibilities have expanded into areas such as mobility, security, virtualization and other emerging technologies. CompTIA A+ reflects this reality."
CompTIA A+ is an ISO/ANSI accredited certification that validates foundation-level knowledge and skills necessary for a career in IT service and support. Nearly one million IT professionals have earned the credential since it was introduced in 1993.
Benefits of Certification
A 2013 CompTIA study on international technology adoption and workforce issues found that more than 60 percent of business and IT executives surveyed in Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates expected to increase their company's IT staff headcount over the next 12 months.
Among this same group of executives, 81 percent said IT certifications will increase in importance over the next two years; and 82 percent agreed that certified IT professionals are more valuable to the organization.
Employers rely on CompTIA A+ when hiring IT staff because certified workers have a greater ability to understand new and complex technologies; are more productive; and bring more insightful problem-solving to the workplace.
The Oman Ministry of Education has used CompTIA A+ and other certifications to strengthen the hardware and software skills of some 900 IT technicians and engineers working in the ministry's headquarters, regional offices and schools.
"We've seen a big improvement in the level and quality of technical support, and fewer technical problems with hardware, networks and applications," said Ali Moosa Alhussaini, director of technical support and operation for the Directorate General of Information Technology. "This has enabled us to provide even higher levels of service."
"Education, training and certification are essential components in the effort to produce a new generation of IT professionals," Erdle said. "CompTIA A+ is a comprehensive measurement of core competencies and knowledge that should be in any IT professional's skill set. It also establishes a solid foundation for future career advancement."
Individuals must pass two exams to become CompTIA A+ certified. The first exam (220-801) covers PC hardware, networking, laptops, printers and operational procedures. The second exam (220-802) covers operating systems, security, mobile devices, troubleshooting and integration of computing devices in a network.
Complete exam objectives are available on the CompTIA certification website. Exam vouchers and training materials are available in the CompTIA Marketplace.
