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I’m probably not the only one who is more than ready to make a major life change, although it may have taken me longer than most to figure out what it would be. I’ve always wanted to work in the tech industry because I find it fascinating. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that tech careers pay well. But I just didn’t see how I could swing the training, considering the time and tuition involved. At least, that was until I heard about CompTIA.
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a non-profit trade association and its vendor-neutral certifications are recognized worldwide. That's because employers know that the certification exams cover the skills they value most, so every certification adds a little more shine to a resume and makes it stand out among a crowd of competitors.
I eventually settled on The 2021 Complete CompTIA Certification Prep Super Bundle from iCollege, which was packed with 15 courses, each to prep for a different certification, and it was exactly what I needed.
Why I Chose the 2021 Complete CompTIA Certification Prep Super Bundle
Affordability
There was no way that I was going to start taking out new student loans to train for a new career. That was an absolute deal-breaker. And I was perfectly happy with the $69 price tag, but you can get it even cheaper than I did (it's an additional 40% off for a limited time when you use promo code VIP40!)
Quality
There are other training courses available to prepare you for CompTIA certification exams, but the quality can vary widely. But iCollege is one of the most trusted platforms in the e-learning marketplace, and only products from the best vendors and suppliers are used.
Convenience
I love being able to train at my own pace, and I really love being able to do so from the comfort of my own home or anywhere else I feel like it. It wasn’t just the cost of tuition that put me off from going back to school. Adding another commute to my week was not at all appealing. And best of all, I don’t have to take time off from my full-time job to get the training I need.
Lifetime Access
Since the bundle includes courses for absolute novices all the way to advanced levels of experience, I feel like I can just craft exactly the career path I choose. But that wouldn’t be the case if I had to take all of those courses within a specific time period. With lifetime access to all of these classes, I can achieve my qualifications as quickly as I like, or spread them out during times when my life is more hectic.
Curriculum
The bundle has multiple courses at each level and in a variety of fields, so I feel like I can really create a custom career path. But it also gives me alternatives if I start down one path and find it’s not for me after all. But the absolute best thing about the bundle is that obtaining just one certification will be enough to allow me to start applying for tech positions.
Beginners
Even if the only computer experience you have is surfing online, creating documents and saving them to a directory, there are two courses you can take that will qualify you for two different certifications. “CompTIA A+ (220-1001/220-1002)” covers both in 334 lectures across more than 100 hours. You’ll learn about hardware, operating systems, networking, security, mobile devices and much more.
But if you feel like you’re pretty computer savvy, you can cover all the same things in about 30 hours between two accelerated courses, “CompTIA Accelerated A+ Core (220-1001)” and “CompTIA Accelerated A+ Core (220-1002)”. You may even be able to jump right into “CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (FC0-U61)”. Experienced project managers can go directly to “CompTIA Project+ (PK0-004)”.
Intermediate
I’m going to have to work up to these, but I feel confident that my first certifications will prepare me for them. And again, I’ll have the choice between learning about networking in “CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)” or taking the quicker version, “CompTIA Network+ (N10-007): Accelerated.” Since I have access to both, I can just check out the accelerated course and if it’s too much for me, just go back to the longer one.
I’m pretty sure I’m going to need the skills in “CompTIA Server+ (SK0-004)”, but I’m really looking forward to taking “CompTIA Cloud+ (CV0-002)”, because cloud computing is the future, and that means job security! Since I’ve always been curious about Linux, I’ll probably at least check out “CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-004).”
I’ll be honest, though, my long-term goal is to work in cybersecurity. So I’m beyond thrilled that there are so many courses focused on that field. Still within the intermediate level is “CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501)” and “CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601)”. They cover the core skills and knowledge of cybersecurity, including benchmarks for best practices in IT security. A CompTIA Network+ certification is recommended, so I’m taking that course as soon as I can.
Advanced
“CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-002)” builds on the Network+ and Security+, which is a perfect example of how these courses just flow into each other. Take one, it prepares you for the next, so you keep moving forward in skills and advancing your career at the same time.
I can’t wait to get to “CompTIA PenTest+ (PT0-001)”, which is all about the latest penetration testing methods and management of vulnerability assessment. But I get excited just reading about what’s covered in the final class, “CompTIA CASP+ (CAS-003)”, risk management, cryptographic concepts and more.
I can certainly understand why students love this bundle of courses. Not only have they given it an average rating of a perfect five stars, but they're telling their friends about it, as well. As verified purchaser Jerrod M. explains:
"This bundle covers everything that I need to prepare for a career in cybersecurity. My friend told me about four CompTIA+ courses to take, but this bundle has an additional 12 courses. The value of this bundle is unbelievable."
This bundle is currently $69. But for a limited time during our VIP Sale, you can use coupon code VIP40 to get another 40% off and pay only $41.40 for The 2021 Complete CompTIA Certification Prep Super Bundle.