I'm 16 years old and recently applied for a job. Whenever I announced this on Facebook, someone told me I should become A+ certified since ITs usually make around 20 bucks an hour. The question is, should I try and become A+ Certified and try this direction out or should I just try and get on somewhere as a cashier or bagboy. It has to be part time due to school, obviously but I was wondering if you all think it would be worth it. Also, was he right about the $20 an hour aspect?

I got my A+ back in February. It helps applying for jobs and also helps your credibility. I am also working on my CCNA cert. It depends on where you work, I was offered 3 jobs the first week. One paid $16/hour starting, one paid $14/hour and the 3rd paid about $19/hour. Still great for part time jobs.

Edit-But the main thing is, do you enjoy working with technology? I took a class to get A+ certified, and most of us passed the test.....however some of them didnt enjoy working with technology and either barely passed or failed completely. And the new revamped A+ only gives you your cert for 3 years, where as if you took it before January this year, it was good for life.

Let's create an alternative universe where I do become A+ Certified within the next 6 months.. Where would be some good types of places to apply that would appreciate my A+ certification, or at the very least give me a pay bump from minimum wage?

I actually really enjoy playing with technology. I've never actually made a PC or anything because to be honest I was a little afraid of screwing it up without knowing what I was doing, and then being out hundreds of dollars. But I do like technology.

Most places need a good IT staff. One of the places that asked for me was a series of hospitals working on their computers. Making sure they were secure, and upgrading them. Stuff like that.
It depends on where you live. Around here we have a major hub for http://www.force3.com/Home.aspx (the second job opening for me).

-Edit- Also it helps when trying to get some easy money. A lot of people around your neighborhood may have computer troubles and dont want to spend the money for Geek Squad. I make an easy 15% of computer builds or fixes that I do for people.

Right now, I'm trying to find places that would hire a 16 year old IT guy... :read:

I don't see a problem with getting it regardless since it'd look nice on my resume and it'd teach me some more stuff about computers. But I guess the main advantage would be being able to get a little bit of a payraise from it. Thanks for all your help Starforce!

Yes, no reason not to get it if you're going to be working in a IT field. Getting A+ and Sec+ certs helped me alot and gives me more money and looks good like you said. The only part I think you will get caught up is the age part for work.

You're not going to make 20$ an hour part time with only A+. I would still get it as a start though.

Here's the funny part... I plan on becoming an attorney. But I need a job NOW and if this helps me get one, hey why not?

Speaking of which, where is CCNA, I haven't seen him in ages.

His profile says he was just on yesterday. Hanging in the Fallout DLC forums and Skyrim section.

That depends, what is A+ lol

http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications/a.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CompTIA#A.2B_certification

Also just to make sure the OP knows, the certification is 2 tests, costing about $175 or so to take.

I say get that bagboy job and help pay your way through school. A+ is A+ in my book.

It's nice to have on your C.V. but given that I've passed the A+ it doesn't make you an IT professional .

At the very least I had fun doing it though.