IT infrastructure is the foundation for IT operations and paramount for any business to function. As emerging technologies gain ground, the modernization of infrastructure is imminent. And as new threats emerge, the security of infrastructure is of the utmost importance.
IT pros in infrastructure roles must not only be able to support and manage data center and network operations, but they now must also be able to manage these core components securely in both on-premises and hybrid environments.
If you’re looking to break into infrastructure as a career, you may be familiar with CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005). CompTIA Server+ is a global IT certification that ensures those who install, manage and troubleshoot servers can perform their job in any environment. What you may not know, however, is what specific jobs you can get once you earn a CompTIA Server+ certification.
Let’s take a closer look at how IT professionals who have CompTIA Server+ are qualified for the following IT infrastructure jobs:
- Systems administrator
- Data center technician
- Server administrator
- Network administrator
- Field service technician
What Skills Does CompTIA Server+ Cover?
Let’s first take a look at how CompTIA Server+ prepares IT pros for these positions. As with all CompTIA certifications, CompTIA Server+ is vendor neutral, making it the only server certification not restricted to a single platform. And CompTIA Server+ is good for life (GFL), which means once you earn it, you don’t need to renew it. (Although we always recommend keeping your skills sharp with additional training and certifications!)
To be successful in any of the above listed jobs, an individual should be able to do the following:
- Install, configure and manage server hardware and server operating systems
- Implement proper server hardening and securing controls
- Troubleshoot common server problems
- Demonstrate an understanding of key disaster recovery, high availability and backup concepts
It’s no coincidence that these skills are exactly what CompTIA Server+ covers. (Check out the exam objectives for yourself – download them for free!) CompTIA Server+ continues to validate the skills needed to remotely manage physical and virtualized servers, while reflecting industry adoption of cloud-based solutions – skills that hiring managers are now looking for.
5 Jobs You Could Get With CompTIA Server+
If you have a CompTIA Server+ certification, you may be interested in one of the following in-demand jobs. Keep reading to see how the job responsibilities tie directly to CompTIA Server+ exam domains.
1. Systems Administrator
If you like to manage and maintain the information systems (IS) infrastructure and enterprise application systems while evaluating, recommending and implementing security improvements, then systems administrator, or sysadmin, may be the job for you.
A sysadmin can install, configure, upgrade or debug network and wireless technologies and enterprise applications through the following tasks:
- Ensuring the company hardware and software is working as intended
- Installing all the applications needed to support the organization
- Updating systems when new software is released
- Maintaining user accounts and access
CompTIA Server+ shows employers that you're able to do these exact things in a secure manner.
For example, under Domain 2.0 Server Administration, candidates must know how to do all of the above while also being able to explain the key concepts of high availability for servers, summarize the purpose and operation of virtualization and scripting basics, and explain the importance of asset management, documentation and licensing concepts.
It’s no surprise that demand for systems administrators has increased over the past few years. And, you’ll be rewarded for your knowledge. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), systems administrators can earn an average annual wage of $84,810.
Read more about becoming a systems administrator.
2. Data Center Technician
Data center technicians provide an array of technical support to an organization’s data center. They help ensure that the servers are consistently running smoothly, but when they’re not, data center technicians help problem solve and determine resolutions to avoid major downtime.
A sysadmin can install, configure, upgrade or debug network and wireless technologies and enterprise applications through the following tasks:
- Ensuring the company hardware and software is working as intended
- Installing all the applications needed to support the organization
- Updating systems when new software is released
- Maintaining user accounts and access
CompTIA Server+ shows employers that you’re able to do these exact things in a secure manner.
For example, under Domain 1.0 Server Hardware Installation and Management, candidates must know how to do all of the above while also deploying and managing storage and performing server hardware maintenance.
Keeping an organization’s data center running is extremely valuable to any company. That’s why, according to the BLS, data center technicians can earn an average annual wage of $70,500.
Read more about becoming a data center technician.
3. Server Administrator
If you’re a methodical thinker who’s good at monitoring processes and maintenance, then server administrator may be a good next step for you.
A server administrator is in charge of an organization’s servers and ensures operations run efficiently through the following tasks:
- Creating new user accounts, recovering lost passwords and keeping data secure
- Developing and implementing network maintenance standard operating procedures
- Diagnosing and repairing hardware and network malfunctions
- Ensuring security firewalls are updating regularly
- Providing management with regular reports
CompTIA Server+ shows employers that you’re able to do these exact things in a secure manner.
For example, Domain 3.0 Security and Disaster Recovery, candidates must know how to do all of the above while also being able to explain data security risks and mitigation strategies and the importance of backups, restores and disaster recovery.
It’s important for IT pros in this role to stay abreast of new technology in order to understand how to work with new hardware and software and recommend modifications and improvements. And you’ll be rewarded for your knowledge. According to the BLS, server administrators can earn an average annual wage of $84,810.
Read more about becoming a server administrator.
4. Network Administrator
If you like to manage systems and solve connectivity issues, then network administration may be a good next step for you.
A network administrator supports the company’s internal servers in the following ways:
- Installing and maintaining the network and hardware systems
- Diagnosing and repairing connectivity issues
- Ensuring people can only access the files to which they have permission
- Monitoring the network to maintain speed and availability
- Managing backup systems for the network
CompTIA Server+ shows employers that you’re able to do these exact things in a secure manner.
For example, under Domain 2.0 Server Administration, candidates must know how to do all of the above while also being able to configure servers to use network infrastructure services and configure and maintain server functions and features.
Depending on the size of the company, network administrators might be responsible for supporting desktop computers as well as other networked devices. Network administrators must have a thorough understanding of switches, routers and networked communications – and that pays. According to the BLS, network administrators can earn an average annual wage of $83,510.
Read more about becoming a network administrator.
5. Field Service Technician
You can be an IT pro with a passion for people. After all, technology doesn’t work if the end user doesn’t understand how to use it. If your excitement for technology intersects with your love of helping people, then field service technician may be a good fit for you.
A field service technician is responsible for analyzing, troubleshooting and evaluating technology issues in the field. This role generally supports external clients or end user in the following ways:
- Paying attention to customers’ descriptions of computer problems
- Asking questions to properly diagnose the problem
- Walking customers through the recommended problem-solving steps
- Setting up or repairing computer equipment and related devices
- Training users to work with new computer hardware or software
- Documenting changes, revisions and problems
- Providing information to other team members and managers
CompTIA Server+ shows employers that you’re able to do these exact things in a secure manner.
For example, Domain 4.0 Troubleshooting, candidates must know how to do all of the above while also being able to troubleshoot theory, methodology, common hardware failures, storage problems, operating system (OS) and software problems, network connectivity issues and security problems.
Individuals who are technically well-versed and are able to help clients install, repair and maintain hardware and software while building relationships with customers will succeed in this role – and earn a good living wage. According to the BLS, field service technicians can earn an average annual wage of $57,910.
Read more about becoming a field service technician.
The necessity of keeping IT infrastructure efficient, updated and secure is vital to any organization’s operations. These IT pros are focused on operational productivity and security to ensure confidential data and prevent network disruptions.
CompTIA Server+ ensures IT pros have mastered the concepts of virtualization, storage, security and troubleshooting in data centers and cloud environments.
Looking to get ahead? Download the CompTIA Server+ exam objectives and open the door to your IT infrastructure career.
