- Donald E. Hester
A+ Certification
The A+ certification is an entry-level certification. You should have a basic understanding of computers, including the following skills, before taking the A+ certification course.
Installing and running programs.
Using basic productivity software including word processing applications.
Saving files created by common applications.
Browsing the Internet.
To obtain the certification, you must pass two exams:
The A+ Essentials exam (220-901) covers basic operating system and hardware concepts.
The A+ Practical Application exam (220-902) covers details on installing and troubleshooting hardware and configuring devices for use by the operating system.
CompTIA A+ Essentials examination
CompTIA A+ 220-901 covers the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, and basic networking.
Focus is on identification, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting field replaceable components. Topics include microprocessors, memory, BIOS and CMOS, expansion bus, motherboards, power supplies, USB drives, hard drives, SCSI devices, CD and DVD media, video, sound, portable PCs, printers, networks, the Internet, and Windows 2K and UNIX/Linux operating systems.
CompTIA A+ 220-902 covers the skills required to install and configure PC operating systems, as well as configuring common features (e.g. network connectivity and email) for mobile operating systems Android and Apple iOS.
The CompTIA A+ Practical Application exam measures the necessary competencies for an entry-level IT professional who has hands-on experience in the lab or the field. Successful candidates will have the skills required to install, configure, upgrade, and maintain PC workstations, the Windows OS and SOHO networks. The successful candidate will use troubleshooting techniques and tools to resolve PC, OS, and network connectivity issues and implement security practices. Job titles in some organizations which are descriptive of the role of this individual may be: Enterprise technician, IT administrator, field service technician, PC or Support technician. Ideally, the CompTIA A+ Practical Application candidate has already passed the
Scheduling and Taking the Official A+ Certification Test
There are no prerequisites. CompTIA recommends candidates have a minimum of 12 months of experience. You may schedule, and take a test at any time of the year by contacting either
Prometric www.prometric.com
Vue at www.vue.com
Test Specifics
Number of questions: Maximum of 90.
Type of questions: Multiple choice and performance-based; simulations.
Length of test: 90 minutes
Continuing Education
CompTIA A+ certifications issued in 2011 or later are valid for three years. You can keep your certification current through the Continuing Education Program
