CompTIA A+ is one of the most popular certifications in the IT industry. It is and has been the first certification of many IT professionals. Considered the entry-point certification in IT, CompTIA A+ delivered thousands of professionals who went to achieve bigger certification and made a career in Information Technology. The beauty of this certification is its topics that cover all the important technologies required to get an introduction on how PC works and how it can be used to simplify complex tasks. The exam includes PC maintenance, laptops, mobile devices, operating systems, and printers.
CompTIA A+ certification endorses your skills as a computer technician who can perform various maintenance tasks on PC, mobile devices, laptops, operating systems and printers. There are two required exams to pass - 220-801 and 220-802. Although it is not related to any vendor, it covers Microsoft operating systems a bit more than Apple MAC OSX, Linux and Android. There are a few questions related to Apple and other vendors in the exam.
Previously, 220-701 and 220-702 were the required exams. They are updated to 220-801 and 220-802. CompTIA regularly updates its exams as the computer technology advances.
Exam 220-801 is hardware-oriented. It tests the knowledge and proficiencies of an entry-level IT technician with a minimum of 12 months of hands-on experience in a lab or field. As a candidate, you will be required to demonstrate your skills in assembling computer components according to a customers' specifications, install, configure and maintain PCs, peripherals, and software for end users, know the basics of security, networking and forensics and can safely diagnose, resolve and document hardware and software issues using proper troubleshooting skills. You should be able to understand and provide customer support, grasp of virtualization concepts, and desktop imaging and implementation.
This exam covers the following major topics:
- PC Hardware
- Networking
- Laptops
- Printers
- Operational Procedures
The second exam is 220-802, which mostly covers software. You will be required to demonstrate your skills in installing, configuring and maintaining operating systems, basic understanding of security functions, mobile operating systems maintenance and troubleshooting in general.
This exam covers the following major topics:
- Operating Systems
- Security
- Mobile Devices
- Troubleshooting
Both 220-801 and 220-802 asks you to answer 90 questions in 90 minutes. The questions are multiple-choice and performance-based. You will never six to twelve months of hands-on experience in a lab or field.
Both exams are valid for three years. You can recertify yourself through CompTIA Continuing Education program. CompTIA A+ certifications issued in 2011 or later are also valid for three years.
CompTIA A+ exam is a industry standard in terms of measuring a technician's hardware and software knowledge. It is an entry-level exam that will give you an introduction of Information Technology field. The biggest benefit of CompTIA A+ is that you can further your career by doing various other certifications. This certification is a base of all computer certifications. 85% of individuals passing CompTIA A+ choose to further their careers.
You can command a higher salary than a technician with no proper certification. If you want to certify your hardware and software skills as a technician, CompTIA A+ is the first step into the wonderful world of Information Technology and the benefits are diverse.
Expert Review
Knowing that you possess knowledge required to pass CompTIA A+ heightens your morale. You can be assured that the employers will take your seriously and instead of demonstrating your skills, you can show them your CompTIA A+ certification and they will know how skilled you are in hardware and software technicalities.
Instead of just achieving CompTIA A+ certification, you can go further and acquire a host of certifications that will enhance your career as a computer technician.
Robert G. Lyons - Owner of Big Lyon Computer Repair.
