CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ certification is the skills benchmark for entry into an information technology career. Many organisations rely on CompTIA A+ to maximise efficiency in recruiting, hiring, training and promoting IT employees.  For job seekers, CompTIA A+ provides a recognised, respected credential that validates their ability to meet today' requirements.

Among the core skills that CompTIA A+ validates are an IT professional's ability to complete installation, configuration, diagnostic, preventive maintenance, and basic networking tasks. The exam also covers security, safety, environmental issues, communication, and professional etiquette topics.

The certification was updated in 2006 and the exam is now based on this new curriculum.

There is a core “Essentials” element which can be supplemented by alternative “Electives” according to job role.  The option most closely mapping to the previous CompTIA A+ offering is IT Technician 220-602.

 

The certification comprises 2 exams. The first (220-601) validates basic skills needed by an entry level service technician regardless of job environment.  The second (chosen from 3 “Electives”) is more specialised to reflect skills required for differing roles.

220-602   IT Tecnician
220-603   Remote Support Technician
220-604   Depot Technician (hardware emphasis)

Each exam is a Computer Based Test (CBT) with duration of 90 minutes.

CompTIA exams may be taken at Pearson VUE or Thomson Prometric testing facilities.

None though it is recommended that candidates take a CompTIA accredited training course in advance of their exam.

Training normally comprises two 5 day courses but an accelerated course is offered for more experienced students

CompTIA A+ Essentials [5 days]

THEN

CompTIA A+ Electives [5 days]

OR

CompTIA A+ Essentials & Electives Accelerated [5 days]