[Posted 19 November 2013 by Kathy Yale]
An A+ certification is considered the basic stepping-stone to a career in computers. The A+ certification shows that you have mastered the basic skills necessary to gain an entry-level job in the IT field and lets companies and employers know that you are prepared to handle computer-related assignments.
What Is A+ Certification?
The A+ is a certification that is granted after a candidate passes two written exams. The A+ certification is granted for three years, but can be renewed through a Continuing Education Program.
An A+ Certification is one of the most recognized certification programs in the world. It was developed by, and continues to be sponsored by, the Computing Technology Industry Association, or CompTIA. This is a global association of IT companies that attempts to standardize professional qualifications so that anyone working in the computer industry has a minimum amount of knowledge. Most major computer software and hardware manufacturers and developers are members of CompTIA, including Microsoft, Dell, IBM, Compaq and other companies.
How Do I Get The A+ Certification?
In order to receive an A+ certification, a candidate must pass two written exams. These two exams cover the basic and fundamental knowledge necessary to install and configure computer systems and individual computer stations as well as handle basic software tasks.
The first test, known as the CompTIA A+ 220-801, includes questions on the basics of computer technology. Candidates might be asked to answer multiple choice questions about how computers work, the functions of RAM or ROM, how a hard drive stores information and other facts. There may also be questions on the installation and configuration of computers including both desktop personal computers on wired systems and laptops on wireless systems, hardware issues and networking questions.
The Comp-TIA A+ 220-801 exam includes 40 percent of the questions on PC hardware, 27 percent on networking, 11 percent on laptops, 11 percent on printers and 11 percent on operational procedures. The CompTIA A+ 220-801 consists of 90 questions, and a passing score is 675.
The second test is the CompTIA A+ 220-802. This exam covers skills necessary to install, configure and repair a PC operating system as well as common features for mobile systems. Questions on both Android and Apple iOS systems are included in the test.
The CompTIA A+ 220-802 test breaks down into 33 percent of the questions on operating systems, 22 percent on security, nine percent on mobile devices and 36 percent on troubleshooting. There are a total of 90 questions on the test, and 700 is a passing score.
What Should I Do To Prepare for A+ Certification?
In order to get an A+ Certification, it is important that a candidate prepare well for the test. One activity that is recommended for potential an A+ test takers is to disassemble and reassemble a computer. This allows the candidate to become familiar with the computer’s hardware.
Another way to prepare for the test is to study with comprehensive study guides. These are available for both portions of the test and cover all the basic knowledge necessary to achieve a passing score.
How Does A+ Certification Help Me?
It is important to have an A+ certification if you are serious about a career in the computer field. Most major companies require the A+ certification in order to hire. With an A+ certification, you can get a job that will lead you into a lucrative and satisfying career in the IT industry.
