What Is CompTIA A+ Certification? Learn About The Exam Series

The CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates entry-level competencies in important areas of IT, including hardware and software, networks, mobile devices, and security. It consists of two 90-minute exams¹ . If you pass both, you can be confident in your IT knowledge, prove to employers of your competency, and have a certificate that you can highlight on your resume. With this certification, you show potential employers that you know how to perform IT support tasks without supervision. It can help you stand out from the competition during the job search, qualify for several different jobs across multiple industries, and increase your earning potential.

How Do I Prepare for CompTIA A+ Certification?

The CompTIA A+ exams evaluate your knowledge of a broad range of IT topics. It's important to have some skills or experience in networks and tech support before you register for the exams. To prepare for the examinations, consider an IT training program that can teach you about computer operating systems, PC repair, cloud storage, networking tools, and customer service. The curriculum should be designed to prepare you to sit for the A+ exam in addition to other CompTIA IT exams. Here's a closer look at some of the key skills you can develop:

• Hardware and Software Troubleshooting - You learn to install, maintain, and troubleshoot issues with hardware and software. You learn to diagnose problems such as random shutdowns, printer malfunctions, and software that won't run properly.
• Operating Systems and Software Installation - You learn about the most common computer operating systems and how to install them. You discover the issues these systems might have, and how to diagnose and troubleshoot them. You also learn how to maintain systems in corporate and remote environments.
• Network Fundamentals and Security - All devices in an organization are connected to a network that allows them to communicate with one another. You learn network essentials, networking operations, and troubleshooting network related hardware, including wireless technologies, routers, hubs, and switches.
• Problem Solving - A comprehensive IT program will not only provide you with textbook knowledge; it will also teach you to learn in the moment. Hands-on lab training is a good start, but an internship can better set you up for success because you get to live-and work-in the real world to discover and solve problems in real time.

What Are the CompTIA A+ Certification Exams Like?

There are two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). The Core 1 exam covers topics such as mobile devices, hardware, networking, and cloud computing. Core 2 covers operating systems and procedures, security protocol, and software. Both exams consist of multiple-choice questions, and you have 90 minutes to complete each one.

Before you graduate from your training program, you should register to sit for the A+ exams. Each exam will be taken separately, but you should schedule them close together while what you learned is still fresh in your mind. Be sure to sign up for the 1101 and 1102 exams, which are the newer versions with updated material.

How Do I Register for CompTIA A+ Certification?

To register for the exam, purchase an exam voucher from the CompTIA website. The voucher provides you with a unique code that will allow you to sign up for and take the exams, which are administered by Pearson Vue. Each exam voucher costs $253 but may be less expensive through a bundled package. You may also be eligible for a student discount if you register with an .edu email address.

On the day of the exam, be sure to bring an acceptable form of government-issued picture ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Your photo will be taken and used as a security measure. After you complete the exam, the test will be scored immediately, and you'll know if you pass or fail on the spot. If you pass, you will be given instructions on how to access your record and certificate.

Why Choose A+ Certification?

There are several benefits to earning a Comp TIA A+ certification. It validates your knowledge and helps you stand out from other job candidates, but there are even more reasons to become A+ certified:

It's Recognized in the Industry

Did you know that the Comp TIA A+ certification is the No. 1 credential cited by IT listings? Close to 90% of employers recognize this credential for help desk technician positions. A+ certification on your resume is like having a letter of recommendation or an extra reference that speaks to your knowledge and skill set in IT.

You Can Qualify for a Wide Range of Jobs with Certification

The CompTIA A+ certification can help you qualify for a wide range of jobs including IT support specialist, data support technician, business analyst, IT server technician, and computer support specialist. No matter where your interests lie, you can qualify for IT jobs in industries like healthcare, hospitality, education, technology, retail and more.

A+ Certification Can Increase Your Earning Potential

According to Skillsoft, the IT training solutions company, the A+ certification represents foundational-level validation on a broad knowledge base of networks types, baseline cybersecurity, and troubleshooting, as well as soft skills such as professionalism².

Career Paths with Comp TIA A+ Certification

There are several career paths you can pursue with a CompTIA A+ certification. Here are a few examples:

Help Desk Technician

When a staff member runs into a problem with their hardware or software, they turn to a help desk technician. In this role, you diagnose common IT issues, such as lost files, connectivity issues, and printer problems, and troubleshoot a solution. You answer phone calls and emails and serve as a support technician. When new employees start, you install the software they need and provide them with login credentials. You also train new employees on how to use applications such as Zoom, Teams, or Skype. If you plan to pursue this job, you could find work in several different industries, including business, education, retail, or healthcare.

IT Specialist

As an IT specialist, you set up and troubleshoot computer hardware and software and respond to desktop problems like account lockouts and malfunctioning hardware. You install drivers, update operating systems, and maintain the daily performance of the overall computer network and system for your organization. You can find work as an IT specialist at telecommunications companies, tech startups, businesses, and schools.

¹ Certification Exam Details found at https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a#:~:text=exam%20details Retrieved on October 1, 2024.

² Article "How Much Can I Make with a CompTIA A+ Certification?" at https://www.comptia.org/faq/a/how-much-can-i-make-with-a-comptia-a-certification. Retrieved October 1, 2024.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.