A+

Overview

Technology and the role of the computer support professional are always changing.  CompTIA recognizes this evolution by continually reviewing the content of our credentials to ensure they retain their currency to meet the needs of your business and the evolving role of the IT worker. The role of the IT worker and the expectations for the entry-level technician have grown beyond base technical aptitude. For example, the ability to provide superior customer service and communicate effectively has become critical as they are often the first point of customer contact in an organization. In addition, IT workers must have an increased awareness of and ability to address security issues.

The A+ certifications is in demand for entry to mid level IT jobs. The international, vendor-neutral certification proves competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting. CompTIA A+ certified technicians also have excellent customer service and communication skills to work with clients.

CompTIA A+ is part of the certification track for corporations such as Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco and Novell. Other technology companies, including CompuCom and Ricoh, have made CompTIA A+ certification mandatory for their service technicians. More than 700,000 people worldwide have become CompTIA A+ certified since the program’s inception in 1993.

The latest version of CompTIA A+ is CompTIA A+ 2009 Edition. Two exams are necessary to be certified: CompTIA A+ Essentials, exam code 220-701; and CompTIA A+ Practical Application, exam code 220-702.

CompTIA A+ Essentials measures the necessary competencies of an entry-level IT professional with a recommended 500 hours of hands-on experience in the lab or field. It tests for technical understanding of computer technology, networking and security, as well as the communication skills and professionalism now required of all entry-level IT professionals.

CompTIA A+ Practical Application is an extension of the knowledge and skills identified in CompTIA A+ Essentials, with more of a “hands-on” orientation focused on scenarios in which troubleshooting and tools must be applied to resolve problems.

Exam Information

Required exams: CompTIA A+ Essentials, CompTIA A+ Practical Application

Number of questions: 100 for each exam

Length of test: 90 minutes each

Passing score: 675 for CompTIA A+ Essentials, 700 for CompTIA A+ Practical Application on a scale of 100-900

Exam codes: 220-701 for CompTIA A+ Essentials and 220-702 for CompTIA A+ Practical Application