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Getting the CompTIA A+ credential is an important step to achieving your IT career goals. You can make your work easier by finding out what the course and the exam encompass before registering. Then, you will find materials that can help you to master the core concepts tested in the two A+ exams. These important steps make sure you don’t waste your time and money in passing tests. Also, review practice tests and answers so that you can have an idea of what the examiner might ask with regard to each concept.
CompTIA A+ certification can be considered as a prerequisite for entry into the IT field. Even for people who are already in the field, getting the A+ certification can rubber-stamp your knowledge in PCs and open your career to limitless opportunities. Before you register for the exam, it is important to understand the scope and requirements. This makes sure you are prepared for everything that you might come across during your journey to the CompTIA A+ certification.
Essentially, the CompTIA A+ course teaches the information and skills IT professionals should use when installing, configuring, optimizing and troubleshooting PCs, operating systems and digital devices. They also learn how to repair, do preventive maintenance, and tech upgrades for these systems. Moreover, they gain skills in networking. It is important for the interested person to know how to use computers at the basic level, as well as to deal with issues that refer to networking, security, operating systems, and mobile devices.
There are many reasons to consider this certification. For once, CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral and highly recognized credential in the IT field. Top companies require their support technicians to have this credential. Other top employers of professionals with this credential include Intel and Nissan.
Another reason for considering this certification is that it avails job opportunities with better pay. This could be through a promotion or change of employer in your search for greener pasture. With A plus credential, you can work as either a Desktop Support Analyst, Help Desk Support Tier 2 or Field Service Technician. These professionals earn an average salary of between $45K and $60 depending on the employer and the specific role.
Getting Certified: The New CompTIA A+
To keep up with the managed IT industry standards, CompTIA has been reviewing and updating its exams triennially. Previously, candidates were doing CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902 to earn their certification. By the end of 2019, the 900 exam series will be retired and completely replaced by what CompTIA is now calling the “core series.” The core series focuses on preparing candidates to become problem solvers by equipping them with the skills and knowledge that matches the growing needs of IT support roles.
Under this new series, candidates will now need to sit for CompTIA Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) exams and pass with a score of 675 and 700 respectively. Each exam contains 90 questions to be answered within 90 minutes. You will come across single and multiple answer questions, performance-based, and drag and drop questions. It’s important to note that each exam is taken separately and costs $219. Though not a mandatory per-requisite, it could be helpful for a candidate to have 9-12 months of practical experience in the field or lab.
CompTIA A+ 220-1001 covers PCs, mobile devices hardware and peripherals, virtualization and cloud computing, networking technology, and network troubleshooting. The important online IT training concepts covered and tested in CompTIA A+ 220-1002 include installation and configuration of operating systems, operational processes, analyzing software problems and determining solutions, expanded security, among others.
Tips To Pass Your CompTIA A+ CertificationExam
Like any other exam, the key to excellent performance is proper preparation. This can be challenging if you don’t have the right materials. Fortunately, you have various options when preparing for your CompTIA A+ exams. For instance, CompTIA provides learners with resources like A+ eBook, CertMasterLearn and CertMaster Labs at a cost of between $100 and $500. You can choose a bundle or buy each resource separately. You may choose to attend classroom lessons or study online at your own pace.
It’s recommended to supplement the materials offered by CompTIA with other resources like those offered by compTIA A+ Certification. Some of these resources come in handy for people who are cash-strapped. This is because you can find free exam practice questions and pocket-friendly premium bundles with study guides and lectures as well as exam simulation software.
The unique thing about preparation websites is that their materials are prepared by professionals who have done the exam before. Using their materials will increase your chances of finding practice questions that are similar to what is on the real exam. Their focus is to avail materials that can equip candidates with everything they need to pass the tests in the first round of attempt.
Another helpful trick to improve your chances of passing is to test yourself thoroughly. This is where CompTIA’s CertMaster Practice and Exam Simulation software, along with other prep material come in handy. Other than practice questions offered, these tools enable you to test yourself just like you were in the real exam environment. Testing can help you identify knowledge gaps so that you discover the areas you need to focus on. Test in good time so that you can have a chance to review the areas that you didn’t do well during the practice.
