CompTIA A+

What is CompTIA A+ Certification about?

The A+ certification demonstrates competency as a computer technician. The certification is vendor neutral. Meaning it covers several technologies in general. For example it covers vendors like Linux, Apple, and Microsoft. The exam covers maintenance of PCs, mobile devices, laptops, operating systems and printers.

To obtain A+ Certification, one must have knowledge in many areas of Microsoft Windows, and the IBM style of personal computer. In this course the student will take apart a computer, identify parts, be able to assemble a computer, and practice using different operating systems.

In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams. The following exam numbers are the current exams that are available but in the future these will change roughly every 3 years as technology changes.

• CompTIA A+ 220-801
• CompTIA A+ 220-802

The 801 exam covers the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, and basic networking

While the 802 covers the skills required to install and configure PC operating systems, as well as configuring common features for mobile operating systems.

**On a side note the previous version of the CompTIA A+ certification 220-701 and 220-702, will be available through Aug. 31, 2013 (according to http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications/a.aspx).

The exam contains about 90 to 100 questions which are either multiple choice or performance-based questions. Also you need to be aware that when you do go take the test it is timed. You will have 90 minutes to answer the questions. Now you might be saying that you may not be able to handle being timed. Relax as long as you grab a do it yourself study guide, or pay someone to teach you, you will do fine.

One great thing about the test is either you passed or failed. Meaning you get certified or not. On the 801 exam you must get a 675 out of 900 points or more to pass. On the 802 exam you must get a 700 out of 900 to pass.

On getting prepared for the test there are great books available in your library or book store or there are several places (like tech schools) that can prepare you for the test.

herg62123, I said it before in another post but I think it bears repeating - good job, well done and thanks for getting the ball rolling on a Forum for the various certs out there.


Grinler, thanks to you as well!


Off to do some studying.


Winterland

I feel lucky. My Intro to ISE gives me two free CompTIA A+ exams. Then again the course work is through CompTIA So I guess it's to be expected.

I'm moving towards CompTIA A+ in hopes that I can get callbacks on entry-level technical jobs; I have knowledge, but nothing apparently to back up said knowledge, so I'm thinking that this will help me obtain my dream.  My greatest worry is that I'll get a reader for the test (I'm blind) who will not describe things correctly and mess me up on the performance-based questions and I'll not pass due to lack of adequate accomodations.  I don't have a computer science or business degree since I am horrible at math (I think that all of the mathematical requirements for either of those degrees would have precluded me from graduating college), so I'm trying to claw at certification and pure passion to make up for that. 

Just got my certification. Forty years computer experience, formally trained and experienced electromechanical designer, printed circuit designer, CAD manager,  26 semester hours of computer classes this year and finally, A+ certified; why do I still feel stupid?  Rhetorical, please, don't hurt me.

 

5 semester hours were just concerned with the A+.  This was the hardest course that I've ever taken and I have 3 semesters of calculus and a pilot's license.  This was the hardest test that I've ever taken.

 

If you're goin', study hard, study often.  Me? I'm hopin' for reincarnation.  There's just too much crap to learn in one lifetime.

 

Good luck,

Gary

If you already have the basic knowledge and are studying for the CompTIA A+ exams I highly recommend the Exam Cram books paired with the Transcender practice exams.  While the Transcender exams are almost the same as the actual test I recommend them because if you are passing the Transcender exams with 90% or better on a consistent basis you should pass the actual exam first time.  I did not find the Transcender exams for the Comptia exams to be as dead on as their Microsoft offerings, but they were sufficient to get me my CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications.

 

I am not a fan of certifications, but like a college education they will open the door and get you an interview.  That said, I have numerous CompTIA, Microsoft, and HP certifications.

Just got my certification. Forty years computer experience, formally trained and experienced electromechanical designer, printed circuit designer, CAD manager,  26 semester hours of computer classes this year and finally, A+ certified; why do I still feel stupid?  Rhetorical, please, don't hurt me.

 

5 semester hours were just concerned with the A+.  This was the hardest course that I've ever taken and I have 3 semesters of calculus and a pilot's license.  This was the hardest test that I've ever taken.

 

If you're goin', study hard, study often.  Me? I'm hopin' for reincarnation.  There's just too much crap to learn in one lifetime.

 

Good luck,

Gary

 

 

Congratulations!  I love your post here.  Very honest and right on!

These are resourceful posts, thanks. I only wanted to know whether I can study compTIA A+ online, do the exam and get a certificate. Which college can you recommend? please advice.

Hello,

 

I used pass4sure exam guides. For the CompTIA A+ and Network+ passed both the first time with greater than 80 points over the passing score. Now looking at MTA and CCENT certs.

I have the 701 and 702 certification and it was not bad. there are lots and lots of ways to study. Has anybody looked at the network + or taken it? that is my next goal.

Edited by jentrym2001, 11 August 2014 - 05:52 AM.

I took an online practice test for network+ and it was pretty easy.

Well I'm a year behind the post be I'm starting to study for my A+ now and was wondering what would be the best way to go about it. I have been on youtube watching some of the uploads and reading much into the subject but is that enough or can more be done?  

It's definitely worth it to get certified ;)
 

World@War, it is definitely recommended that you get all the possible study materials for the A+ exams. I got A+ certified 2 weeks ago and that's what I did. I have some materials that will help you.

 

Edited by TinoNgombo, 16 July 2015 - 08:01 AM.

Hi, I have recently signed up on gtslearning online learning site studying CompTIAA+ 220-801 and 220-802.  However I have a few questions about things that I am not so sure of and which are as follows:

1. Should I study the software section first and the hardware part later since I am already fairly competent with software side already?
2. What kind of jobs would you recommend going for while I am studying? 
3. Is it worth me investing in more computer parts and/or acquiring old used parts from friends/relatives? Note I already have a custom made PC and an old desktop computer with vista installed. 
4. Anything else you would recommend/suggest? 

All help very much appreciated. Thanks. 

Hi, I have recently signed up on gtslearning online learning site studying CompTIAA+ 220-801 and 220-802.  However I have a few questions about things that I am not so sure of and which are as follows:

1. Should I study the software section first and the hardware part later since I am already fairly competent with software side already?
2. What kind of jobs would you recommend going for while I am studying? 
3. Is it worth me investing in more computer parts and/or acquiring old used parts from friends/relatives? Note I already have a custom made PC and an old desktop computer with vista installed. 
4. Anything else you would recommend/suggest? 

All help very much appreciated. Thanks. 

The A+ is roughly equivalent to a prize you might find in a box of cereal.  If you are serious about getting into an IT career, start with the Cisco CCT Routing & Switching and go up from there.