Certification

A+ Series
MSCE / MCSA
CCNA / CCDA
Network+
Java 2
Oracle 9i
Linux LPIC
CEC E-Commerce
CIW Series
ECDL / ICDL

Home » e-Resources » Certification Info » A+ Certification

What is A+ Certification?

The A+ Certification is sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), and certifies the competency of entry-level service technicians in the computer industry. Anyone who wants an internationally recognized credential as a competent entry-level computer service professional can take the A+ examination. The program is backed by major computer hardware and software vendors, distributors, resellers and publications.

Earning A+ Certification means that the individual possesses the knowledge, skills and customer-relation skills essential for a successful entry-level computer service technician, as defined by experts from companies across the industry. The A+ Certification is easily one of the most widely recognized and credible certification available. With A+ Certification comes credibility that you have qualified technical skills.

For more information about the tests, please visit: www.comptia.org.

A+ Certification is a testing program sponsored by CompTIA that certifies the competency of entry-level (6 months experience) service technicians in the computer industry. Anyone who wants an internationally recognized credential as a competent entry-level computer service professional can take the A+ examination. The test, which is administered by Sylvan Prometric, was first available in July 1993, with a complete revision of the exam occurring on July 31, 1998.

The test covers a broad range of hardware and software technologies, but are not related to any vendor-specific products. To become certified, you must pass two parts -- the Core and the Microsoft DOS/Windows module portion. When both the Core and the DOS/Windows portions are passed within 90 calendar days, the candidate receives the A+ Certification designation. Once an individual is A+ certified this designation does not require updating as the test is revised.

What Are the Benefits of A+ Certification?

Gaining A+ Certification will help you gain recognition as a service technician with proven skills. The A+ Certification can assist you in securing a more satisfying and challenging job, earning a promotion, or aquiring a raise. With the high demand for tech sector workers, the time to get A+ Certification is now.

For employers, hiring a technician with A+ Certification can serve as a guarantee that the individual has gained the necessary competency in certain job-related skills. The A+ Certification assures that your new employee will be a productive member of your organization from day one, without weeks, or even months in training. Training your current employees to acheive A+ Certification also provides these same benefits.

Who may take the certification tests?

A+ Certification is open to anyone who wants to take the tests. The A+ exam is targeted for entry-level computer service technicians with at least 6 months on-the-job experience. No specific requirements are necessary, except payment of the fee. Individuals may retake the test modules as often as they like, but the Core and DOS/Windows portion must be passed within 90 calendar days of each other in order to become certified.

The A+ test contains situational, traditional, and identification types of questions. All of the questions are multiple choice. There is one answer for each question.

A+ Certification Core Exam Objectives

• 1.0 Installation, Configuration, and Upgrading 30%
• 2.0 Diagnosing and Troubleshooting 20%
• 3.0 Safety and Preventive Maintenance 10%
• 4.0 Motherboard/Processors/Memory 10%
• 5.0 Printers 10%
• 6.0 Portable Systems 5%
• 7.0 Basic Networking 5%
• 8.0 Customer Satisfaction 10%

A+ Certification DOS/Windows Exam Objectives

• 1.0 Function, Structure, Operation, File Management 30%
• 2.0 Memory Management 10%
• 3.0 Installation, Configuration and Upgrading 30%
• 4.0 Diagnosing and Troubleshooting 20%
• 5.0 Networks 10%

To prepare for A+ certification exams, access our A+ Certification e-Learning courses. These courses are mapped to A+ exam objectives to help you become competent in basic computer service and repair technology skills. Course topics range from Operating Systems to Modems to Networks to Troubleshooting. Our A+ Certification Series has one complete course that comprehensively covers each one of these exam objectives!