CompTIA A+ is a computer certification of an entry-level, and it mainly aims for computer technicians. It certifies the ability and competency of entry-level professionals of PC in maintaining, operating, installing, and customizing personal computers. This certification is sponsored and set by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), which also gives the minimum criterion by which anyone must abide by to be called a computer service professional. CompTIA A+ Exam started in 1928 and comprised distributors, resellers, manufacturers, and other IT industry professionals. It mainly addresses all the issues, including warranty claims, product returns, and price protection.
Also Read: CompTIA A+ Practice Test & Best Books for CompTIA
CompTIA A+ exam judges its students by the minimum set of standards dealing with professionalism, business ethics, and skill set necessary to approach all the entry-level jobs in the IT industry. It is not just about opening up the PC to look for functionality disorders.
CompTIA A+ ensures that the students can troubleshoot any related problem and solve multiple issues ranging from operating and networking systems to cell phones and security.
The specialty of the CompTIA A+ exam is versatility and acceptance in a broad group of people. Unlike other certifications, it certifies that professionals have knowledge of much more overall diversity than domain restriction.
Are you interested in diving into the details of this exam? Continue reading till the end to know all about CompTIA A+ certification, the job roles you can approach with it, its importance, and how to study for it.
Also Read: Is CompTIA A+ worth it?
How does CompTIA A+ Exam work?
CompTIA A+ exam, unlike other exams, requires you to pass two exams rather than one to earn the certification. Following are the details you need to know when you decide to go for this certification
| Exams’ number you need to pass to earn certification | Two |
| Number of Questions you need to attempt | 90 questions in each exam |
| Type of Questions | 1. Multiple Choice
2. PDQ 3. drag and drop |
| Test timing allowed | 90 Minutes for each exam(1 minute for each question) |
| Scoring requirement | 675 -700 out of the total 900 |
| Required Experience | Nine to twelve months of experience in IT |
| Prerequisite you require | None |
| Prerequisites that can highlight your skillset | Go for six months or more of hands-on training with hardware and software |
Key skill areas for the CompTIA A+ Exam
Following is the skill set you require for the CompTIA A+ exam
- Networking
- Hardware
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
- Software Troubleshooting
- Mobile Devices
- Operating Systems
- Operational Procedures
- Security
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Also Read: What are the top websites/forums for the CompTIA A+ practice test?
Will CompTIA A+ get me the job?
CompTIA intends that all the certificate holders such as support technicians, field service technicians, technical support specialists, help desk technicians, and other similar titles comply with their roles. Most of the famous IT companies mention CompTIA A+ certification as an obligation in their job requirements. These companies include Intel, Nissan, Dell, HP RicohBlue Cross, and Blue Shield.
So, with your CompTIA A+ exam certification, you find a job as a
- IT support specialist
- desktop support analyst
- IT operational roles
- System support specialist
- End-user computing technician
- Associate network engineer
- Desktop support administrator
- Technical support specialist
- Data support technician
- Field service technician
- Help desk technician
- Service desk analyst
In short, CompTIA A+ gives you most of the entry-level jobs in IT and sets you on the right path to success.
Also Read: CompTIA A+ Jobs: Will CompTIA A+ get you the job?
Who Should go for CompTIA A+ Certification?
CompTIA A+ exam is for anyone who aims to hit any entry-level IT role. It has its acceptability worldwide so that it will give your CV a massive boost. Moreover, it will also help you embark on a more successful journey in the future. Going very precise, everyone from the IT industry or aiming to step into it ought to have this certification.
Are CompTIA certifications valuable?
Many questions arise in the mind whenever any student thinks about going for CompTIA A+ certification. Most of the credentials require one exam, but it needs you to pass two different exams, which demands an additional effort.
Moreover, you have to go the extra mile to cover diverse subjects. The certificate only aims the entry-level positions, which makes many students question its importance. However, if you look into the broader perspective, you will find this exam the master key to the IT industry’s success.
After having this certification, you will recognize your talent and march straight towards higher destinations. Most of the cybersecurity fields fall under this category. So, if you wish to move to a higher-paying position in this field further, a CompTIA A+ exam is a must for you.
Moreover, this provides you a way to enter the industry as a certified IT professional to validate his skills and experience. In simpler words, CompTia A+ certification is the necessary certification for any IT professional, just like the higher school certification essential to get into college.
Also Read: Top jobs for CompTIA A+ certified
What experience do you need to sit for the CompTIA A+ Exam?
CompTIA does not ask for any prior experience to qualify yourself to take the A+ exam. However, it is always recommended to work under high-class technicians and experts in the IT industry and have the experience letter of at least a year. CompTIA calls its students to have at least nine months in the IT industry to strengthen their CV.
However, if you are able o have hands-on experience while your stay in college, you might be able to learn the same techniques necessary to pass the exam. The other way is to practice the things you learned in the class in a home lab environment. However, going and working under professional invigilation is always the best option.
Remember that the CompTIA A+ exam requires you to memorize every little detail about the hardware. So, you must learn and practice everything before you go for the exam. You must perform well in your very first certification test to have a good and strong base of your professional career ahead.
What is the cost of the CompTIA A+ Exam?
The CompTIA A+ in 2021 costs $219 per exam. As the certification requires you to pass both of the exams, so you need to pay $438 to appear in the test on your first try initially. However, there are many discounts and offers available through the training center and the helping material forming coaches. The students who attend authorized CompTIA training academies are also eligible to avail multiple exam vouchers. There are also numerous other pricing options. These choices may include:
- training course
- exam retake
- training materials etc
Before paying your test fee, you may thoroughly look all over the internet, online academies, training centers in your area and select the package that best suits your needs.
How long will it take to prepare for the CompTIA A+?
For any beginner, it may take 3-4 months to prepare for the A+ exam.
CompTIA is not that simple. You need to pass two exams, and you have to invest the effort to ace the test. Generally, the first exam is more critical than the second one. So, it is the best idea to spend a lot more time on this part. If you are new to the technical support field, you may require to spend long hours studying, practicing, and memorizing the critical hardware.
Even if you are a professional and have been working in the field for a significant time, you will have to study an excellent bt to prepare for the exam properly. CompTIA covers crucial details and specifications. You need to have complete knowledge of all the terminologies, the smallest part, process, and problem. The exam can be so detailed that even a seasoned technician might not recall everything frequently.
Many test-takers also go to prepare for both the exams at the same time without making any differentiation. Again, this method proves very helpful in certain situations as you are treating the whole syllabus as a single entity and can relate one thing to another.
You should also check out our Complete CompTIA A+ Study Guide
Is the CompTIA A+ hard?
Many students ask about the difficulty level of the CompTIA A+ exam and if it has the same complexity as any other certification exam. Well, the answer is yes; if you compare it with other entry-level certifications, it may need extra nerve. CompTIA is a bit challenging for any entry-level IT technician. However, if you prepare adequately, you will be able to ace it in one go.
Should I take A+ or Network+?
If we compare CompTIA A+ with another popular Network+, both hit different perspectives. CompTIA A+ targets hardware and troubleshooting its problems, whereas Network+ is more concerned about operating systems. In Network+, you are examined based on interpretability among the materials for each OS, e.g., Novell, Mac OS, Windows, and UNIX.
In Network+, you have to recall many more things than in A+, so the difficulty level of N+ is much higher. You can easily score a 100% in A+ with due preparation; however, in N+, a 100% is a considerable challenge. So, going for A+ before taking N+ is always a better option.
Now, let’s discuss a few books that can help you ace both your CompTIA A+ exams
Books that can help you in the CompTIA A+ exam
To prepare for the exam adequately, you always need some creative study stuff and guidance. Following are a few books that will help you master the whole syllabus within days.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) Exam Cram
CompTIA A+ exam cram by Prowse David L. is the best way to learn and practice simultaneously. While most books cover either core one or core 2, this book provides complete coverage under the same binding. You can easily interrelate the things with the smart highlights, tables, and infographics. The intelligent use of visual learning is what makes this book indispensable for all the CompTIA A+ learners. This book covers substantial knowledge of
- Windows 10
- cloud computing
- new PC hardware
- Linux smartphones
- tablets
- macOS
- professional-level networking and security
The best part is that it is available on kindle as an e-textbook. Therefore it also provides you real-time feedback and practice time through Pearson’s test engine. Other prep tools include Exam Alerts, quizzes, last-minute Cram Sheet, two exams in the test engine, and two practice exams in their print book. You can buy this on Amazon.
CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Tenth Edition (Exams 220-1001 & 220-1002)
To help you in the complete process of the CompTIA A+ exam, from the very beginning to how to excel in the exam, Mike Meyers came forward with this extensive guide. Every A+ aspirant must give this book an excellent read to know every step’s details and how to ace this test. The book covers smart cramming techniques. The best part is that the book covers all the topics of the CompTIA A+ exam in detail to satisfy your thirst for knowledge and attributes. It is one of the best sellers in the market and most recommended for anyone aiming to go for this exam in the future. You can buy this book from Amazon.
CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support (MindTap Course List)
CompTIA A+ asks for smart work rather than a harder one. You need to cram hundreds of terminologies, and names and you need some convenient methods and techniques to retain all the information. Moreover, you need to focus on practical knowledge along with theoretical one. Jean Andrews helps you in this with his book on the A+ exam. The book covers all the core and advanced topics, focusing on modern inventions and technological advancements. The book comes with a Mindtap online resource that helps the A+aspirants retain all the information with interactive activities and visual aids. You can Buy It On Amazon.
Conclusion
CompTIA A+ is one of the most renowned entry-level certifications among IT technicians. It paves your way to success in the IT industry. In the above article, we tried to cover most of the aspects of the CompTIA A+ exam. Remember, the key to ace the exam is having the right directions and study material. In case of any further query, you may contact us or drop a comment below. We would be glad to assist you in every way possible.
