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A+ FAQ
What is A+
CompTIA A+ is a globally recognized certification for entry-level IT professionals. It is often considered the industry standard for launching a career in IT, as it validates foundational skills necessary for various IT support and operational roles.
Business Computer Skills offers A+ Certification training classes nationwide and online.
Overview of CompTIA A+ Certification
Introduction:
CompTIA A+ is one of the most popular certifications for those seeking to enter the IT field. It is vendor-neutral, which means it does not focus on a specific product or technology but covers a broad range of fundamental topics relevant across different platforms and devices. A+ certification demonstrates a solid understanding of hardware, software, operating systems, networking, security, and troubleshooting methodologies.
Certification Requirements:
To obtain the CompTIA A+ certification, candidates must pass two exams:
Core 1 (220-1101): This exam focuses on mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing.
Core 2 (220-1102): This exam covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Both exams consist of multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop exercises, and performance-based simulations that test the candidate’s ability to solve real-world IT issues.
Topics Covered:
Hardware: Knowledge of computer components like motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage devices, peripherals, and power supplies.
Networking: Basic networking concepts, including protocols (TCP/IP), wireless and wired networks, routers, and switches.
Operating Systems: Installation, configuration, and management of operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS like Android and iOS.
Security: Essential security concepts, such as securing devices and networks, threat identification, and implementation of best practices.
Software Troubleshooting: Identifying and fixing common software issues, including crashes, application failures, and performance problems.
Operational Procedures: Best practices for documentation, professionalism, safety, and communication in an IT environment.
Who Should Take CompTIA A+:
Aspiring IT professionals aiming for roles like help desk technician, technical support specialist, desktop support analyst, and system support specialist. Individuals looking to build a foundational knowledge of computer systems and IT infrastructure before specializing in other fields like cybersecurity, networking, or system administration.
Benefits of CompTIA A+:
Career Entry Point: A+ is often the first certification for IT professionals, helping them to get their foot in the door for roles like IT support technician.
Vendor-Neutral: As it is not tied to any specific technology or product, it gives candidates flexibility to work with a variety of IT solutions.
Broad Coverage: The certification covers a wide range of topics that ensure candidates are well-rounded and can address various IT issues.
Global Recognition: Employers worldwide recognize CompTIA A+, making it an essential credential for IT job seekers.
Exam Details:
Exam Duration: 90 minutes per exam.
Number of Questions: Up to 90 questions per exam.
Passing Score: For Core 1, 675 on a scale of 900. For Core 2, 700 on a scale of 900.
Languages Available: English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Thai, and Spanish.
Job Roles and Salaries:
CompTIA A+ certification holders can pursue various roles, including IT support specialist, help desk technician, and network support technician. Entry-level salaries typically range from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the region and company.
Conclusion:
CompTIA A+ is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to establish a career in IT. It equips candidates with a strong foundation in hardware, software, networking, security, and troubleshooting skills, opening doors to various IT support roles and serving as a prerequisite for more advanced certifications.
CompTIA A+ Certifications in 2024
In 2024, the CompTIA A+ certification remains one of the foundational and widely recognized credentials for IT professionals. The certification covers essential knowledge required to begin a career in IT. It focuses on key areas such as hardware, software, troubleshooting, networking, and security fundamentals.
The latest version of the CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams:
Core 1 (220-1101): This exam covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and network troubleshooting.
Core 2 (220-1102): This exam covers installing and configuring operating systems, expanded security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
To obtain the certification, candidates must pass both Core 1 and Core 2 exams. The certification prepares individuals for roles such as support specialist, field service technician, desktop support analyst, and help desk tier 1 support.
The A+ certification is continuously updated to ensure it reflects the current trends in technology, particularly in areas like cloud computing, virtualization, and security.
Jobs That Use CompTIA A+ Certification
1. IT Support Specialist
Responsibilities:
Troubleshoot hardware and software issues for end-users.
Install, configure, and update software applications.
Maintain and repair computer systems, servers, and peripherals.
Provide technical guidance and training to staff on IT systems.
Ensure network security and data protection measures are in place.
2. Help Desk Technician
Responsibilities:
Respond to user inquiries and provide first-level technical support.
Track, manage, and resolve IT tickets using help desk software.
Diagnose and troubleshoot common hardware and software issues.
Assist with password resets, system configurations, and network connectivity.
Escalate more complex issues to higher-level support or IT management.
3. Technical Support Specialist
Responsibilities:
Provide remote or in-person technical support for clients or employees.
Analyze and resolve hardware, software, and network issues.
Install and configure computer systems and applications.
Maintain detailed records of support tickets and solutions provided.
Provide feedback to improve system processes and software functionality.
4. Field Service Technician
Responsibilities:
Travel to client locations to repair, install, and troubleshoot IT systems.
Maintain and repair network and server hardware.
Perform routine system maintenance and upgrades.
Document service tasks, system upgrades, and customer interactions.
Provide on-site training to customers or employees on IT equipment.
5. System Administrator
Responsibilities:
Install, configure, and manage servers and networks.
Monitor system performance and ensure availability and reliability.
Set up user accounts, permissions, and passwords in network systems.
Perform regular backups, updates, and patch management.
Troubleshoot server, network, and hardware issues.
6. Network Support Specialist
Responsibilities:
Monitor and maintain local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN).
Troubleshoot network connectivity issues for end-users and systems.
Configure network devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls.
Implement network security protocols and monitor for breaches.
Provide support during network upgrades and installations.
We offer live-instructor group training classes for your team.
Upskill your team from the comfort of your office or online.
Benefits of Group Training Include:
Experienced Professional Instructor Trains Your Team
Content Focused On Your Team's Needs
Convenient Scheduling and Class Setup
Significant Per/Student Cost Savings
Online, On-Site and Blended Options Available
Virtual Live Instructor
Free Training Manual
Free Repeat
Need A+ Group Training?
We offer private A+ group training services for organizations looking to upskill their team members with a live-instructor.
While a large number of people today use A+ products in some capacity, and are familiar with its general usage, many of them just scratch the surface of knowing what this diverse suite of software and services can do, and how it can help them do their jobs more efficiently.
Business Computer Skills offers A+ Training in a variety of formats to help users build their A+ skills:
CompTIA A+ is a globally recognized certification for entry-level IT professionals. It is often considered the industry standard for launching a career in IT, as it validates foundational skills necessary for various IT support and operational roles.
Business Computer Skills offers A+ Certification training classes nationwide and online.
Below are links to our available A+ Training courses, A+ Tutorials, and other great resources to help you learn all the available topics for A+.
Free A+ Tutorials and Resources
As a service to our customers, we are actively developing a library of free A+ tutorials for you to use. We know that sometimes you may not need an entire course to learn what you need in A+, so we wanted to provide some good resources that can help you accomplish some common tasks in A+.
Below are some links to free A+ tutorials from Business Computer Skills and other sources:
No Tutorials are currently available.
A+ Certifications
Getting a Certifcation in A+ will demonstrate a proficiency in using A+. These certifications can be beneficial to your career and can be obtained by getting the appropriate training and passing a certification exam from comptia.
