CompTIA A+ is an entry-level certification that helps candidates launch a career in IT. It is designed to check your skills in working with core modern technologies, such as cloud, security, and data management. Being a vendor-neutral certification it’s a real treasure for candidates seeking a way to enter the IT market, showcase their knowledge and skills, and grow in their career.
The A+ designation can be obtained after passing 2 exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). The first test is centered on checking your knowledge and skills related to networking technology, mobile devices, cloud computing, virtualization, and network troubleshooting. The second exam spins around the topics that concern installation and configuration of operating systems, expanded security, operational procedures, and software troubleshooting.
Both exams contain 90 questions each of various question types, such as multiple choice, drag and drops, and performance-based. It is worth noting that the A+ certification is the only one that offers performance-based items which check candidates’ skills to carry out serious IT support tasks promptly. 90 minutes are allocated for each exam, and within this time frame all questions should be completed. As for the price, $232 have to be paid for each test. The difference concerns only the passing score, where at least 675 points should be scored in Core 1 exam, and 700 in Core 2.
To be successful in the A+ exams, you should be ready to perform core security skills that are expected from IT support professionals. In addition, you should be able to manage both client-based and cloud-based (SaaS) software, and configure device operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS. Your ability to support pivotal IT infrastructure and networking as well as IoT device hardware, PC, and mobile, will also be assessed. Moreover, your proficiency in using elementary data backup, as well as recovery methods and management best practices will be tested. Skills to troubleshoot and solve core service problems should also be in your arsenal if you’ve set the goal to pass the CompTIA A+ tests.
Though, there are no strict requirements before taking these exams, candidates are recommended to have at least 9 months of practical experience in the field.
Why else this CompTIA certification deserves your attention?
- Variety of job roles to apply for: Being A+ certified you can opt for such job positions as data support technician, service desk analyst, associate network engineer, help desk technician, system support specialist, to mention a few.
- Opportunity to be hired in prestigious companies: Nissan, Dell, HP, Intel are ready to hire A+ certified specialists.
- Salary: having the A+ certification, you can earn annually about $53,149. And getting more experience this number can transform into $75,500.