CompTIA A+ is an entry-level certification in the IT industry. It is perfect for people looking to enter the industry and establish a career in it. The certification course covers all the necessary skills required for help desk and technical support roles.
One of the major differences between the CompTIA A+ certification and other CompTIA certifications is that you need to pass two exams to get it. In this blog, we have covered all the things you need to know about the certification while preparing for it.
About CompTIA A+ certification
CompTIA A+ has two exams. Both exams cover nine different domains of technical abilities and are 90 minutes each. The number of questions in each exam is 90 in the multiple-choice and performance-based format. The questions are based on skills such as installing and configuring end-user devices and software, managing cybersecurity mitigations, and troubleshooting network issues, among others.
Exam details in a glance
Exam Code: 220-1101
Number of questions: 90
Exam duration: 90 minutes
Passing score: 675 out of 900
Recommended experience: 9-12 months of hands-on experience
Price: $246
Exam Code: 220-1101
Number of questions: 90
Exam duration: 90 minutes
Passing score: 700 out of 900
Recommended experience: 9-12 months of hands-on experience
Price: $246
Now let’s look at the details of both exams separately.
Core 1 exam
The Core 1 exam or Core 220-1101 exam covers five separate domains. These domains are as follows:
- Mobile devices: Installing and configuring mobile devices, such as laptops, and providing application support to end users.
- Networking: Executing connecting endpoints and configuring advanced networks, along with using networking tools.
- Hardware: Understanding and using different devices for troubleshooting and remediation.
- Virtualization and cloud computing: Understanding cloud environments and setting up client-side virtualization.
- Hardware and network troubleshooting: Troubleshoot software and solve hardware and networking issues.
Core 2 exam
The Core 2 exam, or Core 220-1102, comprises four IT domains. They are as follows:
- Operating systems: Installing and configuring different operating systems.
- Security: Identifying vulnerabilities and malware and protecting against them.
- Software: Providing security support and installing and troubleshooting applications.
- Operations: Soft skills, including communication, safety, and professionalism, are required to provide technical support to the end user.
The reason behind two CompTIA A+ exam
If you are wondering why you have to give two exams for an entry-level certification, here is the reason. Professionals who do CompTIA A+ certification are typically beginners who require a basic understanding and knowledge of IT-related fields. With two exams, CompTIA tests all the knowledge and skills they require and offers them the opportunity to become real-world ready.
The two exams contain multiple-choice and performance-based questions that let you demonstrate your skills and expertise in resolving and mitigating issues. CompTIA updates its training materials every 3 years to keep up with the ever-changing IT industry. Also Read – Easy Ways To Take Online Courses And Start Studying Online
Job roles you can apply for after CompTIA A+
CompTIA certifications are well-respected in the IT industry. Therefore, CompTIA A+ allows you to enter the industry effectively. You can apply for several entry-level jobs after getting the certification. Here are some of them.
- Help desk analyst
- Help desk specialist
- Associate network engineer
- System support specialist
- Technical support specialist
- Desktop support administrator
- IT technician
- Junior systems administrator
- Field service technician
Preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam
You may feel that preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam is challenging. The process can be made easier by deciding your priorities and preferred learning method.
The first thing to determine is whether you learn better by self-studying or through instructor-led training. Some people prefer to study alone and at their own pace while others prefer a classroom structure.
- Instructor-led training
If you prefer instructor-led training, you can choose guided comptia a+ certifications training. For example, CompTIA offers online training for several certifications like CompTIA Security+ certification. They are typically inexpensive and self-paced. You can also choose to take online courses that prepare you for the exams.
- Self-study
Prefer studying alone? Here’s how you can make the most out of it self-study. There are many online resources available. Go through books and ebooks while preparing for the exams. CompTIA also provides practice exams through an online knowledge assessment tool. Do practice exams before sitting for the actual exam. You can also get hands-on experience by using virtual labs.
After you have decided on your preferred way of preparation, make a plan.
- Download the exam objectives from the official website and understand the topics covered in the exams.
- Go through the study material, videos, and books.
- Get some hands-on experience using CompTIA CertMaster Labs.
- Do the practice tests. Go through your weak areas based on the feedback received from the practice tests.
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Conclusion
CompTIA certifications are well-recognized in the IT industry. They are designed keeping the latest technologies in mind. The CompTIA A+ certification aims to prepare you for real-world jobs by testing your knowledge in all the crucial IT domains. Having the certification validates your skills and expertise in the IT field and allows you to apply for job roles. If you are preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam, remember to go through the resources provided by CompTIA.
