A+ Certification

Nick Mirabito, Slav Bugryn, and Will Parkinson

Current Issues In Computing
4/26/2016

What Is A+ Certification?
An A+ Certification is a vendor-neutral certification that certifies the
competency of service professionals in the computer industry.
This certification is for anyone who wants an internationally
recognized credential as a competent computer service professional.

A+ Certification, Generally
Speaking
Demonstrates competency as a computer technician
Covers Microsoft, Apple, Android and some Linux
distributions
Also addresses security, cloud computing fundamentals,
and operational procedures.
1-million+ people have an A+ certification worldwide

What Makes A+ Certification

Different Than Other
Certifications?
Comprehensive and vendor neutral
Validates foundational skills
Trusted by employers
Globally recognized and accredited
Industry supported

Exam Details
There are currently two version to the test, and each version has two
parts.
The older version consists of tests 220-801 & 802 (Launched
December 2012 and will expire on June 30, 2016)
The newer version consists of tests 220-901 and 220-902 (Launched
Dec 15, 2015 and will be active for at least 3 years)
One is not able to mix and match exams
Approximately 75% of 900 series are identical to the previous 800
series exams
There are also structural changes to the exams to make it more self
contained.
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Description of 220-801 & 802

This exam will expire at the end of June of this year.
CompTIA A+ 220-801 covers computer technology
fundamentals, such as PC
- Installation

- Configuration

- Mobile Devices

- Networking

- Security
Procedures

- Prohibited
Content

CompTIA A+ 220-802 covers installing and configuring

PC and mobile operating systems.

Description of 220-801 & 802

Types of Questions:
Multiple choice questions
drag and drops
performance-based questions

Maximum 90 questions
6-12 months hands on in the lab or field experience
recommended.
Price per exam: $199 USD (This is the final price for this
exam)
Passing scores:
220-801 675 out of 900 possible points

Description of 220-901 & 902

This exam will be around for about another 3 years
CompTIA A+ 220-901 covers

PC hardware and peripherals,

Mobile device hardware
Networking
Troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity issues

CompTIA A+ 220-902 covers installing and configuring

operating systems including:
Windows

iOS

Android

Apple OS
X
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Description of 220-901 & 902

Types of questions
multiple choice questions
drag and drops
performance-based questions

Maximum 90 questions
6-12 months hands-on in the lab or field recommended
experience
Price per exam: $199 USD (Price may fluctuate yearly)

Passing score:
220-901 675 out of 900 possible points.
220-902 700 out of 900 possible points

Time to Start Training

There is a
wealth of
CertMaster is
training
CompTIAs
intelligent online materials, from
learning assistant. books to online
tools to selfstudy tools.

Image courtesy of www.comptia.org

Instructor led
training
provides an
environment
with instructors
who are
familiar with
the subject.

Once you are ready to

take the exam,
purchase your voucher
and choose a testing
location.

You can then

narrow down your
search results using
filters as shown
below.

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CertMaster Demo and Practice

Questions

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Jobs in the Field

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Specifics
Security
Use the best secure practices to combat todays most common
threats, creating a buffer between confidential information and
hackers.

Networking
Apply the knowledge and understanding of the infrastructure
required to keep devices running and organizations working
smoothly.

Troubleshooting
Show experience in sophisticated problem-solving no matter how
small or big the issue turns out to be.
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Specifics
Technical Support
Clear communication skills and technical skills are what make
CompTIA A+ certified professionals the perfect job candidate.

Operating Systems
It is a vendor neutral certification so you will not be forced into
working with a specific system.

Devices
Whether it is an issue with the hardware, the software or the
devices network connectivity, an A+ professional can support the
technology tools used throughout any organization.
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The Exam Will Cover

Installing and adapter card
Installing RAM
Repairing portable computer
Building complete systems
Using Windows 7
Configuring sound
Using a multimeter

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Certification Renewal Process

You can renew your CE certification(s) every three years in the

following ways:

1. Pass most current version of the exam for the CompTIA certification
you are renewing. Example: If you are renewing a CompTIA A+
801/802 certification, taking and passing the CompTIA A+ 901/902
exams will renew your certification.
(See note below.)
2. Achieve a qualifying higher-level CompTIA certification, or other
higher-level industry certification.
3. Complete continuing education activities, which allow you to keep
your certification current without retesting.
. Note: If a Candidate has passed an exam (or multiple exams) and
achieved a certification, he/she cannot take the exam again, using

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Cost to Renew Certification

If the higher level certification is renewed all the lower certifications are
renewed as well.

Image courtesy of www.compTIA.org

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Department Of Defense Benefits

The audience is those who are in the early stages of a
career in Information Technology.
By passing exams 220-801 & 220-802 (or the 900 series)
a candidate earns a certification required by the
Department of Defense under Directive 8570.1.
As of January 1, 2011, A+ certifications are valid for
three years from your certification date. Any CompTIA
certifications you earned prior to January 1, 2011 have a
good-for-life (GFL) status and do not expire.

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Benefits
79% of US businesses report IT is mission critical
Certifications qualify you for:
Growth
Increased salary
Promotions
Many jobs in the IT field require this certification

Job retention
47% report being certified

31% report certification advanced their career

Enhances rsum
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