CompTIA is a very large non-profit trade group made up of manufacturers, resellers and distributors. Founded in 1882, it is the body that sponsors the A+ certification. The body sets up useful and professional guidelines dealing with professionalism and business ethics. It is also involved with various issues, such as warranty claims, product returns, and price protection.
The CompTIA A+ certification is the necessary credential for anyone who wants to enter and prosper in the IT industry. Most IT positions, if not all, require those candidates who have this certificate. The A+ credential is an entry-level computer official recognition for professional PC computer service technicians. To become a CompTIA A+ certified specialist, you must take and pass the certification exams. It enables you to get the skills and knowledge you need to be recognized as a certified IT expert from maintaining mobile devices and computers, and conducting basic troubleshooting to installing, identifying, and maintaining computer hardware components.
Main Steps to Get CompTIA A+ Certification
Like many other IT individuals out there, you might be wondering how you can become an A+ certified professional. Well, this post is meant to take you through all the steps, from the beginning to the end process of becoming a CompTIA certified specialist.
The CompTIA A+ certificate is an industry-leading credential to not only to start, but also to develop your IT skill and career levels. Take a look at the following steps that will help you obtain the A+ certification to boost your IT status and career, or get an IT position you are eyeing. Here they are:
Step 1: Sign up for the CompTIA A+ certification course.
Step 2: Once you have signed up to take the A+ certification exams, you need to familiarize yourself with the course content. This is a new course, so it’s advisable that you know what is required of you to be able to pass the tests.
Check out the course content and find out what is included before you start studying. This will give you an insight on the workload. This will make it easier for you to skim for the content. Draw a plan that contains the number of hours or days you will need to complete the course content. Start when you should start according to the date you plan to take your exams. Make sure you have all the resources you need to study adequately for the CompTIA examinations.
Step 3: Decide on the date you want to take your A+ certification exams and register for the same. Book your examination depending on when you believe you will be adequately prepared to take it, and when you are sure, you will be free. Depending on the type of student you are, you can book your exam immediately after signing up, or you can decide to do the booking when you are ready to take the test.
The advantage of booking the exam immediately after signing up is that the tight deadline may encourage or push you to study for longer periods. This way, you will avoid cramming and get plenty of time to do Comptia A+ Practice Test and be prepared. However, you might be forced to reschedule your tests if you experience some unforeseen crisis. If you choose to book the exam when you are ready, you will use a less stress learning approach because you will be able to schedule for your learning and study at your own pace. However, this choice may encourage laziness, and you may even fail to have a study plan because you will feel that you have much time.
Step 4: Take your CompTIA A+ exams. You will receive your CompTIA A+ certification after passing these two tests:
CompTIA A+ 220-901
This is the first A+ certification examination. It is a pre-requisite for the second exam – the CompTIA A+ 220-902 test. So, you must take and pass it before proceeding to the next one. It covers the fundamentals and basics of computer installation and configuration of laptops, PCs and any other related devices, and computer technology.
CompTIA A+ 220-902
This is the second A+ certification examination that you must pass before you are certified. Completing this exam is the last step you will need before you can receive your CompTIA A+ certification. It covers all the essential skills and the installation alongside the configuration of operating systems of the PC. The CompTIA A+ 220-902 exam also covers the skills that the IT professionals need to be able to set up basic features, such as network connectivity and email on mobile phones and laptops running on Android or Apple operating systems. What’s more, this test also includes security.
These A+ certification examinations contain 90 performance-based and multiple-choice questions and last 90 minutes each. Once you have passed these two exams, you will receive the CompTIA A+ certificate. You will have to renew it after a specific period because it is valid for only 3 years.
How to Book CompTIA A+ Exams
When you decide to book the examinations, you can choose from the following two options:
- Via Pearson VUE
- Via a trusted online learning provider
Pearson VUE is currently offering a secure and reliable testing environment for candidates around the world. The sponsor of A+ certification exams, CompTIA, provides a systematic guide you can use to schedule your tests through Pearson VUE. Here are the steps to follow when planning the tests:
- Create account.
- Locate a nearby Pearson VUE exam center.
- Book your CompTIA A+ exam.
Remember that you will only be able to get the CompTIA A+ certification after passing both exams. It’s also worth noting that you will not be allowed to take the 220-902 examination before passing the 220-901 test.
With the CompTIA A+ certification, you will join a large community of certified IT professionals and will have unlimited opportunities to grow and advance your IT career.
