The A+ certification demonstrates competency as a computer technician. CompTIA A+ certification is a vendor neutral certification. It requires two tests to be passed: the A+ Essentials exam and a choice of one of three elective exams. CompTIA is vendor neutral but leans towards Microsoft operating systems although some Apple questions do appear on newer exams.

Knowledge and supplies needed to prepare for the A+ Certification test

A+ Certification is created by a non-profit organization called CompTIA. Visit comptia.org to determine CompTIA specific information. CompTIA's certifications are vendor neutral and are used in the computing industry. Though not a prerequisite, A+ Certification is a natural lead-in to other CompTIA certifications, such as Network+, Server+, Linux+, Security+, iNet+ and others. It is the only industry certification based on PC Maintenance.

To obtain A+ Certification, one must have knowledge in many areas of Microsoft Windows, and the IBM style of personal computer. In this course the student will take apart a computer, identify parts, be able to assemble a computer, and practice using different operating systems.

A student attempting the A+ Certification should have approximately 500 hours work experience with operating systems, computer hardware, system files, maintenance, networking, configuration of hardware and software, and troubleshooting computer problems.

Courses and other study materials can be found on the internet.

                                      To study for the exam, the following materials are needed:

Exam details

The A+ certification exam was updated in late 2006, so the structure of the exam is different than it had been for the three years prior to the update. (In September of 2008, CompTIA is holding meetings which appear to be geared towards another revision, possibly for 2009.) The good news is the old 2003 exams had an average pass rate of between 3% --> 10% depending on your sources. The new A+ exam has been redesigned to have a 30% pass rate. A+ certification currently entails two tests: A+ Essentials (220-601) and one of three elective exams, IT Technician (220-602), Remote Support Technician (220-603), or Depot Technician (220-604). Both of these tests must be passed in order to receive A+ certification. CompTIA suggests that one take the A+ Essentials exam before the other, but they can be taken in either order.

For the 2006 exam, the total cost was 168 USD for each test (9-2008). If you are a student check with your school's Career Tech program, most public schools are Jobs+ sites. If your school is a Jobs+ site you can get the A+ voucher for half the price as you would retail. Also a lot of companies that offer training are CompTIA affiliate which can sell you the voucher to take the exam for less than retail. The CompTIA A+ Essentials consists of 100 questions, and the elective consists of 90 questions. A passing score on the CompTIA A+ Essentials exam is 675, on any of the electives is 700.

The A+ Essentials test consists of 8 "domains":

You will also need to know how to:

• Disassemble and reassemble a computer

• Identify hardware components

• Identify operating systems

• Know Boot Process for Operating Systems including

              - WIN95/98/ME BOOT PROCESS

              - WIN2000/NT/XP BOOT PROCESS

              - WINDOWS VISTA BOOT PROCESS

 To learn more about A+ visit http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/A%2B_Certification

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