CompTIA has developed one of the most popular certifications in the
IT industry. The A+ certification is designed to provide a vendor-neutral
certification, acknowledging one’s competence across many popular vendors such
as IBM, HP, Intel, and Microsoft. The certification is designed to test one’s
overall knowledge of computer hardware and computer operating systems
(operating systems). Obtaining the certification demonstrates that you have
acquired the knowledge and skills required to install, configure, fix, upgrade,
and troubleshoot personal computers.
Certifications have become a must in the IT industry, especially
for those just starting out. Certifications provide proof of your professional
achievements and increase your marketability to potential employers. A certain
level of knowledge and skills are required to pass any certification exam, and
obtaining a credential proves that you have acquired these skills and knowledge.
When it comes time to marketing yourself to employers, preference is usually
given to those who are certified.
For those of you who are already working in the IT industry,
earning the A+ certification may result in the opportunity for advancement and
salary increases. Many companies encourage their employees to further their
skill set by obtaining certifications.
The A+ certification can also be used to fulfill other
certification requirements. Some vendors recognize the A+ certification in lieu
of one of their own exams. For example, you can use the A+ certification along
with CompTIA’s Server+ or Network+ to fulfill an elective requirement for the
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification.
In any case, if you are reading this article, you are more than
likely already considering obtaining the certification. So let’s take a look at
the new A+ upgrade exam and what you can expect.
A+ 2003 Upgrade Exam
As technology changes, so must the certification exams to ensure
those working in the industry or those just entering the industry are certified
in the latest technologies. In November of 2003, the A+ exams (there are two
exams, which are discussed in detail in the following sections) are being
updated to reflect new technologies. This means changes and additions to the
2001 test objectives. Although the changes are not drastic, you can expect to
encounter questions on the latest memory, peripherals, buses, operating systems
(Windows Me and Windows XP) as well as wireless technologies.
As of September 12, 2003, the 2003 exam objectives have been incorporated into the 2001 A+ exams.
However, the questions based on the 2003 exam objectives do not count toward
the final score. It will not be until November 2003 that the 2001 A+ exam objectives
are officially retired and the exams will be based entirely on the 2003
objectives, and all questions will count toward the final score.
For those of you who have already completed one of the existing A+
exams based on the 2001 objectives, you can combine that exam with one of the
2003 upgrade exams to achieve your A+ certification.
The A+ exams use a new exam format known as a linear conventional
format. This is being done to help facilitate incorporating the new 2003
objectives into the existing 2001 objectives exams. For the conventional exams,
you have a total of 90 minutes to answer 80 questions. The passing score for
the A+ Core exam is 467/1000 and the passing score for the A+ OS Technologies
exam is 469/1000.
Previously, CompTIA required that you pass the two A+ exams within
90 days of each other. However, this is no longer the case, and the 90-day
maximum wait between exams is no longer in effect.
The majority of test questions are multiple choice in format. Most
of the questions are straightforward and clear. One thing you do need to watch
out for is multiple choice questions that prompt you to select the wrong answer
as opposed to the correct ones. Some questions may also have multiple answers.
The good thing about the CompTIA exams is that you are notified as to how many
correct answers you must select. Also, be prepared to encounter
fill-in-the-blank questions, and questions that present you with graphics from
which you must select the correct graphic or click the correct area within a
figure.
A+ Core Hardware (2003) Exam Details
As already mentioned, you must pass two exams to achieve the A+
certification. The A+ Core Hardware 2003 exam tests one’s knowledge on how to
build, configure,...
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