Changes to CompTIA A+ exam

CompTIA’s A+ certification has been used for years as a stepping-stone into the world of IT. It primarily tests knowledge of computer hardware, including installation, maintenance and troubleshooting. It’s been well-regarded across the industry, and those who obtain it are often rewarded with entry-level jobs on a help desk, or promotion or raise if they already work in the field.


The A+ hasn’t been updated 2006, a long time in IT years. Because of that, CompTIA has done a complete refresh of the A+. Here’s what you need to know about the brand-new A+ certification.



Test Details: The new A+ consists of two tests: CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-701) and CompTIA A+ Practical Applications (220-702). Passing for the Essentials test is 675, and 700 for the Practical Applications test; that’s on a scale of 100-900. Each exam is 100 questions, and candidates have 90 minutes to take the test. Exam objectives can be downloaded from the CompTIA website.



Current A+ certification holders: Candidates certified on A+ may not have to take both exams to remain current. Those certified on the 2006 A+ objectives can take a single exam, called the “2009 Edition Bridge Exam.” It’s an 85-question exam with a required passing score of 500 on a scale of 100-900.



What has changed: The focus of the new A+ certification is more on problem-solving, and also reflects new operating systems. The objectives, for example, often start with “Given a scenario…” In other words, you need to know how to apply the knowledge in a real-world setting.



In addition, Windows Vista is now tested under the operating system knowledge requirements. The previous version of the A+ only required XP know-how (hopefully, future versions of the A+ won’t take as long to include Windows 7 knowledge as it took to update the tests to include Vista).



Why the test has changed: CompTIA needs to update the test at least every three years to comply with its ISO 17024 accreditation. This accreditation gives the A+ certification a certain status in the community. CompTIA adds that the new credential “reflects changes in technologies and covers the latest skills needed by IT technicians.”



The previous A+ certification required a core test and one of three electives, depending on which track a candidate wanted to pursue: IT Technician, Remote Support Technician or Depot Technician. Those designations are outdated, as a qualified technician should be able to provide support for multiple areas.



Note that if you’re currently in study or training for the old tests, they will still be offered until July 31, 2010. If at all possible, however, it’s worthwhile to move to the new tests, as they will test more current technology, making you more employable or valuable if you’re currently employed. After all, a lot has changed in IT since 2006.

original article: http://certification.about.com/od/techcertbasics/a/AplusChanges.htm