PrepAway Overview: CompTIA A+ As a Gateway to Your Dream IT Career


For those who are dreaming to be a gemstone of the IT world, CompTIA association can provide them with the best of the best certifications to evident their knowledge and expertise. Individuals with CompTIA credential are hired more often in the highest-paying and less stressful positions. Therefore, if you want a higher salary, job satisfaction, and a larger base of career choices in this quick changing world of IT sector, give yourself a chance with CompTIA A+ certification. Believe me, it is much better than starting out on the ground floor and working your way up!

With CompTIA A+ credential, you are able to attract the attention of employers. This is definitely the best way to be promoted to higher paying IT positions at the beginning of the career. So, read this PrepAway overview to learn more!
What is CompTIA A+?

If you don’t know about A+ certification, then the first thing to explain is what is CompTIA? CompTIA is the Computing Technology Industry Association which is the largest provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications. CompTIA consists of a consortium of different companies which might include IT resellers or distributors and PC manufacturers.

Previously, CompTIA certifications used to be vendor-specific as if you want to work with Dell or HP or IBM you have to be certified by them individually. But nowadays, with CompTIA A+, you will be provided with a single certification after proper testing which will work as proof that you are able to work with any company you want.

Now a second thought might come across your mind. How can a single credential be so effective? Well, there is nothing really special here, it just polishes your knowledge to make our light shine.

CompTIA A+ provides you with the opportunity to polish and brighten the following skills:
– Identification of different hardware components and devices, connecting and using them properly
– Installation and support of Windows operating system including command line and client support
– Software troubleshooting of PC and mobile devices including security support
– Knowledge of networks and connections classification including TCP/IP, WIFI and SOHO
– Troubleshooting hardware and network issues
– Identification of the threats and protection against security vulnerabilities
– Installation and configuration of new software on laptops and other hardware
– Understanding of different operating systems including Linux, Windows, Mac OS, and mobile OS
– Knowledge of safety regulations, environmental impacts, and communication

CompTIA A+ Core Series: Your Ticket to IT success
CompTIA A+ certification was created in 1993. Since 2001, it has been renewed every 3 years to guarantee that the topics included are in line with new advancements in the ever-changing IT sector. CompTIA A+ team consists of IT pros and experts constantly re-inventing the certification program. Therefore,A+ validates that a certified individual has updated core skills demanded in the workplace.

CompTIA has introduced a new version of A+ certification program on January 15, 2019. They have put some really useful materials including advanced cybersecurity tools, cloud computing, virtualization, and network troubleshooting in the new core series. Besides, it covers scripting basics so that the support specialists and help desk technicians can identify malware by interpreting codes. This is why A+ is one of the best core series certifications CompTIA has released to date.

Employers hire IT professionals with great problem-solving skill, those who are able to think critically and approach issues in a systematic manner to find a resolution. CompTIA A+ focuses on topics related to problem-solving within a technology context. Therefore, the certification shows that a certified individual has practical skills and capable of solving different technical problems.

CompTIA A+ Core Series Exams
Candidates need to pass Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) exams to get CompTIA A+ certification. Each exam has a maximum of 90 questions including multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions. All candidates get 90 minutes to answer the questions. The exam fee is $219 USD for each exam.

– CompTIA A+ 220-1001 covers some topics related to hardware and networking including mobile devices, different hardware, cloud computing, network technology, virtualization, and network troubleshooting.

– CompTIA A+ 220-1002 covers topics related to software including installing and configuring different operating systems, operational procedures, and software troubleshooting.

The passing score for 220-​1001 is 675, and for 220-1002 – 700 (on a scale of 100-900). Both exams contain some complex topics, therefore, CompTIA recommends having 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field before taking the tests.

Preparing for the Exam
It is necessary that you prepare yourself before appearing for the exam. There are a lot of online sources available that can help you prepare yourself. PrepAway is one of them. PrepAway is a platform that allows you to understand which certification will help you to achieve your goal. The advantage of PrepAway is that it has all the resources you need including practice questions and exam guides. PrepAway also offers IT training course for A+ and keeps you updated about the certification changes.

Conclusion
Passing CompTIA A+ exams demands a holistic and comprehensive approach. It may take days or weeks to get ready for the two exams that lead to CompTIA A+ certification. It depends on which knowledge you already possess, how familiar you are with hardware and software, and how easily you can acquire new skills. Therefore, when you get your hard-earned credential, you’ll not only have a recognized professional certification, but also a reward of accomplishment which you can show with pride. In addition, you will be a part of a great community holding one of the best degrees in the IT sector!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *