| CompTIA's A+ certification has long been | | | | Because employers are seeking well-rounded |
| recognized as the industry standard for | | | | and skilled workers for their entry-level IT |
| vendor-neutral validation of entry-level | | | | field, the new A+ examinations were designed, |
| computer hardware and software skills. As of | | | | with feedback from subject matter experts, to |
| July 2007, the certification examination | | | | cover the complete skill sets needed by those |
| requirements for A+ certification have been | | | | seeking entry-level employment in information |
| changed to reflect recent advances in | | | | technology. |
| technology and hiring practices. | | | | |
| | | | In addition to knowledge specific to hardware |
| Earning A+ certification still requires | | | | and operating systems, the new A+ |
| earning passing scores on two different | | | | certification exams also look for knowledge |
| exams. However, the content and structure of | | | | in areas necessary for one to be a |
| the required exams have changed. | | | | well-rounded computer professional. For |
| | | | example, concepts related to environmental |
| Everyone will be required to successfully | | | | issues, professionalism, communication |
| complete A+ Essentials (#220-601) exam, | | | | skills, safety, and security are now included |
| covering both hardware and software. In | | | | in the exam. |
| addition to the A+ Essentials exam, A+ | | | | |
| candidates will be able to choose their | | | | When you are ready to take the new A+ exam, |
| second exam from a pool of elective tests | | | | it is a good idea to use a practice test to |
| specific to particular specializations. | | | | help you determine if you would benefit from |
| | | | completing a certification preparation |
| Elective Tests: | | | | course. There are a number of excellent |
| | | | online, instructor-led, and video-based |
| * 220-602 IT Technician | | | | training programs that can help you polish |
| | | | your skills and knowledge. |
| * 220-603 Remote Support Technician | | | | |
| | | | When you are ready to take your exam, be sure |
| * 220-604 Depot Technician | | | | to check around for the best deals on exam |
| | | | vouchers and select a comfortable and |
| The new A+ certification exam emphasizes the | | | | convenient certification testing center that |
| combination of technical know-how and other | | | | meets your needs. |
| issues necessary for success in the IT field. | | | | |