COMPTIA/A+

COMPTIA's A+ certification has become the industry standard for entry-level IT professionals. A+ requires a broader knowledge of hardware and OS technology, which includes installation, configuration, troubleshooting, maintenance and basics of networking. Comptia recommends 500 hours as an hands-on technician before taking the exam, but that is not a requirement. Anyone could undertake the exam right now although, of course, the experience helps a lot.

CompTIA A+ should not be seen only as a certification on its own, it is also recognized by major technology companies and the credits are given towards obtaining their certifications too. Microsoft, Cisco, Hewlett-Packard, Novell are the well known names who gives a lot of value to CompTIA A+ certification. Also, many companies have been making CompTIA A+ certification a must for their service personnel.

To get an A+ a candidate should undertake two tests: Core Hardware and Operating Systems. The exam is taken using multiple choice questions.

(220-301) A+ Core Hardware covers:

• Installation, configuration, and upgrading of hardware
• Diagnose, troubleshooting
• Maintenance
• Motherboard and its components
• Printers
• Networking

• Fundamentals of operating systems
• Installation and configuration
• Troubleshooting
• Networks Basics