If you have ever considered an information technology (IT) career, whether as a PC support specialist or a network administrator, you may have heard about CompTIA A+. Many jobs in the IT sector require candidates to be CompTIA A+ certified. CompTIA A+ is a fundamental certification that shows employers you have a core understanding of how to operate, maintain, install, and repair the hardware and software utilized in computers and mobile devices.
Let’s take a closer look at what CompTIA A+ certification entails and why it is such an important step on your way to pursuing a career in IT.
CompTIA A+ Consists of 2 Exams with a New Version Coming Soon
CompTIA A+ certification is achieved by passing two exams, which are called 220-901 and 220-902. Beginning January 15, 2019, these two exams will be replaced by 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). The new exams will roughly correspond to the current versions of the exam, with 220-1001 focusing on hardware, networking, mobile devices, cloud computing, and virtualization. The 220-1002 (Core 2) exam, meanwhile, will focus on operating systems, software, security, and operational procedures.
CompTIA A+ Certification Focuses on More than Just Personal Computers
CompTIA A+ is a fundamental certification, meaning it focuses on the basics of how to install, maintain, and use hardware and software. While much of CompTIA A+ focuses on personal computers, including hardware components, Windows OS support, networking, and troubleshooting PC issues, the certification actually goes beyond the PC. You will also need to know about mobile devices, mobile OS, security, and best operational procedures. An information technology certification program can help prepare you for the CompTIA A+ exams by teaching you these essential skills.
CompTIA A+ is Recognized Throughout the Information Technology Industry
CompTIA stands for the Computing Technology Industry Association, which is a non-profit trade association made up of manufacturers, distributors, and resellers in IT. It is one of the largest and most widely respected IT trade groups. The CompTIA A+ is also accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). No matter where you work in the world, CompTIA A+ is a recognized standard. Because CompTIA A+ is such a fundamental building block of an IT career, good information technology programs provide you with vouchers that will allow you to take the two CompTIA A+ exams.
CompTIA A+ is one of the most widely recognized IT certifications
You Can Renew Your CompTIA A+ During Your Information Technology Career
CompTIA A+ certification expires after 3 years. The only exception is if you have certification from before January 1, 2011, in which case it never expires. Renewing your certification is easy and it shows employers that your IT skills are current. There are two main ways you can renew your certification. One method is to simply take the latest version of the CompTIA A+ exam. The other option is to complete 20 continuing education units (CEU). You can earn CEUs through various approved activities, such as attending a college course, gaining work experience through your information technology career, publishing a related white paper, article, book, or blog post, or working as an IT teacher or mentor.
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