The exams one needs to pass to get an A+ certificate

Certification: CompTIA CompTIA A+ - CompTIA A+

A+ certificate is the certification of the proficiency of a person as a computer technician. CompTIA A+ is the prerequisite to begin an IT career.Though the certification programis vendor impartial, it inclines towards Microsoft operating system. In the recent exams, questions regarding iOS and Android also appear. The exams for this certificate regard the subjects of PCs, laptops, printers, mobile devices and operating systems. Significantly there are two exams to be passed to get an A+ certificate. At present A+ certification requires two tests: CompTIA A+ 220-801 and CompTIA A+ 220-802. To receive an A+ certificate these two tests are compulsory.

Basic information regarding the exams

The basics or essentials of computer technology are covered by the exam of CompTIA A+ 220-801. This primary phase of certification evaluates the general literacy of computer technology. The exam also deals significantly with general networking, installation and configuration of the hardware of the laptops and PCs. The exam of CompTIA A+ 220-802 deals specially with the computer operating system. It covers the expertise necessary to install and configure the operating systems of the PC including the basic features. CompTIA A+ 220-802 also covers configuration of mobile operating systems. Configuring the networking, email etc. are basic items of this exam.

Exam details

Previously the CompTIA exams were all based on multiple-choice questions but now the dominant part of this certification is the exam of performance-based questions. The performance-based questions are added to the CompTIA A+ program to make sure that the candidates are able to do the tasks practically regarding which they have theoretical knowledge. The other significant parts of the exams are virtualization, mobile devices, troubleshooting etc. the whole program is dedicated to bring out the knowledge and skills to make the computer networks and mobile devices interactive.

The score of both exams is 900, time allowed for each of the exams is 90 minutes and the number of question will be maximum 90. The score, time and quantity of questions for both CompTIA A+ 220-801 and CompTIA A+ 220-802 are same but the passing scores are different for the two exams. At least a score of 675 out of 900 is required to pass the exam of CompTIA A+ 220-801. And at least a score of 700 out of 900 is required to pass the exam of CompTIA A+ 220-802. The passing grades of 675 and 700 are rated on a scale of 100-900. 72% of right answer on the exam of CompTIA A+ 220-801 can be equated approximately to 75% of right answer on the exam of CompTIA A+ 220-802. The later exam is in some cases, more difficult than the earlier one as besides the higher score of passing, the exam includes scenario-oriented and troubleshooting questions. To get the certification it is necessary to pass both the two exams. Passing one exam will not bring the certificate. So, if one passes one exam, s/he can retake the other one for the certification.

CompTIA A+ 220-801 exam contains the questions regarding PC hardware, networking, laptops, printers and operational procedures, and 220-802 exam contains the questions regarding operating systems, security, mobile devices and troubleshooting. In both of the exams there appear two types of questions: multiple choice and performance-based. In case of answering the multiple choice questions, one or more right answers has to be chosen, and as the answer of the performance-based question one has to perform any tasks in a replicated computer environment. Before facing the exam one must learn how to carry out the hands-on tasks. It is recommended that the examinee should have the hands-on experience of 6 to 12 month in the IT field. The examinee can choose any of the language from English, German, Spanish, French, simplified Chinese, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Thai and Arabic.

Objectives of the exam domains

CompTIAseparates its tests into clusters of objectives ordomains. The 700 series had a whole of ten extensively corresponding domains, six domains are in 220-701 and four domains are in 220-702. The present 800 Series structures five domains in 220-801 and four domains in 220-802. Theobjectives that couldintersect are the networking objectives of 220-801 with the security objectives of 220-802. The immensebulk of areas present in the objectives in the series of 700 stay on in the series of 800, but particularcrucial topics have been made out of the new objectives. The 220-801 exam is more of a hardware-based test, while the 220-802 exam inclines toward operating systems.

How to take the exams

For taking the exams of CompTIA A+ a voucher can be purchased which is available in the CompTIA Marketplace. If someone had a training course as a preparation for the exams, s/he can have vouchers from CompTIA Authorized Partner Program trainer if they sell or include vouchers with their training package. One can also pay the exam fee with credit card at the time of registering. It is recommended that one should register throughPearson VUE for CompTIA exams. Registration for CompTIA exams is available in Pearson VUE testing centers. One has to visit the website to make an online account for the registration to sit for the exams and to store necessary information. One can fix the time of the exam online. The registration can also be done by phone or by going to the testing center. Voucher number and the information of the payment will be required to register. The conformation and additional information will be sent to the e-mail id of the applicant.

The two tests, 220-801 and 220-802 of CompTIA A+ program are the only stages passing which one can become a successful IT professional or at least s/he can begin a skillful career in the IT section.

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