CompTIAA Certification
CompTIA A+ certification is a widely recognized credential in the field of information technology (IT), awarded by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). This certification is aimed at validating an IT professional's expertise in essential areas such as computer hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, and maintenance. To attain the CompTIA A+ certification, candidates must pass two exams, which cover a range of topics, including mobile devices and networking, with a focus on practical problem-solving through performance-based questions.
CompTIA A+ certification is valued by employers as it provides clear evidence of a candidate’s foundational knowledge and skills, although some employers may prioritize formal education or hands-on experience over certification. The certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it assesses knowledge across various manufacturers rather than being tied to a single brand. Since its introduction in 1992, the A+ certification has gained global recognition, with over a million professionals certified by 2016. To maintain the certification, professionals must renew it every three years through continuing education and a fee. Overall, the CompTIA A+ certification serves as a significant stepping stone for individuals pursuing a career in IT.
CompTIAA Certification
- FIELDS OF STUDY: Computer Science; Information Technology
Abstract
The CompTIA A+ certification is one of many certifications in the field of information technology (IT) granted by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). An IT professional may gain the certification after passing a pair of exams that test their knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, and other essential topics.
Certifying IT
The CompTIA A+ certification is a professional certification in information technology (IT). IT is a broad field that deals with the use of computers and related devices. IT professionals, known as computer technicians, must know a variety of hardware, software, and other technological information. College degrees in IT or computer science and hands-on IT experience are typically important to employers. Some companies seek job candidates who have earned professional certifications. In the United States, the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), an IT trade association, is one of the chief providers of such certifications.
CompTIA was founded in 1982 as the Association of Better Computer Dealers. The organization began offering certifications in 1992, two years after changing its name to CompTIA. CompTIA's certifications are vendor-neutral. This means that they test knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems, and peripherals from multiple manufacturers, not just one. The organization also offers certifications in computer networking, servers, and subfields such as healthcare IT. CompTIA offers educational and professional development opportunities for IT professionals as well. In the early twenty-first century, the organization became increasingly involved in public policy advocacy. It cofounded the Initiative for Software Choice (ISC) in 2002. The ISC is concerned with government policies regarding software use.
Understanding the CompTIA A+ Certification
The CompTIA A+ certification is a popular credential among IT professionals. Into the mid-2020s, it had been awarded to more than three million people globally, according to CompTIA. The certification shows that the holder is skilled in the key areas of IT. These areas include computer troubleshooting and repair, setup and installation, and maintenance. To earn the certification, a professional must prove their knowledge of a number of specific topics, including the use of operating systems, computer networking procedures, and computer security. In addition to desktop and laptop computers, the certification signals the holder's skill with mobile devices, such as smartphones, and peripherals, such as printers. The A+ certification and two other CompTIA certifications have been accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI oversees the granting of certifications for many professions.
Obtaining the CompTIA A+ Certification
To earn the CompTIA A+ certification, one must pass two exams. These exams are periodically updated to keep up with changes in technology. An updated set of exams, CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902, were introduced on December 15, 2015. Those exams replaced the 220-801 and 220-802 exams, which were set to be retired on June 30, 2016, for English-speaking test takers and December 31 of that year for all others. In April 2022, a new set of exams, 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2) replaced these versions. The Core 1 test covered mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and hardware and network troubleshooting. The Core 2 exam covered operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Each exam is ninety minutes long and has up to ninety questions. Some questions are multiple-choice, while others are performance-based. Performance-based questions simulate real-world problems that the test taker must solve. Both tests are scored out of a possible 900 points. The test taker must score at least 675 points to pass the first exam and 700 to pass the second. Exams must be completed in person at a testing center approved by CompTIA.
Together, the two exams cover a wide range of topics generally considered essential basic knowledge for a computer technician. The first exam deals mostly with hardware, including computers, mobile devices, and peripherals. The exam also covers troubleshooting. The second exam focuses on operating systems, including Windows and Apple systems, as well as open-source operating systems such as Linux. CompTIA does not require test takers to complete formal schooling before taking the exams, but it recommends that those seeking A+ certification have at least six months of practical experience with the covered topics. To aid IT professionals in preparing for the exams, CompTIA offers optional preparatory courses and self-guided training materials.
CompTIA A+ in the Field
While the computer skills evaluated by the CompTIA A+ exams are not possessed solely by those professionals who are certified, the certification provides clear evidence of an IT professional's understanding of the field's core concepts and procedures. As such, some employers prefer to hire employees who have already attained that certification. However, other employers may prefer to hire computer technicians with formal education in computer science or IT or with significant hands-on experience. Likewise, some employers may not require jobseekers to have obtained A+ certification or may pay for their computer technicians to take the exams once employed. Because of these varying requirements, individuals seeking work in IT should consider their options carefully before pursuing the CompTIA A+ or any other certification.
In 2010, CompTIA announced that all A+ certifications, which had previously been issued for life, would need to be renewed every three years. The organization later ruled that previously issued certifications would be exempt from this requirement. However, all A+ certifications issued on or after January 1, 2011, expire after three years unless renewed. To remain certified, a professional holding the certification must pay a fee and complete continuing education programs to remain current in the field.
Bibliography
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"About Us." CompTIA, www.comptia.org/about-us. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.
Anderson, Nate. "CompTIA Backs Down; Past Certs Remain Valid for Life." Ars Technica, 26 Jan. 2010, arstechnica.com/information-technology/2010/01/comptia-backs-down-past-certs-remain-valid-for-life. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.
"CompTIA A+." CompTIA, www.comptia.org/certifications/a. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.