What is the CompTIA A+ Certification? Everything You need to know

Updated entry-level certification offers new IT professionals the ability to demonstrate technical competence.

The CompTIA A+ exam is the only vendor-neutral industry recognized credential with performance-based items that prove IT pros can think on their feet to perform critical IT support tasks. The A+ Certification is trusted by employers world-wide to identify their department experts to help with quick and efficient troubleshooting.

Who needs to take the A+ Certification?

CompTIA’s A+ exam is designed for entry-level IT professionals who have around 9 months to 1 year of IT experience. These candidates are working in job titles that include Service Desk Analyst, Help Desk Technician, Technical Support Specialist, Network Administrator, Systems Administrator and Data Support Technician.

If you are looking for a career with one of these job titles, but do not have a lot of IT experience, the A+ certification may be right for you. Even if you are currently working in one of these roles but have never been required to be certified for your career, you will still benefit from the breadth of the A+ 1001 and 1002 material. It is very thorough, up to date and a great refresher for experienced IT professionals.

CompTIA A+ Objectives: Core 1 and Core 2

Like previous versions, the CompTIA A+ certification is split into two exams, Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Candidates must pass both exams in order to receive their A+ certification. Each of these sections cover a wide array of technical areas that candidates must be proficient in to receive their certification. These areas are:

Core 1 (220-1001) Objectives:

• Mobile Devices—14%
• Networking—20%
• Hardware—27%
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing—12%
• Network and Hardware Troubleshooting—27%

Core 2 (220-1002) Objectives:

• Operating Systems—27%
• Security—24%
• Software Troubleshooting—26%
• Operational Procedures—23%

What was updated in the new CompTIA A+ exam?

The new A+ exam puts more emphasis on security, cloud computing, networking and device connectivity, where the previous exam had a big focus on hardware and operating systems. CompTIA has put a large amount of consideration into revising this certification to keep up with how the IT profession is evolving.

CompTIA A+ exam passing scores

• CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam (220-1001) passing score: 675 on a scale of 100-900
• CompTIA A+ Core 2 Exam (220-1002) passing score: 700 on a scale of 100-900

How to prepare for the new A+ Certification

Field experience alone is not enough preparation to pass these exams. In order to be successful in achieving your A+ certification, you need to master the foundational job skills that are outlined in the exams. Finding a learning solution that works best with you will help increase your chances of success in both exams and achieve your certification.

Centriq Training offers a live, hands-on learning experience to prepare you for the A+ certification that is uniquely different from that offered by other IT schools.   (Centriq offers best way to train for A+ Certification) Centriq divides the new A+ Series 1000 curriculum into two separate classes.  The first one (CompTIA A+ Core 1 – Prep for 220-1001 Objectives) focuses on the 220-1001 (Core 1) exam. The second  (CompTIA A+ Core 2 – Prep for 220-1002 Objectives) focuses on 220-1002 (Core 2). This layout will help prepare you for each exam at your own pace.

CompTIA A+ testing center

Once you have prepared to take the 220-1001 or 220-1002 exam, you will need to schedule to take it at an authorized testing center. Both Centriq Training campuses in Kansas City and St. Louis are authorized Pearson Vue testing centers, and are available for you to schedule either of your exams. Learn more about testing at Centriq Training here.

Are you ready to tackle your A+ certification? Contact us or fill out the form below for more information!