CompTIA is a leading tech association based near Chicago, Illinois in the US. It is among the renowned technology organisations working for the standardisation of the industry. CompTIA offers a wide range of IT certifications covering various aspects of the IT industry like hardware, networks, infrastructures, servers, security and cloud. CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and Cloud+ are a few examples of the widely acknowledged vendor-neutral certifications worldwide.

CompTIA A+ Overview

A+ is the first and foremost certification offered by CompTIA. Since its inception in 1993, it has become an industry-standard over the years. With more than a million certified professionals worldwide it has become one of the most widely accepted IT certifications globally. CompTIA A+ is described as an “entry-level rite of passage for IT technicians,” and it is true due to a host of reasons. CompTIA A+ certification is designed for IT professionals who seek a career as a help desk, support, service center, or networking technician. CompTIA A+ certification covers PC hardware like desktop and laptop, software installation, and configuration of computers and mobile operating systems. CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral certification which means it does not cover the particular hardware or software from specific vendors, instead of that it covers both hardware and software platforms in general. CompTIA A+ certified technicians understand the basics of computer hardware, software, networking, troubleshooting, and security. CompTIA A+ is a prerequisite for technician jobs by many of the industry leaders like Intel, Dell, and HP. The popularity of CompTIA A+ is mainly due to its practical orientation with direct implementation in real-life jobs.

Some of the Jobs that A+ Certified professionals are ideally suitable for are:

• Service Desk Analyst
• Data Support Technician
• Help Desk Tech
• Desktop Support Administrator
• Technical Support Specialist
• End-User Computing Technician
• Field Service Technician
• Help Desk Technician
• Associate Network Engineer
• System Support Specialist

CompTIA A+ Certification Exams

There are no prerequisites to take A+ exams however nine to twelve months of hands-on lab or field experience is recommended.

A candidate is required to pass two exams to get certified as A+ by CompTIA. These two exams are as following;
• Core 1 (220-1001)
Pass Marks Required 675 (on a scale of 100-900)
• Core 2 (220-1002)
Pass Marks Required 700 (on a scale of 100-900)

After passing these two exams you earn CompTIA A+ Certification. CompTIA A+ Certification is usually valid for three years. It is always renewable to the latest track by taking the qualifying exam.

Following are the contents to be covered by a candidate taking these two exams:

• Demonstrate baseline security skills for IT support professionals
• Configure device operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, and iOS and administer client-based as well as cloud-based (SaaS) software
• Troubleshoot and problem solve core service and support challenges while applying best practices for documentation, change management, and scripting
• Support basic IT infrastructure and networking
• Configure and support PC, mobile, and IoT device hardware
• Implement basic data backup and recovery methods and apply data storage and management best practices

The following skills are validated to be mastered by a candidate through CompTIA A+ Exams

1. Hardware
Identifying, using, and connecting hardware components and devices

2. Operating Systems
Install and support Windows OS including command line and client support. Understand Mac OS, Linux, and mobile OS

3. Software Troubleshooting
Troubleshoot PC and mobile device issues including application security support

4. Networking
Explain types of networks and connections including TCP/IP, WIFI, and SOHO

5. Hardware & Network Troubleshooting
Troubleshoot device and network issues

6. Security
Identify and protect against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections

7. Mobile Devices
Install and configure laptops and other mobile devices

8. Virtualisation & Cloud Computing
Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts and set up client-side virtualisation

9. Operational Procedures
Follow best practices for safety, environmental impacts, and communication and professionalism

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1001 Exam Coverage

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1001 covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualisation and cloud computing, and network troubleshooting. Beside routine questions 220-1001 exam involves performance-based questions, which evaluate the candidate’s potential to address a problem in a given environment.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1001 Exam Format

The format for CompTIA A+ 220-1001 exam is 90 Minutes with 90 questions (maximum). English is the language of choice for the majority of customers however it is available in German, Japanese, Portuguese, Thai, and Spanish as well.

Preparing for CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1001 Exam

Preparation for CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1001 Exam can be done through multiple mediums like study guides, practice questions, dumps, video tutorials, and instructor-led sessions.

CompTIA offers the training for A+ Exams through its CertMaster program. A comprehensive training package from CertMaster costs about US$ 649.

Many other companies in the market offer training options for CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1001 exams at comparatively cheaper prices. One of these training providers is DumpsCafe. It offers training for CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1001 exams as well as the other exams/certifications from different vendors.

DumpsCafe offers training through PDF study guides, dumps, practice tests, and a testing engine. The training material is offered at a very competitive price. A money-back guarantee is an absolute symbol of confidence in the quality of the products and services offered.

With an option for affordable and specialised training, it has become very easy for a candidate to pass A+ Core 1 220-1001 exam and leading their way to earn A+ Certification.

If you are looking for a career in the hardware industry or any other industry where technical skills are required to run hardware, software, network and security environment, you should opt for CompTIA A+ Certification which is like a passport in the world of technology.

By successfully passing both A+ Core 1 220-1001 and A+ Core 2 220-1002 exams you earn CompTIA A+ Certification. CompTIA A+ Certification adds an international recognition of your skillset to your portfolio, giving you a competitive edge which adds prestige and perks to your profile. In short, A+ adds a big plus to your portfolio by making it internationally acceptable. Backed by the industry’s confidence and years of recognition A+ is a must-have for any computer technician or support professional.