Category Archives: CompTIA A+

[Posted 7 January 2014 by Kathy Yale]

The A+ certification exam is a staple test for those interested in pursuing a career in technology. Jobs such as technical support specialists, IT support administrators, IT support specialists, or field service technicians use the A+ certification as a tool for measuring an individual’s competency regarding computer-related issues. The certification can be a great starting place for a person hoping to begin a career in IT. The examination provides employers with a tool for measuring an applicant’s skill set and is a prerequisite for many computer-related service jobs in the United States. If interested in technology jobs, taking the A+ certification exam serves as the launching pad for a new career in 2014.

What’s on the Test?

The A+ certification exam is a 90-minute exam that covers the basics of PC operating systems, basic networking, laptops and computer hardware, and computer software and installation. In addition to multiple choice questions, the exam also assesses test-takers’ knowledge base through the use of performance-based challenges and fill-in-the-blank questions. These questions challenge testers to solve problems or tasks in an environment that simulates real-world problems and trouble-shooting situations.

Preparing for the Exam

Before taking the exam, it is recommended that test-takers have at least 6 months to 1 year of experience in a related field, or have a strong understanding of computer operation, set-up, and trouble-shooting. Once a firm base of knowledge in computer-related sciences is established, a person can study through the exam in a variety of ways: A+ certification books are available; online resources and study guides are a great option; and a person can even enroll in an A+ preparatory course. While a preparatory course is not required to take the exam, it is recommended if experience is limited. In addition to thoroughly studying for the exam, practice tests are available online. Taking many timed practice tests is a suggested method of adequately preparing for the test.

Benefits of Receiving an A+ Certification

The certification is valid for three years with the option of keeping it current through continuing education programs. If the test is completed with satisfactory marks, it serves as a career promoter for those in the technology field or those hoping to pursue a career in IT. An A+ certification qualifies recipients for the jobs of a help desk technician, a field service technician, a PC technician, and many manufacturing positions. With an A+ certification, applicants can search for jobs in a variety of other fields, too, including hardware, administration, and development. Typically, an A+ certification also comes with a salary increase for those who pass the examination. For most people, an A+ certification is the perfect way to start a job in entry-level positions, assuming a person has a limited amount of experience and does not already possess a degree in computer science. However, for those who do have a degree in computer science, the A+ certification may still be key for a new career for entry-level positions, promotions, or in order to move into a higher-salary bracket.

The A+ certification is a great way to kick start a career in 2014. It can result in hiring opportunities for new applicants in the IT field and it can be the certification needed for a promotion to a new position. Start the New Year off right with the A+ certification exam.

CompTIA has raised the prices for their exams effective January 1, 2014.

You can save money by purchasing discount exam vouchers from Total Seminars. Visit http://www.totalsem.com/exam-vouchers/ to buy your vouchers and save.

Effective January 1, 2014 the new CompTIA exam prices have increased as follows:

CompTIA A+ Certification – The prices for both the CompTIA A+ 220-801 and CompTIA A+ 220-802 exams have been raised from $183.00 to $188.00.

CompTIA Network+ Certification – The price for the CompTIA Network+ Certification exam has been raised from $261.00 to $269.00.

CompTIA Security+ Certification – The price for the CompTIA Security+ Certification exam has been raised from $284.00 to $293.00.

You can always save money by buying discount vouchers from Total Seminars but we are holding our discount prices based on the old CompTIA exam prices for a few days. Get your vouchers now before we have to raise the prices to reflect the new CompTIA prices.

[Posted 24 December 2013 by Kathy Yale]

The A+ Certification Exam has become the standard for those who want to show their computer skills to potential employers. The CompTIA A+ Test consists of several sections, including PC Hardware, Networking, Laptops, Printers, Operational Procedures, Operating Systems, Security, Mobile Devices and Troubleshooting. It is designed to provide a comprehensive view of a candidate’s knowledge, skills and experience so that employers can hire those who are proficient in the computer field.

Hardware Objectives

While it is important to understand how software causes a computer to operate, it is also important to know exactly how the hardware supports the operation of the computer. Without functioning hardware components, no programs will work. Therefore, the CompTIA A+ Certification test focuses a portion of its questions on PC hardware.

On the first part of the test, 38 percent of the questions focus on hardware objectives. Test takers are asked questions relating to installation, maintenance and repair of storage devices. Test takers must understand HDD, including SATA, PATA and Solid State storage; FDD; optical drives, including CD, DVD, Blu-Ray and RW; removable storage and external storage.

Regarding motherboards, questions may be included about jumper settings; CMOS batteries; advanced BIOS settings; bus speeds; chipsets; firmware updates; socket types; expansion slots; memory slots; front panel connectors; and I/O ports, including sound, video, USB, parallel, modem and PS/2. Successful testers must also understand wattage and capacity; connector types; and output voltage of power supplies.

In addition, questions include the areas of socket types; speed; number of cores; power consumption; cache; front side bus; and 32 bit v. 64 bit processors. Test takers must be conversant with the basic hardware associated with computer memory. Graphics cards, sound cards, storage controllers, I/O cards, wired and wireless network cards, capture cards and media readers are also all covered on the test along with cooling system components including heat sinks, thermal compound, CPU fans and case fans. 

Not only should test takers be familiar with how to analyze, repair and maintain all of these components; they should also be ready to select and use the following tools properly:

• Multimeter
• Power supply tester
• Specialty hardware and tools
• Cable testers
• Loop back plugs
• Anti-static pad and wrist strap
• Extension magnet

Test takers will also be asked questions about printers, including how to analyze and repair paper jams, junk printing, out of memory errors, lines and smearing, blank paper and ghosted images.

How Can I Prepare for the Hardware Section of the A+ Certification Exam?

One of the most common suggestions made to those who are preparing for the A+ Certification Exam’s hardware section is to take apart and put back together a computer, printer and other devices covered on the test. This is one of the easiest ways to familiarize yourself with the parts of the machine and to see how they work together. 

While this is invaluable practice for some people, others also prefer to review schematic diagrams or read preparatory materials. There are many books and other items that are devoted to the topic of hardware that can be found at Total Seminars. It may be especially helpful to read preparatory materials while working on a hands-on repair job on a computer or printer.

[Posted 17 December 2013 by Kathy Yale]

The A+ certification is an important credential for those who want to start or advance their IT career.  It is an internationally recognized benchmark utilized by the computer industry to ensure IT professionals achieve a basic competency in concepts and skills employees would need to be successful. Technicians are expected to demonstrate knowledge of a range of topics including installation, upgrading and troubleshooting. An understanding of network configurations and operating systems is also necessary.

The A+ certification was developed and is supported by the Computing Technology Industry Association. Major computer companies such as Microsoft, Dell, Apple and IBM embrace it because it provides standardization of qualifications across the entire industry in the United States and internationally. This means employers in an increasingly globalized economy will have a better idea of the capabilities of each job applicant they interview and will be able to find the best fit for their positions. The certification ensures that individuals will be skilled in the latest technology including tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices.

The Growing Need for Mobile Device Certification

This attention on mobile devices is partially a result of Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD) policies. Because it is increasingly common for employees to bring their own smart phones and tablets to the office, businesses are beginning to have employees use them as their primary work devices. As a matter of policy, many companies are beginning to use mobile technology as a primary means to operate their business. Industry professionals across the board are utilizing iPhones, iPads and tablet devices and, as a result, it is becoming increasingly necessary for IT professionals to become trained on the inner workings of these devices.

Apple offers a consultant network made up of private contractors to provide companies with onsite IT support for its products. These Apple contractors must be A+ certified as a basic qualification. As mobile devices continue to improve and proliferate, IT technicians will have to stay abreast of the latest developments.

Mobile Modifications to the A+ Certification Exam

The A+ Certification exam consists of two modules: the first module is Essentials, basic IT information that all technicians are expected to master. The second module gives the individual the ability to choose from three concentrations. These include IT Technician, Remote Support Technician and Depot Technician.

In 2012 CompTIA released a revised version of the exam called A+ 800 that reflects recent trends in technology as well as feedback from employers. One change is the addition of performance based questions that require test takers to perform tasks and demonstrate skills rather than simply answer multiple choice questions. Another big change in the test is the increased emphasis on iOS mobile devices including the iPad Touch and iPhone. IT technicians are also expected to show proficiency dealing with the security issues common to smart phones and tablets.

As mobile technology continues to be a fixture in the IT industry, CompTIA will continue to grow their exams to meet the needs of the industry. The A+ certification exam will evolve and adapt to the changing circumstances in the corporate world as it adopts the latest innovations in IT.

[Posted 10 December 2013 by Kathy Yale]

As of January 2011, the CompTIA A+ certification exams began to incorporate content related to Windows 7. This addition reflected the changes in computer usage and the growing number of people utilizing this operating system.

What Is The CompTIA A+ Exam?

The CompTIA A+ Exam is the certification platform used by many IT professionals to prove their level of skill in handling all types of computer devices and software. The content of the CompTIA A+ certification exam is governed by a board of representatives from some of the top names in computer hardware and programming, including Richo, Sharp, Lenovo, HP and ASI Electronics.

The CompTIA A+ exam offers certification related to practical skills as well as knowledge of computer operating systems and hardware. Currently, the CompTIA A+ certification exam covers the following areas:

• PC Hardware
• Networking
• Laptops
• Printers
• Operational Procedures
• Operating Systems
• Security
• Mobile Devices
• Troubleshooting

Windows 7 was released in 2009 and represented a leap forward in personal computing technology. This operating system was incorporated into the CompTIA A+ certification 
exam at the request of many of the makers of the latest computer devices such as laptops, PCs and tablets. Windows 7 questions are included under both the Essentials and Practical Applications sections of the CompTIA A+ test.

Where Do Windows 7 Questions Appear on the CompTIA A+ Test?

Windows 7 content has been added to several sections of the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam and will represent a portion of both practical and foundational knowledge questions. The new content appears in the following areas on the 700 series tests:

CompTIA A+ Essentials, Section 220-701– 3.0 Operating Systems

This section of the test asks basic questions about several operating systems, including Windows 7. Also included are Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 8. These questions, which make up a total of 33 percent of the test, can be broken down as follows:

CompTIA A+ Essentials, Section 220-701–and 4.0 Software and Networking

As part of the questions related to overall software and networking knowledge, Windows 7 questions are integrated into the assessment items.

CompTIA A+ Practical Application, Section 220-702–2.0 Operating Systems

This section of the test focuses on more practical applications of the Windows 7 system and may ask test takers to project solutions to problems or speculate on how Windows 7 affects the operation of various tasks.

CompTIA A+ Practical Application, Section 220-702–4.0 Security

This section relates Windows 7 to systems security.

Because CompTIA A+ certification is globally recognized by both the public and private sectors and is required by many employers, those who are interested in studying for and passing the test should focus on the operational aspects as well as the security aspects of Windows 7. 

The new 800 series tests also include information on Windows 7. Because the test is transitioning from 700 to 800 series, many test takers are choosing to take the new version which will offer a longer certification option. 

The 800 series CompTIA A+ certification tests include more information on Windows 7 than the 700 series. In fact, the 800 versions of the test now compact most of the 700 material and adds more questions on the "Unique to OS" features of Windows 7, XP and Vista. The 800 series of tests no longer covers Windows 2000 or ME.