[Posted 14 January 2014 by Kathy Yale]
The thought of sitting down and taking a test can be terrifying for some individuals. Knowing that the results of a test can drastically affect your life will only increase the anxiety level. However, there are ways to prepare for the test and ensure that the test results come back as high as possible. With the right preparation materials, most people can walk into the A+ certification exam feeling ready and confident.
Learn What is Required
The key to succeeding is setting appropriate goals and working towards them. With the A+ certification exam, that starts with knowing what to expect and what’s required. This exam is broken into two sections, and testers are allowed a maximum of 90 minutes for each one. There are multiple choice and performance-based components. The passing score for the 220-801 is 675 out of 900, and the passing scale for the 220-802 is 700 out of 900 possible.
Work with Updated Information
It’s also important to keep up with changing information on the exam. This is a technology based certification, so it’s updated regularly to keep up with changing technology. One example would be the removal of Windows 2000 and the incorporation of Windows 7 and various mobile devices. The most updated preparation information is required to ensure that people are ready to take this test and perform well on it.
Practice Problems
Knowing the information is important, but it’s also important to know how information will be presented. It’s possible for someone to be confident with all of the details and still answer incorrectly because they read the question wrong. With quality practice materials, potential test takers can work on problems that are very similar to what they’ll see on the test. They’ll make a few mistakes in the practice sessions, but they’ll go into the actual examination ready for the types of questions and scenarios that will be presented.
Flexible Learning Materials Suit Every Test Taker
No two people are exactly the same, and one test taker will learn the material more quickly by watching a video while another will prefer to read the information. The top preparation materials understand this simple fact and offer flexible materials that are ideally suited to each test taker. The best systems will allow individuals to choose between written materials, videos and practice tests that are based on the actual examination. They’ll also have instructors standing by who can answer questions and provide test takers with the extra assistance they need. The materials will work together seamlessly and allow test takers to prepare in the way that best suits their learning style and needs.
The A+ Certification is required by the Department of Homeland Security, Dell, Ricoh and Lenovo all require technicians to have this valuable certification, and it gives job applicants an important edge when they’re applying for any job that uses computers on a constant basis. The test itself is not terribly expensive, and taking it can make a difference in how far someone is able to take their career. The stress level associated with this test can be high, but test takers can decrease that stress by investing in preparation materials that will help them pass this test the first time around. It’s a small expense to pay to ensure that test takers are ready for the test and will handle the examination with the minimal amount of stress.