A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification demonstrates competence as an entry-level IT Technician.

CompTIA A+ certification validates entry-level skills in today's essential IT domains, including computer repair, software & operating systems, network administration, information security, cloud computing, and troubleshooting of both desktops and mobile devices. A+ certified technicians also learn customer service & communication skills in order to effectively interact with technical and non-technical employees.

CompTIA A+ certification is an ideal starting point in the learning plan of a new IT professional because:

• The A+ certification exam demands no prerequisites.
• A+ certification introduces candidates to the essential IT domains.
• A+ certification is globally recognized as the mark of a skilled entry-level technician.
• A+ certification is a mandatory hiring requirement for a variety of entry-level IT jobs.
• A+ certification is a requirement or elective in the advanced certification paths of leading technology vendors, including Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, HP, and IBM.

There are numerous accredited degrees, professional certificates and self-paced online training programs featuring A+ certification exam prep and related coursework. Research and compare A+ training programs in the U.S., Canada and online below.

A+ Training

Skills Measured by CompTIA A+ Certification

Here are the key skills and knowledge areas measured by the A+ certification exam. A+ certified professionals:

• understand the basics of computer and mobile device hardware, software, networking and security.
• can identify PC hardware, peripherals and network components in a business environment.
• can categorize and explain multiple types of data storage devices and backup media.
• can describe in detail the types and features of motherboard components.
• know how to follow proper computer safety procedures and best practices.
• have interpersonal communication skills to better interact with peers and customers.
• can setup and manage popular operating systems inc. Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux.
• can install and configure input devices, e.g., keyboards, mice, bio-metric scanners and touch screens.
• can implement a variety of troubleshooting techniques to fix system errors and connectivity issues.

Download the CompTIA A Plus Exam Objectives below for a more thorough curriculum.

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CompTIA A+ Certification Exams

You must pass two exams to become A+ certified. The current A+ exam versions were launched in December 2015:

• CompTIA A+ Essentials - Exam # 220-901
• CompTIA A+ Practical Application - Exam # 220-902

	CompTIA A+ Essentials Exam Objectives | 220-901
	CompTIA A+ Practical Application Exam Objectives | 220-902

A+ Exam Format: Multiple choice, Drag & drops, and Performance-based questions
Duration: The time-limit for each A+ exam is 90 minutes.
Length: Exams 220-901 and 220-902 contain a maximum 90 questions each.
Exam Cost: A+ test vouchers cost $205 USD.
Passing Grade: 675 out of 900 for A+ Essentials | 700 out of 900 for the Practical Application

The life-cycle of CompTIA A+ exams usually lasts around 3 years from launch. Here are the [past and upcoming] retirement dates of recent A+ certification exams:

• A+ Essentials (220-701) and A+ Practical Exam (220-702) | Retirement date: August 2013
• A+ Essentials (220-801) and A+ Practical Exam (220-802) | Retirement date: June 2016

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CompTIA A+ Certification Prerequisites

• Required: No required prerequisites for A+ certification exam
• Recommended: No recommended prerequisites for A+ certification exam

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A+ Certification Training, Online Degrees & Certificates

Browse the top-rated undergrad & graduate degree programs, professional certificates, and self-paced online courses matching the CompTIA A+ Certification and related career tracks.

Got targeted learning goals? Many schools offer individual courses from accredited programs.

IT School	CompTIA Training Program	Course Highlights & Certifications
Request More Info	AAS in Information Technology - Network Administration Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Associate Accredited School: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Certification Preparation for: CompTIA A+, Network+ & Security+ Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Prepares Graduates for Entry-Level Roles in Network Administration and IT Support Microsoft Windows Administration Training Cisco Network Design and Management Network Security and Digital Forensics Intro to Web Development & Programming
Request More Info	BS - Cybersecurity Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Bachelor Accredited School: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes	Includes Certification Preparation for: CompTIA A+, Network+ & Security+ TestOut Network Pro, Security Pro & Pro PC Gain the Skills and Credentials to Pursue Jobs in Cyber Security and Network Management Information Security Tools and Techniques Design, Build & Manage Secure IT Networks Cyber Security Policy and Risk Management IT Service and Process Management
Request More Info	Master's in Technology Management Method: Online Degree Degree Level: Master Accredited School: Yes Financial Aid Available: Yes Prerequisite: Bachelor's	Prepare for Leadership Roles in Business and Information Technology Business Intelligence and Data Analytics Cyber Security Threats & Countermeasures Cloud Computing and Virtual Data Centers Globalization and the Modern IT Workforce Computer Systems Analysis Tools & Techniques Wield Emerging Technologies and IT Personnel to Achieve Business Goals No GRE or GMAT Required for Admission

Find Computer Training Schools

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CompTIA A+ Certification Jobs

A+ certification qualifies you for a variety of IT job roles including:

• IT Support Specialist: Browse Technical Support Specialist Jobs
• Help Desk Technician: Browse Help Desk Technician Jobs
• Desktop Support Technician: Browse Desktop Support Jobs
• PC and Hardware Repair: Browse Computer Repair Jobs
• More Jobs for CompTIA Certified Pros: Browse CompTIA Jobs

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A+ Certification Salary

Average salary for A+ certified professionals and other CompTIA certification holders:

• CompTIA A+ salary: $59,000
• CompTIA Server+: $63,000
• CompTIA Network+: $63,000
• CompTIA Project+: $67,000
• CompTIA Linux+: $70,000
• CompTIA Security+: $72,000
• CompTIA CTT+: $74,000
• CompTIA Cloud+: $74,000
• CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP): $84,000

Source: Payscale.com

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A+ Related Certifications

• CompTIA Network+ Certification
• CompTIA Security+ Certification
• CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician
• Cisco CCNA Certification
• Microsoft MCTS Certifications

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A+ Certification Careers

• Help Desk Technician
• IT Security Specialist
• Network Administrator
• Database Administrator
• Health Information Technician

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