CompTIA A+ Certification in Sacramento: What to Expect

The Computing Technology Industry Association, or CompTIA, is a non-profit trade association that was created in the early nineteen-eighties by a small group of early leading companies in the computer and software engineering industry.

Along with a wide variety of other trade association functions, CompTIA is a primary provider of professional certifications across the various aspects of the information technology industry, including the A+ certification for demonstrable competency in the IT field as a computer technician.

The CompTIA A+ certification is vendor neutral, and covers several different technologies and operating systems from a wide variety of vendors like Apple, HP, and Microsoft. CompTIA has offered the A+ certification since the early nineties, and it is routinely updated.

The CompTIA A+ Certification Exams

The certification is only awarded if candidates pass two separate exams. One of the exams is devoted to IT essentials, and the other to the practical application of knowledge. These exams are intended to test the knowledge and skills of IT professionals with around 500 hours of work experience in the field, or the equivalent in combined experience and education.

The Essentials examination (CompTIA exam 220-1001) is primarily focused on the fundamentals of working with computers, information technology, networks, and security. It may also include questions devoted to hardware, networking, laptops, and printers. The Practical Application exam (CompTIA exam 220-1002) concentrates mostly on operating systems, security, and troubleshooting.

What Is a Passing Grade for the CompTIA A+ Certification Exams?

Both the CompTIA 220-1001 and 220-1002 have ninety questions. Passing grade for the 220-1001 is 675 (on a scale from 100 to 900) and passing grade for the 220-1002 is 700 (on scale from 100 to 900). 90 minutes are allotted for each exam.

Skills Validated in A+ Certification

There are key skillsets that candidates are validated for in CompTIA A+ exams:

• Operating systems. Installing and configuring OS like Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Linux, iOS, Android.
• Identifying, troubleshooting, connecting, using hardware devices and components.
• Software troubleshooting. Solve problems that arise with desktop and mobile software configurations.
• Network configuration and troubleshooting. Explain and understand different types of networks, including TCP/IP, SOHO, and Wi-Fi. Solve issues with network configurations and device configurations in a network.
• Find vulnerabilities in devices and network connections. Protect against vulnerabilities and use robust security practices.
• Mobile and desktop device setup and configuration.
• Cloud computing and virtualization. Understanding of cloud computing and setting up client-side virtualization.
• Operational procedures. Follow best practices for safety, environmental impact, and professionalism.

A wide variety of employers hire candidates that have a CompTIA A+ certification. This certification is known as a qualifier for many IT positions.

What Are the Prerequisites for A+ Certification?

There are no prerequisites for CompTIA A+ certification. Candidates are introduced to core information technology concepts, including cloud computing, computer repair, operating systems, network administration, and hardware and device troubleshooting. For certain technology employers and vendors, A+ certification is a requirement on a path towards more advanced certification.

What are the Career Advantages of A+ Certification?

Many companies and organizations specifically look for an A+ certification in candidates for an IT job. This certification is often something hiring managers are looking for in resumes. The A+ certification is an ideal way to start a career in information technology.

Additionally, a CompTIA A+ certification is an important credential when it comes to earning potential. Advanced certifications that corelate with higher pay require an A+ certification first.

Within the industry, having an A+ certification indicates that a candidate has a diverse set of skills in IT.

Possible Career Paths After A+ Certification

After validating your fundamental IT knowledge with an A+ certification, you may be qualified for a wide variety of jobs, including:

• Technical Support Specialist
• Data Support Technician
• Associate Network Engineer
• Help Desk Technician
• Service Desk Analyst
• End User Computing Technician
• System Support Specialist

Related CompTIA Certifications

CompTIA also offers other certifications in specialized areas, such as the Network+, Security+, Cloud+, Linux+, PenTest+, and Server+.

Job Outlook for Technical Support Technicians

The outlook for future computer and technical support specialists is positive. Nationwide, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predict an estimated 13% employment growth between 2020 and 2030.

Note: The data provided above are from a source unaffiliated with Campus, formerly known as MTI College, are for informational purposes only and represent the employment field as a whole. They are not solely specific to Campus graduates and, by providing the above information, Campus makes no representation, direct or implied, or opinion regarding employability.

The Technical Support Specialist Diploma Program at Campus

Campus is recognized as an official CompTIA Academy Partner. In the Technology Support program at Campus, formerly known as MTI College, students are given the kind of hands-on training and firm grounding in the understanding of the essentials and practical application of technical support skills to ensure their success in obtaining CompTIA A+ certification.

Campus' A+ certification training for technical support specialists will not only prepare you for success in taking the CompTIA A+ Certification exams, but it will also give you a comprehensive base of knowledge in computer hardware, networking systems, operating systems, software applications, mobile networks, and a wide variety of other related fields.

Students who pass the Campus Test Pass Assurance (TPA) program receive their A+ certification vouchers without incurring any additional costs, and are free to take their exams in the Campus on-campus testing center. Campus also offers an excellent educational program in network administration and security at the Sacramento campus.

Whatever your career goals in the technology sector may be, rest assured that Campus in Sacramento can get you on your way to a rewarding career in technology.

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