CompTIA A+ certification validates foundation-level
knowledge and skills necessary for a career in IT support. It is the
starting point for a career. The international, vendor-neutral
certification proves competence in areas such as installation,
preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting.
CompTIA A+ certified technicians also have excellent customer service and communication skills to work with clients.
Two exams are necessary to be certified:
CompTIA A+ Essentials, exam code 220-701; and CompTIA A+ Practical
Application, exam code 220-702.
CompTIA A+ Essentials measures the
necessary competencies of an entry-level IT professional with a
recommended 500 hours of hands-on experience in the lab or field. It
tests for technical understanding of computer technology, networking and
security, as well as the communication skills and professionalism now
required of all entry-level IT professionals.
CompTIA A+ Practical Application is an
extension of the knowledge and skills identified in CompTIA A+
Essentials, with more of a "hands-on" orientation focused on scenarios
in which troubleshooting and tools must be applied to resolve problems
Candidate job roles include technical
support specialist, field service technician, IT support technician, IT
support administrator and IT support specialist. CompTIA A+ is part of
the certification track for corporations such as Microsoft, HP and
Cisco. Other technology companies, including Dell, Intel, Lenovo and
Ricoh, have made CompTIA A+ certification mandatory for their service
technicians. The U.S. Department of Defense recognizes CompTIA A+ and
the Department of Homeland Security requires it as part of their
computer forensics program.