What is CompTIA A+ Certification?

CompTIA A+ Certification is recognized worldwide as a standard of competence in microcomputer support.  Certification indicates that you have the level of understanding necessary to install, service, and support microcomputers and peripheral devices.  CompTIA A+ Certification is an internationally recognized credential for entry-level service technicians. 

How Do I Become Certified?
NOTE: The following update is effective January 1, 2007

To become CompTIA A+ Certified, you must pass two exams:

CompTIA A+ Essentials

CompTIA A+ Essentials validates knowledge of basic computer hardware and operating systems, covering skills such as installation, building, upgrading, repairing, configuring, troubleshooting, optimizing, diagnosing and preventive maintenance, with additional elements of security and soft skills. The Essentials Exam validates the basic skills needed by any entry-level service technician regardless of job environment.

CompTIA A+ 220-602

The CompTIA A+ 220-602 exam is targeted for individuals who intend to work in a mobile or corporate technical environment with a high level of face-to-face client interaction. Example job roles include: Enterprise Technician, IT Administrator, Field Service Technician, or PC Technician. Ideally, the CompTIA A+ 220-602 candidate has already passed the CompTIA A+ Essentials examination. Candidates who pass both CompTIA A+ Essentials and exam 220-602 will be CompTIA A+ certified with the IT Technician designation.

Individuals in careers that require IT knowledge outside of the formal IT job role, such as SMB office manager, technical sales roles or other non-technical roles that require understanding of computer repair issues may also find the validation of skills associated with the CompTIA A+ credential to be valuable.

CompTIA A+ 220-603

The CompTIA A+ 220-603 examination is targeted for individuals who work or intend to work in a remote-based work environment where client interaction, client training, operating systems and connectivity issues are emphasized. Example job roles include: Remote Support Technician, Help Desk Technician, or Call Center Technician. Ideally the CompTIA A+ 220-603 candidate has already passed the CompTIA A+ Essentials examination. Candidates who pass both CompTIA A+ Essentials and exam 220-603 will be CompTIA A+ certified with the Remote Service Technician designation.

CompTIA A+ 220-604

The CompTIA A+ 220-604 examination is targeted for individuals who work or intend to work in settings where hardware related activities are emphasized. Example job roles include: Depot Technician or Bench Technician. Ideally the CompTIA A+ 220-604 candidate has already passed the CompTIA A+ Essentials examination. Candidates who pass both CompTIA A+ Essentials and exam 220-604 will be CompTIA A+ certified with the Depot Technician designation.