A Quick Look at CompTIA's A+ 2009 Certification
CompTIA updated their A+ certification, and added more real world situations and tasks to their exam, solidifying the skills, knowledge and requirements asked of a computer support and service technician. To successfully pass the test, advance training is a good plan to follow, to gain an idea of what the new A+ certification exam expects of its candidates.
The CompTIA A+ Essentials test covers the basics of computer technology, security, networking and customer communication skills. The CompTIA A+ Practical Application exam has more of a nands-on feel, as it tests the candidate on troubleshooting situations, the tools to be used and the methods to resolve the problems.
Over one fifth of the Essentials exam involves hardware, including the latest storage devices and backup media, optical drives, various types of removable drives, motherboard components, CPU characteristics, memory types, laptops and other internal elements.
The troubleshooting and maintenance section tests the applicant's knowledge in the theory of troubleshooting, hardware and software symptoms, why they occur and how to resolve them, and preventative measures and maintenance techniques. Operating systems include all versions of Windows from Windows 2000 to Windows Vista, their features and what makes them different. Installation, system configuration, and start-up utilities are also discussed.
Networking encompasses the fundamentals of networks, devices and protocols. Network types and related hardware are also topics in the exam. Security discusses data security, security features, firewalls, and authentication techniques.
A very important of a technician's job is the interfacing with the customer. Appropriate utilization of communication skills and professionalism is taught in order to assist the technician in projecting the best image possible towards the company they represent and themselves.
The Practical exam places the aspiring technician in a situation of installing, configuring and maintaining an entire computer system, detecting problems and providing a timely resolution by replacing and repairing the fault, and the proper use of the various tools a technician may need in the field. The software side of the practical exam tests the candidate's knowledge in using the correct command to resolve a problem within the operating system, the use of system utilities, the methods of evaluating and resolving common issues, troubleshooting network connectivity problems, network installations, and the procedures of detecting and removing malware, viruses and other software intrusions.
Once a student has passed the exam, they are eligible to continue their education with courses in Security+, Network+, Server+ and other CompTIA certifications.
A+ Essentials (2009 Edition) - Exam Number 220-701
| Domain | Percentage of Examination |
| 1.0 Hardware | 27% |
| 2.0 Troubleshooting, Repair, Maintenance | 20% |
| 3.0 Operating System and Hardware | 20% |
| 4.0 Networking | 15% |
| 5.0 Security | 8% |
| 6.0 Operational Procedure | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
A+ IT Technician (2009 Edition) - Exam Number 220-702
| Domain | Percentage of Examination |
| 1.0 Hardware | 37% |
| 2.0 Operating Systems | 36% |
| 3.0 Networking | 15% |
| 4.0 Security | 12% |
| Total | 100% |
About K Alliance:
K Alliance presents the best educational training courseware, including CompTIA A+ training videos, as well as Network+, Security+, Project+ and Server+. A+ 2009 certification training covers all of the new and enhanced essentials and objectives necessary to successfully complete your training and earn your certification. The K Alliance catalog hosts a multitude of IT training, IT certification training, soft skills and desktop application training, plus customized courses designed to deliver the enhanced proficiencies you seek in yourself or your office staff. Contact a K Alliance representative today and realize the many avenues of educational solutions available for your particular requirements.
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