Are you someone who just entered the field of IT and is looking for a way to kick start your career? Well, the best method to do it is by getting yourself CompTIA A+ certified. Read this post to find out how to earn this badge and what opportunities it will bring to you.
What is CompTIA A+ Certification?
CompTIA is a popular certification provider that offers credentials in the four categories: Core, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, and Additional Professional. CompTIA A+ is a Core badge which proves your basic skills in IT technology. To earn it, you have to pass two compulsory exams. They are:
- 220-1001 (Core 1)
This exam will test you in the knowledge of mobile devices, hardware, network technology, troubleshooting, virtualization, and cloud computing.
- 220-1002 (Core 2)
This assessment checks your skills in the installation and configuration of operating systems, widespread security, troubleshooting in software, and operational procedures.
Both exams will have a maximum of 90 questions to be answered within 90 minutes each. The passing scores are 675 and 700 (on a scale of 100-900) for the tests 220-1001 and 220-1002 respectively. The type of questions you can expect are MCQs, drag and drops, and performance-based. To pass these tests and earn the certification, you need to be well-prepared.
Preparing for Exams with CompTIA Resources
Preparation for the CompTIA A+ certification exams is pretty easy thanks to all the great resources made available for it by the vendor itself. They are the following:
- Instructor-led training
You can use the Instructor-led training option to join either in-class or live online sessions to learn all the objectives with the help of IT experts. This course is offered in individual or group format.
- eLearning
With the CompTIA CertMaster Learn for A+, you can train for your upcoming exams anytime, anywhere. It covers the whole syllabus with 40 hours of interactive content for each test. To round things up, you will take final assessments that replicate the actual exams 200-1001 and 200-1002.
- Virtual labs
Gaining hands-on experience is crucial for passing the CompTIA A+ tests and this is where official labs will help you. Through the CertMaster Labs for A+, you can use real equipment and get the required skills in the practical application of the concepts taught. Also, you can try one more option which is the CertMaster Practice.
- Study guides
Study guides developed by CompTIA are available for print or as e-books. They will lead you through the exam objectives while emphasizing the important concepts.
- Video training
If you are the person who better grasps the information in the form of video, CompTIA has something for you too. It has partnered with ITProTV to present various videos produced by experts in A+ and help you understand all the details of the IT sphere you’ll be assessed on.
Exam-Labs — Your Secret Weapon to Succeed
All the above-mentioned resources are great but it’s obvious that you won’t use them all. It’s wise to choose a couple of options that work for you best. And you can supplement them with exam dumps. These are files that contain real questions and answers provided by recent test-takers. Find the most valid and updated ones on the Exam-Labs platform. All the dumps provided there are in .vce format. To add more you can use free dumps or paid ones or combine them. You can open these files using the VCE Exam Simulator and train in the environment similar to that of the actual exam. This great software allows you to check the question formats and figure out how to best approach them, find your weak areas and fill in the gaps afterwards. Moreover, you can track your improvement, work on time management, and reinforce your knowledge.
Although there are a number of free vce files for A+ exams at Exam-Labs.com, you can also purchase a Premium Bundle for just $79,98. It contains real questions and verified answers, training courses, and study guides for both exams. Besides, you can buy these prep materials for any A+ exam separately too for $49,99 each.
Why Get CompTIA A+ Certified?
Knowing the whole path to obtain this certification you may wonder if it is worth your investments and efforts. To give you the answer and more motivation, we’ll provide you with some perks of earning yourself the CompTIA A+ badge.
- Solid skills
The path towards the CompTIA A+ certification gives you solid skills especially since it focusses on performance-based questions. It covers a large scope of themes and technologies as it’s seen at the exams’ syllabuses. The areas you’ll gain core knowledge in are networking, managing devices, cloud computing and a lot more. This prepares you to work flawlessly in any job role based on the skills related to the A+ and will make you a sought-after specialist at the start of your IT career.
- More job opportunities
CompTIA A+ credentials give you access to certain jobs which you can’t apply for if you don’t have some current skills. With this A+ badge, you’ll have more chances to become a Data Support Technician ($44,512), Field Service Technician ($48,373), Associate Network Engineer ($57,049), and Technical Support Specialist ($52,486) among others. The average annual salaries mentioned within brackets are based on stats from PayScale.
- Worldwide recognition
CompTIA certifications are known to keep up to the highest standards. This is why having the A+ badge you will be recognized and eagerly accepted by such renowned organizations as Intel, Ricoh, Nissan, HP, and Dell, to name a few.
- Easy Update
The validity of the A+ certification lasts for three years. But with CompTIA’s credential renewal option you can refresh it with no difficulties by following the CompTIA Continuing Education program.
All the above perks can lead you towards job security, continuous professional improvement, and earning a great salary even if you just entered the field.
Conclusion
Getting yourself CompTIA A+ certified is the sure way to start your career in the IT field. Of course, you have to pass two tough compulsory exams for it but you need not worry as CompTIA resources and exam dumps can help you with the preparation phase. If you use the mentioned tips and materials when studying for your A+ tests, acing them will be a piece of cake.