If you want to start your IT career in 2024, CompTIA A+ certification is the best option. This certification effectively validates your technical IT skills regardless of which components you work with.
Even better, if you enter a specific field, your certification can earn you a higher salary. For instance, cybersecurity specialists can earn over $80,000 if they are certified.
But you must pass your exam before enjoying the benefits of being certified. The following guide will highlight the differences between the two CompTIA A+ exams and show you how to prepare for success.
CompTIA consists of two separate exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Both exams focus on the skills and knowledge each candidate needs to support a workforce in 2024 technically. This includes a remote or hybrid employee setup.
Overall, CompTIA A+ deals with user support skills and device connectivity, which is why it is an industry-standard certification for individuals who want to pursue an IT career. If you want to be a technical support specialist or desktop support administrator, your A+ certification will help you achieve your goals.
Generally speaking, you will learn to repair PCs, install software, and configure operating systems on all devices, including mobile. You will also learn to do basic networking, implement security measures, and troubleshoot.
As mentioned above, the A+ exam is the place to start if you are interested in cybersecurity and the salary that comes with it.
The A+ certificate guarantees employers that you have the skills to install any virtual machine and that you can provide end-user support for data and apps. Your A+ certificate will also allow you to successfully set up home and office networks.
You will configure and upgrade all operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and Apple. Moreover, you will also know how to assemble and repair computer hardware.
If you already have between six and 12 months of experience in the IT field, you are ready to take the A+ exams. When you pass, you can apply for any IT role relating to your certification. This includes data support, help desk, service desk, system support, and computer support administrator.
The two exams consist of 180 questions, covering the entire spectrum of IT foundational knowledge. Each knowledge domain is represented by a certain percentage, making it easy to see how much each exam dedicates to specific topics.
For instance, the Core 1 exam percentages are structured as follows:
The percentages for the Core 2 exam look like this:
By studying these percentages, you can determine which topics you are most familiar with. While preparing for your A+ exams, focus on the topics you still need to improve in to ensure you pass the first time.
All 180 questions are either multiple-choice (with four or more options) or performance-based. PBQs require that you use critical thinking skills and your existing understanding of IT to resolve a simulated problem.
Whether the exams will be easy or hard for you depends on your existing IT knowledge and skills. You may find the exams very easy if you have at least a year’s hands-on experience. It may be a more challenging test if you are just starting out.
The A+ exams are considered the easiest of the CompTIA tests, but some of its features may make your experience less pleasant.
For instance, CompTIA A+ is known for its tricky questions. This is why anyone who has already taken the exam will tell you to read each question more than once. When it comes to the multiple-choice questions, think of the right answer before reading the options. Doing this will make you less likely to be confused by one or more of the questions.
The PBQs are a beast of a different kind. They often focus on troubleshooting IT issues; you need practical experience to answer these questions. As with the multiple-choice ones, take your time with this section. Read each question carefully to ensure you understand what is being asked. You can skip a question and return to it after completing the rest of the exam.
You have 90 minutes to complete the exam, which may sound like a lot of time, but the PBQs can quickly eat into it. Try to complete the multiple-choice questions first before tackling the PBQs.
Remember, you have to score at least 75% for Core 1 and 77% for Core 2 to pass the exam and get certified. Fortunately, most exam takers pass on the first try, and you can, too.
Before you get to test day, ensure you know all the objectives for both exams. This is another process you should take your time with. Go through each objective meticulously and ensure you understand it before moving on to the next.
You should not leave the studying part of the exam until the last minute. Even if you need to take some time off to study, do it. You can take the exam any day during the week, so book your test date for the day that suits you best.
Most people take the tests at home, but you can also do it in person. Just make sure you do enough practice tests to familiarize yourself with whatever questions you get on test day.
Your A+ certification is the first step towards a career in IT. By following these strategies and adequately preparing for your test day, you can and will pass the first time.
Once you have your A+ certificate, you can gain more hands-on experience while pursuing your next certification. These include Network+ or Security+. Doing this will give you even more job opportunities in the future.
With a little dedication and perseverance, you can be one of the many certified professionals leading the way in the IT sector.
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