A+ Certification

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The A+ certification from CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) is an entry-level, vendor-neutral offering designed to test a candidate’s overall knowledge of both hardware and popular operating system concepts. According to CompTIA, over 700,000 people now hold the A+ certification credential worldwide.




The A+ has largely positioned itself to become perhaps the leading entry-level certification aimed at PC technicians or those looking at a career in I.T. While there is no specific prerequisite for taking the A+ certification, CompTIA suggest that the candidate is expected to have sufficient knowledge equivalent to approx. 500 hours on-the-job training in order to successfully pass the exams.

Being vendor-neutral, the A+ certification is not tied to any specific software or hardware manufacturer (like Microsoft or Compaq for example) but instead the focus is on the typical generic skills and knowledge required to perform as an entry-level I.T. technician.

Ideally the A+ certification suits candidates who are looking for, or already hold, positions such as entry-level service technicians. In turn, the A+ certification acts as a good stepping-stone for progression on to future I.T. certifications such as MCTS or CCNA. In fact, many of the CompTIA certifications can be used as credits toward more advanced certification paths (click here to visit the CompTIA website for more cross-certification information ). To successfully pass the A+ certification candidates should be able to perform routine operating system installations and configuration, carry out fundamental maintenance, as well as problem diagnosis and elementary networking to name but a few skill sets.

For those looking to enter the I.T. industry by way of obtaining the A+ certification it must be mentioned that you’re unlikely (although it’s not impossible) to get a job based on simply having the A+ credential alone. Increasingly however it seems that employers are requesting the A+ certification as a minimum requirement from potential employees. So while gaining the A+ certification may not give you a distinct advantage, it does in itself demonstrate that you have a good base knowledge and that you’re willing and able to go the extra distance.

The A+ certification credential is awarded for life even though CompTIA regularly update the exam objectives to reflect current technologies and best practices. Thus, once you are A+ certified you will always be A+ certified irrespective of how outdated your certification becomes. This, of course, doesn’t preclude an A+ holder from updating his/her certification if they wish, but most candidates would gain greater career mileage from spending their time and money pursuing a more advanced computer certification rather than updating their A+.

Toward the end of 2006 CompTIA will be rolling out the latest version of their certification, A+ 2006, which will supercede the previous A+ 2003 version. For a period of time both A+ certification tracks will be available to candidates before eventually the A+ 2003 is retired (see the CompTIA website for specific dates). For more information on the respective A+ certification tracks, click on the links below.

A+ 2003
A+ 2006



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