A+ 2006

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The A+ 2006 credential from CompTIA is due to be introduced in the third quarter of 2006, with the 2003 version retiring probably at the end of 2006/ early 2007. Currently registration is being taken for exam dates starting from September 30, 2006 for both the 220-601 (A+ Essentials) and 220-602 (elective) exams. Other exams will be rolled out shortly thereafter.

Candidates who are still studying for the 2003 version of the A+ will have a grace period once the A+ 2006 exams are released to finish the older 2003 version. The grace period differs from country to country, so check on the CompTIA website for specific dates. If you have already completed one of the 2003 exams then CompTIA recommend that you continue along the same track as there will be plenty of time to finish.

If you have already completed a previous version of the A+ certification then you do not need to update your credential to the A+ 2006 (you can of course if you want to, but it is not compulsory). To upgrade to A+ 2006 from a previous A+ version you need only complete one exam (your choice of one of the electives – see below).

As with previous versions of the A+ certification, the 2006 A+ will still focus on the main concepts of both computer hardware and operating systems and the candidate will be tested across two exams. But in the A+ 2006 version, the candidate will need to pass one compulsory exam (designated A+ Essentials) and then choose one further exam from a choice of four electives. The exams are:

Compulsory: 220-601: A+ Essentials:As the name suggests, the ‘Essentials’ exam covers the key concepts of the overall scope of the A+ certification. The A+ Essentials exam covers 8 different ‘domains’ or subjects:

• Personal Computer Components
• Laptop and Portable Devices
• Operating Systems
• Printers and Scanners
• Networks
• Security
• Safety and Environmental Issues
• Communication and Professionalism

While each of these concepts will be tested in the exam, candidates can expect different weighting, or importance, to be given to some topics over others (for example, there being a greater focus on hardware and OS concepts over say, communication skills).

Electives (candidates need only choose and pass one of the following):

220-602: This exam is targeted toward individuals who work, or intend to work, in a mobile or corporate technical environment with a high level of face-to-face client interaction. This exam, coupled with the previous and mandatory A+ Electives exam is the closest match to the older A+ 2003 version. Candidates successfully passing the A+ Electives exam and the 220-602 exam will earn the designation A+ I.T. Technician.

220-603: This exam is targeted toward individuals who work, or intend to work, in a remote-based work environment where client interaction, client training, operating system and connectivity issues are emphasized. Candidates successfully passing the A+ Electives exam and the 220-603 exam will earn the designation A+ Remote Support Technician.

220-604: This exam is targeted toward individuals who work, or intend to work, in settings where the emphasis is on hardware-related activities, such as a Bank or Depot Technician. Candidates successfully passing the A+ Electives exam and the 220-604 exam will earn the designation A+ Depot Technician.

220-605: No details were available on this elective at the time of writing.





All of the exam objectives for the A+ 2006 track can be downloaded from CompTIA’s website, here, but you’ll need to fill out the form first. Make sure you download these objectives before you start your studying regime.

Whether there will be any specific demand for any particular A+ elective from employers remains to be seen, but the ability to tailor your A+ certification to match your preferred career path is certainly a welcome development.

The A+ 2006 exams still focus on both hardware and software issues, but older or outdated technologies have been replaced with more current technologies, such as a focus on Windows XP rather than Windows 2000, and a greater focus on topics such as wireless technologies, security issues and ‘soft’ skills (e.g. communication skills). According to early reports from CompTIA, the A+ Essentials exam (220-601) will focus on core competencies in the latest hardware and software technologies, while the elective exams will focus on how to apply the respective specific skill sets to the appropriate job environments.

The exams can be taken at any Pearson VUE or Thompson Prometric centre, and it’s always a good idea to check on their respective websites to find your local testing centre and to find the current fees and policies for taking the exams.

More information about the structure and specific details of the A+ 2006 will be posted on this site once the details are released from CompTIA.





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