A+ Certification - 2006 (retired)

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(The A+ certification 2006 track has now been retired and replaced by the A+ 2009 version. The following is for informational purposes only)

The A+ 2006 credential from CompTIA was introduced in the third quarter of 2006, with the 2003 version retiring early 2007.

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+ still focuses on the main concepts of both computer hardware and operating systems and the candidate is tested across two exams. But the main difference with the A+ 2006 version is that 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.

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

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 testing center. Keep in mind that there are discount vouchers available for the exam that not only reduce the cost of the exam but also include free training material (read more about A+ exam vouchers). Discount vouchers can be bought directly from CompTIA, or from a third-party supplier.





A+ certification resources (updated for the 2009 A+ certification track):
Free A+ study guides
Free A+ practice exams and questions