A+ 2009

A+ Certification Overview
A+ 2006
A+ Certification Study Guides
A+ Certification Practice Questions




The A+ 2009 credential from CompTIA is the latest update/incarnation of their popular (and long-running) entry-level certification aimed at PC support technicians.

For those new to the world of A+ certification, this is a credential that covers the essentials of PC repair, networking concepts, security and even 'soft' skills such as workplace communication and professionalism. The credential is ideally suited for those new (or relatively new) to the I.T. industry or for those who are looking to get started on the certification ladder. CompTIA suggest that around 500 hours of practical work experience would be a sufficient foundation for candidates who are considering the A+ certification.

To earn the A+ 2009 credential, candidates need to pass two exams (click on the respective links below to go to CompTIA's exam objectives page):

220-701- A+ Essentials

220-702 - A+ Practical Application

There are no elective exams for the A+ 2009 as there were with the A+ 2006 version. Each exam has a total of 100 questions, with 90 minutes with which to complete them. The exams can be taken in any order and on different days.

The 220-701 Essentials exam, as the name suggests, covers the essential competencies of a PC technician including the soft skills as mentioned above. The 220-702 Practical Application exam adopts a more 'hands on' approach presenting various scenarios to the candidate to troubleshoot and resolve.

To be awarded the A+ 2009 credential, candidates must score at least 675 for the 220-701 Essentials exam, and 700 for the 220-702 Practical Application exam. Both exams are scored on a 100 - 900 scale.

Candidates who are studying for the 2006 version of the A+ have until July 31, 2010 to complete their exams before that version of the A+ certification is retired.

Candidates who already hold the 2006 version of the A+ certification are not required to update to the A+ 2009, but can do so if they wish by either completing both the A+ 2009 exams, or by successfully passing a bridge exam, BR0-003 that covers the new material. The bridge exam requires a passing score of 500 on a scale of 100 - 900, and it consists of 85 questions with 90 minutes to complete them. The bridge exam is not available to holders of earlier versions of the A+ certificate (pre 2006).

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:
Free A+ study guides
Free A+ practice exams and questions