Are you thinking about launching or boosting your career in today’s digital world? If your answer is yes, then earning the CompTIA A+ badge is the right way to go. CompTIA is a well-known vendor of a variety of IT exams and certifications that are recognized worldwide and that can equip you with the relevant knowledge necessary to work in the IT industry. Its credential program is divided into four major categories: core, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and additional professional badges. What is more, this program is accustomed to all applicants of different expertise levels that extend from the entry to the expert one.
So, in our today’s post we’ll speak about the core CompTIA A+ 220-1001 & 220-1002 and its related exams. If you’re ready to start this certification adventure, let’s move on then.
CompTIA A+ Certification and Exams Overview
The A+ badge is well-known to be the only credential that proves the holder’s ability to make critical decisions while performing vital IT roles. The certification exam syllabus is revised and edited frequently to ensure that the skills gained while studying match those required at the workplace.
But what are the skills that this CompTIA badge gauges? The A+ credential validates a candidate’s competency and ability to configure operating systems and device hardware, demonstrate basic IT security expertise, and implement data back-up and retrieval procedures among others. Therefore, one can assume work positions such as field service technician, desktop support administrator, system support specialist, and associate network engineer in companies such as Intel, Nissan, HP, and Dell.
It’s to be noted that you have to pass two tests in order to earn your A+ badge, which are exam 220-1001 also known as core 1 and A Plus Certification 220-1001 & 220-1002 Exams or core 2. Two of these CompTIA exams consist of 90 questions which are multiple-choice, drag and drops, and performance-based tasks that are to be done in a duration of 90 minutes. The exams are offered in English, Thai, Spanish German, and Portuguese, and each of the assessments costs 226 USD. The passing score for 220-1001 is 675 points on a scale of 100-900 whereas for 220-1002 you must get 700 points out of 900 not to fail the test. There are no prerequisite requirements for earning this A+ credential. A minimum of 9-month field experience in an IT support role is however recommended by the vendor for you to have before taking the tests.
Why Get A+ Certified?
If you are wondering whether earning the CompTIA A+ badge is worth it, then let’s look at some of the merits of being certified by this IT giant:
- CompTIA provides vendor-neutral certifications hence its badge holders with appropriate skills can fit in any organization in the IT sphere.
- Potential IT employers give priority to a certification holder when hiring or promoting employees. With promotions come improved salaries and better living conditions. Overall, possessing your A+ credential, you can earn yearly as much as $61k, according to Payscale.com.
- Increased efficiency at work since having credentials implies that the holder has the relevant skills and knowledge to perform the required tasks.
- After being certified, CompTIA gives the holders access to various study resources which they can utilize in order to remain relevant in the field.
Ways to Master Your Skills to Pass CompTIA A+ Tests
One of the most vital stages of obtaining the A+ badge is exam preparation. Students should be keen at this stage so as to use the most reliable study resources. So, what are some of 220-1001 & 220-1002 preparation tools?
- Instructor-led training
There is a variety of training offered to applicants by CompTIA and its training partners such as ATG learning. The training sessions can either be in the form of self-paced online learning or live classroom training which is done offline, led by A+ experts and are available for both individuals and groups.
- Virtual labs
The use of virtual labs is specifically reliable when preparing for performance-based units. These practical lab sessions are provided by CertMaster and enable you to access direct hands-on learning experience for the concepts examined in 220-1001 & 220-1002.
- Books and study guides
Study guides provide a self-paced and intensive study for the topics measured in 220-1001 and 220-1002 tests. Examples of such books include CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 Certification Study Guides, which are published with Official CompTIA Content (OCC) by CompTIA Learning.
- Video training
One of the CompTIA training partners, ITProTV, provides video training to 220-1001 & 220-1002 applicants. The video training package includes50-hour interactive video training sessions for just $49. All the training material contains OCC, too.
- Practice tests
Most exam-takers recommend mock tests as one of the most effective exam preparation tools. However, you should be cautious to ensure that these tests are reliable and hence up to date. Reliable sources of mocks include PrepAway.com and Exam-Labs.com. These providers offer free and paid practice tests for A+ assessments that are regularly updated and accurate in order to boost your chances of doing great in your CompTIA A+ exams.
Conclusion
Earning CompTIA A+ certification is a big step in boosting your career in the IT field, cause this badge comes to you with improved benefits like promotions, increased salary, and upgraded knowledge. Acing the CompTIA 220-1001 and 220-1002 exams has now been made easy by the use of reliable and actual study resources that are readily available for your prep. Start your journey of earning the credential today and watch as your career takes a positive turn. All the best!
