Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Overview of A+ Exam

The A+ Essentials exam is the first of CompTIA’s two exams required for
completing the A+ certification. The A+ certification is an entry-level certification for those individuals who wish to pursue their careers in computer hardware and software support. The candidate must pass two exams in order to get his + certification.

You can choose one of the other three elective exams—IT Technician Exam 220-602, Remote Support Technician Exam 220-603 or Depot Technician Exam 220-604—to get an appropriate A+ certification. The second part of this book (Chapters 4, 5, and 6) covers the elective exams. The main focus of the A+ Essentials exam is to test your knowledge on the basics of computer hardware. The exam focuses on your skills to install, build, upgrade, repair, configure, troubleshoot, optimize, diagnose problems, and to perform preventive maintenance of personal computers and the installed operating systems.

Aside from testing your knowledge of computer components and operating systems, this exam also covers networking concepts and printing and scanning devices. It has recently been revised to include newer areas of study, such as computer security, safety and environmental issues, and communications and professionalism. Another new area is the knowledge of laptops and portable devices. In each of the study areas, you are expected to be skilled in identifying individual computer components as well as in installing, upgrading, and configuring them. You must also have hands-on experience in optimizing performance, using appropriate tools to diagnose problems, and performing preventive maintenance.

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