The Industry Standard CompTIA A Plus Certification exam has two
parts; approximately 80 questions for each part. * Core
Hardware: $153 – min. passing score 515 * Operating Systems
Technology: $153 – min. passing score 505 (CompTIA corporate
members can take the exams for $98, employers that require this
test are usually corporate members and will inform you of this.)
The new version of the CompTIA A Plus Exam released for 2003 has
been totally stripped and reworked to cover the newest
technologies. The Core Hardware Exam now covers the Pentium 4,
USB 2.0, IEEE 1394a and Serial ATA, while the new OS Exam now
covers all versions of Microsoft Windows from 9x to XP with the
majority of questions leaning toward the newer Win2Kand XP
versions respectively.
Here are some things you can do to ensure your success: Read,
Read, Read and Read some more: Some people learn by doing,
others learn by reading. Even if you are in the “Hands On” group
of people it never hurts to read. Text books are expensive, use
your local library. Thrift stores are a great place to look as
well. Free study guides available on the web are great resource
as well.
Take Notes: Whether you are taking a class or doing self paced
study, writing things down is great way to make them stick.
Highlight your best notes for review on the day you take the
exam.
Hands On: Odds are, you have a newer computer or don’t want to
risk damaging your own. Get some old computers from local thrift
stores and garage sales. The cheap $10 or $20 ones will do just
fine. If you can make an old IBM XT with an 8088 and MFM/RLL
hard drive work, you will pass.
Study the newer technologies: Real world experience, and any
hands experience even with the older machines is a definite
plus. However, make sure that you are familiar with the good
amount of more recent technologies covered in the new 2003
revision of the A+ Exam (A Plus Exam).
Stay Focused: We all have a life, just remember your goal. Once
you successfully pass the CompTIA A+ Plus certification your
future employment opportunities will be greatly enhanced. Talk
about it: Take the opportunity to talk with friends and
classmates. Better yet, other people who have actually taken the
exam. Even those who have failed can give you pointers,
especially on what to look out for. Practice Makes Perfect: The
internet is filled with resources, take advantage of them. Take
as many free practice exams that you can find. This will not
only give you exposure to questions much like the ones on the
test, but it will also prepare you for testing day as well.
Common Sense: The A+ exam is multiple choice. So while you may
not be able to memorize all the questions and answers to
everything, use your common sense. If you can eliminate some of
the obvious wrong answers you will have an edge. Take your time:
You are paying for this test, two parts actually. That’s $290.
You have 90 minutes for each test, don’t rush it; that’s how
mistakes are made. Watch out for double negatives. Don’t let
being in a hurry cost you $145.
Have Fun: You should enjoy what you are doing. Once you get past
the hard work and studying, this can be a very rewarding career
path.
Things to avoid when preparing for the CompTIA A+ Plus Exam
Here are some basic study habits that apply to all situations:
Avoid distractions: Listening to your favorite TV show or
blaring your MP3s while you are studying will not help you
remember anything.
Avoid UnReliable Websites: The internet is a great place for
research and gathering information. However; it can be a double
edged sword. Be sure that you double check your information with
a verifiable source if you are not using a reliable website.
Avoid Accessories On Exam Day: When you arrive for your exam,
try to show up with the least amount of extra clothing or
accessories possible. Every testing center I have visited takes
the procedures and rules very seriously. This is an industry
standard test and should be revered as such.
Avoid Outdated Material: A lot of study material on the internet
may not cover the latest objectives. Ensure that you are
studying from the latest exam objectives.
Avoid Time Hog Questions: Do not Spend too much time on any one
question. If you are unsure, answer it the best you can; then
mark it for review after you have finished the rest of the
questions.
About the author:
ProProfs Free Online A+ Certification School provides free study
aids for the A+ exam such as study guides, practice exams and
practice questions at:
http://www.proprofs.com/certification/comptia/a-plus/index.shtml
ProProfs Free A+ Study Guide Is Available At:
http://proprofs.com/certification/comptia/a-plus/study-guide/inde
x.shtml