What is CompTIA A+ Certification?

Aspirants looking for success in the Information Technology (IT) Industry often acquire CompTIA Certifications due to CompTIA’s popularity and trustworthiness. However, they often get overwhelmed by the wide range of certification options available in the market, particularly for newbies in the industry. That is where CompTIA A+ Certification comes into play as a game-changer and a popular certification for prospective job seekers worldwide.

Continue reading blog to learn in-depth about What is CompTIA A+ Certification and its intended audiences. Alongside, discover the career prospects you can expect upon completing this certification.

Table of Contents

1) What is CompTIA A+ Certification?

2) Topics Included in CompTIA A+ Certification Exam

3) How to Prepare for the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam?

4)  CompTIA A+ Certification Salary and Career Prospects

5) Conclusion

What is CompTIA A+ Certification?

The CompTIA A+ certification is defined as the foundational credential in the IT industry that validates essential skills for entry-level IT roles. It is typically offered by the non-profit tech association CompTIA and is globally recognised—a key asset for IT professionals.

To earn the CompTIA A+ certification, candidates must have to pass two exams, namely Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). These exams cover crucial IT topics like hardware, software, networking, and security to ensure a comprehensive understanding of IT fundamentals. 

Preparing for these exams primarily requires two methods. These include self-study, online courses, and hands-on experience. Utilising practice tests and study groups can also enhance exam preparation.

Passing Score of CompTIA A+ Exam

To attain a CompTIA A+ Certification, a student should pass an important exam. The passing score to clear this exam depends on the specific version for which they are competing. 

Generally, the minimum passing score for CompTIA A+ Exam 220-1001 is 675, while the CompTIA A+ 220-1002 exam requires 700 as the minimum passing mark. Thus, it's vital for students to pass both these exams to proceed to the CompTIA A+ certified professional.

Topics Included in the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam

Candidates looking to avail this Certification must need to appear for an examination. The CompTIA A+ Certification exam mainly covers a broader range of topics that can be categorised based on the exam you pursue. Let’s explore each of them below:

Domains for Exam 220-1001

Understanding the core areas of focus is vital for success. Let’s explore the key topics and domains included in the 220-1001 exam:

a) Mobile Devices: Mobile devices cover some of the key topics, such as mobile device hardware, ranging from smartphones to tablets. It also teaches you about mobile operating systems (OS) like Android and iOS.

b) Networking: It teaches you the fundamentals of Networking techniques and technologies such as TCP/IP, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc. Moreover, it covers installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network devices such as Routers, Switches, and Firewalls.

c) Hardware: It provides you with a comprehensive knowledge of computer components, ranging from processors and Motherboards to RAM, power supplies, and peripherals. It also covers detailed instructions on the steps to the installation and troubleshooting of these components.

d) Virtualisation and Cloud Computing: Lastly, the virtualisation and Cloud Computing topic covers the basic knowledge of virtualisation technologies, such as Virtual Networks.

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Domains for Exam 220-1002

To ensure optimal preparation, it's important for students to understand the core areas/subjects of the exam. These key topics and domains are described below: 

a) Operating Systems: Operating Systems (OS) include knowledge of OS such as Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Additionally, it covers how to install, configure, and troubleshoot these Operating Systems. It also includes basic knowledge of Command Line Interfaces (CLI) and system utilities.

b) Security: This covers basic knowledge of security concepts such as access control, encryption, and firewalls. It also covers Malware protection, network security, and data backup and recovery.

c) Software Troubleshooting: Software Troubleshooting mainly covers general troubleshooting methodologies. This includes identifying and solving common software problems and bugs.

d) Operational Procedures: This topic covers the basics of important procedures like safety and sustainability and industrial best practices.

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How to Prepare for the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam?

Preparing for the CompTIA A+ Certification exam can be challenging but not impossible for deserving candidates. There is an abundance of ways that can assist you during your preparation journey and elevate your chances of success. Here are the ways described below: 

1) Exam Objectives: The first step in preparing for A+ Certification is to review the exam objectives.  These exam objectives mainly lay out the topics in the exam and the percentage of questions which are assigned to each topic. You can use them as a pathway to plan your preparation strategy.  

2) Online Courses: Many online courses include the CompTIA A+ Certification topics as their main curriculum. These courses you can take at your own pace and provide a structured approach to preparing for the exam easily.

3) Books and Study Guides: Reading books and study guides can help you achieve a comprehensive knowledge of concepts and topics covered in the examination. These resources often include practice questions and explanations of complex concepts to help you comprehend the material better.

4) Hands-on Experience: To prepare for the CompTIA A+ Certification, you need hands-on experience with the hardware and software covered in the exam. You can also set up a virtual laboratory or practise on devices to gain invaluable practical experience.

5) Practice Tests: Practice tests are a great way to assess your knowledge and identify areas of improvement. They help simulate the examination experience and help you become familiar with the format and various question types.   

6) Study Groups: Joining study groups can also help open new opportunities for learning. These groups can offer additional support and resources to help you prepare for the exam. They can also help you gain different perspectives from others and gain new insights into the material.   

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CompTIA A+ Certification Salary and Career Prospects

There are a wide range of job opportunities that are available after completing your CompTIA A+ certification. Here is a brief overview of the CompTIA A+ Certification candidate’ salary and career prospects:
 

                                                                                                                  Source: Glassdoor 

1) Helpdesk Technician: They serve as the assistant in IT services for the daily operations of the users. For this reason, the IT Helpdesk plays a critical role in the IT department. The average salary of a Helpdesk Technician is roughly £24,100.   

2) Tech Support Specialist: The importance of Tech Support Specialists has increased due to the advent of Digital Transformation across industries. They help resolve technical issues across various IT-related functionalities. They are also involved in troubleshooting applications and deploying routine security checks. The salary of a Tech Support Specialist is roughly £31,200 on an average. 

3) Network Technician: The Network Technicians (commonly referred to as Field Service Technicians) work closely with on-site end users, to ensure that data networks flow smoothly. Moreover, this is one of the best roles an aspirant can choose after certification. The average salary of a Network Technician ranges nearly to £30,200.    

4) Associate Network Engineer: Network Engineers or Architects are responsible for monitoring the Network infrastructure of an organisation. With the rising Comptia A+ vs Network+ engineering market, this has become a lucrative entry-level job among CompTIA A+ aspirants. The average salary of an Associate Network Engineer is nearly £33,300. 

5) Cybersecurity Manager: There has been a significant increase in the demand for Cybersecurity post-pandemic, especially with the Cybersecurity issue. Cybersecurity Managers mainly focus on using security tools to tackle noticeable threats. Furthermore, they have become a key part of an organisation looking to digitalise their processes. The salary of a Cybersecurity Manager is roughly £64,660 on an average.    

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Conclusion

To sum up the entire blog, we have discussed What is CompTIA A+ Certification, its key components, and the aspiring career opportunities for these students.  Moreover, with the rise of digital transformation, the demand for trained technical workers has increased rapidly. Gaining this invaluable CompTIA A+ Certification can open a variety of opportunities for prospective career seekers in the IT sector.  

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