Comprehensive Guide to CompTIA A+ Certification

Sep 3, 2024

CompTIA A+ Certification Overview

Importance of CompTIA A+

  • Popular IT certification globally.
  • Introduces individuals to IT and validates skills for IT jobs.
  • Necessary for various job postings.
  • Managed by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association).
  • Vendor-neutral certification; covers various IT vendors.
  • Recognized globally and available in multiple languages.

About the Instructor: James Messer

  • Experienced in IT, covering supercomputers, hardware, networking, and cybersecurity.
  • Provides free training courses at professormesser.com and on YouTube.
  • Aims to help individuals get or improve IT jobs.

A+ Certification Exams

  • Two Exams Required:
    • 220-1101 (Core 1 Exam):
      • Released April 20, 2022.
      • Domains: Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization and Cloud Computing, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting.
      • 90 minutes, max 90 questions.
      • Passing Score: 675 (Scale: 100-900).
    • 220-1102 (Core 2 Exam):
      • Released April 20, 2022.
      • Domains: Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting, Operational Procedures.
      • 90 minutes, max 90 questions.
      • Passing Score: 700 (Scale: 100-900).
  • No order or time restriction between exams; both must be passed before retirement.
  • Check CompTIA website for retirement dates.

Study Resources and Structure

  • Entire course available for free, no registration or paywall.
  • Offline versions and course notes available for purchase.
  • Study Materials:
    • Video training covering every exam objective.
    • Recommended reading books, labs, and hands-on practice.
    • Practice exams to gauge retention.
  • Video structure correlates with CompTIA exam objectives for easy cross-referencing.

Exam Details

  • Question Types:
    • Multiple-choice and performance-based questions (e.g., command prompt tasks, matching, drag and drop).
  • Time management crucial during the exam.
  • Mark option available to revisit questions.
  • Results available online with details of missed topics.
  • Testing can be done at a center or home (extra requirements apply for home setup).

Additional Resources

  • Closed captioning and transcripts are available for all videos.
  • 24/7 chat support and study groups available.
  • Monthly study groups for A+, Network+, and Security+.
  • Access exam objectives and further information at professormesser.com.

Study Tips

  • Review CompTIA exam objectives thoroughly as a checklist.
  • Visit testing center beforehand or ensure home setup meets requirements.
  • Arrive early to review notes and acclimate to the testing environment.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the CompTIA A+ certification and the associated training resources provided by James Messer at Professor Messer. The structure, content, and study tips will aid in efficient preparation for the exams.