How to Achieve CompTIA A+ Certification in 2024?

The CompTIA A+ Certification requires passing two exams that demonstrate your expertise with hardware, computer systems, and networks. Learn how to prepare.

Earning your CompTIA A+ certification can be an excellent way to prepare for an entry-level role in IT. Passing two exams required for certification demonstrates your expertise with hardware, computer systems and networks.

CompTIA, more commonly known as the Computing Technology Industry Association, issues the CompTIA A+ Certification that employers trust as it adheres to industry standards. Employers will appreciate seeing it on your resume, showing employers that you possess both knowledge and skills for work in IT.

This article will outline how to obtain your A+ certification, how best to prepare, and the jobs available once both exams have been passed successfully.

What steps must be taken in order to obtain an A+ certification?

Exams typically consist of 90 questions that span multiple-choice, drag-and-drop and performance-based questions, such as hypothetical connectivity issues. Performance-based questions seek to test problem-solving abilities.

Though no prerequisites exist to take the exam, it is wise to have some knowledge of each test area covered. CompTIA also suggests gaining at least nine to 12 months of relevant work experience prior to sitting for their certification exams.

Learn how to obtain the CompTIA A+ certification.

As part of your preparation to obtain A+ certification, it's necessary to open an account with CompTIA in order to purchase vouchers necessary for scheduling exams online or at an in-person testing center. However, keep in mind that online exams only support English, while testing centers may offer different language options; please check with CompTIA for more details.

Take the A+ exam online. Before beginning to take your A+ certification online exam, a systems check may be necessary to ensure it's possible for you. In general, use just one computer during the test, double-check that your internet connection is stable, and close all unnecessary programs before starting the examination.

Once you complete an A+ exam, your score results are immediately available to you. If your results aren't satisfying, take another shot without waiting at least 14 calendar days - each time will require payment for its cost.

Study Tips for the A+ Certification Examination

Before taking A+ certification exams, it may be beneficial to review their subject matter thoroughly. Questions on mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing operating systems security software and operational procedures will likely appear on both exams. They'll test both your knowledge as well as the ability to think critically through various scenarios.

Follow these helpful hints to help prepare yourself for A+ Certification:

Recognize Your Strengths and Weaknesses

What subject areas do you feel most knowledgeable in? If certain subjects come naturally to you, spending less time reviewing them might not be necessary; instead, focus on those subjects you don't yet fully grasp.

CompTIA provides free practice questions for the A+ certification and MCSA that you can request online, giving you an idea of its subject matter and question types. Take this practice test to familiarize yourself with them so you're fully prepared when taking your certification test itself. If any subjects prove particularly challenging or don't perform as well for you, spend more time studying them so you feel more at ease during exam day.

Employ an official study guide.

Once you know how you would do on a practice test, use CompTIA's official study guide to review areas in which more time should be dedicated to learning. These guides are self-directed, so you can work at your own pace and at times that are convenient to you.

Register for online training programs today

If instructor-led learning works best for you, sign up for CompTIA's online training courses. Each one has an exact start time that works with your schedule; having an instructor present can be helpful in creating a structured study schedule rather than going at it solo.

Search online resources

Prepare for A+ certification using free online resources available through YouTube and Coursera, such as YouTube and Coursera videos and Google IT Support Professional Certificate materials. These materials offer additional insights into each subject area that the A+ certificate covers.