Let the Games Begin …

After watching the first video from Train Signal’s CompTIA A+ training – the introduction – I now have a better understanding of the CompTIA A+ exam and how it is structured. And much to my surprise, I’ve discovered that it’s not one exam, but TWO separate exams that will have to pass in order to get certified!

The first one is the Essentials exam, which has 100 questions, and I will have to pass this first to move on to the next exam. Then I can choose one of these three: the IT Tech exam, the Remote Support Technician exam, or the Depot Technician exam. Each of these has only 90 questions, but a higher passing score is required than on the Essentials exam. The grading scale is 100-900 and I will need a minimum passing score of 675 for the Essentials exam and 700 for the second exam. The good thing is that the test is not an adaptive test, so you can go back to previous questions if you want to.

Comparing Test Requirements …

I know I’m not ready to make the decision yet, but I’ve already started thinking about which other exam I should take. To see what each exam covers, I went to the CompTIA website and downloaded the objectives for each test. I also made this chart to help get a better feel for what each exam focuses on:

It looks like the IT Technician exam covers all the domains, but probably in less detail than the others. I guess it really depends on what you like to do and what your job aspirations are. Since I want to gain knowledge and become more familiar with computers from this experience, I think that the IT Technician exam would be the most beneficial for me. But like I said, it’s too soon to make the decision just yet …

Benefits of Becoming CompTIA A+ Certified

I like that David Davis, the instructor of this course also went over the benefits for obtaining the A+ certification. The statistics that he provided were very interesting and (more importantly) very reassuring. The CompTIA A+: leads to increased knowledge, increased job satisfaction, validation of achievement, credibility, and better job opportunities, among others. Good to know!
Can’t wait to see what’s in the next video …

Be sure to check back here for my next post in a few days!

2 Responses to “My First IT Certification! Part 2: ComptTIA A+”

• Rudy Says:

  August 23rd, 2007 at 1:11 pm

  Can we get a break down of the cost with the essentials exam followed by the cost for the secondary exams.
  thxs

• Kasia Grabowska Says:

  August 23rd, 2007 at 3:03 pm

  Hi Rudy,

  Thanks for your question!

  All the exams for the CompTIA A+ certification are actually priced the same; the regular pricing is $163 per exam in the United States. I got this information from the CompTIA website (http://certification.comptia.org/resources/registration.aspx) so I’m sure it’s valid.

  I also found out that you don’t have to take the two tests within a specific period of time and you can choose which test you would like to take first, although it is recommended that the Essentials exam be taken before the Technician exam.

  Let me know if you think of any other questions!

  Thanks!
  Kasia

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