9 Skills Required to Clear the New CompTIA A+ Exam

What will your IT team and you need to learn to pass the CompTIA A+ exams? The CompTIA A+ certification, which was first offered in 1993, is regarded as the cornerstone of IT careers. It covers a wide range of IT topics. It is vendor-neutral, unlike AWS or Microsoft Azure certifications, so it is the perfect certification for system administrators and IT specialists of all levels. The 220-901 & 220-902 exams for the A+ certification will be formally retired on July 31, 2019. These exams are updated every three years to reflect the advancement of IT trends and services. The new A+ Core Series has replaced the 901 and 902 exams. The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a non-profit trade group for IT specialists, is well known for offering vendor-neutral training and certifications for the IT sector. Over 9,000 IT experts, educators, and students in the US are members of CompTIA, along with more than 200 IT vendors like AT&T, Intel, and Cisco. 

For the CompTIA A+ 1001 and 1002 exams, you should master these nine skills:

The two CompTIA A+ tests cover high-level topics fundamental for IT professionals. Then, these domains are divided up into much more specific subdomains. The exams contain multiple-choice and scenario-based questions to help candidates visualise how common technical problems might be applied in the real world. These nine skill areas, which I cover in great detail in my courses for the CompTIA A+ 1001 exam and the 1002 exam, are what you should concentrate on as you get ready for the new CompTIA A+ certification. The CompTIA A+ training should be the first certification attained in an IT career if the IT world is built on certifications.

1. Mobile Gadgets

IT departments must control the increasingly mobile technology. On most laptops, you'll need to understand how to install, configure, and troubleshoot hardware components. Exam takers must understand the characteristics of mobile devices and how to set up tablets, smartphones, e-readers, GPS devices, and even VR headsets. Mobile devices go far beyond laptops.

2. Networking

With comparisons of the most popular networking hardware, including switches, routers, and firewalls, the exam focuses on the hardware side of networking. Additionally, you should be familiar with the fundamentals of network configuration and wireless networking protocols.

3. Devices

The hardware focus of the 1001 exam necessitates familiarity with the cabling of these tools and knowledge of installing and configuring CPUs, RAM, motherboards, and peripheral devices. Can you, for instance, name the RJ45 cables and different connectors required for an office-wide Ethernet setup? 

4. Cloud Computing and Virtualization

The exam will provide scenarios for you to set up and configure client-side virtualisation and ask you to demonstrate your understanding of cloud computing concepts like standard cloud models and virtual desktops.

5. Troubleshooting of Network and Hardware

The first line of defence for any hardware or networking issues that arise at work is an IT technician. You'll not only ace the 220-1001 exam by carefully studying best practices and solving typical issues, but you'll also shine at work.

6. Software Programs

Moving forward, we'll discuss the abilities required to pass the 220-1002 exam, which starts with familiarising yourself with popular operating systems like Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. You'll need to understand how to install and upgrade software, use command-line tools, and figure out common operating system problems that you'll encounter at work.

7. Safety

Employ host-based and network-based security measures like encryption, website authentication, and malware removal to protect individual computers and business networks. To keep your business's hardware secure, you should also be familiar with the fundamentals of physical security.

8. Troubleshooting Software

The CompTIA A+ 1002 exam will present typical scenarios you'll troubleshoot, like slow computer performance, a tablet's short battery life, or printing problems, to gauge your understanding of the software and operating systems you're likely to work closely with.

9. Business Practices

There will always be tasks that require documentation for IT professionals. It is essential for several best practices that might impact an IT department, including inventory management, monitoring rules and compliance, and handling toxic waste.

Conclusion 

Certifications are the foundation of the IT sector. They serve as a benchmark for your overall level of experience. CIO.com lists the A+ certification as one of the top 10 certifications to launch an IT career. A certification like the A+ will open the door to a company for individual IT professionals. When hiring software and recruiters are searching for open positions, certification names are frequently used as the keywords.

For IT managers, ensuring your team receives industry-recognised certifications verifies their understanding of the fundamental competencies needed for most IT tasks within the organisation or any IT work that might impact customers and clients. Finally, the A+ Core Series exams cover a significant amount of new material; as a result, you should take the necessary preparation time before taking the exam. It's critical for IT professionals to maintain their professional skills at the pinnacle of sharpness with the concepts and best practices in certifications like the CompTIA A+ certification as topics like cybersecurity, networking, and the internet of things become pervasive across organisations of all sizes. Maintaining your credentials will help you future-proof your career and team.