1. The Path of the PC Tech
Chapter 1

2. Overview In this chapter, you will learn how to:
Explain the importance of CompTIA A+ certification
Detail the CompTIA A+ certification objectives
Describe how to become CompTIA A+ certified
Instructor Tip
When gaining attention and establishing common ground with the class, ask questions such as, “Who here has heard of A+ certification?” “Have you noticed that advertisements for jobs frequently seek applicants who are A+ Certified Hardware Technicians?”
For a positive statement, tell the class, “In this lesson, we are going to learn what A+ certification means, what exams are required to become certified, how to prepare to pass the exams, and what benefits you can expect from A+ certification.”

3. Introduction
Modern PC tech needs to work with many devices running many different systems.
Textbook describes how each system functions and interacts.
This chapter explains credentials and the steps you need to take to gain them.

4. CompTIA A+ Certification
Certification gives potential clients or employers confidence in your abilities.
CompTIA A+ certification shows competence in the field of information technology (IT).
Widely recognized in the computer industry
Sponsored by Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
Covers 12 months of hands-on work
There are more than 1 million CompTIA A+ certified techs worldwide.

5. Who Is CompTIA? Comp TIA is a nonprofit, industry trade association.
More than 20,000 member organizations in 102 countries
Virtually every company of consequence in the IT industry is a member.
Comp TIA offers certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and more.
See for details.

6. The Path to Other Certifications
CompTIA Network+ certification
Shows competency as a network technician
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
Shows competency in Microsoft operating systems
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Shows skills at handling Cisco products
Cisco routers pretty much run the Internet and most intranets in the world.
Instructor Tip
The CompTIA A+ and other certifications are generally used as stepping stones to other, higher-level certifications. For example, many candidates obtain the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ and then move on to certifications from other vendors such as Cisco, Microsoft, VMware, or others.
Some CompTIA certification may also be used as electives for other vendors. For example, Microsoft accepts the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, or CompTIA Security+ certifications as an elective for the Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCITP) certification track.

7. CompTIA A+ Objectives Pass two computer-based, multiple-choice exams
Requires that you pay a fee
CompTIA A
Covers terminology and technology along with fundamental tasks
CompTIA A
Builds on the first exam, concentrating on operating system support, advanced configuration, and troubleshooting scenarios
Exercise
Examining the CompTIA Website
If your facility has computers that have Internet access, you can allow the students to examine the CompTIA Website ( for more information about the A+ exams and to review some sample questions. You might also have them find the nearest testing centers, if your facility does not have its own testing center. If your facility has a testing center, you should review the process of getting discount vouchers.

8. CompTIA A+ Objectives Multiple choice questions such as:
Your laser printer is printing blank pages. Which item should you check first?
Printer drivers
Toner cartridge
Printer settings
Paper feed

9. The CompTIA A+ Exams Windows-centric
Limited scope of Linux, Mac OS X, iOS, and Android
Majority of exam content focuses on:
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 8.1

10. Windows 10
Windows 10 released after CompTIA announced the objectives for the and tests
Expect to see a Windows 10 update on the exams within a year or two.

11. Exam 220-901 Domains and percentages for the CompTIA A+ 220-901 exam
Table 1.1
Exam Domains and Percentages
Domain
Percentage
1.0 Hardware
34%
2.0 Networking
21%
3.0 Mobile Devices
17%
4.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
28%

12. Exam 220-902 Domains and percentages for the CompTIA A+ 220-902 exam
Table 1.2
Exam Domains and Percentages
Domain
Percentage
1.0 Windows Operating Systems
29%
2.0 Other Operating Systems & Technologies
12%
3.0 Security
22%
4.0 Software Troubleshooting
24%
5.0 Operational Procedures
13%

13. The Path to Certification
Take and pass the two computer-based exams.
Retake the exams every three years or perform sufficient continuing education to remain certified.
Information regarding continuing education

14. Finding a Testing Center
Pearson VUE administers the CompTIA A+ testing.
Pearson VUE Website
Pearson VUE telephone contact
PLUS (7587)
Pearson VUE international information

15. Exam Costs
Exam costs depend on whether you work for a CompTIA member or not.
Non-member pricing is $194 (U.S.) for each exam.
Discount vouchers are offered by training and testing centers.
Call Total Seminars or
Obtain vouchers online
No one should pay full price for the exams.

16. How to Pass the CompTIA A+ Exams
Obligate yourself—set a date.
Set aside the right amount of study time.
Refer to Table 1.3.
Follow a strategy for study depending on whether you are an experienced or newbie tech.

17. Chapter Structure The chapters are broken into distinct parts.
Historical/Conceptual
Topics not on the exams but ones that will help you understand more clearly what is on the exams
901
Topics under the CompTIA A exam domains
902
Topics under the CompTIA A exam domains
Beyond A+
More advanced issues that are probably not on the CompTIA A+ exams yet

18. Historical / Conceptual
Understand computer terms and concepts.
Ensure you are proficient at user-level Windows skills.
Recognize parts of a standard Windows desktop.
Manipulate windows.
Create, delete, rename, move, and copy files and folders.
Understand file extensions .
Use common keyboard shortcuts.
Install, run, and close a Windows application.