1. The Path of the PC Tech
Chapter 1

2. Overview In this chapter, you will learn how to
Explain the importance of gaining skill in managing and troubleshooting PCs
Explain the importance of CompTIA A+ certification
Describe how to become a CompTIA A+ Certified Technician
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. Concept of Certifications
Required in many professions
Automobile mechanic – ASE
Accountant – CPA
Certification shows competency
Often opens doors
Helps get your resume noticed
Helps you land the interview
Certified

4. Importance of CompTIA A+ Certification
There is a long history of vendor-specific certifications for techs
HP Certified Professional
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
There was a need for a general certification for PC techs
Validate that the tech can maintain, upgrade, and repair PCs
CompTIA A+ is that certification

5. What Is CompTIA A+ Certification?
Industry-wide, vendor-neutral
Sponsored by CompTIA
Wide recognition in computer industry
Covers nine months of knowledge
More than 800,000 CompTIA A+ certified techs worldwide

6. Who Is CompTIA? Nonprofit, industry trade association
More than 20,000 members in 102 countries
Virtually every company of consequence in the IT industry is a member
Offers certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and more
See for details

7. The Path to Other Certifications
CompTIA Network+
Shows competency as a network technician
Microsoft Certified Professional
Shows competency in Microsoft operating systems
Cisco
Shows competency in routing and switching technologies

8. CompTIA A+ Certification
How to become CompTIA A+ certified
Pass two computer-based, multiple-choice exams
Requires that you pay a fee
CompTIA A+ Essentials ( )
CompTIA Practical Application ( )
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.

9. The CompTIA A+ Exams Windows Desktop-centric Windows 2000 Windows XP
No Mac, No Linux, No Windows Server, No Windows Mobile
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7 is not covered on either exam

10. Basic Exam Structure Multiple choice questions such as
A dot-matrix printer is printing blank pages. What should you check first?
Printer drivers
Platen
Print head
Ribbon
Click on the location of the processor socket in the picture

11. Essentials ( )
10%
6.0 Operational Procedures 8%
5.0 Security
15%
4.0 Networking
20%
27%
Percentage
3.0 Operating Systems/Software
1.0 Hardware
2.0 Troubleshooting/Repair/Maintenance
Domain
Domains and percentages for the CompTIA A+ Essentials exam

12. Practical Application (220-702)
13%
4.0 Security
15%
34%
38%
Percentage
3.0 Networking
1.0 Hardware
2.0 Operating Systems
Domain
Similar to the domains covered on the Essentials exam, but weighted differently. Also focused on different tasks, such as determining the appropriate technology for a situation—what to purchase, what tool to use, and what will get the job done.
Domains and percentages for the CompTIA A+ Practical Application exam

13. What Chapters Cover Each Exam?
Objective map in Appendix A
Shows exactly where objectives are covered
Book focuses on tech skills
Expect the chapter to teach you the material fully.
Each exam tests at different depths:
Identify, install, and configure
Maintain and troubleshoot

14. How to Take the Tests Offered by Prometric at testing sites worldwideor
Offered by Pearson/VUE at testing sites worldwide
PLUS (7587) or
Cost of the exams
$168 (U.S.) per exam – pass or fail
Discount vouchers widely available
Optional Exercise (may be completed in class or outside class)
Testing Students’ Current Knowledge of A+ Certification Tests
Your textbook comes with a CD that contains practice exams for both the core and the operating system. You may ask the students to take one of each of those tests to determine their current level of knowledge.

15. How to Pass the CompTIA A+ Exams
Set a date as your goal
Set aside enough time for study and lab
Use the practice exams on the CD that come with the book
Use good study strategies
Write down information in your own handwriting
Make flash cards
Set aside a special time for study each day