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How Hard is the CompTIA A+ Exam?

[fa icon="calendar"] Jun 26, 2020 9:21:46 AM / by Paul Ricketts

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Preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification exam can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and resources, you can increase your chances of success. At XYZ Training, we understand the importance of effective preparation and have developed a comprehensive training program to help you achieve your certification goals. Drawing from our extensive experience in the IT industry and our commitment to delivering high-quality education, we have tailored our training program to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the exam.

Here are some actionable insights to help you prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exam:
  • Understand the Exam Objectives: Familiarize yourself with the official CompTIA A+ exam objectives, as they outline the specific topics that will be covered in the exam. This will help you focus your study efforts and ensure that you are adequately prepared.
  • Utilize Study Resources: Take advantage of the various study resources available, such as textbooks, online courses, practice exams, and study guides. These resources can provide you with a structured approach to learning the material and help you identify areas where you may need additional study.
  • Create a Study Plan: Develop a study plan that outlines the topics you need to cover and the amount of time you will dedicate to each. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you cover all the necessary material before the exam.
  • Practice Hands-on Skills: The CompTIA A+ exam includes performance-based questions and simulations, so it is important to have hands-on experience with computer hardware and software. Set up a lab environment and practice troubleshooting scenarios to enhance your practical knowledge and skills.
  • Take Practice Exams: Practice exams can help you familiarize yourself with the format and style of the questions you will encounter in the actual exam. They can also help you assess your readiness and identify areas where you may need further study.
  • Join Study Groups or Forums: Engaging with others who are also preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification exam can provide you with additional insights and support. Join study groups or online forums where you can ask questions, share resources, and learn from others' experiences.
  • Stay Updated: The IT industry is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies. Follow industry news, blogs, and forums to ensure that your knowledge is current and relevant.
  • Manage Your Time: Allocate enough time for studying and practice, but also ensure that you take breaks and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Managing your time effectively will help you avoid burnout and maintain focus throughout your preparation.
  • Stay Positive and Confident: Approach the exam with a positive mindset and believe in your abilities. Confidence in your preparation and knowledge will go a long way in helping you perform well on the exam.
By following these actionable insights and utilizing our comprehensive training program, you can enhance your preparation for the CompTIA A+ certification exam and increase your chances of success. At XYZ Training, we are dedicated to supporting your certification goals and providing you with the resources and guidance you need to excel in the IT industry."

To become CompTIA A+ certified, there are two exams that you must take and pass. These exams are much like any other written test you may have taken in the past. The exams each contain different types of questions that are used to validate your knowledge in specific areas. It’s difficult to say how hard the exams are, because every test-taker has a different level of IT experience, knowledge, and skills. Further, individuals may have a different way of approaching exams and a different level of anxiety about test-taking.

The important thing to remember when you are wondering about how hard the CompTIA A+ certification exams will be, is that the more prepared you are, the better you will do. Part of that preparation is knowing what to expect on the exams.

What Do You Need to Know about the CompTIA A+ Certification Exams?

To receive the CompTIA A+ certification you have to pass two exams, 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). These exams were recently launched (January 2019) with the following new objectives:

  • Demonstrate standard security skills for information technology (IT) professionals
  • Configure various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Mac, Chrome OS, iOS, and Android, and manage cloud-based and client-based software
  • Troubleshooting and problem solving of service and support issues while using best practices for scripting, change management, and documentation
  • Supporting basic IT networking and infrastructure
  • Support and configure mobile, PC, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices
  • Deploy basic backup and recovery methods for data, as well as data management and storage best practices

The first exam, Core 1, covers hardware, networking technology, mobile devices, cloud computing, virtualization, and networking troubleshooting. The Core 2 exam tests your knowledge of software troubleshooting, installing operating systems, configuring operating systems, operations procedures, and expanded security. Each exam has about 90 questions, of which there are multiple-choice questions, drag and drop questions, and performance-based questions. You will have an hour and a half to complete each exam.

Passing requires that you score at least 675 for exam #220-1001 and 700 for #220-1002 on a scale of 100-900.

How to Prepare for CompTIA A+ Certification Exams

While it’s impossible to say how hard the A+ certification exams will be for you personally, there are some things that you can do to properly prepare, so you have a better likelihood of successfully obtaining your A+ credential:

Know the Exam Objectives

This may seem obvious, but knowing the objectives is more than just an indication of what will be on the exams. It also lets you know how you are progressing through the test material. Because the exams are timed, it’s important that you know where you are and how much of the material you have left to cover on the test.

Know Your Learning Type

Everyone learns best in a particular way. Knowing what type of learner you are will help you study for the exams more effectively. Perhaps you learn best by writing things down or taking notes. Or maybe you remember facts better by using flash cards to study. Maybe you need to explain concepts aloud to someone else to ensure you have a good grasp of the information. Figure out what works best for you and then use that strategy to prepare.

Practice, Practice, Practice

You can find practice tests for nearly every exam that is offered by CompTIA, including the A+ exams. Take these practice tests several times to see how you do. As you are reviewing your results, you can determine which areas you are having trouble with, and then increase your study efforts in those areas.

Take a Training Course with a Professional

While studying by yourself is important before you take certification exams, it can be much more effective to take a training course in which you are taught by a professional in the industry. Whether you choose a classroom setting or an online course, learning from an expert instructor who can clarify any confusion you have and offer tips and advice about test-taking is always beneficial.

Preparing for CompTIA A+ Certification with TrainACE

Getting your CompTIA A+ certification is a great way to get started in IT, but it takes time and effort to study for your certification exams. At TrainACE, we can help make it easier with our comprehensive courses and top-rated instructors to help you prepare and practice for your exams. Our CompTIA A+ certification training course will ensure that you are fully prepared to pass the tests and earn your credentials.

Additional FAQs

Based on the information from the provided source and the keywords given, here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the CompTIA A+ exam:

  1. What is the CompTIA A+ exam and what does it cover? The CompTIA A+ exam is an entry-level certification designed for individuals starting their professional journey in IT. To receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams, 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Core 1 covers hardware, networking technology, mobile devices, cloud computing, virtualization, and networking troubleshooting. Core 2 tests your knowledge of software troubleshooting, installing operating systems, configuring operating systems, operational procedures, and expanded security.

  2. How hard is the CompTIA A+ exam? The difficulty of the CompTIA A+ exam can vary depending on the test-taker's level of IT experience, knowledge, and skills. One of the major factors that can make the exam difficult is the sheer amount of information you need to memorize. However, the more prepared you are, the better you will do.

  3. What is the format of the CompTIA A+ exam? Each exam has about 90 questions, which include multiple-choice questions, drag and drop questions, and performance-based questions. Candidates must earn a passing score of 700 on each exam in order to earn the CompTIA A+ credential. Scores are reported on a scale of 100-900.

  4. How can I prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam? Begin by creating a study plan and understanding the exam objectives and domains. Then, study the topics, practice your hands-on skills, and prepare for your exam. CompTIA recommends 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience. There are various study resources available, including official CompTIA study guides, online content, and practice exams.

  5. Is the CompTIA A+ certification worth it? The CompTIA A+ certification is worth the time and effort for those pursuing a career in the IT industry. It is a foundational certification that can open doors to many entry-level IT jobs such as Help Desk Technician, Desktop Support Specialist, and Network Administrator. With experience, CompTIA A+ holders may also be eligible for more advanced roles.

Topics: CompTIA, Getting Started in IT, A+

Paul Ricketts

Written by Paul Ricketts

Originally from the UK, Paul Ricketts is the Director of Marketing at TrainACE in Greenbelt, MD. Having started out in the field of Geographic Information Systems, Paul has a wealth of experience in a wide variety of industries, focused on tech., graphics and data analysis. Having finally settled in the field of marketing, he has spent the last 8 years fine tuning his skills in the art of communication and persuasion.

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