Updates on CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ exams

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Updates on CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ exams

A+ Certification

For IT Helpdesk and Remote Support Professionals

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CompTIA product stack

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CompTIA A+ Certification

Vendor Neutral Certification

2 exams

220-801

220-802

ISO Certified ANSI Accredited

Kept current via Continuing Ed

program

Measures Necessary

Competencies for today’s Entry

Level IT Professionals

A+ Knowledge and Skills

• Installation, configuring and troubleshooting of the following:

• PC hardware (including laptops and mobile devices, and custom configurations

• Printers

• Networking components

• Operating systems including Windows 7 Enterprise

• Operational procedures including safety, environment and customer communications

• Security (22% of exam 802)

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Career Advancement for IT Professionals

Target Audience

Individuals working in or planning to work in technical support roles such as:

Field Support Technici

an

Desktop

Support Technici

an

Bench Technici

an

Helpdesk

Technician

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Why A+

Over 900,000 A+ Certified IT Professionals

Companies such as Ricoh, Dell and CompuCom Have Made A+ Certification Mandatory

U.S. DoD 8570.1 Mandates A+ Certification for Level I Technical Personnel in Information Assurance

Among Top 10 certifications in the industry (DICE TechRepublic, New Horizons)

CompTIA A+ Certified by ISO and Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

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A+ Exam Details

• 2 examsCertification Requirement

• 220-801• 220-802Exam Numbers

• Maximum of 90 questions for each exam; 90 minutes to take each examLength

• 12 months hands-on lab or field experience

Recommended Experience

• 220-801: 675• 220-802: 700• (Scale of 900)

Passing Score

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CompTIA A+ Objectives

A+ 220-801

PC Hardware

Networking

Laptops

Printers

Operational Procedures

A+ 220-802

Operating Systems

Security

Mobile Devices

Troubleshooting

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Changes from the 700 series A+

1. Windows 7 Enterprise has been added to the covered Windows operating systems

2. Mobile Devices (802: 3.0) is a new subject matter domain. It includes Apple iOS and Android. Coverage includes just what a helpdesk technician would be expected to do: Establish network connectivity for the device, configure email, set up security, and troubleshoot.

3. Virtualization (802: 1.9) is new

4. All troubleshooting is in one exam (802: 4.0), more extensive, and organized by specific hardware/software area (e.g. hard drives, display, etc.)

5. Troubleshooting wireless (802: 4.5) is new

6. There is more coverage of troubleshooting security issues (802: 4.7)

7. SOHO-specific security is new (802: 2.5,2.6)

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Exam objectives and other information

For exam objectives and other information, go to this Netcomm page: http://www.netcomlearning.com/packages/8000/A+-and-Network+-Certification-Boot-Camp-training.html

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Performance Based Questions

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• For performance based items, the A+ candidate will be given a scenario/problem, and will be prompted to push a button to launch a simulated environment that is created via software.

• The simulated environment should be familiar to a PC support professional with the level of hands-on experience recommended for the A+ exam.

• Once the simulation is launched, the candidate will need to perform whatever tasks s/he believes appropriate, based on the given scenario and the tools/information that are provided in the question.

Performance- Based

Question Description

Performance based questions in Network+, Security+

Why performance based questions?

• A better measure of skills, not just memorization

• Represents CompTIA’s interest in using the latest in testing technologies to the benefit of the industry

• Intended as a better indication of a certified candidate’s readiness for the job. In the words of a member of the CompTIA Security+ Certification Advisory Committee from the U.S. Navy:

A certification is not intended to be the introductory training tool for an inexperienced and untrained individual.....a certification is intended to attest that the individual has already attained the requisite training and experience and has proven it with an industry-recognized standard (certification exam).

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