10 Steps to Passing the CompTIA A+
Exam
By Andre McDearmon Jr.,
Given at the Discovery Center
Chicago IL,
2014
Introduction
Hello everyone my name is Andre McDearmon Jr and I am a CompTIA A+ Certified Computer
Technician. I have been working in the IT industry for the last 8 years and have owned two
retail computer retail locations on the South-side of Chicago. I have profited more than
$100,000 in repairing computers. I am an IT consultant and own my own IT Training and
Coaching business right now. I am also consulting for Johnson Publishing Company helping
the largest African American owned company with their IT needs right now! So life is very
busy.
But let me tell you I would not have been able to do any of this if I did not have the CompTIA
A+ Certification. I passed the CompTIA Exam in 2010 after studying for two years and
working full time with a pregnant wife and baby on the way. I was making $9.75 an hour at a
Warehouse for a Computer Refurbishing Company on the Northwest Side of Chicago. This
Warehouse had no air conditioning and was freezing in the winter and very hot in the
summer. I knew that I had to get in to “the IT industry” and went to the CompTIA website
after finally making the decision to get certified. After trying to get the Objectives I submitted
my info in the “let's send you some info” section. And a company called me in 10 minutes
asking me if I was looking to get into the industry and said I can pay them every month for
training that I could not find anywhere. I agreed and was in a contract to pay 200 a Month to
get old videos of the A+ Exam that was getting renewed in the next 8 Months. No refund for
me and $2000 down the drain. I found free videos on the internet and purchased the book to
add to all the materials that I already had. But I still needed to take care of my Wife and pay
the bills on $9.75 per hour. I knew that after getting this certification my Boss would pay me
more. I knew that life would not be a minimal wage nightmare anymore! He would see that I
am determined to be the best employee I can be. I know my life would be better once I got
this certification.
So I knew that I studied my eyes red so I took the Essentials exam and I was so nervous I
was still studding while driving which is maybe not the best thing to do! I sat down with all
those emotions running wild of how my life would be much better and how I could not fail I
would not have the money to replace the cost of this test. I had to eat sandwiches and
noodles for the next Month and a half. So I remember waiting after finishing the test and
waiting for the results and seeing that I passed! And I knew that the second one would even
be easier. Until I sat at the same computer to take the second exam and FAILED! And I took
it on my birthday thinking I would celebrate after. My ego was devastated and so was my
wallet. But I knew I was half way finished so I studied even more and told my pregnant wife
that studying was more important than spending time together(not a smart move) and when
I got certified we will have time to spend together. (Yeah I know I was wrong but you have to
lie to yourself sometimes) But I passed the second exam and became CompTIA A+ Certified!
Right before changes from CompTIA that no longer allowed the A+ Certification to be a
lifetime certification to the every three year certification renewal process that they have now!
Yeah I know ;-)
What is CompTIA?
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a non-profit trade association,
was created in1982 as the Association of Better Computing Dealers, Inc. (ABCD) by
representatives of five microcomputer dealerships. Over the course of a decade, ABCD laid
the groundwork for many of CompTIA's initiatives and member benefits.
ABCD later changed its name to the Computing Technology Industry Association to reflect the
association's evolving role in the computer industry and in the US business landscape at
large. The 1990s was a period of growth as the association broadened the scope of its
activities to address the needs of the expanding computer industry. Its initiatives increased to
include networking, UNIX, imaging, mobile computing, and multimedia arenas. In an effort to
monitor and take positions on public policy issues, the association added a full-time Director
of Public Policy position.
In 2010, CompTIA added a new executive director for a newly named ”Creating IT Futures
Foundation, a philanthropic arm that focuses on training and certifying low-income students
and adults in IT, as well as returning veterans-and helping connect them with potential
employers.
CompTIA is a provider of professional certifications for the informational technology (IT)
industry. CompTIA chairs and manages the Initiative for Software Choice.
CompTIA A+ Certification
CompTIA administers its certification exams through Pearson VUE testing centers. In addition
to certification, CompTIA also provides corporate membership.
In April 2007, CompTIA's "A+", "Network+", and "Security+" certifications became accredited
by the American National Standards Institute.
In January 2010 this ANSI/ISO approved certifications fundamentally had their conditions
changed from lifetime certifications to certifications that will expire every three years. Current
certificate holders will still have valid certs for life, but any new certifications earned after
December 31, 2010 will expire every three years.
A+ certification
The CompTIA A+ Logo
The A+ certification demonstrates competency as a computer technician. Officially, CompTIA
A+ certification is a vendor neutral certification that covers numerous technologies and
operating systems from such vendors as Microsoft, Apple Inc., Novell and some of the Linux
distributions. The A+ certification exam was developed in 1993. There have been five
versions of the A+ exam, the 1993, 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2012 objectives, which are broken
down into two separate exams. The 2003 objectives contained the A+ Core Hardware Exam
and the A+ Core Operating System Technologies Exam, and were retired on June 30, 2007.
The 2006 objectives require that a candidate successfully pass the A+ Essentials and one
elective: IT technician, remote support technician, or depot technician. The 2009 certification
requires passing two exams: Essentials and Practical Application.
The A+ exam is intended for information technology professionals who have the equivalent of
500 hours of hands on experience. The exams are computer based and composed of multiple
choice questions, of which there may be more than one correct answer. Over 800,000 people
have earned the A+ credential worldwide, to date.
Topics of the Essentials/Core examination include IRQs, direct memory access, and practical
computer repair, including the installation and repair of hard drives, modems, network cards,
CPUs, power supplies, PDAs, and printers. The focus of the exam is not theory, but practice.
Sometimes graphics are used in exam questions. Topics included in the Operating Systems
Exam include memory management, configuration files, and historical operating
environments rather than newer, cutting edge technologies.
In September 2006, the CompTIA A+ test was updated so that the test taker must take the
CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-601) test along with one of three other tests (220-602, 220603, or 220-604). Each of these elective exams offers candidates the opportunity to specialize
their A+ certification to match their desired career path.
With the introduction of the 2006 A+ exam, candidates were offered a grace period whereby
both the 2003 and 2006 versions were available. From June 2007, the 2003 version of exams
was no longer available in the United States. In some countries, the grace period was
extended to December 2007. The 2003 version was also extended in cases where the A+
certification exam was included in a course of study. Also, most legacy support questions
have been excluded. The existing CompTIA A+ 600 series exams remain relevant and are in
use by organizations and educational institutions throughout the world. The regular, nonacademic English version of these exams retired in the U.S. and Canada on February 28,
2010. The educational versions of these exams (JK0-601, JK0-602, JK0-603 and JK0-604), as
well as the German, Korean, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese translations of the 220-601
through 220-604 CompTIA A+ exams, remained in the market for use until August 31, 2010.
The A+ certification along with Network+ may be used to qualify as an elective for
Microsoft's MCSA and MCSE certification.
In order to receive CompTIA A+ certification a candidate must pass two exams; each
requiring a separate voucher doubling the price listed on the website. The first exam is
CompTIA A+ Essentials, exam number 220-801. The CompTIA A+ Essentials examination
measures necessary competencies for an entry-level IT professional with the equivalent
knowledge of at least 500 hours of hands-on experience in the lab or field. Successful
candidates will have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer
technology, networking, and security, and will have the skills required to identify hardware,
peripheral, networking, and security components. Successful candidates will understand the
basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology, practice
proper safety procedures, and will effectively interact with customers and peers. CompTIA A+
is ISO 17024 Accredited (Personnel Certification Accreditation) and, as such, undergoes
regular reviews and updates to the exam objectives. Also, a candidate must pass CompTIA
A+ Practical Application, exam number 220-802. The CompTIA A+ Practical Application
examination measures necessary competencies for an entry-level IT professional with a
working knowledge of practical use of current software and Operating System interface and
features.
Eighty-six percent of IT hiring managers places a high or medium priority on IT certifications
during the job candidate evaluation process, according to a 2011 CompTIA survey.
The CompTIA A+ certification is the starting point for a career in IT. The exam covers
maintenance of PCs, mobile devices, laptops, operating systems and printers
IT professionals with certifications on their resume command better jobs earn higher salaries
and have more doors open to new multi-industry opportunities. The average salary for a
CompTIA A+ certified tech in 2010 was $50,364, according to a Computer World salary
survey.
· There are 250,000 open IT jobs in the U.S.
· 86% of hirers say IT certifications are a priority
· Average CompTIA A+ certified tech salary: $50,364
Demand is high for qualified, knowledgeable IT professionals. In the United States alone,
there were more than 250,000 open information technology jobs in January 2013.
In a rapidly evolving field like technology, employers can find it difficult to pinpoint the job
candidates with the right knowledge and skills to fill these positions
In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams.
CompTIA A+ 220-801 covers the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and
configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, and basic networking.
CompTIA A+ 220-802 covers the skills required to install and configure PC operating systems,
as well as configuring common features (e.g. network connectivity and email) for mobile
operating systems Android and Apple iOS
Both Exams cost $183 per Exam and there are no refunds if you fail. Trust me!
Now that I have given you all the details and info about CompTIA and the A+ Exam now I
can give you my 10 steps to CompTIA A+ Certification!
Step # 1 Training
Now that you have made the leap to get A+ certified you have to train! Either you will train
by yourself; or with a group or by going to a school/university. Be sure that you pick what
works best for you and how you learn! This is the most important part in this process
because you have to stay focused!
Step # 2 Schedule the Test
The time is now! At least give yourself 30-90 days after your training period is over to
thoroughly learn the material! You will be surprised how much information is involved in
getting A+ certified. Take the leap of faith and give yourself a date to have all the studying
worth something! This is the date that you have selected to take the exam. This is where the
rubber will hit the road and determined if you really learned everything.
Step # 3 Take a Class
Either you will take a training course similar to the one that I teach or you can take a class at
your local community college. But this is also in combination with your own training in step
one! You still will be training yourself on top of paying for a training course. Please keep that
in mind!
Step # 4 Grab the Book!
I highly recommend the Mike Myers A+ book. CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One
Exam Guide, 8th Edition (Exams 220-801 & 220-802)
I also highly recommend this book by David Prowse: CompTIA A+ 220-801 and 220-802
Authorized Exam Cram (6th Edition)
I have used both books to study for the CompTIA A+ Exam and I actually teach with the
book by David Prowse!
Step # 5 SQRRR
This step is called Survey, Questions, Read, Recite, and Review. If you remember this from
elementary school then the same applies to your studying for the CompTIA A+ Exam! First
process in this stage is to Survey. Survey means that instead of reading that think book the
first time you just survey or skim the pages and chapters looking for key tidbits! The second
process is to then ask yourself questions! Ask why things are the way they are and ask why
is this important; what do I need to get away from this information! Third process is to Read
the information thoroughly and be concise in how you read! After you have read all the
information then you recite that information that you have learned to others! Teach other
people what you have learned. Because you will have to know what you’re talking about to
teach others! (Hopefully) Then the last process is to Review what you have done and all the
notes taken to really understand all the concepts and terms!
Step # 6 MNEMONICS
This step is really for breaking down complex theories like the 6 step laser printing process.
You will need a mnemonic like:
Charles
Cleaning
Could
Conditioning
Win
Writing
Delicious
Developing
Tacos
Transferring
Friday
Fusing
Use whatever mnemonic that works for you! This will further your learning curve and further
help you retain information!
Step # 7 Watch Videos
When I was studying for my A+ exam I was watching any and all the videos I could get my
hands on! I would recommend the same for you! I recommend watching CBT Nuggets videos
the most. CBT Nuggets has a plan right now that costs $99 dollars a Month for unlimited
training! Once again this is the best route to go but does cost some $$$.
Go to: https://www.cbtnuggets.com/
Free videos that I recommend are Professor Messer. I watched these videos after I paid
almost $2000 for training that was out-of-date! These videos are great quality and the best
part is that they are FREE! Professor Messer is a great resource for training and learning! You
can combine these training videos with self study and pass the CompTIA A+ Exam!
Go to: http://www.professormesser.com/
My next recommendation is Eli the Computer Guy. Eli is a great resource with free videos and
training videos for your CompTIA A+ Exam. I would also make sure that all the other steps
are in place when you’re watching the free videos to compliment your studying.
Step # 8 Practice
Practice, Practice, Practice! You will need to practice all the time! Practice by using computers
that you have lying around in your house! Build a practice lab in your house! These practice
labs will help you with “real-world” experience! The more experience that you have the better
you will be for real-world work.
Practice tests also fall into this step! Use practice tests to gauge where you are to monitor if
you have retained info and if you can answer the questions that you think you should know.
Practice test help you by learning how to answer questions based of the objectives provided
by CompTIA. Test yourself every couple of week’s injunction with training and studying!
Step # 9 Study Groups
This step is very important! Doing all this studying by yourself you will get a little crazy! Use
LinkedIn and Meetups to go and meet with other professionals that are trying to get A+
certified also! You can help and work together to achieve the same goals. You can learn new
studying habits and get great career advice from people doing the same things in life!
Step # 10 Review II
This step combines all the reviews from earlier steps. Review all the Practice tests; review all
the notes that you took! After you go through the review compile your own cheat sheet with
only the most important concepts that you need to know for the Exam! Take time to review
all the documents and quizzes and then also make time to review. Now ideally your date for
taking the test is coming up pretty soon!
Step # 11 Take the Test
This is the day that all the preparation and hard work is going to pay off! The day that will
forever change you’re live. Even with all the buildup don’t stress! Remember that this Exam
will not kill you do not be too worried that you have a brain fart when you should be focused
on the outcome which is passing both exams! Take the first exam and if you’re really
confident you can take both on the same day! Knock out both exams in the same day if you
can but if not give yourself at least a week before attempting to take the second.
If you fail; once again remember that this is not the end of the world and that you can retake
the exam. After you take the exam CompTIA will print out if you passed or failed and will tell
you what areas you need to go back to review! When I failed the second test I received a
print out of what areas I need to restudy and it helped me out a lot! Failure is not a bad
thing! Quitting is the bad thing to do; never give up ever!
So here are my 10 steps well actually 11 but one step is a reoccurring theme when it comes
to studying for the compTIA A+ Exam. Please use this report to help you with your journey to
A+ certification and I hope that this report has provided you with some type of value!
Comptia A+ Computer Repair Training
Course
This course is for those that are serious about getting in IT and creating a career in this field.
You are making the investment of time and MONEY... My job is here to motivate you and
facilitate your path to become the person you want to become. The 20 weeks is a boot-camp
style of IT learning with self-motivating lesson plans.
After doing research most IT training centers charge an arm and a leg for IT training that
lasts for 5 days and the training is done online! All students do not have a chance to actually
touch a computer. Labs are done virtually! I don't know about you but I need to touch the
actual computers.
You are expected to Read and do your homework and also participate in the hands-on portion
of the class. If not then don't waste both of our times... And it will show early if you are.
I will train my students for 20 weeks with the passion of passing the Exam. When you
complete the course you will have a date and time to pick the test and how long you need to
study.
I will provide all the needed tools and knowledge to get you ready to begin your career as a
Computer Technician and get the job and training you need.
Questions
Please reach me at
andre@2ndchancepctechs.com
312-869-2034
Thank you and have a great day!