how to get a+ certification

How Do I Get My CompTIA A+ Certification?

You can earn the CompTIA A+ certification by passing two separate exams. There’s no single way to ensure you pass, but there’s common sense advice that can increase your chances to pass your exams and achieve your CompTIA A+ certification.

In their very basic nature, the two exams that lead to CompTIA A+ certification are not that much different from any other written test. Both exams use various question types to verify your knowledge in specific areas of information technology, such as computer hardware and software as they relate to IT support. Being well prepared remains your best bet to score a positive exam outcome of passing the tests and being awarded the CompTIA A+ certification.

Preparing for Your CompTIA A+ Exams

While individual preferences for how to prepare for a certification exam may differ in detail, there’s a simple strategy that can get you started and that may make it easier to keep yourself organized during your exam preparation process.

1. Understand What’s Expected of You

   Not knowing what’s on the exam, what questions you will have to answer and what types of questions you will see is like driving blind into a snow storm. A better approach is to spend some time reading about CompTIA A+ and what it takes to pass the exams. The more details you know about the questions you will have to answer, the better you will be able to judge what you already know and what you still need to learn.

To get a general understanding of what’s on the exam:

• Review the CompTIA A+ product page.
• Download the CompTIA A+ exam objectives.
• Download the table of contents of the Official Study Guide for CompTIA A+ to get a better idea of what knowledge is being taught to prepare students for the CompTIA A+ exams.
• Read about the experiences of CompTIA A+ certification holders. Social media sites such as LinkedIn and Reddit are a treasure trove of information and advice with experiences of others that can help you along the way toward your certification.

2. Understand the Gap Between What You Already Know and What’s Expected of You

   CompTIA A+ exam takers come from all walks of life with vastly different experience levels in IT. The degree and quality of experience in computer hardware and software that you’ve already acquired has a substantial impact on the knowledge gap between what you know and what you’re expected to know.

   While some exam takers may have very little additional knowledge they need to acquire, others may have to invest significant time and effort in their exam preparation. But what’s the same for everyone is the need to learn the exam topics that you don’t know or don’t know well enough.

   Being honest with yourself will help you focus on what you need to learn and, ultimately, make your studies more effective.

3. Understand How You Can Close Your Knowledge Gap

   There are various ways for you to acquire all or some of the knowledge outlined in the CompTIA A+ exam objectives. The best option for you depends on the way you prefer to learn and how quickly and effectively you will learn and retain the knowledge you need.

   However, here are a few ideas:

   • Self-Paced Learning: The most common way to prepare for your CompTIA A+ exam is self-paced study, such as through CompTIA CertMaster products or the CompTIA Official Study Guide for CompTIA A+. The books are available in print and electronic versions, and you can decide how quickly you want to progress.
   • Classroom Training: If you’re more comfortable studying with others and a trainer in a classroom environment, CompTIA Authorized Partners offer classroom training for individuals. If you’re your whole department needs training, CompTIA also offers classroom training to organizations.
   • Experience and Practice: If you have access to computer hardware and software that you can use for practice, either at home or in your job, you can accelerate your learning and deepen your knowledge with hands-on practice.