[kanmoodi]

Comptia has announced a new A+ exam, expected to be available by Q3 of this year.

CompTIA A+ Exam Update FAQs


Why is CompTIA updating the CompTIA A+ offering?
The objectives for the CompTIA A+ exams currently available were developed in 2003. Changes to technology and needs in the industry require that this benchmark certification be current and relevant offering the most value to the candidate, employer and overall market.

Am I still required to pass two exams to become CompTIA A+ certified?
Yes, you are required to pass two exams to become CompTIA A+ certified. The first exam is CompTIA A+ Essentials. Click here to download CompTIA A+ exam objectives.

Do I have to take and pass CompTIA A+ Essentials before taking a second exam?
CompTIA recommends that candidates take CompTIA A+ Essentials first, but it is not required.

When is the new offering going to be available?
Updated CompTIA A+ exams are expected to be available in late Q306.

Will there be a beta exam?
CompTIA will not be releasing a beta exam for this offering.

I’ve already begun studying for the current offering. What do I do now?
You are encouraged to continue and complete training and testing toward the currently available CompTIA A+ exams. Candidates have enough time to move through the certification process and should not put off adding the knowledge and skill sets of the valuable CompTIA A+ credential to their experience and resume.

I have not yet begun my training, should I wait?
No, candidates are encouraged to begin and complete training and testing toward the currently available CompTIA A+ exams. Candidates have enough time to move through the certification process and should not put off adding the knowledge and skill sets of the valuable CompTIA A+ credential to their experience and resume.

How much longer will the current CompTIA A+ offering be available?
The 2003 version of the CompTIA A+ offering will be available until at least the end of 2006. Considerations for academic (E2C), regional and language offerings will be made. A complete listing of retirement dates can be found at click here.

What are the differences between the 2003 and 2006 versions of the exams?
The updates to the offering include changes in technology versions as well as best practices. As a result of market research and recommendations made and validated by partners and subject matter experts, in addition to technology version changes the following major topic areas have been added at appropriate levels: security, safety, environmental issues, communication and professionalism. For a detailed listing of the topics covered, you can download and are encouraged to thoroughly review the publicly posted exam objective documents. Click here to download the objectives.

What are the exam codes of the updated CompTIA A+ exams?
The exam code for CompTIA A+ Essentials is 220-601, followed by exam codes 220-602, 220-603, and 220-604 for other CompTIA A+ exams. The exam code for the E2C version of CompTIA A+ Essentials is JK0-601, followed by JK0-602, JK0-603 and JK0-604 for other CompTIA A+ exams.

Where do I find books and training related to the updated CompTIA A+ offering?
CompTIA is working closely with CAQC (CompTIA Authorized Quality Curriculum) and CLA (CompTIA Learning Alliance) providers to ensure that study materials and training are available for the new offering. Please check the CAQC and CLA pages of www.comptia.org in Q2 and Q3 for more information.

I am already CompTIA A+ certified, what happens to my certification?
You will retain your CompTIA A+ certified status.

I am already CompTIA A+ certified. Can I re-certify with the new offering?
Yes, you can achieve recertification by completing the second exam within the upgraded CompTIA A+ offering. You are not required to complete CompTIA A+ Essentials, to achieve recertification, though you can should you chose to.

Describe the target candidate for the second CompTIA A+ exams.
The CompTIA A+ 220-602 examination is targeted toward individuals who work or intend to work in a mobile or corporate technical environment with a high level of face-to-face client interaction. Job titles in some organizations which are descriptive of the role of this individual may be: Enterprise technician, IT administrator, field service technician, PC technician, etc. Ideally, the CompTIA A+ 220-602 candidate has already passed the CompTIA A+ Essentials examination. Individuals in some non-technical roles such as student, sales personnel or small business office managers may also find the validation of skills associated with the CompTIA A+ credential to be valuable.

The CompTIA A+ 220-603 examination is targeted for individuals who work or intend to work in a remote-based work environment where client interaction, client training, operating system and connectivity issues are emphasized. Job titles in some organizations which are descriptive of the role of this individual may be: Remote support technician, help desk technician, call center technician, specialist, representative, etc. Ideally, the CompTIA A+ 220-603 candidate has already passed the CompTIA A+ Essentials examination.

The CompTIA A+ 220-604 examination is targeted for individuals who work or intend to work in settings with limited customer interaction where hardware related activities are emphasized. Job titles in some organizations which are descriptive of the role of this individual may be: Depot technician, bench technician, etc. Ideally, the CompTIA A+ 220-604 candidate has already passed the CompTIA A+ Essentials examination.



All of the objectives, current and new, are available here

Full press release

[kadavul]

kinda off topic BUT WHY IS COMPTIA SO FOCUSED ON A+

Security + is way older and they haven't touched it yet and now they are updating A+ again, geesh security related topics always evolve faster then hardware does Sad

I'm quite disappointed in comptia, it seems security is the red headed step child

[kadavul]

The reality is that the A+ is the big money maker and the crown jewel of Comptia's testing program. If the A+ becomes outdated and loses credibility, then Comptia takes a huge hit. Sec+ and most of the other certs just don't carry that kind of importance.

[kadavul]

Very true. A+ does about 10 times more in training related dollars too. Generally anyone looking to start out in IT takes the A+ first.

However, Security+ seems to be really losing it's credibility. I would hope CompTIA has something in the mix for it soon. Hopefully to include some basic network intrusion principals / tools as well as an overall tune up.
_________________

[kadavul]

THANKS!! This is good information, that hadn't filtered down to me yet.

With my occupation being training, I should have known it. (In fact, I am currently teaching an A+ course, and fussing, under my breath about the junk-stuff on the cert, that will do nobody any good.)

It's about time A+ got a new lease on life.
_________________
Will Harper, MCT, MCSE, CTT+,
MCDST, A+, N+, S+
(NT, 2000, XP, 2003, SBS 2003)
Trainer and Consultant
HyperLearning Technologies
Computer training and networking certification training Microsoft, CompTIA and Cisco Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake VA.

[kadavul]

From what I read on Comptia's Website The A+ 2006 is just an update of 2003 BUT with some additions,There are still 2 test you take to get your A+ but then if you want you can Take a Elective (IT Technician," "Remote Support Technician," and/or "Depot Technician) Comptia I think is trying to be like other vendors and offer Specialized Certs,I am sure they will do this in the furture for Network+ and other Comptia Exams.Comptia says they won't offer a Beta on the new exams,I wish they would,I am A+ 98 and I need to update my cert(just to look current)

Comptia Has a FAQ on the new exams and they say that people studing for there 2003 Obj should stay on track and test for the 2003 A+,People like me who has there A+ (pre-2003) can just take an any eletive to Update there A+ to 2006.


Josh
A+,Network+,CCNA

[kadavul]

visualicon2002 wrote:
From what I read on Comptia's Website The A+ 2006 is just an update of 2003 BUT with some additions,There are still 2 test you take to get your A+ but then if you want you can Take a Elective (IT Technician," "Remote Support Technician," and/or "Depot Technician) Comptia I think is trying to be like other vendors and offer Specialized Certs,I am sure they will do this in the furture for Network+ and other Comptia Exams.Comptia says they won't offer a Beta on the new exams,I wish they would,I am A+ 98 and I need to update my cert(just to look current)

Comptia Has a FAQ on the new exams and they say that people studing for there 2003 Obj should stay on track and test for the 2003 A+,People like me who has there A+ (pre-2003) can just take an any eletive to Update there A+ to 2006.


That much I gathered from CompTIA's website. I was thinking more in terms of a bigger picture. In one side of the scale, you have the 2003 objectives, and in the other the 2006 Exam Updates (220-602 to -604). Which weighs more in terms of value? I also wonder whether a potential employer may ask the same question, then make his/her own decision based on...who knows? I would hope that they would take into consideration that relevant experience, coupled with the certification no matter when it was earned, would make one the better or best candidate for the position. But, that remains to be seen.

Now, on the other hand, these certifications have been around for quite some time. For those of you holding numerous certifications, have you ever enountered a potential employer who questioned your A+ certification because it was NOT of the current objectives set forth by CompTIA? If I were ever put into that situation during an interview, I believe I would explain that "due to the type of work that I perform at my current employment, I am constantly having to keep myself up-to-date with new technology while servicing computers dating back to Windows 95." After answering several technical questions, and having my background checked, I'd be confident that I'd be a top contender for the position.

In a manner of speaking, I think I just answered my own questions.
_________________
Sincerely,
The Chosen 1
A+ (2003 Obj)
Net+ 2005 Candidate

[kadavul]

Its possible that a employer could question how Current your A+ is but not likely.Like you I keep myself uptodate as well.alot of the stuff covered on my exam(hardware mostly) will and do apply today,I really don't think an employer will argure your skills unless given reason too.IF you hold A+ certifacation then hey you got your A+

I am glad too see this Certifaction get a over haul.hopefully it will boast the value and get more people involed in learning and taking this exam.


Josh
A+,Network+,CCNA