To become CompTIA A+ certified, individuals must pass two computer-based exams without any prerequisites. The certification is recognized globally and signifies basic competence in supporting microcomputers, with a strong focus on Microsoft Windows operating systems. Candidates should prepare professionally, aiming to demonstrate knowledge of hardware, software, and effective communication skills while adhering to operational procedures.

1. How Do I Become CompTIA A+ Certified?
You become CompTIA A+ certified, in the simplest sense, by
taking and passing two computer-based, multiple-choice
exams. No prerequisites are required.

2. CompTIA A+ Certification
Preparing for the Information
Technology Workforce.

3. Because the PC evolved from novelty item to essential science
tool to everyday object in a short period of time, there is a huge
demand for a workforce that can build, maintain, troubleshoot,
and repair PCs.

4. In the early days of the personal computer, anyone who used a PC had to
have skills as a PC tech. The PC was new, buggy, and prone to problems. You
didn’t want to rely on others to fix your PC when the inevitable problems
arose.
Today’s PCs are much more robust with fewer problems, but they’re
also much more complex machines. Today’s IT industry, therefore,
needs specialized workers who know how to make the machines run
well.

5. Every professional requires specialized skills. For the most part,
if you want to get or keep a job that requires those specialized
skills, you need some type of certification or licence.
Nearly every profession has some criteria that you must
meet to show your competence and ability to perform
at a certain level.

6. “The Person Who Doesn’t Get a Nickel Extra but
Who Fixes the Computers?
At least he’s
dressed for
success!

7. What is CompTIA A+ Certification?
CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-wide, vendor-neutral
certification program developed and sponsored by the
Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). The
CompTIA A+ certification shows that you have a basic
competence in supporting microcomputers.

8. Who is CompTIA?
CompTIA is a nonprofit industry trade association based in
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. It consists of over 20,000 members in
102 countries. Virtually every company of consequence in the IT
industry is a member of CompTIA including Hewlett-Packard!

9. Many companies require CompTIA A+ certification for all of
their support technicians, and the CompTIA A+ certification is
widely recognized both in the United States and
internationally.
• Most IT companies – big
and small – see CompTIA
A+ certification as the
entry point for IT. From
CompTIA A+, you have a
number of certification
options, depending on
your focus.

10. How Do I Become CompTIA A+ Certfied?
You become CompTIA A+ certified, in the simplest sense, by
taking and passing two computer-based, multiple-choice
exams. No prerequisites are required.

11. Basic Exam Structure
• CompTIA names the two exams introduced in
2009 as CompTIA A+ 220-701 (Essentials) and
the CompTIA A+ 220-702 (Practical
Application).
• Both of the exams are extremely practical,
with little or no interest in theory.
• All questions are multiple choice!

12. Windows-Centric
The CompTIA A+ exams are
exclusively centered on the
Microsoft Windows operating
systems you would expect at a
workstation or home. There are
no Linux or Macintoch OS X
questions. There are also no
Windows Server or Windows
Mobile questions.
The exam covers Windows 2000
Professional, all versions of
Windows XP, and Windows
Vista.

13. No Windows 7
Because CompTIA
released the newest
exam update in 2009,
just months before the
release of Windows 7,
there will be NO
Windows 7 questions.

14. How to Pass?
The single most important thing to remember about the CompTIA A+
certification exams is that CompTIA designed the Essentials exam to
test the knowledge of technician with only 500 hours experience
(about three months) and the Practical Application exam to test the
knowledge of a technician with only 1000 hours experience (about six
months).

15. Obligate Yourself
Have you ever heard the old adage; “Heat and pressure
make diamonds?” Well, if you don’t give yourself a little
“heat,” you’ll end up procrastinating and delay taking the
exams, possibly forever. Do yourself a favor and obligate
yourself to taking the exam before the end of the year.
If you take the exam before
December 31, 2010 you’ll be
certified for life; if you wait
until after Dec. 31, you’ll have
to get recertified every three
years.

16. Goals and Objectives
1) To be prepared to
take the A+
Certification exams
and pass.
2) To gain a
comprehensive
knowledge of Computer
technology (hardware
and software),
terminology, and
Procedures.

17. Operational Procedures
Objectives:
1) Present yourself with a
proper appearance and
professional manner
2) Talk to customers in a
professional, productive
manner
3) Work with PCs safely
using the proper tools

18. Operational Procedures; better known as
Life Skills and Basic Safety.

19. The Professional Tech
Appearance
• Business Casual – not casual casual
• One word – Hygiene (clean/odor free)
The Traits of a Tech
Honesty/Integrity
• If you can’t explain the problem to them in plain
English, don’t create techno-babble and don’t be
afraid to say, “I don’t know.”
• Don’t sell people goods and services they don’t
need, even if you get a cut of what you sell.
Dependability/Responsibility
• Show up, and Show up on time! (Call back on
time)
• Ask customer’s about backups, etc. – don’t rush
Adaptability/Versatility
• There is no universal repair manual.
• Learn, learn, learn. Become valuable.

20. Sensitivity
Sensitivity is the ability to
appreciate another’s feeling
and emotions.
•Understand that the customer
is paying for your time and
skills.
• Remember your presence
means something is wrong or
broke, and few things make
users more upset than broken
computers.

21. Communication

22. Communication
• Assertive – You must show users the error of their ways
without creating anger or conflict. “Acknowledge and Turn”
• Respectful – “May I start working on your computer
now” Give customers a chance to wrap up.
• Eliciting Answers – Allow the customer to explain.
Avoid accusatory questions like; “what did you do?”
• Expectations and Follow-Up - Be realistic!
Time Frame – Once you’ve diagnosed the issue
Documentation – Thorough notes!
Follow-up – You’ll make a client for life

23. Safety and Tools

24. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
All PCs are well protected
against ESD on the
outside. Unles you take a
screwdriver and actually
open up your PC, you
don’t need to concern
yourself with ESD.
ESD only takes place when two objects
that store different amounts of static
electricity come in contact.