DOD Civilian COOL Snapshot

CompTIA A+ ce

Renewal Period: 3 years

The CompTIA A+ ce certification demonstrates competency as a computer support technician. The A+ ce certification is appropriate for entry-level technicians who perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. Security, safety and environmental issues, and communication and professionalism are also covered. It is recommended, although not required, that candidates have nine to twelve months of related hands-on experience as an IT professional.

More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.

CompTIA A+ ce

The following DOD Civilian Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:

The following Federal Occupations provide training and/or experience that contribute to attaining this credential:

	Federal Occupation	Related As
	2210 Information Technology Management Series	Most

The following civilian occupations are related to this credential:

Civilian Job	Bright Outlook	Registered Apprenticeship	Local Salary Info
Computer and Information Systems Managers	Bright Outlook	Apprenticeship	find local salary
Computer Hardware Engineers			find local salary
Computer Network Architects		Apprenticeship	find local salary
Computer Network Support Specialists			find local salary
Computer Operators		Apprenticeship	find local salary
Computer Programmers		Apprenticeship	find local salary
Computer Systems Analysts		Apprenticeship	find local salary
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects			find local salary
Computer User Support Specialists	Bright Outlook	Apprenticeship	find local salary
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers		Apprenticeship	find local salary
Database Administrators	Bright Outlook	Apprenticeship	find local salary
Database Architects			find local salary
Information Security Analysts	Bright Outlook	Apprenticeship	find local salary
Information Technology Project Managers			find local salary
Network and Computer Systems Administrators		Apprenticeship	find local salary
Software Developers, Applications	Bright Outlook		find local salary
Software Developers, Systems Software	Bright Outlook		find local salary
Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers			find local salary
Web Developers	Bright Outlook		find local salary

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility Requirements

Credential Prerequisite
Experience: 9 months recommended
Education
Training
Membership
Other
Fee

Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required.

Exam Requirements (View Details)

Exam
Written Exam
Oral Exam
Practical Exam
Performance Assessment

RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY

Renewal Period: 3 years

Continuing Education
Exam
Continuing Education OR Exam
Fee
Other

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)

3500 Lacey Road
Suite 100
Downers Grove, IL 60515

Phone: 866.835.8020

Fax: 630.678.8384
Contact Page

Show Written Exam Requirements / Hide Written Exam Requirements

Written Exam A+ 220-1001

Mobile Devices (14%)
- Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components.
- Given a scenario, install components within the display of a laptop.
- Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features.
- Compare and contrast characteristics of various types of other mobile devices.
- Given a scenario, connect and configure accessories and ports of other mobile devices.
- Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and application support.
- Given a scenario, use methods to perform mobile device synchronization.
Networking (20%)
- Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purposes.
- Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices.
- Given a scenario, install and configure a basic wired/wireless SOHO network.
- Compare and contrast wireless networking protocols.
- Summarize the properties and purposes of services provided by networked hosts.
- Explain common network configuration concepts.
- Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types, and their features.
- Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.
Hardware (27%)
- Explain basic cable types, features, and their purposes.
- Identify common connector types.
- Given a scenario, install RAM types.
- Given a scenario, select, install and configure storage devices.
- Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards.
- Explain the purposes and uses of various peripheral types.
- Summarize power supply types and features.
- Given a scenario, select and configure appropriate components for a custom PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs.
- Given a scenario, install and configure common devices.
- Given a scenario, configure SOHO multifunction devices/printers and settings.
- Given a scenario, install and maintain various print technologies.
Virtualization and Cloud Computing (12%)
- Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts.
- Given a scenario, set up and configure client-side virtualization.
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (27%)
- Given a scenario, use the best practice methodology to resolve problems.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot common wired and wireless network problems.

Written Exam A+ 220-1002

Operating Systems (27%)
- Compare and contrast common operating system types and their purposes.
- Compare and contrast features of Microsoft Windows versions.
- Summarize general OS installation considerations and upgrade methods.
- Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft command line tools.
- Given a scenario, use Microsoft operating system features and tools.
- Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows Control Panel utilities.
- Summarize application installation and configuration concepts.
- Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking on a client/desktop.
- Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Mac OS and Linux client/desktop operating systems.
Security (24%)
- Summarize the importance of physical security measures.
- Explain logical security concepts.
- Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods.
- Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using appropriate tools and methods.
- Compare and contrast social engineering, threats, and vulnerabilities.
- Compare and contrast the differences of basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings.
- Given a scenario, implement security best practices to secure a workstation.
- Given a scenario, implement methods for securing mobile devices.
- Given a scenario, implement appropriate data destruction and disposal methods.
- Given a scenario, configure security on SOHO wireless and wired networks.
Software Troubleshooting (26%)
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot Microsoft Windows OS problems.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve PC security issues.
- Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware removal.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application issues.
- Explain common safety procedures.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application security issues.
Operational Procedures (23%)
- Compare and contrast best practices associated with types of documentation.
- Given a scenario, implement basic change management best practices.
- Given a scenario, implement basic disaster prevention and recovery methods.
- Explain environmental impacts and appropriate controls.
- Explain the processes for addressing prohibited content/ activity, and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.
- Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism.
- Identify the basics of scripting.
- Given a scenario, use remote access technologies.

Exam Preparation Resources

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the CompTIA A+ ce examination:

Best Sources

Related Training
- CompTIA IT Training & Classes

Testing Information

Testing for this credential is handled by Pearson VUE. The test centers are located in the U.S. They also have some test centers on military bases.

To find out more, use the following links on the Pearson VUE website:

For more information on the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) testing process, visit the agency website.

RECERTIFICATION

CompTIA A+ ce

Renewal Period: 3 years

The CompTIA A+ ce credential has the following recertification information:

Beginning January 1, 2011, CompTIA A+ ce, CompTIA Network+ ce and CompTIA Security+ ce certifications are valid for three years from the date the candidate becomes certified. After January 2011, certified individuals will need to enroll in the CompTIA Continuing Education program and will have three years from the date certified to successfully complete the required CE units, earn a higher level CompTIA certification, or pass the Recertification Exam.

Individuals certified on or before December 31, 2010 in CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ will retain their "certified for life" status. More information on the renewal requirements can be found on the CompTIA website.

Additional considerations for the CompTIA A+ ce include:

The CompTIA A+ ce exams measure necessary competencies for an entry-level IT professional with the equivalent knowledge of nine to twelve months of hands-on experience in the lab or field. This level of experience is recommended but not required. 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.

CompTIA A+ ce

CompTIA A+ ce

CompTIA A+ ce

In Demand

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