Best Way to Study for CompTIA A+

Are you seeking a career in the information technology (IT) industry? If so, you should consider getting an A+ certification from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

The CompTIA A+ certification covers various essential IT skills, including hardware, software, networking, security, and troubleshooting. It validates a candidate’s ability to handle various technical tasks and provides a solid understanding of core IT concepts. With this certification, you can pursue various job roles, such as IT support specialist, help desk technician, and system administrator.

While not mandatory, this certification can be a great starting point for your career and set yourself apart from other IT experts.

Before you book your CompTIA A+ certification exam, you need to ask yourself a few important questions: How common is A+ certification? How do I pass the exam? 

In this guide, we’ll answer these questions and share the best ways to study for the CompTIA A+ exam.

What Does CompTIA A+ Certification Entail?

CompTIA A+ is a performance-based entry-level certification offered by CompTIA, a leading international association that issues certificates to specialists in the IT industry. 

The CompTIA A+ certification prepares you for various job roles such as IT support specialist, help desk technician, desktop support technician, field technician, and network administrator. Many employers prefer hiring specialists with CompTIA A+ certification for servicing computer hardware, software, and operating systems.

This certification is provided for individuals who pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002. Each exam covers different essential aspects of the IT industry.

Core 1 (220-1001) includes:

• Hardware: Identifying, using, and connecting hardware components and devices.
• Networking: Understanding types of networks and connections, including TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, and SOHO.
• Mobile Devices: Installing and configuring laptops and other mobile devices.
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing: Comparing and contrasting cloud computing concepts and setting up client-side virtualization.
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting device and network issues.

Core 2 (220-1002) includes:

• Operating Systems: Installing and supporting Windows OS, understanding Mac OS, Linux, and mobile OS.
• Security: Identifying and protecting against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections.
• Software Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting PC and mobile device issues including application security support.
• Operational Procedures: Following best practices for safety, environmental impacts, and communication and professionalism.

But how long does an online A+ certification course take? The duration depends on the topics covered and the trainers available–so you should choose a reputable CompTIA certification training company with enough training centers and instructors to help you finish your training as soon as possible.

How to Study for CompTIA A+ Certification                  

As mentioned above, you must pass the two CompTIA exams to get the A+ certification. 

The Core 1 exam covers mobile devices, cloud computing, virtualization, hardware, technology, and troubleshooting.The Core 2 exam covers software troubleshooting, operating systems installation and configuration, security, and operational procedures. The two exams can be pretty challenging for first-time takers if you do not have the experience or necessary knowledge of the exam topics.

This is why you need to study hard for your CompTIA A+ exam. Here are some of the best ways to study for the CompTIA A+ certification exam:

Get Professional Training

Joining a professional training program is a faster and more effective way to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification. By choosing professional training, you can streamline your study process, stay organized, and increase your chances of success on the CompTIA A+ exam.

At ONLC, you get expert guidance from experienced instructors who help you understand complex concepts quickly and provide real-world insights that are invaluable for your preparation.

ONLC’s CompTIA A+ training program offers several benefits, including structured courses, comprehensive study materials, hands-on labs, and practice exams. These resources help you thoroughly prepare for the exam.

Get CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives

You want to maximize your study efficiency when preparing for the CompTIA A+ exam. Download CompTIA A+ exam objectives to help you understand the most important areas to focus on during your study. You don’t want to be wasting time studying topics that you will likely not be tested on.

With a clear understanding of the exam objectives, you can create a study plan that addresses key areas of hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, security, and troubleshooting.Exam objectives help you make the most of your limited time by studying exam topics. 

You can download your CompTIA A+ 220-1101 and 220-1102 exam objectives from the main CompTIA site.

Study the Materials Thoroughly

Once you know what you need to study, take your time to study the available materials carefully. Then, you can either do it as self-study or join classroom-based training. While studying independently is possible, classroom-based training offers more benefits, like asking for clarifications and understanding complex concepts quickly with the help of expert instructors.

Take the time to carefully study the materials, so you have a solid understanding of the content. Utilize resources, including textbooks, online courses, and practice exams. Make sure to take notes, highlight key points, and revisit challenging topics to improve your understanding.

Whether you choose self-study or classroom-based training, the key is to stay consistent and dedicated to your study routine and he well-prepared for the CompTIA A+ exams.

Get Hands-On Experience

Although there are no prerequisites to getting the CompTIA A+ certification, make sure you have acquired enough hands-on experience. CompTIA recommends eight to twelve months of practice before you take this exam.

At ONLC, we  provide you with a lab where you can practice your skills and gain enough experience. Our virtual labs offer a controlled environment to apply what you’ve learned during the training and work through practical scenarios.

Practice and Learn Time Management

The CompTIA A+ exam includes both performance-based questions (PBQs) and multiple-choice questions. PBQs require you to solve real-world problems using your IT skills, while multiple-choice questions test your theoretical knowledge. You need to practice with both types of questions in order to pass the exam.

During preparation, use practice exams and study guides that include both PBQs and multiple-choice questions. This will help you become familiar with the exam format and improve your problem-solving skills under timed conditions. 

By practicing regularly, you can build confidence, learn to manage time, and increase your chances of passing the CompTIA A+ exam.

Conclusion

The CompTIA A+ certification can open doors to various IT roles and set a solid foundation for your career. Whether you are new to the IT field or looking to validate your existing skills, this certification can be a valuable asset.

By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can effectively prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exam and increase your chances of success.

Talk to ONLC today to learn more about our CompTIA A+ certification training classes.