CompTIA A+ Certification Gets Updated for 2009
The CompTIA A+ 2009 version is getting a makeover and receiving some added topics to measuring the skills and knowledge required of an entry-level PC support and service technician. The last revision of the CompTIA A+ exam requirements was back in 2006, and the new updated certification exam requirements definitely provides a clear pictures of what the job duties are for those looking to become CompTIA A+ professionals in our current IT industry. Since the requirements have changed for the certification exam, those looking to take the certification exam this year will have to undergo some A+ training so to get up to speed with the new skills and knowledge added to the enhanced exam.
To help complete the changes, CompTIA sent out surveys to assist in the exam development process and to define the content for the CompTIA A+ Essentials Exam. There were two surveys: one for the proposed "Essentials" exam requirements and the other for the proposed "Technician" exam requirements. Both of the surveys talked about the current draft of the exam requirements and asked for feedback on how important each topic was, and how often a borderline qualified candidate would perform each task. The surveys covered two of the four available CompTIA A+ exams: CompTIA A+ Essentials and CompTIA IT Technician. CompTIA A+ Essentials validates knowledge of basic computer hardware and operating systems. The CompTIA IT Technician exam is targeted for individuals who work or intend to work in a mobile or corporate technical environment with a high level of face-to-face client interaction. Individuals may participate in both surveys. Since the A+ certification exam will feature new knowledge requirements, some CompTIA training would be very helpful learning the new requirements.
While the current certification requirement structure was a draft version that's under construction, a few things stood out from the survey. The new draft was not really that much different from the existing major category domain structure, but there were a number of various new technologies listed, such as Blu-ray, SD cards, DDR3, TV tuner cards, and Bluetooth. Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista were also listed as components, as well as some of the latest Vista technologies. Some of the older networking technologies were dropped and the latest cabling standards were added, while cellular networking was mentioned often. The security section was updated to include encryption, authentication technologies, and updated biometric technologies. There were no online surveys offered to me for Remote Support Technician or Depot Technician, and there were no mentions of either of those designations.
Since nothing is really set in stone yet, there's a lot of time between now and the introduction of the updated exam requirements list, but still familiarize yourself with some of the latest technologies so that you are ready when the new list does come out. Taking an A+ certification training course will definitely help you start thinking and learning about what you might encounter on the new requirements list, as well as teach you the basics that never change on the exam.
A+ Essentials (2009 Edition) - Exam Number 220-701
| Domain | Percentage of Examination |
| 1.0 Hardware | 27% |
| 2.0 Troubleshooting, Repair, Maintenance | 20% |
| 3.0 Operating System and Hardware | 20% |
| 4.0 Networking | 15% |
| 5.0 Security | 8% |
| 6.0 Operational Procedure | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
A+ IT Technician (2009 Edition) - Exam Number 220-702
| Domain | Percentage of Examination |
| 1.0 Hardware | 37% |
| 2.0 Operating Systems | 36% |
| 3.0 Networking | 15% |
| 4.0 Security | 12% |
| Total | 100% |
