CompTia updates A+ certifications

CompTia's new exams are available worldwide

IT certifications organisation CompTia today launched an update to its flagship certification CompTia A+, designed to give tech support staff a qualification which accurately reflects their changing job requirements.

The updated version of CompTIA A+, which is available worldwide, consists of two tests: CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-701) and CompTIA A+ Practical Applications (220-702).

The new CompTIA A+ Essentials exam is intended to assess the skills of an entry-level IT professional with a minimum of 500 hours of hands-on work experience in the lab or field, according to the organisation.

The exam covers the fundamentals of computer technology, operating systems, networking and security, as well as communication skills and professionalism.

The CompTIA A+ Practical Applications exam, as the name suggests, is more hands-on oriented, covering scenarios in which troubleshooting and tools must be applied to resolve problems.

Terry Erdle, senior vice president of skills development at CompTIA, said: “The new exams are streamlined, yet still deliver a comprehensive measurement of the core skills and knowledge required of all entry-level IT professionals regardless of their job role or responsibility."

Candidates must pass both exams to become A+ certified, said CompTia.

Prior versions of the CompTIA A+ exams are available until 31 July 2010 to allow candidates currently studying to complete their courses.