Comptia (A+) Certifications
Dateline: 10/24/1998
Several individuals have emailed me with questions about the A+ certification.
This article provides information on the A+ certification and other certifications offered
by Computing
Technology Industry Association(CompTIA). CompTIA is an industry trade
association with more than 7,500 members. CompTIA was founded in 1982. CompTIA's
mission is to foster high levels of professional competence and business ethics among our
members and the computer industry.
The certifications that CompTIA offer are:
A+
Certified
Document Imaging Architech
Network+
The A+ certification is offered for entry-level(6 months experience) service technicians The test, which is given by Sylvan Prometric, was first available in July 1993. The test has undergone a complete revision of the exams on July 31, 1998. The test does not cover any vendor-specific products. The test covers a broad range of hardware and software technologies. To earn the certification you must two parts, the Core and the Microsoft DOS/Windows module. If you currently have the A+ certification it is not necessary to retake the new test to remain certified.
The exams may be retaken if failed, but the Core and DOS/Windows portion must be passed within 90 calendar days of each other. If you do not pass both exams in a 90 day timeframe,the Core exam must be retaken.
The two test to earn the A+ certification are:
| Test 1 | Core Objectives |
| Test 2 | DOS/Windows Objectives |
Certified Document Imaging Architech
The Certified Document Imaging Architech(CDIA) is offered for individuals involved in mastery-level document imaging.The questions for the test were written by experts in the field of document imaging and management. To earn this certification, you pass one exam which is administered by Sylvan Prometric. There are 68 multiple-choice questions and the exam is one hour long. A score of 77% is required to pass the exam. Some of the areas covered on the exam are: Input/Capture, Display, Storage, and Communications.
The Network+(formerly IT Skills) will be available in April, 1999. It is a company-neutral, industry-wide recognition of networking skills. It is the next step from the A+ certification. The exam is still under development.
Listed below is a book that provides information on the A+ exam:
A+ Certification Success Guide
By Sarah T. Parks, Bob Kalman
This book provides helpful hints on obtaining the A+ certification.
Conclusion
I'll be back next week with more things to do and places to go. If you have any questions or topic suggestions, let me know or submit feedback.
Also, please visit the NEW Computer Certification Bulletin Board. This Bulletin Board will allow you to ask and answer questions about Computer Certifications.
See you next time.
