The Path of the PC Tech

Transcription

1 The Path of the PC Tech Chapter 1

2 Overview In this chapter, you will learn how to Explain the importance of gaining skill in managing and troubleshooting PCs Explain the importance of CompTIA A+ certification Describe how to become CompTIA A+ certified

3 Concept of Certifications Required in many professions Automobile mechanic ASE Accountant CPA Certified Certification shows competency Often opens doors Helps get your resume noticed Helps you land the interview

4 Importance of CompTIA A+ Certification There is a long history of vendor-specific certifications for techs HP Certified Professional Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) There was a need for a general certification for PC techs Validate that the tech can maintain, upgrade, and repair PCs CompTIA A+ is that certification

5 What Is CompTIA A+ Certification? Industry-wide, vendor-neutral Sponsored by CompTIA Wide recognition in computer industry Covers nine months of knowledge More than 800,000 CompTIA A+ certified techs worldwide

6 Who Is CompTIA? Nonprofit, industry trade association More than 20,000 member organizations in 102 countries Virtually every company of consequence in the IT industry is a member Offers certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and more See for details

7 The Path to Other Certifications CompTIA Network+ Shows competency as a network technician Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional Shows competency in Microsoft operating systems Cisco Shows competency in routing and switching technologies

8 CompTIA A+ Certification How to become CompTIA A+ certified Pass two computer-based, multiple-choice exams Requires that you pay a fee CompTIA A CompTIA A

9 CompTIA A+ Certification No more Lifetime Certification! Effective January 1, 2011, CompTIA s A+, Security+, and Network+ are no longer certified for life If you passed before this date, you are grandfathered Must retake exam every 3 years OR earn CEU s CEUs gained by attending industry events, training, teaching, or earning higher-level certifications Brings CompTIA s certifications in line with other industry certifications

10 The CompTIA A+ Exams Windows Desktop-centric No Mac, no Linux, no Windows Server, no Windows Mobile Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 will not be covered on either exam

11 Basic Exam Structure Multiple choice questions such as 1. A dot-matrix printer is printing blank pages. What should you check first? A. Printer drivers B. Platen C. Print head D. Ribbon 2. Click on the location of the processor socket in the picture

12 Essentials ( ) Domain Percentage 1.0 PC Hardware 40% 2.0 Networking 27% 3.0 Laptops 11% 4.0 Printers 11% 5.0 Operational Procedures 11% Domains and percentages for the CompTIA A exam

13 Practical Application ( ) Domain 1.0 Operating Systems 2.0 Security 3.0 Mobile Devices 4.0 Troubleshooting Percentage 33% 22% 9% 36% Domains and percentages for the CompTIA A exam

14 What Chapters Cover Each Exam? Objective map in Appendix A Shows exactly where objectives are covered Book focuses on tech skills Expect the chapter to teach you the material fully. Each exam tests at different depths: Identify, install, and configure Maintain and troubleshoot

15 How to Take the Tests Offered by Prometric at testing sites worldwide or Offered by Pearson/VUE at testing sites worldwide PLUS (7587) or Cost of the exams $178 (U.S.) per exam pass or fail Discount vouchers widely available

16 How to Pass the CompTIA A+ Exams Set a date as your goal Set aside enough time for study and lab Use the practice exams on the CD that comes with the book Use good study strategies Write down information in your own handwriting Make flash cards Set aside a special time for study each day