CompTIA Organization

Widely respected for its certification of computer-related education, the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has been providing educational support and certification for the information technology (IT) industry since 1982.

CompTIA A+ Basics

Though CompTIA calls its A+ certification "the industry standard for computer-support technicians," it is, in fact, one of many industry-standard certifications that computer-support technicians may choose to obtain. CompTIA A+ won accreditation by the American National Standards Institute in 2008.

CompTIA A+ Specifics

In 2010, CompTIA A+ certification required a candidate to pass two exams: CompTIA A+ Essentials, exam code 220-701, and CompTIA A+ Practical Application, exam code 220-702.

CompTIA A+ Essentials

The first of these tests, intended to measure the competency of an entry-level IT professional, includes fundamental concepts of computer technology, networks and network security, and other computer basics. It also tests for communication skills and professionalism.

CompTIA A+ Practical Application

The second exam provides a hands-on certification of a computer support technician's ability to apply understanding in a real-world setting, rather than simply on paper. The exam involves troubleshooting scenarios that include asking what tools may be used to address a possible situation.

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CompTIA A+:CompTIA

ANSI accredits CompTIA A+