CompTIA unveils streamlined A+ exams

Trade body rejigs flagship qualification and aims to provide prospective IT staff with comprehensive skill set

Top marks: passing A+ requires more than 500 hours of practical lab or field work

Trade body CompTIA has updated its flagship A+ certification to help meet the changing needs of entry-level IT professionals in a tough market.

The new qualification will retain its vendor independence and will consist of two tests: Essentials and Practical Applications. It will be available across the globe and aims to add to the 725,000-strong base of people already holding an A+ certificate.

Terry Erdle, CompTIA's senior vice president of skills development 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 role or responsibility."

The Essentials exam covers the basics of computer, networking and security technology, as well as operating systems. Communication skills and professionalism are also dealt with, and the test requires at least 500 hours of hands-on lab or field work.

The Practial Applications segment is even more focused on hands-on experience. It covers problematic scenarios where tools and troubleshooting techniques must be used to overcome difficulties.

Both exams must be passed to obtain A+ certification and an updated list of objectives is now available to download. Previous incarnations of the A+ exam line-up can still be taken until 31 July next year to allow those whose studies are already under way to complete their course as planned.

CompTIA's European vice president Matthew Poyiadgi claimed A+ was a solid grounding for any tech support worker. "A+ is increasingly popular as it is recognised as one of the best way to validate skills,” he said. “Its universal content makes it a solid basis for any IT professional’s skill set."