CompTIA released the new A+ 900 series exam objectives.
The current version is 801/802 and the newer version is 901/902.
This update is inline with CompTIAs practice of updating their certifications about every three years. This is a good thing. You wouldn’t want to be taking a test covering Windows 95 and antiquated hardware.
At a high level, the exams include:
- Security: Supporting and securing access to data by properly using authentication, access control and encryption for an organization. Help desk and technical support professionals form one of the first lines of defense for any organization.
- Networking: Applying core concepts and protocols such as IPv4, IPv6, DHCP, and subnet mask to set up and support wired and wireless networks.
- Operating Systems: Working with mobile, server and traditional operating systems from Android and iOS to Windows and Linux.
- IT Operations: Utilizing the basics of virtualization, cloud computing, desktop imaging and deployment to support today’s IT infrastructures.
- Troubleshooting: Following and using decision trees for diagnosing, resolving and documenting common hardware and software issues across a variety of devices.
- Technical Support: Applying principles of customer service to help resolve IT issues.
220-901
CompTIA A+ 220-901 covers PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking and troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity issues.
A passing score is 675 on a scale of 900.
220-902
CompTIA A+ 220-902 covers installing and configuring operating systems including Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux. It also addresses security, the fundamentals of cloud computing and operational procedures.
Note that Windows 10 is not mentioned specifically. CompTIA states that doesn’t mean that a tech is exempt from knowing how to support Windows 10, but they won’t be tested on functionality unique to Windows 10.
A passing score is 700 on a scale of 900.
This type of update always generates a lot of questions and I’m already receiving some. Here are a few:
I'm thinking of earning the A+ certification. Should I wait for the 900 series exams?
I’m thinking of earning the A+ certification. Should I wait for the 900 series exams?
- Only if you want to delay your career advancement. Carpe Certum! Seize the cert today.
- Materials are available for the 800 series exams, but it will take time for vendors and publishers to create new materials for the 900 series exams.
- Pass the 800 series exams now, and by the time the 900 series materials come out, you may have likely already completed the CompTIA trio of A+, Network+, and Security+.
When the 900 series exams go live, will it invalidate my tests for the 800 series?
When the 900 series exams go live, will it invalidate my tests for the 800 series?
- No.
- If you’ve taken one of the 800 series exams, keep studying and take the next one. You’ll then be A+ certified.
- Keep learning and updating your certifications and you’ll keep the A+ certification indefinitely.
Will I be forced to take the 900 series exams despite passing one of the 800 series exams?
Will I be forced to take the 900 series exams despite passing one of the 800 series exams?
- No. As long as you don’t wait too long.
- The 800 series exams (English version) expire on June 30, 2016. As long as you take both 800 series exams by then, you will be A+ certified.
Can I take one 800 series exam and one 900 series exam?
Can I take one 800 series exam and one 900 series exam?
- No. You can’t mix and match.
- Either take both 800 series exams, or both 900 series exams.
I'm studying for the 800 series exams. Will the 900 series exams be different?
I’m studying for the 800 series exams. Will the 900 series exams be different?
- Absolutely. If not, then you would be asked questions about Windows 3.1 from the 100 series exams.
- Think back. How old were you when Windows 3.1 came out in 1992? Do you want to be tested on Windows 3.1? Probably not.
- As an example, the 900 series exams adds in iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux operating systems.
How do I know what's different?
How do I know what’s different?
- You can compare the exam objectives side-by-side and identify the differences.
- Also, I typically post the differences for many certifications in a blog post so you can search on differences within this site.
Do You Have 901/902 Study Materials?
Question: Do You Have 901/902 Study Materials?
Answer: Not at this time but we are working on creating study materials for these exams.
I expect to have 220-901 study resources online by the end of May and 220-902 study resources online by the end of June.
The A+ 801/802 exams expire on June 30th.
Microsoft changed publishers for The CompTIA A+ Training Kit (Exam 220-801 and Exam 220-802) (Microsoft Press Training Kit). The new publisher chose not to update the book for the 900 series exams. I am trying to get the rights back to publish new materials, but they likely won’t give me them back to me until after June 30th.
Hi Darril,
Im a bog fan. When and where I can find the A+ 900 series books/ study guide and so on?
Thanks in advance.
I added a FAQ here. It is a cut and paste from this page of frequently asked questions.
Hi. Are you going to update your “CompTIA A+ 220-801 & 220-802 Training Kit” with the new objectives from the new version 220-901 & 220-902?
Thanks.
Probably not as a MS Press book due to changes in the publisher. However, I may still publish an A+ 900 series course online once the original publisher releases my rights.