CompTIA will be releasing objectives for the next version of A+ exams soon.
The current version is 801/802 and the next version will likely be 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.
However, 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?
- 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 900 series materials come out, you’ll have likely already completed the CompTIA trio of A+, Network+, and Security+.
- Only if you want to delay your career advancement.
- 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?
- No. As long as you don’t wait too long.
You typically have as long as 8 months to take the next exam in the current series after the new exams go live.
- No. As long as you don’t wait too long.
- 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?
- 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?
- Absolutely. If not, then you would be asked questions about Windows 3.1 from the 100 series exams.
- How do I know what’s different?
- You could 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.
Predicting the Future
As I write this, CompTIA has not released the 900 series objectives to the general public.
Based on CompTIA’s history, the 900 series of exams will likely go live in December, 2015, though they will release the objectives much earlier.
Update. CompTIA announced the 900 series exams will go live December 15, 2015.
The 800 series of exams will likely expire in August 2016.
Update. CompTIA announced the 800 series exams (English version) will expire on June 30, 2016.
Remember though, I’m just guessing based on history, the number of shooting stars I saw in the Perseid meteor shower*, and my expertise in tasseography**.
Note that while I’m guessing right now, I can edit this whenever I want to to make my guesses look surprisingly prescient. I can even delete this note.
Still, the primary message is the same.
- Don’t worry about what might happen in the future.
- Take action now, in the present.
* Note: It was a great show, but remembering the quote “Wine is proof that God loves us,” I’m not sure that my count was accurate.
** Note: I know nothing of tasseography other than a guess at how to spell it.
I have been going over the material from professor messer’s website. i have a full time job and have have not held a prior job in the tech industry. While your response to Aran above makes perfect sense, i dont believe i will be able to spend on getting those exam vouchers anytime soon.Do you recommend i start reviewing materials for the 900 series on the professor’s website?
I’ve literally just started studying for the 800 series and I figure it’s going to take me quite a while to prepare for the exam because I’m relatively new to this and don’t have much time to study. Are the series generally different enough from each other that it wouldn’t be worthwhile studying for the 800 series in the mean time while I wait for books on the 900 series to come out?
> Are the series generally different enough from each other that it wouldn’t be worthwhile studying for the
> 800 series in the mean time while I wait for books on the 900 series to come out?
They are different, but they are similar.
If you think it’ll take you longer than six months to study for the exams, then you would be a step ahead if you start studying something now.
I have another question, on CompTIA website I read that the 900 series is going to launch on December 15th, does that mean that the 800 series will expire at that time?
No. The CompTIA site indicates the 800 series exams expire on June 30, 2016.
Hi
I was concerned about something and was wondering if you can help me
I wrote the 801 exam back in March this year.
And I will write 802 in December, next month
Is there a problem in this? I mean the long period between the two tests?
I appreciate your time
Hi Renad,
No, not a problem at all.
However, you can’t mix and match 800 and 900 series exams. If you wait until the 800 series exams expire, you’ll have to take both exams (901 and 902)
Very insightful material, and just what I needed to encourage me to push on and not delay in anticipation.
A+ for your A+ materials!
Good luck with your studies.