A popular proverb says, "Practice makes perfect." True, thorough, and constant preparation is key to success in any work. Yet, many people cannot avail of the preparation means as they pay too much attention to unimportant aspects and overlook the core points. A list of things to do and to evade can be very beneficial when preparing for any CompTIA exam and make your preparation much more productive—and getting the CompTIA A+ certification from such a renowned IT vendor as CompTIA is not exceptional. Before we dive into the Dos and Don'ts you should follow to excel in your A+ exams, let's know about the CompTIA A+ exams in detail.
In order to become CompTIA A+ certified, you must pass two exams: the 220-1001 (Core 1) and the 220-1002 (Core 2).
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) Exam Details: The CompTIA A+ 220-1001 exam includes mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and network troubleshooting.
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Exam Details: The CompTIA A+ 220-1002 exam includes installing and configuring operating systems, expanded security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Do's for CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and 220-1002 Exams
1) Know About the Exam Thoroughly
Before registering for the exam, find out the details of the exams. As you know, to achieve the A+ certification, you have to pass two exams – 220-1001 and 220-1002. Each of them comprising of 90 questions lasts for 90 minutes.
To pass the A+ 220-1001 exam, you'll need to obtain at least 675 points, while to succeed in the A+ 220-1002 exam, you need to get 700 points. Each test will cost you $226. We recommend that you refer to the CompTIA A+ study guide and check the vendor's website for all the essential exam information you require.
2) Use Ready-Made Prep Materials
There are a lot of study materials available you can use in your preparation for the exams: from books to video courses, from information on the communities to the practice tests with valid questions and answers that help you evaluate your preparedness before the exams. Begin with the CompTIA's official study resources, where you will come across resources like video training courses, study guides, virtual labs, instructor-led training, to name a few.
Also Read: CompTIA A+ Certification: Pave Your way to Successful Career in Technical Support
3) Identify Your Learning Style
We all have different learning styles that suit our different personalities. Knowing what works for you is extremely important as it can make your preparation more affluent and constructive. For instance, some people grasp new information better in the partnership of others, while some like to studying alone. Working at your own speed and in the manner that is suitable for you is partly to success.
Don'ts for CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and 220-1002 Exams
1) Wrong Expectations
Many people have failed in their CompTIA A+ exams because of their overconfidence. It is pretty common among the applicants who have already succeeded in the IT career. Some of them believe that the A+ exams will be easy as these certification exams include fundamental skills and are designed for a broad array of IT professionals. Preparing for the exams with these false expectations in mind will only result in unfortunate failure, a complete waste of time and money.
2) Memorizing CompTIA A+ Exams Practice Questions And Answers
Preparing with practice tests has its advantages. Still, keep in mind that the questions and answers are designed basically to help you familiarize yourself with the exam syllabus topics and check for gaps in your knowledge. Do not memorize the questions and their answers; they can be different at the real exam. Look for other prep options before taking the CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and 220-1002 exams.
3) Putting off Studied Until the Minute
Since the A+ exams include a broad spectrum of topics, for instance, mobile devices, cloud computing, networking, and networking troubleshooting, virtualization, security, to name a few, you require to dedicate sufficient time to prepare. For that matter, don't delay practicing till a few weeks before the exams. And, as you know, practice is your key to success.
Summary
On your journey to earning the CompTIA A+ certification, you can be overcome with doubts given nature and difficulty level of the exams. But, do not worry; a distinctly specified study method can help you reduce the nervousness before the 220-1001 and 220-1002 exams and improve your confidence. Follow the simple dos and don'ts mentioned in this article while studying for your A+ exams, and you will relish success.