A+ Certification is a testing program sponsored by the Computer Technology Industry Association ( CompTIA) that certifies the competency of entry-level service technicians in the computer industry. Anyone who wants an internationally recognised credential as a competent entry-level computer service professional can take the A+ examination.
Major computer hardware and software vendors including Microsoft, Lotus and Novell support the A+ certification as do distributors, resellers and publications. The test, which is administered by Thomson Prometric or VUE, was first available 1993, with the next revision of the exam expected in late 2006 (the current revision is 2003).
To become certified, you must pass two tests -- the Core Hardware and the Operating System module. When both the Core and the Operating System portions are passed, the candidate receives the A+ designation.
Network+
Like A+ this is a vendor independent certification from CompTIA
A+ Resources
A+ Training Kits and Books
As with most certifications there are a large number of very poor books, some of the A+
books are very bad value for money and are of little help in passing the test. Most of the
books concentrate on the PC hardware exam and there is much less coverage of the
Operating System Technologies exam. Since the scope of these two tests is very broad books which have been
written specifically for the exam represent a much better buy than the more general PC
hardware type of book. Microsoft’s and ExamCram's books are the best.
Microsoft
A+ Certification Training Kit 0-7356-0635-8
Crammers
If (or when) you think you know it all an exam crammer book will focus you for the exam.
Exam Cram
A+ Exam Cram 1-57610-241-6
Web sites
Check (and follow the links from) www.cramsession.com.
Test simulators
Not needed.