CompTIA

A+ certification
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a non-profit trade association,
was created in 1982 as the Association of Better Computer Dealers, Inc. (ABCD) by
representatives of five microcomputer dealerships. Over the course of a decade, ABCD laid the
groundwork for many of CompTIA’s initiatives and member benefits.

ABCD later changed its name to the Computing Technology Industry Association to reflect the
association's evolving role in the computer industry and in the U.S. business landscape at large.
The 1990s were a period of growth as the association broadened the scope of its activities to
address the needs of the expanding computer industry. Its initiatives increased to include the
networking, UNIX, imaging, mobile computing, and multimedia arenas. In an effort to monitor
and take positions on public policy issues, the association added a full‐time Director of Public
Policy position.

Currently, it is known as a provider of professional certifications for the information technology

(IT) industry. CompTIA chairs and manages the Initiative for Software Choice.

 1 Current certifications
o 1.1 A+ certification
o 1.2 Network+
o 1.3 Security+
o 1.4 Server+
o 1.5 CTT+
o 1.6 CDIA+
o 1.7 Linux+
o 1.8 Project+
o 1.9 RFID+
o 1.10 CTP+
o 1.11 PDI+
 2 Discontinued certifications
o 2.1 CEA-CompTIA DHTI+
o 2.2 e‐Biz+
o 2.3 HTI+
o 2.4 i‐Net+
o 2.5 Convergence+
Current certifications

CompTIA administers its certification exams through Pearson VUE and Prometric testing
centers. In addition to certification, CompTIA also provides corporate membership.

In April 2007, CompTIA's "A+", "Network+", and "Security+" certifications became accredited
by the American National Standards Institute.

In January 2010 these ANSI/ISO approved certifications fundamentally had their conditions
changed from lifetime certifications to certifications that will expire every three years. Current
certificate holders will still have valid certs for life, but any new certifications earned after
December 31, 2010 will expire every three years.[1]

A+ certification

The CompTIA A+ Logo

The A+ certification demonstrates competency as a computer technician. Officially, CompTIA

A+ certification is a vendor neutral certification, that covers numerous technologies and
operating systems from such vendors as Microsoft, Apple Inc., Novell and some of the Linux
variations. The A+ certification exam was developed in 1993. There have been four versions of
the A+ exam, the 1993, 2003, 2006, and 2009 objectives, which are broken down into two
separate exams. The 2003 objectives contained the A+ Core Hardware Exam and the A+ Core
Operating System Technologies Exam, and were retired on June 30, 2007. The 2006 objectives
require that a candidate successfully pass the A+ Essentials and one elective: IT technician,
remote support technician, or depot technician. The 2009 certification requires passing two
exams: Essentials and Practical Application.

The A+ exam is intended for information technology professionals who have the equivalent of
500 hours of hands on experience. The exams are computer based and composed of multiple
choice questions, of which there may be more than one correct answer. Over 800,000 people
have earned the A+ credential worldwide, to date.

Topics of the Essentials/Core examination include IRQs, direct memory access, and practical
computer repair, including the installation and repair of hard drives, modems, network cards,
CPUs, power supplies, PDAs, and printers. The focus of the exam is not theory, but practice.
Sometimes graphics are used in exam questions. Topics included in the Operating Systems Exam
include memory management, configuration files, and historical operating environments rather
than newer, cutting edge technologies.

In September 2006, the CompTIA A+ test was updated so that the test taker must take the
CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-601) test along with one of three other tests (220-602, 220-603, or
220-604). Each of these elective exams offers candidates the opportunity to specialize their A+
certification to match their desired career path.

With the introduction of the 2006 A+ exam, candidates were offered a grace period whereby
both the 2003 and 2006 versions were available. As of June 2007, the 2003 version of exams is
no longer available in the United States. In some countries, the grace period was extended to
December 2007. The 2003 version was also extended in cases where the A+ certification exam
was included in a course of study. Also, most legacy support questions have been excluded. The
existing CompTIA A+ 600 series exams remain relevant and are in use by organizations and
educational institutions throughout the world. The regular, non-academic English version of
these exams retired in the U.S. and Canada on February 28, 2010. The educational versions of
these exams (JK0-601, JK0-602, JK0-603 and JK0-604), as well as the German, Korean, Arabic,
Chinese and Japanese translations of the 220-601 through 220-604 CompTIA A+
exams,remained in the market for use until August 31, 2010.[2]

The A+ certification along with Network+ may be used to qualify as an elective for Microsoft's
MCSA and MCSE certification.[3]

In order to receive CompTIA A+ certification a candidate must pass two exams. The first exam
is CompTIA A+ Essentials, exam number 220-701. The CompTIA A+ Essentials examination
measures necessary competencies for an entry-level IT professional with the equivalent
knowledge of at least 500 hours of hands-on experience in the lab or field. Successful candidates
will have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology,
networking, and security, and will have the skills required to identify hardware, peripheral,
networking, and security components. Successful candidates will understand the basic
functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology, practice proper
safety procedures, and will effectively interact with customers and peers. CompTIA A+ is ISO
17024 Accredited (Personnel Certification Accreditation) and, as such, undergoes regular
reviews and updates to the exam objectives.

Network+
See also, Network Plus Certification on Wikibooks.

The Network + Logo used for certified programs, repair shops, contractors, and technicians

Network+ is a certification that is used to measure skill as a network technician: understanding

of network hardware, installation, and troubleshooting. Network+ was first launched in 1999,
and exam updates followed in 2002, 2005, and 2009. Topics include network hardware,
connections, software, the OSI Reference model, and different protocols used in local area
networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). CompTIA recommends the A+ certification
and nine months networking experience before sitting for the exam, but is not required.
Network+ prepares one for continuing to Microsoft certifications and Cisco certifications. A
combination A+/Network+, A+/Server+, or (just) Security+ certification can fulfill the elective
exam requirement of the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification.[4]

Security+
See also, Security Plus Certification on Wikibooks.

Security+ is a certification dealing with computer security topics such as cryptography and
access control, as well as business-related topics such as disaster recovery and risk management.
It was developed in 2002 to address the rise of security issues. A new and updated version was
released in 2008. Currently and according to CompTIA, there are more than 45,000 people
around the world who have earned this certification.[5] It is recommended that candidates have
two years of security‐related work experience (although not a requirement) and pass the 100
question multiple choice exam.

The Security+ exam can be applied as an elective to the MCSA: Security and the MCSE: Security
specializations from Microsoft. For United States Department of Defense employees, DoDD
8570, IAT Level II certification guidelines lists Security+ as one of four choices (the others
being GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC), Security Certified Network Professional
(SCNP), and Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP).[6]

Server+

Server+ is CompTIA's certification that focuses on server-specific hardware and operating

systems, and certifies technical knowledge in areas such as RAID, SCSI, and multiple CPUs, as
well as capabilities with server issues, including disaster recovery. It was developed in 2001,
with updates that followed in 2005 and 2009. The eight domains of the Server+ exam are
General Server Hardware Knowledge, Installation, Configuration, Upgrading, Proactive
Maintenance, Environment Troubleshooting and Problem Determination, and Disaster
Recovery. A combination A+/Network+, A+/Server+ or Security+ certifications can fulfill the
elective exam requirement for the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
certification.

CTT+

The Certified Technical Trainer or CTT+ certification is a vendor‐neutral certification that is

applicable to training professionals in all industries. It proves the mastery of core instructor
skills, including preparation, presentation, communication, facilitation, and evaluation in a
classroom environment. The challenging CTT+ exam consists of two parts: a computer‐based
exam (CBT) and a video‐based exam (VBT).

CTT+ certification can be used as proof of instructional expertise for the following industry
certifications: ACI (Adobe Certified Instructor), MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer), and CNI
(Certified Novell Instructor).
CDIA+

Certified Document Imaging Architect, or CDIA+, is a certification for competency in

document imaging, document management, and enterprise content management. It certifies that
one has the skills necessary to develop a system for scanning, storing, and retrieving digital
versions of documents and is currently the only industry recognized certification in this area.

Linux+

Linux+ is a certification of knowledge of Linux operating systems, from their installation and
use to the basics of applicable free software and open source licenses.

The Linux+ exam is intended for information technology professionals who have between six to
twelve months of practical experience using Linux. The exam is broken down into several areas
of Linux expertise: installation, management, configuration, security, documentation, and
hardware.

The test is a computer‐based multiple-choice exam, with a question followed by four possible
answers, at least one (but possibly more) of which must be correct. Common subject matter for
exam topics include installation methods, boot loader configuration, managing packages (Debian
and RPM management systems are covered), navigating directories via the command line, using
the bash shell, security considerations, network administration (including TCP/IP configuration),
mounting file systems (such as NFS, SMB or ext3) and managing configuration files for the
more common applications that Linux servers are expected to run. Although configuring and
running the X Window system is included in the formal exam objectives, there are rarely any
questions pertaining to this as the exam focuses on Linux as a server and network operating
system rather than for use as a desktop platform.

The Linux+ exam has undergone some criticism since its inception,[7] due to the excessive
amount of hardware‐related questions that were on the exam initially, many of which were
covered on the A+ exam. The newest version of the exam, available as of February 2005, does
away with this problem.

CompTIA began the process of updating the Linux+ certification in July, 2008. The update
process began with a Job Task Analysis (JTA), in which Linux subject matter experts evaluate
the job roles and tasks for IT professionals who work with open source operating systems. The
information is used to update the exam objectives and items. The exam is 90 minutes in duration
and consists of 98 questions with a passing score of 675 out of 900.

The new LPI (Linux Professional Institute) powered Linux+ replaced the old CompTIA Linux+
on October 31, 2010, it consists of two exams (LX0-101, and LX0-102), 60 questions each. The
exam is 90 minutes long, and requires a 500 on a scale of 200-800 to pass.
Project+

Project+ is a certification showing that one has the knowledge needed to manage projects.
CompTIA claims that Project+ is a globally recognized project management certification that
provides validation of fundamental project management skills. Curriculum covers the entire
project life cycle from initiation and planning through execution, acceptance, support and
closure. The exam is 90 minutes in duration and consists of 100 questions with a passing score of
710 out of 900 according to the CompTIA website.[8]

This certification was previously named IT Project+.[9]

RFID+

Radio Frequency Identification or RFID+ tests the knowledge and skills necessary for
working with radio-frequency identification technology. The exam is 90 minutes in duration and
consists of 81 questions with a passing score of 630 out of 900.

CTP+

Convergence Technologies Professional or CTP+ replaces the Convergence+ exam.[10]

CompTIA CTP+ is an international, vendor-neutral exam that validates the core knowledge and
skills IT professionals need to sell and service convergent technologies. CompTIA offers this
exam in conjunction with Certification Partners, LLC, who created the original CTP exam. CTP+
covers basic requirements analysis, implementation and management of basic data components
and voice and multimedia applications, as well as basic problem analysis and resolution for
convergent technologies. Although not a prerequisite for CompTIA CTP+ certification, it is
recommended that candidates are CompTIA Network+ certified or have equivalent knowledge,
as well as roughly 24 months of work experience in areas that include data networking,
telephony and convergence-related technologies.

PDI+

Printing and Document Imaging or PDI+ is an entry-level, vendor-neutral certification

proving competence in basic maintenance of printers, scanners, copiers and fax machines. The
certification is recognized by several industry leaders, including Canon, Sharp and Xerox, as a
benchmark certification for professionals that service and support document imaging devices.

PDI+ covers a technician's understanding of basic electromechanical components and tools, print
engine and scan processes and components, color theory, connectivity and networking. The
exam also covers soft skills such as customer service, professionalism, safety and environment.
While there are no prerequisites for the CompTIA PDI+ certification exam, it is recommended
that entry-level candidates have foundation-level knowledge or hands-on experience working
with printing and document imaging devices. The PDI+ Beta Exam was available from July 24
through August 31, 2007. The live exam became available on January 7, 2008.[11]
Discontinued certifications
CEA-CompTIA DHTI+

The DHTI+ was a vendor-neutral certification that demonstrated a technician's ability to

configure, integrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and comprehend the basic design concepts of
electronic and digital home systems.[12] The DHTI+ was retired on December 31, 2009. No
replacement certification has been announced.

e‐Biz+

The e‐Biz+ certification covers basic knowledge about e‐commerce. The e‐Biz+ certification
was discontinued in English on December 31, 2005, but it can still be taken in Japanese or
Korean.

HTI+

The HTI+ certification for home technology integrators was retired in 2007[13] and replaced by
the CEA-CompTIA DHTI+ certification.

i‐Net+

The i‐Net+ certification deals with basic knowledge of Internet, intranet, extranet, and electronic
commerce technologies. Topics on the exam include distinguishing between server‐side and
client‐side scripting, basic networking via command line, e‐commerce, and e-business, security
via digital signatures, copyright licenses (including the GPL), and basic HTML coding. The i‐
Net+ certification was retired on December 31, 2007. Those who currently have the i‐Net+
certification continue to be certified.

Convergence+

The CTP+ certification replaces Convergence+ as CompTIA's convergent technologies exam.

CompTIA Convergence+ was available through Oct. 31, 2010.[14]

Controversy

Despite marketing their flagship A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications as lifetime
certifications for over 10 years, in January 2010 CompTIA changed their status to expiring every
three years. Certified individuals will now have to either re-sit exams or pay a yearly
maintenance fee for a CEU (Continuing Education Units) system.[15] Some certified members felt
this broke the conditions of the original contract they entered into with CompTIA and effectively
showed CompTIA reneging on a deal.[16] However, less than a month after making this
announcement, CompTIA reversed its decision, and will only make certificates received as of
January 1, 2011 expire after 3 years