CompTIA A+ 220-601 Essentials

The only Mandatory exam for either of the 2006 A+ certifications. It all starts here!

220-601 Essentials - the new A+ Essentials exam now serves as the starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about computers, get certified and begin an IT career regardless of the direction.

The main audience for this exam will be those looking to achieve the new A+ designations of “IT Technician”, “Remote Support Technician” or “Depot Technician”. 220-601 Essentials is the foundational and only mandatory exam for all three designations.

Out with the Old and In with the New

This exam covers all the basics of hardware and operating systems that the previous A+ exams covered although the emphasis on older legacy operating systems such as Windows 3.11 and 95 have been dropped in favour of more recent versions which are in use today.

Similarly on the hardware side there have also been significant upgrades to bring the syllabus up to date with more commonly used technology such as wireless networking, USB and firewire interfaces, PCI Express graphics technology and even IPv6.

The most notable additions to the new A+ certifications have to be the coverage of non technical skills and awareness of topics such as – security, environmental and safety issues and customer/user communication. 220-601 Essentials covers these as it does all other topics at a very foundational ‘across the board’ level. The actual exam objectives are as follow:

220-601 Essentials Objectives (or ‘Domains’ as they’re called)

The exam objectives for 220-601 Essentials are:

• Personal Computer Components
• Laptop and Portable Devices
• Operating Systems
• Printers and Scanners
• Networks
• Security
• Safety and Environmental Issues
• Communication and Professionalism

220-601 Essentials Exam Details

The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions with a passmark of 675/900. The recommended experience (recommended by CompTIA) is ‘entry level’ so there is no real way of telling what level of prior knowledge is required. Like any exam you should make sure you go in fully over prepared to avoid disappointment and expensive retakes.

If you are unsure of your readiness I strongly recommend you take some practice tests to gauge your readiness. Preplogic are widely known for providing the most effective practice questions available. You can download a free trial of their 220-601 Essentials test questions here (about half way down the left side of the page).

220-601 Essentials Training

The best method of preparing for 220-601 Essentials is really down to the individual. There are numerous methods, personally I like a combination of books, video training, practice questions and Q & A on message board forums.

Books

There are a few books you can choose from, different people will recommend different authors, although when it comes to A+ study books the most popular author by quite some margin is the undisputed king of CompTIA Mike Meyers.

Mike has brought out a comprehensive study guide to all 4 of the new A+ exams complete with CD ROM of videos and even some test questions as well. You can find out more about Mike Meyers' "A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide" here. To find out more about several different A+ books (including Mike Meyers’) click the link below:

Click here to view A+ 2006 Study books.

Video – CBT Training.

Some people prefer more interactive video based training. Watching a video is closer to classroom training, actually seeing a human explain and demonstrate things can help you learn a lot faster than reading the same sentences over and over again.

For the more visual learners this type of training is probably more preferable. I personally learn a lot more easily and quickly this way. Because I like to do my studying early in the morning before work as opposed to in the evening after a day’s work. I’m a lot more receptive to watching a training video with my coffee and cornflakes than reading a book.

For best of the best video (and audio) training I recommend you check out Preplogic, there are many other highly revered training companies out there who’s products use Preplogic technology. They offer some nice package deals on training, practice tests and discount exam vouchers for those looking for a good all-in-one solution. Click here to find out more about Preplogic study guides and packages.

220-601 Essentials Conclusion

So to round up the 220-601 Essentials exam is a welcome step in a new direction from CompTIA. At long last there is a highly recognised entry level IT certification that covers the most important aspects of entry level computer jobs- ‘soft skills’ and security/environmental skills.

As well as a mandatory part of the new A+ certification 220-601 Essentials is also a perfect first step for anyone embarking on an IT career. If you want to get ahead of the competition by developing the relevant skills employers actually look for get started on A+ 220-601 Essentials today!

Recommended study guides for A+ certification.

Preplogic practice exam questions and software based training.

220-602 IT Technician Exam.