CompTIA A+

2006 vs. 2009

Essentials Examination220-601

Domain % of Exam1.0 Personal Computer Components 21%

2.0 Laptop and Portable Devices 11%

3.0 Operating Systems 21%4.0 Printers and Scanners 9%5.0 Networks 12%6.0 Security 11%7.0 Safety and Environmental Issues 10%

8.0 Communication and Professionalism 5%

Total 100%

220-701Domain % of Exam

1.0 Hardware 27%2.0 Troubleshooting, Repair & Maintenance 20%

3.0 Operating System and Software 20%

4.0 Networking 15%5.0 Security 8%6.0 Operational Procedure 10%

Total 100%

Additions in 220-701: Domain 1

Solid state storage. Blu-Ray optical disks. eSATA Processor sockets. Processor ID, # of cores, 32 vs. 64 bit. Biometrics. Touch screen, KVM, resolution & refresh. Cellular WAN.

Objectives in 220-701: Domain 2

Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory. Given a scenario, explain and interpret common

hardware and operating system symptoms and their causes.

Given a scenario, determine the troubleshooting methods and tools for printers.

Given a scenario, explain and interpret common laptop issues and determine the appropriate basic troubleshooting method.

Given a scenario, integrate common preventative maintenance techniques

Domain 3 Emphasis220-601

Windows 2000, Windows XP.

General discussion of system utilities.

General discussion of disk file systems and traits.

Diagnostic procedures and trouble shooting techniques.

220-701 Windows 2000, Windows

XP, Windows Vista. Detailed discussion of

expanded system utility list.

Detailed description of file systems, their use and management.

Data migration and system recovery tools and procedures.

Networking Objectives Increased detail of media types including

termination and installations. Major use of scenario type questions to

show understanding of protocol use. Discussion of wireless setup including MAC

filtering and DHCP settings.

Security New technologies and techniques. More situational and scenario questions. Less changes in content than most

objectives.

Safety and Environment More focus on causes of safety issues and

environmental situations. Physical safety scenarios (lifting, heat, etc.) Cable management and tripping hazards. ESD, EMI & RFI.

Communications & Professionalism

Positive attitude. Cultural sensitivity. Personal distractions. Time management.

A+ Practical Application Test

220-702

220-702 Objectives Hardware Operating Systems Networking Security

Hardware Additions Details and comparison of RAID levels. Capture cards (TV & video). Media readers. Specialty testers (power supply, cable, etc.).

OS Additions Expanded CLI utilities and their use. OS version differences in directory

structures including system file locations. Aero settings. UAC

Networking Additions TCP/IP settings. Proxy settings. Router/Access Point configuration. Consumer VoIP. Basic firewall configuation.

Security Additions BIOS security. Vista User Access Control (UAC). User and Group security. Permission propagation. Education of users.

2006 to 2009 Transition

BR0-003

Bridge Exam Same objectives as 220-701. Single test over new material. End of lifetime cert.

Open Discussion

Q & A