The material in this chapter is designed to help you prepare and practice for A+ Exams: 220–602, 220–603, and 220–604. The chapter is organized into four sections:
This section provides an overview of the types of questions on the exam. Reviewing this section will help you understand how the actual exam works.
This section provides a numbered list of exercises that you can follow to gain experience in the exam's subject areas. Performing the exercises will help ensure that you have hands-on experience with all areas of the exam.
This section compiles the facts within the exam's subject areas that you are most likely to need another look at—in other words, the areas of study that you might have highlighted while reading the Study Guide. Studying the highlights is useful as a final review before the exam.
This section includes a comprehensive set of practice questions to assess your knowledge of the concepts. The questions are similar in format to the exam. After you've reviewed the Study Guide, performed the Suggested Exercises, and studied the Highlighters Index, read the questions and see whether you can answer them correctly.
Before you take any of the A+ exams, you should review the exam overview, perform the suggested exercises, and go through the practice questions provided. Many online sites provide practice tests for the exam. Duplicating the depth and scope of these practice exams in a printed book isn't possible. Visit CompTIA's certification web site for pointers to online practice tests (http://certification.comptia.org/a).
The objectives for A+ Exams 220–602, 220–603, and 220–604 also include the topics "Safety and Environmental Issues" and "Communications and Professionalism" Refer to Chapter 3 for the Highlighters Index and practice questions on these two topics.
The A+ exams are computer-generated. They are timed; an onscreen timer clock displays the amount of time remaining on the exam. Most questions on the exam are multiple-choice. The multiple-choice questions are either one of the following:
A radio button allows you to select a single answer only.
A checkbox allows you to select multiple answers. Usually the number of correct answers is indicated in the question itself.
CompTIA reserves the right to change the testing techniques at any time. It is recommended that you visit the CompTIA A+ certification web site regularly to get updates on any changes in the exam format. CompTIA has divided the A+ objectives into multiple domains, with each domain covering a defined percentage of objectives. Individuals with adequate hands-on experience who have reviewed the Study Guide, performed the practice exercises, memorized the essentials, and taken practice tests should do well on this type of exam. Individuals who lack adequate hands-on experience and have not prepared appropriately will find the exam hard to pass.
CompTIA suggests the following tips for taking the exam:
Read the questions slowly and carefully.
Do not expect to find clues in every question, though they may be present in some.
Be aware of the distractions/confusions in statements. The first choice is often the best choice.
Do not attempt to create situations based on a question. Your answer should be based on whatever information is provided.
If you are retaking the exam, utilize your previous score report and concentrate on areas that need more study or practice.
If you get stuck, mark and skip the question. You can do it later.
Typically, the test environment will have Previous/Next and Mark For Review options. You can navigate through the test using the Previous/Next buttons. You can click the Mark For Review checkbox to flag a question for later review.