CompTIA Certifications

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a non-profit organization that is composed of over 8000 members. CompTIA offers non-vendor specific entry-level certifications such as the A+, Network +, I-net +, Server +, Linux +, IT  Project +, and the CTT+.

 A+ Certification

The A+ certification indicates that an individual is a certified as a PC technician. Aimed at individuals with six months of industry experience, the A+ certification is non-vendor specific, and requires an individual to pass two examinations. At the present time,  there are over 350,000 A+ certified people worldwide.

The core hardware examination (220 -- 201) covers such topics as motherboards, CPUs and networking. This examination contains 70 questions which must be answered within 90-minute timeframe. In order to pass this examination you must receive a score of at least 683.

 The A+ OS technologies examination (220 -- 202) covers such topics as Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows NT 4. Originally, this examination was to contain some Linux, however, with the Linux + certification on the horizon, they chose to leave Linux out of  the A+ OS technologies exam. This examination contains 70 questions that must be answered within 90 minutes. In order to pass this examination you must receive a score of at least 614.

 Network + Certification

The Network + certification indicates that an individual has a technical knowledge of networking. Aimed at individuals with six months of industry experience, the Network + certification is non-vendor specific, and requires an individual to pass one examination. This examination covers such topics as cabling, topology, and connectivity.

 The Network + certification examination (NK-N11-001) consists of 65 questions that must be answered within 90 minutes. In order to pass the exam you need to score at least 752.

 There are many benefits to Network + certification:

1.         Novell now accepts the Network+ certification as an exemption for their Networking Technology exam towards their CNE designation.

 2.         Lotus now accepts the Network + certification as an exemption from their Networking Competency requirements for their CLP Domino Messaging Administration R4 certification.

 3.         Regions College now accepts the Network+ certification as college credit towards their Bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) degree.

 4.         Intel now accepts Network + certification as an exemption for their Intel's Technology Essentials exam towards the Intel Certified Integration Specialist (ICI S) and Intel Certified Solutions Consultant (ICSC) designations.

 I-net + Certification

The I-net + certification indicates that an individual is knowledgeable of Internet technologies. Aimed at individuals with six months of industry experience, the I-net + certification is non-vendor specific and requires an individual to pass only one examination. This examination covers such topics as TCP/IP, HTML, and connectivity.

 The I-net + (IKO-001) examination consists of 72 questions that must be answered within a 90 minutes. In order to pass this exam you must score at least 73%.

 Regents College awards college credits to I-net + certified individuals towards a bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS).

 Server + Certification

Server + certification indicates that an individual is knowledgeable of server technologies. Aimed at individuals with six months of industry experience the Server + certification is non-vendor specific and requires an individual to pass only one examination. This examination covers such topics as security and disaster recovery.

 The Server + certification consists of 80 questions that you must answer within 90 minutes. In order to pass this exam, you must score at least 75% .

 IT Project + Certification

IT Project + certification indicates that an individual is knowledgeable about  project management. Aimed at individuals with six months of industry experience, IT  Project + certification is non-vendor specific and requires an individual to pass only one examination. This examination covers such topics as business management, project management, and interpersonal skills.

 The IT  Project + (PKO-001) examination contains 85 questions that you must complete within a two-hour timeframe. In order pass this examination you must score at least 63%.

 The certification was formerly owned by Gartner, however the objectives have not changed since it was taken over by CompTIA. Therefore individuals holding the Gartner certification, can be grandfathered into the CompTIA certification.*

 E-Biz+ Certification

The E-Biz+ certification indicates that an individual is knowledgeable of e-business technologies. Aimed at individuals with six months of industry experience, this certification is non-vendor specific and requires an individual to pass only one examination. This examination covers such topics as business management and interpersonal skills.

 The E-Biz+ (EKO-001) examination contains 60 questions that must be completed within a sixty-minute timeframe. In order pass this exam you must score at least 67%.

 This certification was formerly owned by Gartner, however the objectives have not changed since it was taken over by CompTIA. Therefore, individuals holding the Gartner certification, can be grandfathered into the CompTIA certification.*

 CTT + Certification

The CTT + certification indicates that an individual is a Certified Technical Trainer. This examination is scheduled to go live on Monday July 2/2001.

 This examination was formerly the Chauncey Certified Technical Trainer certification, although the objectives have not changed since it was taken over by CompTIA. Therefore individuals holding the Chauncey certification can be grandfathered into the CompTIA certification.*

 Linux + Certification

Linux + certification indicates that an individual is knowledgeable of Linux technologies. Aimed at individuals with six months of industry experience, this certification is not vendor specific and requires an individual to pass only one examination.

 This examination was set to be in beta version by the second quarter of this year and in its live version by the third quarter of this year, however specific dates have not been released. So like everything else, we will have to wait and see.

Pre-Requisites for the Examinations

Although the certifications are geared toward individuals with 6 months of Industry experience, there are no real pre-requisites to taking any of the CompTIA certifications.

Grandfather Clauses*

As you will notice, some of the examinations that were taken over from other companies contain grandfather clauses.  In order to qualify for a grandfather clause certification, you must contact CompTIA within a specific time frame.  See www.comptia.org for more information.

Re-Certification and Upgrading

At the present time, individuals certified through CompTIA remain certified for life.  There is no re-certification or upgrading requirement for any of these examinations.

 About the Examinations

 There is no limit to the number of times you may take a CompTIA certification; however, the same fee applies each time you write the examination.  Refunds are not available for failed examinations, or for missed examination appointments.

Where to Take the Exams

The CompTIA  examinations may be taken at either Sylvan Prometric or VUE testing centers.

Exam Costs

The exams range in price from $140US for CompTIA members, and $190US for non-members.

To Register at Sylvan Prometric:

You can register by visiting  http://www.2test.com/index.jsp .  A list of International phone numbers is available if you would prefer to register by telephone.

To Register at a VUE Testing Center:

You can register at a VUE testing center by visiting their website at  http://www.vue.com/comptia/ .  A list of International phone numbers is available there if you prefer to register by telephone.

When Registering for the Exams:

When you call to register or register online, be sure to have you Social Insurance Number or Social Security Number on hand, as well as a major credit card. The testing centers will be happy to accept a check, the only drawback being that you must send the check to their headquarters and it must clear the bank before you will be allowed to write your exam.

When you are on the phone with the testing center be sure to write down the confirmation number that they give you, because you may need it the day of the exam. A good piece of advice is to repeat everything back to them, and make them repeat everything back to you - this will alleviate any fears of sitting down in front of the wrong exam!!!

At the testing center, you must present two pieces of identification. One must have a picture, and both must have a signature. Someone at the testing center will escort you to your allocated seat so that you can complete the examination. When you finish the screen will indicate whether or not you passed the examination and that information will be automatically forwarded to the reception desk. If you pass, you should receive your certificate within 6 weeks.

After you pass the test, be sure to keep the print out they give you in a safe place. If for some reason your certification gets lost in the mail, you may need it.

If You Have Trouble Receiving Your Certificate

If you have difficulty receiving your certification, you receive the wrong certification, or another problem occurs, please contact fulfillment@comptia.org. They have individuals on staff for the sole purpose of helping customers in situations like these.

If You Need More Information

For more information visit CompTIA  online at:  www.comptia.org ,or call their customer service line at 1-630-268-1818 .

By:  Tracey J. Rosenblath