Pawan K. Bhardwaj - A+, Network+, Security+ Exams in a Nutshell. A Desktop Quick Reference

The A+ certification is entry-level and is meant for those individuals who want to get into the exciting field of computer hardware and software support. You will need to pass two exams to complete the A+ certification track. The first is A+ Essentials, and it is required. The second exam can be chosen from one of the three exams leading to three different certifications. Exam 220602 is intended for those individuals who work in a mobile or corporate environment, which calls for a high level of face-to-face client interaction. Candidates who pass the A+ Essentials and the 220602 exams receive the IT Technician certification. The second exam, 220603, is for those individuals who work remotely to interact with clients. The combination of A+ Essentials and the 220603 exam leads to the Remote Support Technician certification. The third exam, 220604, is for those individuals who work in repair houses that call for high level of hardware-related troubleshooting, and who seldom interact directly with the client. The combination of A+ Essentials and the 220604 exam leads to the Depot Technician certification.

The Network+ certification is entry-level and is for those individuals who wish to pursue a career in computer network support. Although it is not a requirement, CompTIA does recommend that a candidate has at least nine months of hands-on experience before she attempts to take this exam. CompTIA also recommends that the candidate get the A+ certification before getting the Network+ certification. This certification can be achieved by passing only one exam: N10003.

The Security+ certification is entry-level and is for those individuals who wish to pursue a career in computer security. Although it is not a requirement, CompTIA does recommend that the candidate has at least two years of hands-on experience in computer networking with emphasis on security. It also recommends that the candidate get the Network+ certification before getting the Security+ certification. Like the Network+ certification, the Security+ certification can also be attained by passing only one exam: SYO-101.

Each of these CompTIA certifications is covered in this book, and if taken appropriately, each track can get you an entry-level job in the IT field of your choice. These exams just give a head start to your IT career. You can further enhance your career in any of the IT fields by pursuing more advanced certifications from other vendors. Several IT industry leaders, such as Microsoft, IBM, or Hewlett Packard, recognize the CompTIA certifications. For example, Microsoft recognizes the combination of A+ and Network+ certifications as one of the elective exams in its MCSA and MCSE tracks.

The focus of this book is on providing the core knowledge to prepare you for the two A+ examsthe Network+ exam and the Security+ exam. This book is meant to be used as part of your final preparation, and not as your only preparation. Think of this as the notes you'd have written down if you were to highlight and then record every essential nugget of information related to the skills being measured in the A+, the Network+, and the Security+ exams.

Basically, what I did was to boil the required knowledge down to its finest core. Thus, rather than having 500 to 700 pages covering each exam, there's just approximately 150 pages for each. With this in mind, the best way to use this book is as part of your final review. So after you've built sufficient hands-on expertise and studied all the relevant texts, grab this book and study it cover to cover as part of your final exam cram.