Navy COOL Snapshot - CompTIA A+ ce

CompTIA A+ ce

Renewal Period: 3 years

The CompTIA A+ ce certification demonstrates competency as a computer support technician. The A+ ce certification is appropriate for entry-level technicians who perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. Security, safety and environmental issues, and communication and professionalism are also covered. It is recommended, although not required, that candidates have nine to twelve months of related hands-on experience as an IT professional.

More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.

CompTIA A+ ce

The following Navy Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:

Personnel Category	Occupation	Occupation Type	Related As	Navy$	LaDR
Enlisted	CTM-Cryptologic Technician Maintenance	Rating	Most	Navy Bucks	E2 Pay Grade
Enlisted	CTN-Cryptologic Technician Networks	Rating	Other
Enlisted	CTT-Cryptologic Technician Technical	Rating	Some	Navy Bucks
Enlisted	ET-Electronics Technician	Rating	Some	Navy Bucks	E4 Pay Grade
Enlisted	ETR-Electronics Technician, Submarine, Communications	Rating	Some	Navy Bucks
Enlisted	ETV-Electronics Technician, Submarine, Navigation	Rating	Some	Navy Bucks
Enlisted	FCA-Fire Controlman (AEGIS)	Rating	Some	Navy Bucks	E3 Pay Grade
Enlisted	FT-Fire Control Technician	Rating	Some	Navy Bucks	E4 Pay Grade
Enlisted	HM - Biomedical Equipment Technician	Job	Some	Navy Bucks	E4 Pay Grade
Enlisted	HM-Hospital Corpsman	Rating	Some	Navy Bucks	E4 Pay Grade
Enlisted	IS-Intelligence Specialist	Rating	Other
Enlisted	IT-Information Systems Technician	Rating	Most	Navy Bucks	E3 Pay Grade
Enlisted	ITS-Information Systems Technician Submarines	Rating	Most	Navy Bucks	E3 Pay Grade
Enlisted	STS-Sonar Technician Submarine	Rating	Some	Navy Bucks
Enlisted/Officer	Cyber IT/CSWF Customer Service and Technical Support	Out of Rate/Designator Assignment	Some	Navy Bucks
Enlisted/Officer	Cyber IT/CSWF Data Administration	Out of Rate/Designator Assignment	Some	Navy Bucks
Enlisted/Officer	Cyber IT/CSWF Education and Training	Out of Rate/Designator Assignment	Some	Navy Bucks
Enlisted/Officer	Cyber IT/CSWF Knowledge Management	Out of Rate/Designator Assignment	Some	Navy Bucks
Enlisted/Officer	Cyber IT/CSWF Network Services	Out of Rate/Designator Assignment	Some	Navy Bucks
Enlisted/Officer	Cyber IT/CSWF Risk Management	Out of Rate/Designator Assignment	Some	Navy Bucks
Enlisted/Officer	Cyber IT/CSWF System Administration	Out of Rate/Designator Assignment	Some	Navy Bucks
Enlisted/Officer	Cyber IT/CSWF Technology Research and Development	Out of Rate/Designator Assignment	Some	Navy Bucks
Enlisted/Officer	Cyber IT/CSWF Test and Evaluation	Out of Rate/Designator Assignment	Some	Navy Bucks
Enlisted	TSCE - Total Shipboard Computing Environment	Out of Rate Assignment	Most	Navy Bucks
Officer	181X - Cryptologic Warfare Officer	Designator	Some	Navy Bucks
Officer	182X - Information Professional	Designator	Most	Navy Bucks
Officer	629X - Communications Specialty (Submarine) LDO	Designator	Other
Officer	681X - Cryptologic Warfare LDO	Designator	Some	Navy Bucks
Officer	682X - Information Professional LDO	Designator	Most	Navy Bucks
Officer	781X - Cryptologic Warfare Technician CWO	Designator	Some	Navy Bucks
Officer	782X - Information Systems Technician CWO	Designator	Most	Navy Bucks

The following civilian occupations are related to this credential:

	Civilian Job	Job Family	Bright Outlook	Registered Apprenticeship	Local Salary Info
	Computer User Support Specialists	Computer and Mathematical	Bright Outlook	Apprenticeship	find local salary

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Attainability:

Eligibility Requirements (View Details)

Credential Prerequisite
Experience: 9 months recommended
Education
Training
Membership
Other
Fee

Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required.

Exam Requirements (View Details)

Exam
Written Exam
Oral Exam
Practical Exam
Performance Assessment

Exam Administration (View Details)

In-person exam
Remote proctored on-line exam
Third-party test vendor

RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY

Renewal Period: 3 years

Continuing Education
Exam
Continuing Education OR Exam
Fee
Other

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)

3500 Lacey Road
Suite 100
Downers Grove, IL 60515

Phone: 866.835.8020

Fax: 630.678.8384
Contact Page

Show Written Exam Requirements / Hide Written Exam Requirements

Written Exam A+ 220-1001

Mobile Devices (14%)
- Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components.
- Given a scenario, install components within the display of a laptop.
- Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features.
- Compare and contrast characteristics of various types of other mobile devices.
- Given a scenario, connect and configure accessories and ports of other mobile devices.
- Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and application support.
- Given a scenario, use methods to perform mobile device synchronization.
Networking (20%)
- Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purposes.
- Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices.
- Given a scenario, install and configure a basic wired/wireless SOHO network.
- Compare and contrast wireless networking protocols.
- Summarize the properties and purposes of services provided by networked hosts.
- Explain common network configuration concepts.
- Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types, and their features.
- Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.
Hardware (27%)
- Explain basic cable types, features, and their purposes.
- Identify common connector types.
- Given a scenario, install RAM types.
- Given a scenario, select, install and configure storage devices.
- Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards.
- Explain the purposes and uses of various peripheral types.
- Summarize power supply types and features.
- Given a scenario, select and configure appropriate components for a custom PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs.
- Given a scenario, install and configure common devices.
- Given a scenario, configure SOHO multifunction devices/printers and settings.
- Given a scenario, install and maintain various print technologies.
Virtualization and Cloud Computing (12%)
- Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts.
- Given a scenario, set up and configure client-side virtualization.
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (27%)
- Given a scenario, use the best practice methodology to resolve problems.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot common wired and wireless network problems.

Written Exam A+ 220-1002

Operating Systems (27%)
- Compare and contrast common operating system types and their purposes.
- Compare and contrast features of Microsoft Windows versions.
- Summarize general OS installation considerations and upgrade methods.
- Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft command line tools.
- Given a scenario, use Microsoft operating system features and tools.
- Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows Control Panel utilities.
- Summarize application installation and configuration concepts.
- Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking on a client/desktop.
- Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Mac OS and Linux client/desktop operating systems.
Security (24%)
- Summarize the importance of physical security measures.
- Explain logical security concepts.
- Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods.
- Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using appropriate tools and methods.
- Compare and contrast social engineering, threats, and vulnerabilities.
- Compare and contrast the differences of basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings.
- Given a scenario, implement security best practices to secure a workstation.
- Given a scenario, implement methods for securing mobile devices.
- Given a scenario, implement appropriate data destruction and disposal methods.
- Given a scenario, configure security on SOHO wireless and wired networks.
Software Troubleshooting (26%)
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot Microsoft Windows OS problems.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve PC security issues.
- Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware removal.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application issues.
- Explain common safety procedures.
- Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application security issues.
Operational Procedures (23%)
- Compare and contrast best practices associated with types of documentation.
- Given a scenario, implement basic change management best practices.
- Given a scenario, implement basic disaster prevention and recovery methods.
- Explain environmental impacts and appropriate controls.
- Explain the processes for addressing prohibited content/ activity, and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.
- Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism.
- Identify the basics of scripting.
- Given a scenario, use remote access technologies.

Exam Preparation Resources

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the CompTIA A+ ce examination:

Best Sources

Related Training
- CompTIA IT Training & Classes
- Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE) Free Online Cybersecurity Courses

An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.

Testing Information

Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the CompTIA A+ ce credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor

For more information on the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) testing process, visit the agency website.

Third-Party Test Vendor Information
Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendor:

Pearson VUE

The test centers are located in the U.S. They also have some test centers on military bases.

To find out more, use the following links on the Pearson VUE website:

RECERTIFICATION

CompTIA A+ ce

Renewal Period: 3 years

The CompTIA A+ ce credential has the following recertification information:

Beginning January 1, 2011, CompTIA A+ ce, CompTIA Network+ ce and CompTIA Security+ ce certifications are valid for three years from the date the candidate becomes certified. After January 2011, certified individuals will need to enroll in the CompTIA Continuing Education program and will have three years from the date certified to successfully complete the required CE units, earn a higher level CompTIA certification, or pass the Recertification Exam.

Individuals certified on or before December 31, 2010 in CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ will retain their "certified for life" status. More information on the renewal requirements can be found on the CompTIA website.

DoD CSWF members currently holding a non-CE version of a CompTIA certification (i.e. certification earned on or before 12/31/10) must enroll themselves in the CE program (no cost) by 31 December 2012. After the CE enrollment window ends, the only way to enroll in the CE program will be to take and pass a CE version of the exam. All personnel who take a CompTIA exam after January 1, 2011 will automatically be enrolled in the CE program. Personnel do not have to re-certify if they maintain their CEs and annual maintenance fees.

There is NO cost to convert to the CE program. However, if the member wishes to begin submitting CEU docs, the fees will have to be paid PRIOR to submitting the docs. If holding multiple CompTIA certifications (i.e. A+ ce and Security+ ce), the member only has to maintain the highest certification (Security+ ce in this example). Completing CEU's for the higher certification will cover the lower certifications. Navy's Credentials Program Office can fund the annual maintenance fees for those eligible Officers, Enlisted, and DON Civilians. A voucher request form must be submitted if requesting Navy to pay the annual maintenance fees.

Additional considerations for the CompTIA A+ ce include:

The CompTIA A+ ce exams measure necessary competencies for an entry-level IT professional with the equivalent knowledge of nine to twelve months of hands-on experience in the lab or field. This level of experience is recommended but not required. Successful candidates will have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security, and will have the skills required to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components.