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CERTIFICATION CROSSWALK SUMMARY
AREA OF CERTIFICATION:
A+ Certification (Core Examination and Dos/Windows)
WHAT IS A+ CERTIFICATION? A+ Certification is a testing program, sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), that certifies the competency of service technicians in the computer industry. Anyone who wants a nationally recognized credential as a competent computer service professional can take the A+ exams. Major computer hardware and software vendors, distributors, resellers and publications, as well as a leading industry service organization, the Association of Field Service Management, Inc., back this program. The test, which is administered by Sylvan Prometric (Bloomington, MN), was first available in July 1993, with a complete revision of the exam occurring July 31, 1998. The Computing Technology Industry Association developed the A+ program as a means of identifying cross-industry microcomputer repair skills to ensure a high quality labor force to implement warranty repair programs. Before this program was implemented, microcomputer repair technicians were required to obtain a separate certification for each manufacturer's product. A service technician might have been required to prove competency on up to fifty different products. This was an expensive and time consuming proposition for all service providers, including small local businesses, international system integrators, and all sized organizations in between. Earning A+ certification means that you possess the knowledge, skills, and customer relations skills essential for a successful computer service technician, as defined by experts from companies across the industry. The exams cover a broad range of hardware and software technologies, but are not related to any vendor-specific products. To become certified, you must pass two test parts-the Core and the Operating System module. When both the Core and the Operating System portion are passed, the candidate received the A+ designation.
A+ CERTIFICATION CROSSWALK WITH OHIO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMPETENCY PROFILE
The competencies listed below were identified by a panel of industry and education representatives to be addressed in A+ Certification.
PLEASE NOTE:
X = competency is addressed
O = competency is partially addressed
Unit A+
Unit 1: Information Technology Basics
1.1 Demonstrate basic knowledge of the history of information technology X
1.3 Demonstrate knowledge of the hardware components associated with information systems X
1.4 Demonstrate knowledge of the classes of software associated with information systems X
Unit 3: Data Communications
3.1 Demonstrate knowledge of basic data communications components and trends X
3.2 Access information using electronic sources X
3.3 Demonstrate proficiency with electronic mail X
Unit 6: Computer User Support
6.1 Analyze technical support needed X
6.2 Perform customer service X
6.3 Provide support and training X
Unit 8: Software Systems Management-
8.1 Install/configure software programs X
8.2 Perform configuration management activities X
Unit 15: Internet
15.1 Demonstrate basic knowledge of the Internet X
15.2 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the Internet X
15.3 Access the Internet X
15.4 Utilize Internet services X
Unit 18: Hardware Design, Operation, and Maintenance
18.1 Demonstrate knowledge of hardware standards X
18.2 Analyze the computer site environment X
18.3 Demonstrate knowledge of computer architecture and processor types X
18.4 Demonstrate basic knowledge of computer system architecture X
18.5 Demonstrate knowledge of CPU components X
18.6 Demonstrate a basic knowledge of connectivity devices X
18.7 Explain operation of microprocessor systems X
18.8 Demonstrate knowledge of peripheral equipment X
18.10 Install computer system (e.g., monitor, keyboard, disk drive, and printer) X
18.11 Troubleshoot computer systems X
Unit 19: Operating Systems
19.1 Describe system components X
19.2 Demonstrate knowledge of computer memory O
19.3 Demonstrate knowledge of auxiliary storage X
19.4 Maintain security requirements O
19.5 Operate system X
19.6 Maintain system X
19.7 Perform standard computer backup procedures O
19.8 Provide support and training O
19.9 Employ computer system interfaces X
Unit 20: Networking
20.1 Demonstrate knowledge of basic network classifications and topologies X
20.2 Demonstrate knowledge of local-area network (LAN) trends and issues X
20.3 Demonstrate knowledge of common network computing platforms X
20.4 Demonstrate knowledge of LAN physical media O
20.5 Demonstrate knowledge of network connectivity basics X
20.6 Differentiate processes, services, and protocols X
20.7 Demonstrate knowledge of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) standard (ISO Standard 7498) X
20.8 Demonstrate knowledge of communication standards for networks X
Unit 21: Network Architectures
21.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of network architecture X
21.2 Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of Ethernet technology X
21.3 Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of token ring technology X
21.4 Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of token bus, Fiber Distributed-Data Interface (FDDI), and wireless LAN technology X
21.5 Demonstrate knowledge of the TCP/IP protocol X
21.6 Demonstrate knowledge of basic communication protocols X
21.7 Install basic system architectures using current Windows operating system software X
Unit 33: System Installation and Maintenance
33.2 Install system X
33.3 Perform software configuration and loading X
33.4 Monitor the information system X
33.5 Perform system maintenance X
33.7 Troubleshoot problems X
33.8 Evaluate problem-solving processes and outcomes X
33.9 Perform software upgrades and fixes X
Unit 36: Communication
36.1 Apply communication skills X
36.3 Demonstrate sensitivity in communicating with a diverse workforce X
Unit 38: Customer Relations
38.1 Build customer relations X
Unit 42: Management and Supervision
42.1 Maintain a safe working environment X
Unit 47: Basic Electricity
47.1 Demonstrate an understanding of electrical fundamentals O
47.2 Demonstrate knowledge of operating the various types of equipment used to test/measure DC circuits, AC circuits, solid-state devices, digital circuits, analog circuits, and microprocessors O
47.4 Demonstrate proficiency in working with AC circuits O
Unit 48: Fundamentals of Electronics Technology
48.3 Demonstrate proficiency in working with microcomputer systems O
48.4 Demonstrate proficiency in working with computer system architecture O
48.5 Demonstrate knowledge of the basic elements of communication interfacing O
48.6 Apply troubleshooting and repair techniques to a microcomputer system X
Unit 49: Telecommunications
49.1 Demonstrate knowledge of transmission line applications X
49.5 Demonstrate proficiency in working with data communications O