Information technology professionals and entry-level technicians can earn certification from CompTIA.
The Computer Technology Industry Association, commonly known as CompTIA, is a nonprofit trade association working to advance the global information technology (IT) industry through educational programs, professional certification, market research and political advocacy. CompTIA is respected around the world for its vendor-neutral IT certifications. It certifies IT professionals in a range of fields, including network and server administration, computer repair and security. CompTIA certification is available for entry-level technicians or for professionals looking to advance their careers. To get a CompTIA certification, you must take and pass an exam.
Instructions
1. Choose the certification you want to earn. Two certifications are available for entry-level technicians: CompTIA A+, for PC repair, and CompTIA PDI+, for maintenance of peripheral hardware. For experienced technicians, a range of certifications is available. Visit CompTIA's website for a list of certifications and exam details (see Resources).
2. Download and review the exam objectives for the certification you have chosen. These are available on CompTIA's website (see Resources).
3. Determine how you will study for the exam. CompTIA reviews and approves a variety of training materials and numerous training centers around the United States. Additionally, CompTIA offers eLearning courses in partnership with the company Element K. The eLearning courses are available at any time, from anywhere. The costs for these courses and materials vary. Visit the CompTIA website to review the options (see Resources).
4. Complete your exam preparation. In addition to the study resources above, complete sample exam questions, which are available free of charge on CompTIA's website (see Resources).
5. Buy a CompTIA exam voucher for the certification you will be attempting. You can do this on CompTIA's website (see Resources). Select your certification from the menu at the lower left. After your purchase, you will be sent an email containing an exam voucher number. Make special note of the voucher expiration date.
6. Schedule your exam with an approved testing center (see Resources). Locations are available across the country. You will need to provide your exam voucher number to secure an exam date. If your voucher has expired, you will not be able to schedule an exam.
7. Take and pass your certification exam. Afterward, you will be sent a score report. Navigate to the "Your Certifications" page on the CompTIA website (see References). Follow the instructions to register an account using information from your score report. You will then be able to request that a certificate be sent to you. You can also authorize CompTIA to send proof of your certification to employers or schools.
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