Christopher A. Crayton

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CompTIA's A+ certification is a proven credential for entry-level computer technicians. The certification consists of two exams: on ceovering core hardware technologies and the other operating system (OS) technologies. Each test consists of 80 questions and are scored on a scale of 100 - 900. The minimum passing score for the A+ Core Hardware exam is 515 and the minimum passing score for the A+ OS Technologies exam is 505. Currently there are over a half-million CompTIA A+ certified professionals worldwide.

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GoCertify:What is the target audience for your book? What degree of experience and knowledge should they have?
Chris Crayton: The A+ Certification and PC Repair Handbook is a practical hands on tool that was written for anyone interested in learning hardware and operating systems with a major emphasis on acquiring the necessary knowledge to take and pass the new CompTIA A+ certification exams.

No previous knowledge or experience is required. The simple desire to learn computers and really apply that knowledge is all that is necessary.

GoCertify: Is this the first edition of your book?
Chris Crayton: This is a first edition. However, the book builds upon knowledge from my two previous A+ books, the best selling A+ Adaptive Exams and The A+ Exams Guide.

GoCertify: Many people feel the A+ is a good certification for people who are seeking to move into a computer career for the first time. Do you agree? Even though there are now a lot of A+ certified individuals in the job market?
Chris Crayton: I have been working in the IT industry for twenty five years. I have read thousands of resumes, carried out hundreds of interviews and hired and referred many people into the field. From first hand experience I can tell you the very best individuals hired into this profession have a combination of certification as well as hands on experience. Indeed, there are a lot of A+ certified technicians in the current job market. There are also a lot of computers and networks to maintain and repair. Simply put, get as many certifications as you possibly can. And in the beginning, fix systems for free if you have to get the experience. I did and so have many of my former students who are now directing and managing networks for major companies.

GoCertify: Can A+ be used as a stepping stone to additional certifications? If so, which ones do you suggest?
Chris Crayton: A+ is the doorway to all other certifications. After you get A+ certified you should get Network+ certified. Then, you should figure out what you want to be when you grow up.

In other words, align your certification path with an actual career. If you want to be a network administrator you should go for Microsoft, Novell, and Linux Engineer certifications. If you want to specifically manage routers go for Cisco. If you are interested in design, focus on MCSD certification. If you want to direct all of these professionals, I suggest getting all of these certifications as well as a college degree in business.

GoCertify: In your opinion, what is the most difficult topic or subject that is covered on the A+ exams?
Chris Crayton: In general, most candidates have trouble with the operating systems exam. They tend to do well with questions that focus on newer operating systems they use on a daily basis such as Windows XP. However, they can easily be tricked by questions that focus on older operating systems such as Windows NT.

I believe the most difficult subject matter covered relates specifically to permissions between drives and partitions as well as questions that include "Most likely."

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