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CompTIA A+ Exam Cost and Testing Locations in Maryland and Virginia

[fa icon="calendar"] Jan 26, 2016 11:57:00 AM / by Ariana Ciancio

CompTIA A+ Exam Cost and Training Locations

When it comes to finding A+ testing centers for your certification exam, it's important to choose a reliable and convenient option. At TechCert, we understand the significance of selecting the right testing center to ensure a smooth and successful exam experience. With our extensive network of authorized testing centers, we can help you find a location that meets your needs. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an A+ testing center:

  • Location: Look for a testing center that is conveniently located near you or easily accessible through public transportation.
  • Facilities: Ensure that the testing center provides a comfortable and conducive environment for taking the exam, with proper seating, lighting, and equipment.
  • Availability: Check the exam schedules of different testing centers to find one that offers dates and times that align with your availability.
  • Proctoring: Verify that the testing center follows strict proctoring guidelines to maintain the integrity and security of the exam.
  • Registration Process: Understand the registration process and any specific requirements or documents needed to register for the A+ certification exam at the testing center.
  • Cost: Consider the cost of taking the exam at different testing centers and compare it with your budget.
  • Customer Reviews: Read online reviews or seek recommendations from others who have taken the A+ certification exam to get insights into the quality and reliability of different testing centers.

By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can find an A+ testing center that meets your requirements and provides a conducive environment for taking the certification exam. Remember to plan ahead and schedule your exam in advance to secure your preferred date and time. Good luck with your A+ certification journey!

Whether you are transitioning to an IT career or you are already an entry-level IT professional, the CompTIA A+ certification is an essential piece to establishing your career. Once you feel confident that you have mastered the material, you will need to schedule your A+ certification exam. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about how much the CompTIA A+ exam cost and testing locations in Maryland and Virginia.

How much does the CompTIA A+ exam cost?

As of 2024, the CompTIA A+ exam vouchers (220-801 & 220-802) cost $253 each in the United States. CompTIA updates pricing each year. So, if you are not planning on becoming A+ certified this year, make sure to check back for pricing changes next year which can be found on CompTIA's website.

CompTIA A+ Exam Locations in Maryland and Virginia

CompTIA recommends that the A+ certification exam be taken with up to 6-12 months of hands-on experience. Instructor-led CompTIA A+ training courses are a great resource to help gain fundamental experience, prepare for your exam, and network with other professionals in the IT field.

Once you feel confident about passing your A+ certification exam, you will need to visit the Pearson VUE website to find a testing center near you and to schedule your exam date with an accredited testing center. If you do not have an account already, you will need to create one prior to scheduling your exam.

Pearson VUE Testing Center in Maryland

7833 Walker Drive, Suite 520C

Greenbelt, MD 20770

(301) 220-2802

So, do you feel prepared for your A+ certification exam? You can review the exam objectives below.

Additional FAQs

What techniques can help me prepare for and pass the CompTIA A+ exams?

  • Review the exam objectives and create a study plan focused on gaps in your knowledge or less familiar topics.
  • Get hands-on practice with PC hardware, installing operating systems, networking, virtualization, and security through lab simulations or real equipment.
  • Take practice questions to reinforce knowledge and get comfortable with the performance-based and multiple-choice exam format.

What strategies can I use to overcome potential obstacles in pursuing the CompTIA A+ certification?

  • Allot sufficient dedicated study time over several months to learn the breadth of material covered in the exams.
  • Leverage the many available online or in-person study groups and forums to collaborate and discuss challenges with others.
  • Identify knowledge gaps through practice exams and focus extra study efforts on weaker domains through additional hands-on practice or flashcards.

How can I determine if the CompTIA A+ certification aligns with my IT career goals?

  • Research job descriptions of roles that interest you to see if they list CompTIA A+ as a prerequisite or preferred qualification.
  • Talk to A+ certified professionals in fields you’re targeting to get their perspective on the certification’s value.
  • Evaluate if the foundational IT knowledge that A+ provides will be applicable and help progress your desired career path.

What strategies can help me pass the CompTIA A+ exams on my first attempt?

  • Simulate exam conditions during practice tests to prepare for timing, format, stress levels.
  • Memorize port numbers, pin counts, cable types, and other factual knowledge through flashcards.
  • Identify still-struggling domains in the final weeks before the exam and do targeted hands-on labs or find an expert to discuss.

How can I determine which CompTIA A+ exam to take first, Core 1 or Core 2?

  • Take Core 1 first if you have no IT work experience, since it focuses more on hardware and foundations.
  • Take Core 2 first if you have strong hardware knowledge and want to reinforce software, cloud, and operational procedures.
  • Review the exam objectives for each and identify gaps in your knowledge to determine which to pursue first.

What are some best practices when preparing for the performance-based questions on the CompTIA A+ exams?

  • Use CompTIA’s CertMaster Learn hands-on labs to gain experience troubleshooting realistic system and networking issues.
  • Practice think-aloud protocols when doing labs to prepare for describing your process and reasoning during the exam.
  • Ensure you have fundamental Windows and Linux command line knowledge and hands-on ability before testing.

What resources are available to help me assess my readiness for the CompTIA A+ exams?

  • CompTIA offers official practice exams that align closely with actual exam content, format and difficulty.
  • Study groups provide exam-takers’ perspectives on their preparation and insights into key topic areas.
  • Online practice tests let you sample broad content to identify knowledge gaps to focus further studying.

What strategies should I use when taking the CompTIA A+ exams to help overcome test anxiety?

  • Arrive early, choose a quiet seat location, and get comfortable with the testing format through the tutorial.
  • Budget exam time wisely through initial topic area triage rather than fixating question-by-question.
  • Stay calm through slow breathing/Stretching if anxiety surfaces, then refocus thoughtfully on the current question.

How can I make the most out CompTIA A+ certification while building my early IT career?

  • List the A+ certification prominently in resumes, job applications, LinkedIn to maximize visibility.
  • Join IT communities/forums referencing your certification to network and demonstrate proficiency.
  • Use foundational knowledge as launchpad for demonstrating grasp of new technologies self-directed hands-on learning.

Topics: CompTIA, Getting Started in IT, A+

Ariana Ciancio

Written by Ariana Ciancio

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