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AS YOU CAN TELL by all the letters after my name, I've been a busy bee for the past year. I want to thank all of you who have written to say you've missed my articles in dacs.doc, and I hope you'll be seeing more of me.

So what exactly are all those letters after my name? They represent a few of the many certifications that are available in the field of computers. Throughout 1998, I prepared for the three Microsoft certifications (MCSE=Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer; MCP+I=Microsoft Certified Professional specializing in the Internet; MCT=Microsoft Certified Trainer, qualifying me to teach MOC [Microsoft Official Curriculum]). Most recently, however, I completed my A+ Certification, which is the topic of this month's article.

A+ Certification is a testing program sponsored by CompTIA that certifies the competency of service technicians in the computer industry. Anyone who wants an internationally recognized credential as a competent computer service professional can take the A+ examination. Major computer hardware and software vendors, distributors, resellers, and publications back the program.

Who is CompTIA?

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA at www.comptia.org) is a membership trade organization formed in 1982 to promote standards of excellence in computer technology. Its goals are to develop ethical, professional, and business standards and provide educational opportunities to the industry. Its members include more than 7,500 computer resellers, VARs (value-added resellers), distributors, manufacturers, and training companies in the United States and Canada, ranging from large multinational corporations to smaller local computer repair shops and individual entrepreneurs like me.

How Many are Certified?

As of May 1, 1999, there were over 110,000 A+ Certified Technicians worldwide!

Why Get A+ Certification?

The biggest reason to go through all the stress of studying, studying, studying is to get this little piece of paper that says, "Hey! You really know your computer stuff!" If that's not a good enough reason, how about these?

• Proof of professional achievement and competence
• Increases your marketability
• Provides opportunity for advancement
• Fulfills training requirements
• Raises customer confidence

Who may take the tests?

A+ Certification is open to anyone who wants to take the tests. The A+ exam is targeted for entry-level computer service technicians with at least six months of on-the-job experience. No specific requirements are necessary, except payment of the fee, which at this writing is $128 for each of the two tests. Individuals may retake the tests as often as they like, but the two tests must be passed within 90 calendar days of each other in order to become certified.

It is CompTIA's policy to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you need special accommodations, you can contact CompTIA two weeks before scheduling your exam. The A+ tests are live throughout the world in English, and have been translated into the following languages: French, German, Portuguese, Japanese, simplified Chinese and traditional Chinese. If you have any questions, you can call the CompTIA Certification Area at 630/268-1818 extension 359.

What Do the A+ Exams Cover?

The tests, which are administered by Sylvan Prometric, were first available in July 1993, and a complete revision of the exams was made July 31, 1998. Earning A+ certification means that the individual possesses the knowledge, ability, and customer relations skill essential for a successful computer service technician, as defined by experts from companies across the industry. The tests 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 tests-Core and Microsoft DOS/Windows-with a score of at least 66%. The Core test is 60 minutes long and the Microsoft DOS/Windows exam is 70 minutes. When both the Core and the DOS/Windows portions are passed, the candidate receives the A+ designation. Individuals who are already A+ certified when the revised examination 'went live' on July 31, 1998 need not retake the test to remain A+ certified.

The two A+ certification exams are the Core exam, with 70 questions on microcomputers, displays, storage media, printers, basic operating systems, modems, buses, CD-ROMs, IRQs, memory, hexadecimal conversions, and other hardware-related questions. The Microsoft DOS/Windows exam, with 70 questions, tests your ability to use DOS commands and most versions of Windows. Networking and deciphering acronyms are a big part of both tests.

Each test focuses on a specific area of technical service procedures, tools, skills, and customer relations. Some domains are emphasized more than others, so the number of questions on the test from any one domain varies.

The following table lists the domains and the percentage of coverage that each domain has on each test, as well as the approximate number of test questions that you can expect for each domain.

Where to go

The A+ exams are given by Sylvan Prometric testing centers at over 700 locations worldwide. To schedule an appointment to take one or both exams, contact them at 800 776-4276. Register as far in advance as possible to be assured of the date and time you prefer. I took both of my exams in the same morning-first Core, then Windows/DOS, but you may not want to put yourself through that kind of stress. If you study for the tests individually, then take them individually. If you are studying all topics, then take both the exams at the same time. Get it over with. You'll feel better walking into the testing center with nothing and walking out A+ Certified!