It is no longer a secret that the famous A+ certification has been updated. There are some important changes that have been made in the new exams which were required since the technology has changed and there are new skills that any support specialist or field service technician should possess. The updated exams are in line with modern technology and new regulations as well.

This article covers the details of the differences between the new exams (220-1001 and 220-1002) and the previous ones but still actual 900’s series (220-901 and 220-902). Take into consideration that the new exams haven’t been changed roughly, but contain questions related to new IT areas PrepAway .

To start with, the new hardware, as well as the technologies trends, is some of the new areas that CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and 220-1002 exams test. The new focus is made on the SSDs storage devices, system memory, and computer gaming systems. In addition to these, 3D printing is also a new topic added in the exams. Let’s unveil more regarding the differences.

Exam Names

The difference that grabs your attention at once is the exam code. Equally important, it is no longer be appropriate to call the CompTIA A+ 2 tests software and hardware exams.

Below are the differences between A+ 220-901 and 220-1001:

• The Mobile Devices Main Domain 1.0

The CompTIA A+ 220-901 exam tests the candidate’s knowledge to install and replace such components as motherboard and memory on laptops. That is also left in the CompTIA A+ 220-1001 exam. However, the new update also equips the learner with the knowledge to install and configure other devices, which include cellular cards, Bluetooth modules, and video cards. In 220-1001 exam you need to know not only docking station but port replicators as well. You also should be skillful about USB-C cable as well as the mobile device synchronization with the automobile. In that not, knowledge of the connection types together with the data types will be of the essence.

• The Networking Main Domain 2.0

Compared to the old CompTIA A+ 220-901, there are new aspects regarding the main domain 2.0, networking. New areas include the managed as well as the unmanaged switches and their PoE counterparts. The cloud-based networks controllers and installing together with configuring IoT devices are other new topics under the main domain 2.0. The latter includes climate controls, cameras, and locks among other controlled devices. Voice-enabled devices have not been left behind by CompTIA A+ 220-1001. Some examples include smart speakers and digital assistants.

Under the old firewall settings, there is the inclusion of blacklists and white lists. It covers LTE, 5G, 4G, 3G, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and RFID. Under network servers and IP address configurations, new topics include Syslog service and IPv6 link-local addresses, respectively. Other included topics are wireless mesh topology, VLAN configuration, and DHCP reservations.

• The Hardware Main Domain 3.0

The CompTIA A+ 220-901 covers hardware cabling together with connectors. Nevertheless, CompTIA A+ 220-1001 covers some additional sectors. They include the identification of USB-C, SCSI as well as RS-232. Under RAM installation, the CompTIA A+ 220-1001 also include DDR4.

When it comes to selecting, installing and configuration storage, there is more. The likes of NVME, M2 and solid-state SATA 2.5 are also part of what the new CompTIA A+ 220-1001 covers.

In reference to the magnetic hard drives, there is an inclusion of the 15,000 rpm speed. It tests the ability to not only install but also configure eSATA cards.

As far as the functions of peripheral cards, it is good to note additional devices. They include signature pads, VR headsets, and last but not least QR scanners. A lot has not been changed under the objectives of printers. The only slight difference is the area. Thus, you should know all about 3D printers and plastic filament.

In addition, you need to have skills to install and configure applications as well as have the knowledge related to the account setup & settings and synchronization settings.

• The Virtualization and Cloud Computing Main Domain 4.0

Cloud computing is not entirely a new area. Despite that, the CompTIA A+ 220-1001 has gone further to cover the contrast of internal and external cloud computing. It also takes a look at shared resources under the same.

• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Main Domain 5.0

There is not much change in this domain. However, you must know a lot about logs. That includes being in a position to analyze many failed jobs with the help of logs. In addition to that, you should interpret their entries and different error messages.

Below are the differences between A+ 220-902 and 220-1002:

• Windows Operating Systems Main Domain 1.0:

One of the main elements that have been added to the new test version is the Windows 10 operating System. Along with that BranchCache also has been added. The operating system and hardware compatibility, and the application are added to the latest version of the test. Apart from this, there are also several other commands that have extended the list of network utilization and network access which includes ipconfig, ping, netstat, tracert, nslookup, net user, net use and dism.

As for the basic Linux commands, the KILL command is the new one.

• Security Main Domain 2.0:

In the latest version of the CompTIA A+ certification, security guard, USB Locks and server locks have been added to the physical security measures. Along with this, Basic active directory function which includes disabling, deletion and creation are added newly.

• Software Troubleshooting Main Domain 3.0

Here is what’s new in the Software troubleshooting part: slow profile loading and slow profile boot up are something that you should know when you working on software troubleshooting. Apply error log has been added to the mobile operating system and application troubleshooting.

• Operational Procedures Main Domain 4.0

When compared to the other parts, this operational Procedures domain has a number of additions in the latest version. You should pay a lot more interest in these latest topics in this domain from the exam point of view.

To compare and contrast the types of documentation, the following criteria are used:

• Network topology diagrams
• Incident documentation
• Knowledgebase/articles
• Acceptable use policy
• Inventory management
• Regulatory and compliance policy
• Password policy

Best practices for the implementation of Basic change management:

• Documented business processes
• Purpose of the change
• Scope the change
• Risk analysis
• Plan for change
• End-user acceptance
• Change board

For Approvals:

• Document Changes
• Backout plans

At the time of disaster prevention and the recovery methods, you need to address the below:

For backup and recovery:

• File level
• Image level
• Critical application

For backup testing:

• UPS
• Surge protector
• Account recovery options
• Cloud storage vs. local storage backups

All new policies that are useful for handling regulated data apply to:

• PCI (Payment Card Industry)
• PII (Personally identifiable information)
• PHI (Protected Health Information)
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

Scripting is a new area added to the latest version of the test and it includes Script file types, environmental variables, basic loops and variables (which are basic script constructs), comment syntax, integers and strings (which are the basic data types).

Are 220-902 Exam Dumps Useful?

The older exam codes are still available along with the new ones. They will soon be replaced in July, 2019. If you are confused about whether to take the older version or new version of the exams, then the above details can help you make a decision. To pass any set of A+ certification exams successfully, you should be well-prepared. If you are short of time, the best option for you to hone your skills for 200-902 test is to use exam dumps. These are the files with questions and answers that give you the insight of what is waiting for you at the exam. A number of websites offer them and guarantee 100% pass, still be careful and choose such files from reliable sources, such as Exam-Labs. There are several reasons to try this website. Firstly, Exam-Labs is popular among candidates, as the real exam takers create 220-902 dumps. Secondly, the exam dumps it offers are updated and can be download free. Thirdly, at Exam-Labs, you can get 220-902 dumps checked by IT experts for $14.99 (420 questions and answers). Fourthly, you can also find a study guide for CompTIA A+220-902 exam just for $9.99. So, all these advantages you get on Exam-Labs website for free or at a low price.  

Conclusion:

To sum up, it does not matter, which version you take, even if it is going to expire soon because you will get a validity of three years for your certificate from the date when it is issued to you. Also, if you think that you will not be able to complete the both 220-901 and 220-902 exams before the deadline, then it is always good to give the latest version. So, make a wise decision which can be beneficial for you. And remember, that proper preparation is the key to your success. For that reason, use the most reliable websites, such as Exam-Labs to become A+ certified on the first try.