As technology advances, so too must the A+ certification that serves as a benchmark for current knowledge and skills in computer service and support. Each year the certification is evaluated, and a few new test questions are introduced if appropriate. To accommodate academic schedules, the 2003 upgraded version of the A+ exams became effective on November 26, 2003.

To give candidates, teachers and courseware providers a chance to prepare, information on the new content was made available online early in the calendar year.

Changes incorporated in the 2003 upgrade are not major. The certification content continues to validate that the successful candidate has important knowledge and skills necessary to competently install, build, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot and repair personal computer compatible hardware and PC operating systems, including troubleshooting basic network and Internet connectivity, dial-up, DSL, and cable.

In addition, the 2003 upgrade covers the latest memory, bus, peripherals, operating systems (Me and XP) and wireless.

Mix and Match
Candidates who have already passed the existing A+ Core Hardware or A+ Operating System Technologies exam (testing against the 2001 objectives) may take their second exam with the 2003 upgraded objectives and still become A+ certified.

On November 26, 2003, the 2003 upgrade went into effect and the answers to the new questions will then count toward a candidate’s final score.

View the A+ 2003 Upgrade Objectives