A+ Performance-Based Questions
CompTIA A+ is a beginner-level certification that is ideal for those aspiring IT technicians who want to develop the necessary skills needed to perform various networking and troubleshooting operations. The CompTIA A+ certification also provides in-depth knowledge about the fundamentals of operating systems and networks connections.
1. Significance of PBQs
Many CompTIA certification exams now consist of several performance-based questions (PBQ) that test a candidate's technical skills, which are required in order to perform various IT operations in the real world.
The multiple-choice questions in CompTIA certification exams require the selection of correct answers from the options present in a list whereas the performance-based questions involve performing a specific task in a command prompt or a Windows simulated environment.
In traditional multiple-choice questions, candidates are required to only learn and memorize the topics mentioned in the course outline. However, in performance-based questions, students get a chance to work as a real IT professional and practically apply the knowledge gained through training.
Therefore, preparing for performance-based questions does not only help a student pass his CompTIA certification test but also prepares him to perform such tasks and operations in the real world.
2. Preparing for the A+ Examination
Since A+ is an entry-level certification, it is possible to prepare for the examination without taking any conventional trainer-led classes or enrolling in a CompTIA online course. Also, the performance-based questions asked in the A+ certification exam are quite simple and straightforward and not as tricky or complex like the ones asked in other CompTIA exams of intermediate-level.
3. Preparing Without a Lab for Performance-based Questions
It is not necessary to set up a professional lab for practicing performance-based questions for several CompTIA certifications, especially elementary-level certifications such as A+. If you have a good internet connection and a laptop or a personal computer, then you can easily prepare for your A+ performance-based questions without having to invest a lot of time or money in setting up a professional level computer lab.
4. Various Learning Resources for Performance-based Questions
Apart from the official study guide and other learning resources mentioned on the CompTIA's official site and a CompTIA online course, you can prepare for your A+ performance-based questions through different learning resources such as video tutorials, blogs and other online forums to gain a better understanding of the concepts and their practical implementation.
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5. Using the Right Approach for Preparation
Candidates are required to solve a performance-based question in either a command prompt or a Windows simulated environment. Therefore, in order to successfully clear your CompTIA A+ certification exam, it is advisable to practice performance-based questions in both types of simulated environments.
Although one can easily attempt multiple choice questions successfully for the A+ certification exam through learning key concepts of networking and operating systems, the same approach cannot be applied for preparing for performance-based questions. The best way to prepare for A+ performance-based questions is through practice.
Since A+ is an elementary-level certification that is intended for beginners with little or no prior experience in IT operations, if you are already working as an IT technician in an organization then it will become easier for you to practice your A+ performance-based questions in a real working environment.
6. Importance of Practical Experience
Therefore, the best way to prepare for performance-based questions is to practice application of the theory-based concepts and gain first-hand practical experience. This could be done in a simulated or your work environment as well. You can also practice on your PC at home.
When studying for performance-based questions, you also need to focus on every single detail mentioned in the question. Many times, these small details act as hints for performing different performance-based questions for the exam.
7. Preparing notes
When preparing for your A+ certification exam, try to make notes of important information, such as various types of cables as well as the features. This can enable you to get more familiar with the material.
Although such information is also available on various sites and other learning resources online, preparing your notes by yourself will enable you to memorize the key points more effortlessly and quickly.
8. Studying Practice Questions
Although practice questions are more helpful in preparing for multiple-choice questions than performance-based questions, they can still help you prepare for the performance-based questions for your Comp TIA A+ certification exams, as similar types of questions can be asked in the exams if not exactly the same ones.
9. Scheduling Your A+ Examination
While scheduling your A+ certification exam, try to select a date of at least a month later. This will give you enough time to revise and refresh all the important topics for the exam. Also, once you have booked your exam, try to stick to that date because rescheduling your dates will make you lose focus.
10. Sound Theoretical and Practical Knowledge is Essential
While preparing for your CompTIA A+ certification exam, it is important to have both theoretical as well as technical knowledge of various networking and troubleshooting activities and about how to perform them professionally.
11. Prioritizing the Questions
Although performance-based questions usually appear first in the A+ certification exam, try to solve the multiple-choice questions first, as they require comparatively less time to complete. Also, once all the multiple-choice questions are complete, people become more relaxed and can focus better on solving the performance-based questions. Also, as mentioned above, performance-based questions usually contain a lot of information and detail that needs to be clearly identified and understood.
12. Grading System of the A+ Examination
Many people who are planning to attempt the A+ certification exam are confused about the scores awarded for performance-based questions for the A+ exam. Some people hope to get partial credit on successfully attempting some section of a particular performance-based question correctly if they do not manage to get the whole question correct. However, CompTIA gives partial credit only on some performance-based questions and does not award partial marks on all types of questions.
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