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B. CompTIA A+ certification

C. CompTIA Network+ certification

D. Microsoft Certified IT Professional

3. How many exams do you need to pass to become CompTIA A+ certified?

A. One

B. Two

C. Three

D. Four

4. What is the official test number for the Practical Application exam?

A. 220-602

B. 220-702

C. 702-220

D. 220-701

5. Which version of Windows is not tested on the 2009 versions of the CompTIA A+ exams?

A. Windows 2000

B. Windows Mobile

C. Windows Vista Ultimate

D. Windows Vista Business

6. What companies administer the CompTIA A+ certification exams? (Select all that apply.)

A. CompTIA

B. Microsoft

C. Pearson VUE

D. Prometric

7. What pass rate should you strive for on the practice questions?

A. 75%

B. 80%

C. 90%

D. 95%

8. How many study hours to pass the CompTIA A+ exams does Mike recommend to a person just starting out learning PC repair?

A. A little over 100

B. A little over 200

C. A little over 300

D. A little over 400

9. What is the very first step you should take to pass the CompTIA A+ exams?

A. Buy more practice exams.

B. Buy two vouchers.

C. Read this book like a novel.

D. Schedule the exams.

10. After becoming CompTIA A+ certified, what’s the next certification you should attain?

A. CompTIA Network+

B. CompTIA Security+

C. Microsoft Certified Professional

D. Certified Cisco Network Associate

Answers

1. D. The primary CompTIA Web site is (although the .COM and .NET addresses will redirect you to the main site).

2. B. The CompTIA A+ certification is considered required for entrance into the PC industry.

3. B. You need to pass two exams to become CompTIA A+ certified.

4. B. The correct test number for the Practical Application exam is 220-702.

5. B. No versions of Windows Mobile are on the CompTIA A+ exams.

6. C, D. Pearson VUE and Prometric administer the CompTIA A+ certification exams.

7. C. You should not take either exam until you are consistently getting at least 90% on the practice exams.

8. B. Mike recommends a little over 200 study hours for a person new to PC repair.

9. D. Schedule the exams for some point in the future.

10. A. The typical certification path goes from CompTIA A+ to CompTIA Network+, so you have all the basics before you choose to specialize in Microsoft or Cisco products.

CHAPTER 2

Operational Procedures

In this chapter, you will learn how to

Present yourself with a proper appearance and professional manner

Talk to customers in a professional, productive manner

Work with PCs safely using the proper tools

One of the interesting parts of teaching new techs is keeping up with the skills that get a tech a job and the issues that cause them to lose the jobs they get. To me, the number one reason techs fail to get or hold onto a job isn’t lack of technical skill; it’s lack of what CompTIA calls “operational procedures.” Personally, I think a better name might be “life skills and basic safety,” but it boils down to the same thing: nontechnical skills that technicians are famous for lacking.

I like to describe myself as a “nerd” and I consider it a compliment if you call me one. Nerds are smart and like to work with technology—these are the good aspects of nerd-dom. On the other hand, most people would think of the term nerd as an insult. Nerds are rarely portrayed in a positive manner in the media, and I think I know why. Nerds generally suffer from some pretty serious social weaknesses. These weaknesses are classics: bad clothing, shyness, and poor communication skills. This chapter covers some basic life skills to enable you to enjoy your nerdiness and yet function out in the real world. You’ll learn how to dress, how to act, and how to communicate. After you’re well on your way to the beginnings of social graces, we’ll discuss some of the hazards (such as static electricity) you may run into in your job and the tools you can use to prevent problems. After all, nerds who cannot stay organized