A+ Certification and Scenario Based Questions

In the last year CompTIA has upped the ante on question types to include more skills based testing (performance based questions) and analytical/critical thinking (scenario based questions). When it comes to this latter category there is quite the imbalance between the Hardwareexam 220-801 and the Software exam 220-802. This makes sense considering that the Software exam objectives with their analysis of setup and troubleshooting situations lend themselves more easily to “scenario thinking”. While the hardware exam with its emphasis on identifying components is not as obvious a candidate for scenario based situations, at least not on exam day.

So what are those differences? Well, see for yourself:

A+ Exam 220-802 Software lists 14 objectives starting by “Given a scenario…”:

1.2 Given a scenario, install, and configure the operating system using the most appropriate method.  

1.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate command line tools.

1.4 Given a scenario, use appropriate operating system features and tools.

1.5 Given a scenario, use Control Panel utilities (the items are organized by “classic view/large icons” in Windows).

2.6 Given a scenario, secure a SOHO wired network.

4.1 Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory.

4.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools.

4.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays with appropriate tools.

4.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common video and display issues.

4.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools.

4.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot operating system problems with appropriate tools.

4.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common security issues with appropriate tools and best practices.

4.8 Given a scenario, troubleshoot, and repair common laptop issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.

4.9 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools.

…while A+ Exam 220-801 Hardware lists just one objective starting by “Given a scenario…”:

1.10 Given a scenario, evaluate types and features of display devices.

You should take this into consideration when you practice for A+ certification. The CertBlaster practice questions include numerous scenario based questions. Look at them carefully so you recognize the pattern of questioning in order to not been thrown off on exam day. If you study these closely you will see that they often test the exact same knowledge as some of the more traditional multiple choice questions but also test your ability to recognize the situations in which this knowledge is applied.

To get the complete CompTIA Exam Objectives documents click on A+ Exam Objectives.