CompTIA A+ is a Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) certification designed to provide demonstrated credentials to technology professionals interested in becoming Professional Computer Technicians. Demonstrating competency as a computer technician, the A+ designation requires 500 hours of hands-on training, specialization in certain technical areas, and features two multiple-choice exams (hardware and operating system technologies) where different answers can be graded correctly. Although considered vendor neutral, CompTIA certifications tend to support Microsoft operating systems when testing the core exam topics of IRQs, direct memory access, practical computer repair, installation and repairing hard drives, modems, network cards, CPUs, power supplies, and printers. CompTIA is primarily a hardware exam and requires a score of 515/900 (hardware) and 505/900 (OS) in order to pass. The A+ certificate is just one of many CompTIA certifications in such areas as networks, servers, and computer security, but is widely regarded as the first step in pursuing such a path. A+ holders usually earn around $31,000 although this salary rate increases quickly with the completion of more certificates. To learn more about CompTIA A+ Certification programs.