Welcome to CompTIA A+ Testing Information Session for Students and Parents

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CompTIA A+ Testing Information

Thank you for your attendance.

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Created by Jennifer Walker, CHHS Cisco Academy

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What is CompTIA????

What is the CompTIA A+ exam?

• Professional exam that shows IT support proficiency
• Leads to internship and job opportunities with higher pay
• Full cert requires candidates to pass two exams:
• A+ 1001& A+1002 OR A+ 1101& A+1102
• A+ 1101 relates to Computer Engineering Tech 1 curriculum (CET1)
• A+ 1002 relates to Computer Engineering Tech 2 curriculum (CET2)
• CompTIA A+ objectives

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What is the CompTIA Security+ exam?

• Professional exam that shows IT cybersecurity proficiency
• Security+ is available to students in Advanced Studies with a focus on cybersecurity
• CompTIA Security+ objectives

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Why test early?

Students have not covered all the objectives yet. They may not be prepared. So, why test early?

• Sneak peak at the cert before it counts
• First cert is the hardest - so many unknowns
• Experience professional certification (not a typical school test)
• Does NOT impact grade!
• Student is still guaranteed a voucher at the end of the year (these vouchers are unused from last year’s inventory).
• Stress-free attempt

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How will this impact my CHHS exam grade?

Take the cert and pass = 100

Take the cert and fail = semester average in exam grade

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• If a student passes the CompTIA exam for their class, they will receive a 100 on their final exam grade (20% of their total course grade)! Notice this is a PASS, not a score.
• If a student fails the CompTIA exam, it will NOT hurt their current grade - the only grade associated with CompTIA exams is a PASS = 100 exam grade.

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Remote vs Onsite

• Students have an option of taking CompTIA certs at home or at a test center.
• Remote testing requires more information due to setup.
• There are also privacy concerns with remote testing, which is why I request parents view this information.
• On site is easier setup, but there are fewer dates to choose from and it is a public space.

Certification Privacy

• This is a professional certification program - it is NOT provided by the school system. FERPA guidelines do not apply to CompTIA or PearsonVue.
• The test proctor is NOT a school employee.

The Process

1. (Remote only) Check the system you plan to test on
2. Review all testing policies and procedures
3. Create CompTIA Testing Account (or sign in if you have created a CompTIA account in the past). Name must match ID you plan to use.
4. Decide remote or on site
5. Request a voucher from Ms. Walker
6. Schedule the exam
7. (Remote only) Prepare the testing environment
8. Take the exam

1. (Remote only) Check the System - System Requirements

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• Chromebooks will NOT work for Pearson OnVue testing. If you do not have access to a system that meets these requirements, please contact Ms. Walker and I will see if I can find a system for you to test on, or you can opt to take the cert at a testing center.
• Does your computer meet the system requirements for OnVue testing?

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(Remote Only ) System Test

https://home.pearsonvue.com/comptia/onvue

A system test is required prior to scheduling an exam. This ensures you have the proper equipment to run the certification exam. Do not waste your voucher by signing up for a cert before you run this test!

The test takes about 5-10 minutes.

Run the test on the same network you will use the day of the test.

This will require a download to your computer. There will also be a download on test day.

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(Remote Only) Network Speed Test

You can test your speed at https://www.speedtest.net/ or use Google’s speed test (just Google speedtest, click Run Speed Test.

• Need reliable and stable connection speed of 3Mbps down/up
• Use a wired connection rather than wireless if possible
• Request others in the household to avoid internet used during your exam session as much as possible.
• If using WiFi, sit close to the router or access point.
• Tethering to mobile hotspot is prohibited.

2. Review all testing policies and procedures

• CompTIA Candidate Agreement
• Certification Exam Policies (All policies),
• Requesting accommodations
• Request testing accommodations - email Jennifer Walker or Michelle Wilson for information PRIOR to scheduling a test
• ID policy and options
• Primary ID: government issued with name, recent photo, and signature
• Secondary ID: name and signature OR name and recent photo
• If using a school ID as secondary, it MUST be for this school year.
• NOTE: Military IDs and other secure access IDs CANNOT be used for online testing - see OnVue Online Proctored ID Policy info
• Parent/Guardian presence at test sign-in
• Anyone under 18 MUST have parent/guardian present with approved ID

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3. Create an Account/Log in

• If you have not created an account in the past, Create a Testing Account with Pearson Vue CompTIA testing Name must match ID you plan to use.
• If you have created a Pearson Vue CompTIA account in the past, do NOT create a new one.
• Once you have an account, login in.

4. Decide Remote or On Site - Remote testing

• More options due the flexibility of timing
• Household members need to limit internet access if possible, noise in the house needs to be minimized
• Parent/guardian must be available during check in for anyone under the age of 18

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4. Decide Remote or On Site - Testing Centers

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• Based on the scheduling information at Pearson Vue, there are sites offering on site testing.
• I recommend you CALL a testing center before scheduling:
• Verify on site testing status.
• Ask about their safety practices related to COVID-19
• Parent/guardian must be available during check in for anyone under the age of 18 that does not have two forms of approved ID

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5. Requesting a Voucher

Pearson VUE CompTIA

• Name must match ID you plan to use.
• Request Voucher from Ms. Walker by May 18
• Take FIRST ATTEMPT of the exam before June 1
• CET1: CompTIA A+ Exams: 220-1101 CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1
• CET2: CompTIA A+ Exams: 220-1002 CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 2
• CCP/DTCC students: SY0-601 CompTIA Security+

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5. Requesting a Voucher (Remote or On Site)

1. Login to Pearson VUE CompTia
2. Select remote or onsite testing
3. Find an available date
4. Go through the scheduling process to the Cart page, take a screenshot (sample). The student will email Ms. Walker the screenshot, with a parent/guardian copied on email.
5. Ms. Walker will provide a voucher number to be used to finalize the test registration process.

Deadline to secure a voucher is May 18 . The sooner you schedule, the more options you will have. First attempt deadline is June 1.

Voucher value

CompTIA A+ voucher = $239

CompTIA Security+ voucher = $381

Please be sure to review all policies and procedures shared in this presentation during the exam scheduling process. Be prepared for the requirements for remote testing. I do not want anyone to forfeit the valuable voucher!

6. Schedule the exam (Remote or Test Center)

Pearson VUE CompTIA

• Name must match ID you plan to use.
• Take the first attempt of the exam before June 1.
• Go through the scheduling process again. This time use the voucher code for payment and finalize the order.
• CET1: CompTIA A+ Exams: 220-1101 CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1
• CET2: CompTIA A+ Exams: 220-1002 CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 2
• CCP/DTCC: SY0-601 CompTIA Security+

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7. (Remote only) Prepare the testing environment

Requirements for the Test Environment

• Private quiet location with walls and a door that can be closed
• Items on the wall with writing will be inspected
• Additional monitors and computers must be unplugged, turned off, and turned away from the candidate during the exam (attention those of you with multiple monitor setups!)
• Candidate is not within arm’s reach of backpacks, bags/purses, books, notepads, sticky notes, papers, pens, pencils, and other writing instruments/objects during test. A virtual whiteboard will be provided.
• No food, drinks, phones, smartwatches allowed in the room during the test.

(Remote only) Prepare the testing environment, continued

• During exam check-in, the candidate will be required to present identification and show the proctor the exam environment.
• The candidate will be asked to use their webcam to slowly scan from left to right and up and down to show the entire testing environment. If a candidate is unable to complete a work area scan, they will not be allowed to test and the voucher will be forfeited.
• No one else is allowed into the room during the testing time. If anyone enters the room, your exam will be terminated and your voucher forfeited.

8. Take the exam- Remote

Remote exams: CompTIA OnVUE exam information

1. Take care of personal needs prior to testing: restroom, food, drink, etc., as these are not permitted during the testing time.
2. Reboot your computer.
3. Close ALL running applications. Limit any other network traffic to ensure reliable internet connection.
4. Run the system test again prior to testing.
5. Be sure to have an ID and phone ready. These items are needed for check-in, but you will have to put them out of arm’s reach before starting the test.
6. A guardian must be present during check in for anyone under 18. The guardian will have to show valid ID and provide verbal consent during the check-in process. I recommend the guardian LOCK the door when leaving the room.
7. Start the check-in process 30 minutes before you scheduled exam time.
8. DO NOT BE LATE! You will not be allowed to take the test if you are late, and your voucher will be wasted.
9. Be sure to complete the survey at the end of the exam so you get your score!! A printed score report is not an option with the online testing platform. After your exam is processed, your score will be available in your CompTIA profile.

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8. Take the exam - Remote

Q. How do I check in for my test on exam day?

1. You will be able to start checking in for your exam 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment time. To start, click the “Sign in” button on this page to sign in to your web account.
1. The exam you are scheduled to take will appear once you log in to your account under “Open Online Exams.” Select the exam link and then select “Begin exam.”�Important: if the “Begin exam” button is not visible, you are either too early or too late for your exam. Please check your appointment details to make sure you’re trying to start at the proper time.
2. You will be asked to download OnVUE, the online proctoring software, if you haven’t before. Follow the prompts in the application to complete the required check-in steps.
3. Have your acceptable identification available so that the proctor can verify your identity.
4. Shut down any non‐essential applications such as email, chat, Facebook, and Skype.
5. You will be placed in a queue and connected with the next available proctor to begin your exam.
6. The check-in process takes approximately 15 minutes for candidates who have previously completed a system test.
7. Being late is not an option. To allow time for the check-in procedure, please be ready when the check-in window opens 30 minutes before the exam start time.

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8. Take the exam - Remote

Q.My proctor hasn’t started my exam yet. Where is my proctor?

A. After successfully uploading your photos, you should be on a page that says, “You are almost done with the check-in process”. Please be patient: most candidates will have their exam launched by a proctor within 15 minutes of the exam appointment. If you are experiencing a longer delay, there may be a problem with your photos. The proctor will attempt to reach you over chat or your cell phone. The incoming phone number may be unfamiliar to you but please answer so we can help you. If we haven't contacted you in 30 minutes, the connection may have been lost. You'll need to reschedule your exam through customer service.

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8. Take the exam - Test Center

• Arrive to the test center 30 minutes prior to your scheduled test time. Be sure to consider traffic into your travel time.
• Check in 15 minutes prior to test time.
• If under 18, a parent or guardian must be present with approved ID if student does not have two forms of approved ID.
• Be sure you have approved IDs (see policies)
• You will not be allowed to take anything into the test room with you, so leave valuables in your car.

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After the exam

• Be sure to complete the survey at the end of the exam.
• Your test results will be shown after the survey.

IMPORTANT for remote testing: Any screenshots, including a screenshot of final test results, will void the test! Do NOT take a screenshot of your results!

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After the exam

• After you pass the exam, you must email your score report to Ms. Walker. Follow these steps:
• Log in to your CompTIA account
• Manage Exams
• View Score report
• Rt click on the page, print, save as PDF.
• Email Ms. Walker the PDF.

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Resources

Resources

Remote Testing:

• Pearson OnVue CompTIA Home Page (#1 resource)
• Pearson OnVue Introduction Page
• CompTIA Online Test FAQs
• Video: What to expect during an Pearson OnVue Exam

On Site Testing

• Video: Taking a CompTIA Exam

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FAQs

Q. What happens if someone loses connection during the exam?

1. If disconnect falls within certain time minimum, will jump back in. If too long, will have to reschedule. Running the system test prior testing will help. Good connection is key. Sit close to router. (See Network Speed Test slide)

Q. Are testing accommodations available?

1. Yes, but these have to be requested from Pearson OnVue prior to scheduling your exam. See this website for information. Contact Ms. Walker if you need assistance.

Q. Can those under the age of 18 take this test?

1. Yes, with parent permission.

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FAQs

Q. I have a Pearson Vue account from a past exam. Will this work for a Pearson OnVue exam?

1. Yes, you should use the same account login.

Q. What monitoring will take place?

1. By taking this exam, you acknowledge that the proctor will continuously monitor you by video and audio while you take your exam, and you acknowledge and consent to audio and video recording of your face, voice, the physical room where you are seated, and the location during exam delivery. You recognize that you have no right to privacy at your current location during exam delivery and that you waive any and all claims asserting a right to privacy. If you do not wish to be recorded (either by video or audio), please notify the proctor immediately of your intent not to proceed with the exam.

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FAQs

Q. Are there potential consequences other than exam termination?

1. Yes. If you do not follow the online proctored policies or are suspected of cheating or tampering with Pearson VUE’s or its subcontractor’s software, or if a third party is detected in the physical room where you are seated during the exam, the exam will be immediately terminated. This will be reported to Pearson VUE and the testing sponsor/program, along with audio and/or video evidence of the infraction. Your exam may be invalidated, and the testing sponsor/program may take other action, such as decertifying you and precluding all future participation in the testing program.

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FAQs

Q. Can I eat, drink or take a break during the exam?

1. CompTIA does not allow breaks for any reason during delivery of any CompTIA exam. If you leave your computer during your exam the proctor will end your session, you will be unable to continue testing and you may forfeit your exam fee. We recommend you use the restroom prior to checking in with the online proctor to initiate your CompTIA exam. Water in a glass is allowed during testing; however, eating, drinking other than water, and chewing gum are prohibited.

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FAQs

Q. How do I reschedule my exam or switch my in-person exam to an online exam?

1. You can reschedule your exam for a different date, time and/or test center location. You may also switch your appointment from an in-person exam at a test center to an online exam (or vice versa).In order to switch your exam registration from an in-person exam to an online exam, you must first cancel your existing appointment from your Pearson VUE account (if it hasn't already been cancelled) and schedule a new online exam appointment. You must cancel or reschedule your in-person exam at least 24 hours prior to your appointment time. You can find detailed instructions on how to do this here »

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Prepare for the cert

The LearnITWalker Cert page has:

• Lots of study resources
• Sign up info
• Exam info
• Link to this Remote Testing presentation with all steps

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Cert Prep Master Documents

CET1 A+ 1101 Cert Prep Master Document

CET2 A+ 1002 Cert Prep Master Document

Logistics (# questions, timing, etc.)

Types of questions

Simulations

What to expect

Retesting and discount voucher options

Study plan chart

And MORE!

Sources

CompTIA Online Testing Webinar, CompTIA, 14 April, 2020.

CompTIA Certifications A+. https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a.

Pearson Vue. https://home.pearsonvue.com/Home.aspx.

Q&A time

Thank you for attending today’s session.

This presentation will be shared after the session.

If you have any additional questions, please contact me any time.