BOOK REVIEW - CompTIA A+ 220-801 and 220-802 Authorized Exam Cram (6th Edition)

From my review at Amazon.com:

Breaking into the technology field can be done by any number of means but one of the routes most taken is hardware and software for end user support. I did this myself back in 1998 in obtaining my A+ certification. (If you want to read the backstory you can review my old post “My Personal Certification Story).

Like the technology available today being more diverse and complex than that of its predecessors, so too is the new A+ exam. (I want to say “this is not your parents’ A+ certification exam” but that makes me sound old).

The CompTIA A+ 220-801 and 220-802 Authorized Exam Cram, Sixth Edition book from Pearson and written by David L. Prowse covers this iteration of the A+ two part exam and is a great study and reference resource for your general learning and follow up reference.

At the front of the book there is a handy tear out cram sheet packed with 90 key focus areas for the exam that are detailed within the book.

There are a total of 19 chapters in the book and each chapter starts with a topic list of items that will be covered and then a comprehensive breakdown of that material.

There is a chapter quiz at the end of each chapter that allows the reader to check and assess their understanding of the material in that chapter by way of the answer key and explanations provided.

Also found throughout the chapters of the book are Exam Alerts, Sidebars, and Notes to help keep you focused on what you need to know to complete your understanding on the topics discussed.

At the end of the book there are two, 100 question exams, one testing on the 220-801 material and one testing on the 220-802 topics. Both “final” exams offer detailed answers with explanations as well as the chapter reference for the material for easy follow up review.

When you purchase the printed book it comes with a code to unlock a free online edition for easy, anywhere / anytime access (where you have internet access). The printed book also comes with a companion CD with references to additional study resources and information as well as a web based test engine of the questions found in the book.

I highly recommend this guide for anyone studying for the CompTIA A+ certification as well those that might want to brush up on the newest aspects of end user computing as this updated guide includes many new topics like the newest generation of processors and memory, an overview of Windows 7 over multiple chapters, as well as primers for networking and security.