Frequently Asked Questions: CompTIA A+ Certification Vouchers

Last updated July 30, 2010

Q. What is the Cisco Networking Academy® CompTIA voucher/coupon program?

A. CompTIA allows Cisco® Networking Academy students to download two coupons that can be used to obtain a
discounted price on the CompTIA A+ Essentials and A+ Practical Application certification exams. The coupons
are provided by CompTIA as an incentive for qualified Networking Academy students to pursue the CompTIA
A+ certification. Cisco bears no responsibility for this discount program, which may be changed or terminated
at CompTIA’s discretion.

Q. What is the schedule for retirement of the 600 series A+ exams?

A. CompTIA retired the English 600 series exams on February 28, 2010, and introduced new 700 series exams in
2009. CompTIA has agreed to give Networking Academy students access to the English versions of the A+
600-series exams until August 31, 2010, to provide additional time for academies to adopt the updated IT
Essentials v4.1 curriculum, which aligns with the 700 series exams. Note that all translated (non-English)
versions of the A+ 600-series exams will remain available until August 31, 2010.

Q. What has changed with the introduction of the 700 series A+ exams?
A. The CompTIA A+ 701 and 702 certification exams are based on objectives written in 2009 and cover additional
topics such as laptops, security, and some soft skills. The structure of the new certification is similar to the old
one – students must pass two exams to obtain the A+ certification: A+ Essentials and A+ Practical Application.

Q. How do the different versions of the IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software course align with the
different versions of the A+ exams?
A. IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software version 4.0, which is still available to Networking Academy students,
aligns with the 600 series exams: CompTIA A+ Essentials (220-601) and the three job skills exams: IT
Technician (220-602), Remote Support Technician (220-603), and Depot Technician (220-604).

IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software version 4.1 aligns with the two 700 series exams: CompTIA A+
Essentials (220-701) and CompTIA A+ Practical Application (220-702).

Students enrolled in IT Essentials version 4.0 are reminded that the CompTIA 600 series exams will not be
available after August 31, 2010. IT Essentials version 4.1 contains materials needed for the revised 220-701
and 220-702 exams.

Q. How do I qualify for and obtain a CompTIA discount voucher/coupon?

A. After you complete the IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software course with a score of at least 75 percent on
the final exam and your instructor enters a “P” in the gradebook, a link to request a coupon will appear on your
Academy Connection Student Home page, in the Career Development section. You can use the same link to
request your second coupon. Ask your teacher if your school has a CompTIA member number – if so, enter it
in the appropriate location on the request form. You must claim the coupons in two separate actions. Requests
for more than two coupons will be refused by CompTIA.

After you have received your unique coupon number from the CompTIA website, you should save or print it for
future reference when registering for an exam at a test center.

Please note: Students should check with their instructor to see if their academy is an E2C member. If they are,
the student must enter the academy’s CompTIA membership number when requesting a coupon to receive the

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 higher E2C discount. Information about CompTIA's E2C program can be found at
http://www.comptia.org/membership.aspx.

Q. What do I need to do to achieve a passing grade in IT Essentials?

A. A passing grade is not prescribed by Networking Academy or CompTIA. It is awarded according to the criteria
set by your networking academy. Therefore, requirements will vary and may include a variety of assessments
such as online exams, skills exams, laboratory work, journal entries, and case studies. Students should make
sure they thoroughly understand the passing criteria at their academy.

Q. If I passed a qualifying course before this discount was available, am I still eligible for a
voucher/coupon?
A. Yes, as long as you can see the CompTIA coupon link on your Student Home page.

Q. What if my voucher/coupon does not work?

A. Check to make sure you have entered the number correctly and your voucher has not expired or been used.
To request assistance from CompTIA, visit http://www.comptia.org/contactus.aspx, or send an email to
CSRCisco@comptia.org with your name, address (including country), phone number, and a brief description of
the problem.

Q. How do I get another voucher/coupon?

A. The number of coupons you can receive through this program is limited. Only two coupons are allowed per
student. If you have taken the test and passed, you are not eligible for another voucher.

Q. I lost my voucher/coupon number, how can I get a new one?

A. If you lost your voucher number, you will not receive a new number. To receive your original number, please
contact E2Cadmin@comptia.org.

Q. How do I know if my academy is a CompTIA E2C member?

A. If your academy is a CompTIA member, your instructor should be aware of it and have a member number. If
your instructor does not know if your academy is a member, the instructor should contact CompTIA at
E2Cadmin@comptia.org.

Q. How do I change my testing center?

A. Pearson VUE: You can reschedule your exam or change your testing center up to one business day prior to
your exam appointment online at www.PearsonVUE.com.

Prometric: Please visit www.register.prometric.com.

Step 1: Select your area of study: Information Technology (IT).
Step 2: Select your country. On the next page, in the left column under Test Takers, select Reschedule/Cancel.

Q. If I fail the exam can I use the voucher/coupon a second time?

A. No.

Q. How do I register for an exam with my voucher/coupon?

A. Visit the website of the testing center you have chosen: www.register.prometric.com or www.PearsonVUE.com
and follow the instructions on the site.

If you are using a member coupon, request the test that starts with JK0-60x or JK0-70x. If using a non-member
coupon, ask for test 220-60x or 220-70x.

© 2010 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public Information. Page 2 of 3
 Q. How long is my voucher/coupon valid?
A. It is your responsibility to know the expiration date of your voucher and purchase and schedule your exams
before your voucher expires. Check your coupon for the expiration date.

Q. Can I extend my voucher/coupon?

A. No. After your coupon has expired it is obsolete and you cannot extend the date.

Q. Do I have to take the exam before the expiration date or just schedule the exam before the expiration
date?
A. Pearson VUE: You must take the exam on or before the expiration date listed on the coupon.

Prometric: You must register for and take your exam before the expiration date.

Q. How do I request customer service from CompTIA?

A. Please visit http://www.comptia.org/certifications.aspx or send an email to CSRCisco@comptia.org with your
name, address (including country), phone number, fax number, candidate ID number (located on score sheet),
and a brief description of your problem.

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