A draft version of the 2009 CompTIA A+ requirements have been posted to the public download location of the CompTIA web site:
http://certification.comptia.org/resources/objectives.aspx
The overall structure of the exam requirements have changed a bit. Laptop and portable devices have been integrated into the hardware section of the requirements, and safety, communication, and professionalism have been collapsed into a single section called “Operational Procedures.” I like the simplified approach.
From a content perspective, not much is different. The fundamentals are still intact, and older technologies have been replaced with their newer versions (although the very old NLX motherboard type is still listed in the draft!). If you’re already studying for 220-601 and 220-602, you’ve got the bulk of the new exam already in your sights.
One significant content change in this draft is the addition of Windows Vista as part of the operating systems requirements. The requirements draft document specifically lists Windows 2000, XP Professional, XP Home, XP Media Center Edition, Vista Home, Vista Home Premium, Vista Business, and Vista Ultimate. Whew!
You’ll also see more emphasis on networking in the new exam requirements. The new exam requirements include the configuration of mail clients, installing routers, configuring wireless access points, and understanding more characteristics of TCP/IP and other networking technologies.
The requirements document is clearly marked as a “DRAFT,” so none of these requirements are set in stone. I’m sure we’ll see additional changes before the final version is complete.