About every three years, CompTIA updates the A+ certification. On December 15th, 2015, the new version of the exam was released. Exams 220-901 and 220-902 are available simultaneously with the previous generation 220-801 and 220-802 until June 30, 2016 when the 800 series will be retired. You must take both exams in the same series in order for the certification to be recognized. You cannot combine passing 801 and 902. Find out other such details from the CompTIA A+ 900 FAQ.
The CompTIA A+ 900 series exams feature new cutting-edge content in areas critical to IT operations, including security, networking, operating systems, IT operations, troubleshooting and technical support.
The usual pain with exam updates is waiting for the study resources to be updated. Fortunately, there are already some books available for the 900 series exam. My favorite resource and the one I used to pass the exam, many editions ago, is the CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide by Mike Meyers. The ninth edition of the book was released January 4th and is updated for the 220-901 and 220-902 exams.
Written by the leading authority on CompTIA A+ certification and training, this self-study book and CD has been thoroughly updated to cover 100% of the exam objectives on the 2015 CompTIA A+ exams. New topics include managing and maintaining cellular devices, including tablets; configuring operating systems, including Windows 8, Android, and iOS; and enhanced, mobile-centered security and troubleshooting procedures.
CompTIA A+® Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Ninth Edition (Exams 220-901 & 220-902) enables you to take the test with complete confidence. It also serves as a practical reference for IT support and technical personnel. The bonus CD-ROM includes practice exam for both exam 901 and 902 with hundreds of accurate practice exam questions, more than an hour of Mike Meyers training videos, performance based simulations, free PC tools, and a PDF copy of the book.
Other study options include the Sybex CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide: Third Edition.
If you are looking for entry-level IT Technician jobs, the CompTIA A+ certification can be great to add to your resume and may be required by some job listings.