This information is for students enrolled in the NOVA Workforce FastForward IT Support Technician Pathway program. This longer boot camp-style program will dive deeper into the learning objectives and will help prepare you to pass three national industry certification exams: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+. 

See this course calendar for the full schedule.

What are IT Industry Certification Credentials?

IT Industry Certification Credentials are issued by a certification body such as a trade, industry, or professional association. Earning an IT Industry Certification Credential verifies that you have achieved mastery and competency in specific knowledge, skills, and abilities accepted as IT industry standards. AWS, Cisco, and CompTIA are examples of IT trade professional associations. Certifications expire and must be renewed.

What is the value of the IT Credentials?

NOVA recognizes the demand for IT industry-recognized certification credentials by employers has greatly increased over the past decade. As a result, select NOVA Workforce IT classes include a certification exam voucher with the course tuition.

Calculate Your Potential IT Salary courtesy of CompTIA!

Voucher Distribution and Testing Schedule Calendar

The calendar includes voucher distribution, testing, score reporting dates, and action items for each class.

2023 Spring IT Support Tech Pathway Voucher Distribution and Testing Schedule
  1. Click the link to navigate to the calendar for each class.
  2. Follow the directions in each section according to the scheduled dates listed for your class.


Testing Process for IT Support Tech Pathway Students

Step 1 Learn Course Content

The testing process begins on the first day of class while you are learning your course material. Students must earn passing scores for both CompTIA A+ Core 1 and A+ Core 2 exams to earn the CompTIA A+ credential.
  • Commit to studying outside of scheduled class hours.
  • Practice time management to create focused study time.
  • Use effective study methods to enhance your understanding and learning.
Video Recommendations - Effective Study Methods
Use CertMaster Practice
Within the first few days of your A+ class, all students are sent two separate access codes to CertMaster Practice, the CompTIA online training tool included with your class tuition. One access code is for A+ Core 1, and the other is for A+ Core 2.  

Students are expected to use CertMaster Practice to reinforce learning new information taught during class and to complete practice tests to prepare for the certification exams.
  1. Log into CertMaster Practice for CompTIA Exams
  2. The lessons help students learn course content while building critical thinking and test-taking skills.
  3. The practice tests prepare students to pass the CompTIA A+ certification exams.
  4. Set a goal to earn at least a minimum of 70% on a practice test.
  5. Eligible students will receive access codes for Network+ and Security+.
Understand the CompTIA A+ Exam Details
Click CompTIA A+  to navigate to the CompTIA A+ webpage and read the details about your exam. Be sure to understand the objectives included in the certification exams.

As a reminder, earning the A+ certification credential validates competency in mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, cloud computing, operating systems, security, software, and operational procedures. Examples of jobs that use A+ are help desk and field service technician, associate network engineer, and junior systems administrator.

Understand the CompTIA Network+ Exam Details
Click CompTIA Network+ to navigate to the CompTIA Network+ webpage and read the details about your exam.
  • Earning the Network+ certification credential validates the technical skills needed to securely establish, maintain, and troubleshoot the essential networks on any platform.
  • Examples of jobs that use Network+ are network engineer, system administrator, and telecommunications technician.
Understand the CompTIA Security+ Exam Details
Click CompTIA Security+ to navigate to the CompTIA Security+ webpage and read the details about your exam.
  • Earning the Security+ certification credential validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.
  • Examples of jobs that use Security+ are security administrator, security engineer/analyst, and IT project manager.

Step 2 Exam Voucher Distribution  

Certification exam vouchers will be emailed to eligible students according to the schedule on the calendar, which is generally one week or more before testing dates.

Step 3 Scheduling with Pearson Vue and Sitting for Your Exam

Pearson Vue manages test delivery for CompTIA IT certification exams.

Students must contact Pearson Vue directly upon receipt of the test voucher to schedule an appointment and complete the exam by the testing deadlines set for each class listed in the testing schedule calendar.
  • Do not wait to schedule your appointment!
  • Students may choose to complete an exam at a Pearson Vue test center or at home using remote test proctoring with Pearson OnVue.
  • Call Pearson Vue Customer Service at 877-551-7587 for questions about scheduling your appointment.

Testing Policies, Test Center, and At-Home Test Delivery

  • Students must follow ALL testing policies set by Pearson Vue and the test sponsor for test center delivery and at-home remote test delivery while completing their exam.
  • Failure to follow policies may result in your testing session being canceled by the proctor or invalidated by Pearson Vue in cooperation with the test sponsor, and your voucher will be forfeited.
Test Center Delivery:
Pearson OnVUE-At-Home Test Delivery:
  • At-home remote test delivery has unique rules and requirements you must follow.
  • Read the Pearson OnVue Testing Guide (PDF) for detailed information.
  • Students must be able to meet Technical Requirements for at-home remote test proctoring appointments.
  1. Click ‘Login’ to create your CompTIA account and follow the directions to schedule a CompTIA exam appointment.
  2. Use your exam voucher as payment for your appointment.
  3. Your appointment is officially scheduled only after you receive an email directly from Pearson VUE confirming your appointment.
  4. If necessary, it is the student's responsibility to cancel or reschedule an appointment at least 24-48 hours before a confirmed scheduled appointment by contacting Pearson Vue directly; failure to do so may result in forfeiting your voucher. 
Exam Name Scheduling Codes
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101)
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102)
CompTIA Network+ (N10-008)
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601)

Step 4 Report Your Exam Scores

Importance of Reporting Your Scores
ALL students must UPLOAD a PDF copy of all their exam score reports, whether they have passed or did not pass their exam, no later than 48 hours after the last test date for each exam.

Exam results are used:
  • To verify you used the voucher issued to you.
  • To determine eligibility for a Merit-Based RETAKE exam voucher.
  • As evidence that you earned a CompTIA A+, Network+, and/or a Security+ certification credential.
  • To add your credential to your student record. This is a requirement for the FastForward/WCG agreement and serves as verification for VA Ready Scholars (if applicable).
DO NOT email a photo, screenshot, or email attachment of your score report; it will not be accepted.

How to Locate Your Certification Exam Score Report
  1. Log into your CompTIA account on a computer
  2. Open 'Manage Exams'
  3. Under 'My Account' click 'View Score Reports'
  4. Click 'View' to open a PDF copy of your score report.
  5. Save a copy to your computer and upload it.
Visit the CompTIA 'After Your Exam' webpage for more information.

Score Report Upload Link
Use this link to upload score reports for all your exams.


Retake Policy, Included Benefit, Eligibility Requirements

Option 1: Merit-based; no cost to the student.

One (1) retake exam voucher is available at no cost to eligible students that do not pass their exam on the first attempt.

Students MUST Meet ALL Eligibility Requirements as Listed Below:
  1. Complete initial exam no later than LAST DAY OF TESTING SESSION FOR YOUR CLASS
  2. UPLOAD a PDF of your score report to the Score Reporting File for your exam no later than 2 calendar days after last day of testing session.
  3. Score within 150 points of passing the exam.
Completing the Initial Exam After the Last Day of Scheduled Testing
Students that complete their exam after the last day of testing for their class forfeit their eligibility for a retake exam voucher if they do not pass their exam on the first attempt.
 
Exam Name Passing Score To receive a Retake Voucher,
your score must be between
A+ Core 1 675 525-674
A+ Core 2 700 550-699
Network+ 720 570-719
Security+ 750 600-749


Notice: Retake voucher supply is limited; policy is subject to change without notice.

Option 2: Student purchases directly from CompTIA

Students are responsible for contacting the test sponsor directly.
CompTIA offers discounted prices and payment options.
https://Academic-Store.CompTIA.org

NO SHOW, Proctor Cancelled Testing Sessions, Invalidated Test Results

NO SHOW
NOVA does not provide a 'retake/replacement voucher' for students with a 'NO SHOW' status for their scheduled exam appointment.
  • A 'NO SHOW' appointment status is assigned when a student misses a confirmed scheduled appointment.
  • Call Pearson Vue Customer Service at 877-551-7587 for questions about scheduling your appointment.
Proctor Cancelled Testing Sessions
NOVA does not provide a ‘retake/'replacement voucher' for students whose testing session is stopped by an exam proctor.
  • Proctors may stop a testing session due to a violation of the Pearson Vue testing policy.
  • It is the student's responsibility to follow all testing policies set by Pearson Vue and the test sponsor.
Invalidated Test Scores
NOVA does not provide a 'retake/replacement voucher' for students whose exam results have been invalidated by Pearson Vue and the test sponsor after their testing session has ended. 

Questions?