How do I handle the gradient scoring questions?

In SOA, the technique is to identify the Strategic answer over the Tactical answer. The 5-mark answer is virtually always the one that demonstrates correct governance, involves the correct manager (e.g., Portfolio Manager vs. SLM), or correctly uses a formal document (e.g., Service Catalog vs. SLA). It prioritizes the big picture control.

Are the simulators hard?

Yes, they are intentionally difficult. Our mocks are designed to push you beyond the minimum passing grade. If you can consistently handle the complexity of our scenario-based simulators, you will find the official PeopleCert exam manageable.

Is the exam fee included?

Inclusion depends entirely on the package you select. Our All-Inclusive option covers the training, materials, and the PeopleCert exam voucher. Always check the Inclusions list; do not assume the fee is covered.

Can I retake the mock tests?

Yes. You have unlimited attempts on the mock tests within our LMS. You are expected to practice until you achieve consistent, high-confidence scores that prove you can dissect the scenario-based questions reliably.

What is the hardest module in SOA?

Most candidates struggle with Service Portfolio Management because of its abstract, highly strategic nature. We use practical, concrete examples and tools?like the four stages of Portfolio Management (Define, Analyze, Approve, Charter)?to make this abstract concept click into place for real-world application.

Is the money-back guarantee real?

Yes. We offer a non-negotiable 100% refund if you are dissatisfied with the quality or content after the first session. This is a statement of confidence in the expertise of our trainers, not a loophole-filled promise.

Do you help with resume updates?

Yes. We provide guidance to help you strategically update your resume and LinkedIn profile. The focus is on integrating high-value, sought-after keywords like Vendor Management, SLA Negotiation, Service Portfolio Governance, and IT Financial Transparency to position you as a commercial leader.

Can I switch batches?

Yes. We maintain flexibility for working professionals. You can transfer your enrollment to a future, available batch, but this is always subject to seat availability. Notify us early to secure your spot.

What if I fail the exam?

If you opted for our Pass Guarantee package, we cover the cost of remedial retraining until you succeed. Your only responsibility would typically be the external fee for the exam retake (unless a Take2 voucher was included in your original purchase).

Does SOA increase salary?

Absolutely. Professionals who can effectively manage the Money and the Vendors are intrinsically valued and paid more than those whose primary function is managing technical infrastructure. SOA credentials elevate you to a commercial and governance role, which commands a significant premium.

What job titles should I look for?

This certification is your required entry point for high-value governance and business-facing roles: Service Level Manager, Service Delivery Manager, Vendor Manager, IT Commercial Analyst, and Business Relationship Manager. These are the roles that control the critical interfaces between IT and the business.

Is it recognized globally?

Yes. ITIL is the de facto global standard for IT Service Management. Your SOA certificate is portable and recognized in every major international market that requires structured, commercialized service delivery.

Is it worth the time?

If your strategic goal is to exit the purely technical resource track and step into a role with business-level decision-making power and governance responsibility, then the time investment in SOA is essential and non-negotiable.

What is the cost in India?

Pricing is subject to market rates and package choices. You must consult the Schedule section on our site for the precise, current INR pricing before making financial commitments.

Yes. We facilitate No-Cost EMI options via major financial institutions to ensure this critical professional investment is financially manageable over an extended period.

18% GST is legally required and applied to the base training fee for all services delivered in India.

Click the Enroll Now button, select your preferred batch, and complete the transaction using our secure payment gateway. Stop waiting and commit to the training.

Master ITIL Service Offerings and Agreements Suffolk, VA

ITIL SOA Training Program Overview in Suffolk, VA

Your ITIL SOA Certification Isn't Just Paperwork. It's Your Business Shield.

You are likely stuck in a cycle of over-promising and under-delivering. Sales sells a premium product, but your budget only builds a cheaper one. You are the one arguing with angry business heads who claim "the system is slow," but you have no data to prove otherwise because your SLAs are vague. You are managing vendors who bleed your budget dry because your contracts lack teeth. You are an operational victim. SOA-certified professionals are commercial architects. While others are just "taking orders" from the business, ITIL SOA professionals are defining the Service Portfolio, calculating the ROI of every ticket, and managing suppliers with the ruthlessness of a procurement officer. Recruiters for Service Delivery, fin-techs and BRM roles in Suffolk, VA, don't want "nice" managers; they want Service Level Management experts who can translate technical metrics into business dollars. This isn't a class on being polite to customers. Our ITIL Service Offerings and Agreements training is a commercial bootcamp. We strip away the "customer is always right" fluff and focus on the mechanics of value. You will learn how to build a Service Catalog that restricts users to what they pay for, how to forecast Demand so you aren't blindsided by traffic spikes, and how to enforce Financial Management so every server has a billing code.2 We built this for the Service Level Managers, Business Relationship Managers, and Catalog Owners who are tired of the chaos. Whether you are dealing with internal stakeholders or external clients, this training gives you the structural authority to say, "That's out of scope," and point to the contract. You will learn to optimize ITIL Portfolio Management to ensure you are investing in profitable services and killing the dead weight.

ITIL SOA Training Course Highlights in Suffolk, VA

More Than a Course-It's Your Commercial Toolkit

PeopleCert Accredited

We are an Authorized Training Organization (ATO). Your 4 credits are guaranteed to count toward the ITIL Capability Stream total.

Commercial Focus

Unlike technical modules, SOA focuses on the "Business of IT"?Money, Contracts, and Agreements.3

Real-World SLA Workshops

We don't just read definitions. We audit real (anonymized) broken SLAs to show you exactly where the loopholes are.

Exam-Centric Strategy

The SOA exam is scenario-heavy.4 We provide a specific ITIL SOA study guide to help you dissect complex business scenarios and find the winning answer.

Supplier & Finance Mastery

Learn the two most neglected areas of ITIL?Supplier Management and Financial Management?which are the keys to senior management roles.5

24/7 Expert Support

Stuck on a complex financial model or penalty clause? Our experts are available around the clock to clarify the details.

Practical Application

In this training program, students will gain hands-on experience in creating service offerings that meet customer needs. By applying ITIL's guidelines, they will develop the skills to design and manage services that deliver value to customers.

The course focuses on the key activities of service offerings, including service portfolio management and service catalog management. Service portfolio management involves categorizing services into a portfolio that aligns with business objectives, while service catalog management ensures that services are accurately described and presented to customers.

This approach enables organizations to provide clear and consistent communication about their services. ITIL SOA emphasizes the importance of stakeholders in this process, including customers, suppliers, and partners.

Corporate Training

Tailored programs for teams with enterprise support

Learning Models

Choose from digital or instructor-led training for a customized learning experience.

LMS Platform

Access an enterprise-grade Learning Management System built for scalability and security.

Pricing Options

Pick from flexible pricing plans that fit your team size and learning goals.

Performance Dashboards

Track progress with intuitive dashboards for individuals and teams.

24x7 Support

Get round-the-clock learner assistance whenever you need help.

Account Manager

Work with a dedicated account manager who ensures smooth delivery and support.

Ready to transform your team?

Get a custom quote for your organization's training needs.

Request Corporate Quote

Professional Credibility

In Suffolk, VA, this training will benefit IT professionals who aim to provide high-quality services to customers. By mastering service offerings, they can create a competitive advantage and improve customer satisfaction.

Effective service offerings drive revenue growth and loyalty, making it a critical component of business strategy. This training program is approved by the ITIL Certification Scheme and globally recognized as a benchmark for excellence in IT service management.

Completing this course will demonstrate a professional's commitment to best practices in service management and their ability to communicate these concepts effectively.

Upcoming Schedule

Join the next batch that fits your timezone

Skills You Will Gain In Our ITIL SOA Training Program

From Knowledge to Actionable Intelligence

Service Level Management (SLM): Stop guessing.

You will learn to negotiate, agree, and document SLAs that are realistic, measurable, and defensible. You will master the art of the Service Review Meeting.

Service Catalog Management: Control the menu.

You will learn to build a Service Catalog that clearly defines what is available, who can get it, and how much it costs, stopping "under-the-table" requests.

Service Portfolio Management: Invest wisely.

You will learn to manage the entire lifecycle of services (Pipeline, Catalog, Retired) to ensure you aren't spending budget on zombie applications.

Demand Management: Predict the future.

You will learn to analyze Patterns of Business Activity (PBA) to ensure you have capacity when it's needed and aren't wasting money when it's not.

Supplier Management: Own the vendor.

You will learn to manage the full lifecycle of supplier contracts, ensuring you get value for money and have clear exit strategies.

Financial Management: Know the cost.

You will learn to account for, budget, and charge for IT services. You will stop being a "Cost Center" and start being a "Service Provider."

Business Relationship Management (BRM): Align with goals.

You will learn to move from being an "Order Taker" to a "Strategic Partner" by understanding the customer's business outcomes.

Who This Program Is For

Ideal Candidates for ITIL SOA Certification

Service Level Managers

Business Relationship Managers (BRM)

Service Catalog Managers

Supplier / Vendor Managers

IT Finance Managers

Service Delivery Managers

If you are responsible for the "Business" side of IT - contracts, costs, catalogs, and customers - this Capability module is your mandatory professional standard.

Work Responsibilities

Upon completion of this training, professionals will be able to design and manage service level agreements (SLAs) that meet customer needs. They will also learn to develop operational level agreements (OLAs) and underpinning contracts (UCs) that support business objectives.

This expertise will enable them to build strong relationships with customers and suppliers. By mastering the skills and knowledge provided in this training program, professionals can enhance their career prospects and contribute to their organization's success.

The ITIL SOA certification is a valuable credential that demonstrates expertise in service offerings and agreements. It is a key step in achieving a senior role in IT service management and advancing one's career.

ITIL SOA Certification Training Program Roadmap in Suffolk, VA

The Step-by-Step System for First-Attempt Success

Step 1: Verify Foundation

Ensure you have your ITIL Foundation certificate (Mandatory).

Step 2: Choose SOA

Select the Service Offerings and Agreements module for commercial mastery.

Step 3: Process Immersion

Complete the rigorous training on SLM, Portfolio, and Supplier Mgmt.12

Step 4: Master the Scenarios

Drill deep into the multi-part case studies used in the exam.

Step 5: Validate Knowledge

Pass our internal mock assessments with >80%.

Step 6: Pass the Exam

Conquer the 90-minute, scenario-based SOA exam.13

Step 7: Bank 4 Credits

Add 4 significant credits to your ITIL Expert portfolio.14

1/7

Why get ITIL SOA Certified?

The Credential That Ends the Gatekeeping

Prove Business Acumen

Prove you are more than a techie. Show leadership that you understand P&L, contracts, and business strategy.

Stop Financial Bleeding

Stop bleeding money. Use SOA skills to identify waste in supplier contracts and unbilled service usage.

Unlock Senior Roles

Unlock senior roles. Qualify for high-paying "Head of Service Delivery" and "Vendor Management Lead" positions that require certified expertise.

Eligibility and Pre-requisites

ITIL SOA Requirements

This is an advanced Capability module. It assumes you understand the basics of the service lifecycle.

Eligibility Criteria:

Mandatory Prerequisite: You must hold a valid ITIL Foundation certificate (v3, 2011, or ITIL 4 Foundation).15 You cannot sit for SOA without it.

Training Requirement: You must complete an accredited training course (like ours) to get the "Candidate Number" required for the exam.16

Recommended Experience: We strongly advise candidates to have 2+ years of experience in Service Delivery or Account Management to understand the complex scenarios.

Skill Development

This training program focuses on the core competencies of ITIL Service Offerings and Agreements (SOA), including service portfolio management, service catalog management, and IT service continuity management. Students will learn to apply these competencies in real-world scenarios, developing practical skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Upon completion of this training, professionals will be able to assess the effectiveness of service offerings and agreements in their organizations. They will learn to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance service quality and efficiency.

This expertise will enable them to drive business value and improve customer satisfaction.

Course Modules & Curriculum

Comprehensive modules covering all knowledge areas

Module 1 Service Portfolio & Catalog Management ▾

Lesson 1: Service Portfolio Management

Define the strategy. Learn to manage the Service Pipeline (future), Service Catalog (live), and Retired Services. Understand how to build a Business Case for new investments.

Lesson 2: Service Catalog Management

Build the menu. Learn to structure the ITIL Catalog Management process. Differentiate between the "Business Service Catalog" (what the user sees) and the "Technical Service Catalog" (what IT supports).

Lesson 3: Service Structures

Understand service relationships. Learn how to map dependencies so you know exactly which server supports which business process.

Module 2 Service Level Management (SLM) ▾

Lesson 1: SLAs, OLAs, and Underpinning Contracts

Master the documents. Learn the difference between a Service Level Agreement (Customer), Operational Level Agreement (Internal Team), and Underpinning Contract (Vendor).

Lesson 2: Negotiating and Monitoring

The art of the deal. Learn to negotiate realistic targets (SLAM charts) and set up monitoring to catch breaches before the customer does.

Lesson 3: Service Improvement Plans (SIP)

Fix it. Learn the formal process for initiating a SIP when a service consistently fails to meet its targets.

Module 3 Demand & Financial Management ▾

Lesson 1: Demand Management

Analyze the load. Learn to identify Patterns of Business Activity (PBA) and User Profiles.17 Use "Differential Charging" to influence behavior (e.g., cheaper processing at night).

Lesson 2: Financial Management Basics

Speak the language of money. Learn the concepts of Budgeting, Accounting, and Charging.

Lesson 3: ROI and Value

Prove the worth. Learn to calculate the Return on Investment (ROI) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for IT services.18

Module 4 Supplier & Business Relationship Management ▾

Lesson 1: Supplier Management

Control the supply chain. Learn to categorize suppliers (Strategic, Tactical, Commodity, Operational) and manage their performance against the contract.19

Lesson 2: Business Relationship Management (BRM)

The bridge. Learn to identify customer needs, ensure high levels of satisfaction, and handle complaints strategically.

Lesson 3: Exam Strategy

Review ITIL SOA exam questions. Learn to handle the "Gradient Scoring" questions and manage your time during the 90-minute test.20

ITIL SOA & Exam FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our course and certification

What is the ITIL SOA Certification? ▾

SOA (Service Offerings and Agreements) is a critical Intermediate-level "Capability" module.1 It is the commercial backbone of ITIL, focusing exclusively on the customer-facing and financial processes: Service Portfolio Management, Service Catalog Management, Service Level Management (SLM), Demand Management, Supplier Management, and Financial Management for IT Services. This module teaches you how to manage the money and the promises.

How many credits is SOA worth? ▾

It is worth 4 Credits toward the prestigious ITIL Expert qualification.2 This is a high-value module because it addresses the service delivery aspect - the part customers actually pay for.

ITIL SOA vs OSA: Which one is right for me? ▾

This is the simplest distinction: SOA (Service Offerings and Agreements): Focuses on Strategy, Agreements, and Money (SLAs, Contracts, Portfolio, Supplier performance). Take SOA if you manage contracts, demand, budgets, or commercial relationships. OSA (Operational Support and Analysis): Focuses on Fixing Things (Incident, Problem, Event, Request Fulfilment, Service Desk). Take OSA if you manage the Help Desk, operations teams, or technical stability. Decide if you are a gatekeeper of the cash or a gatekeeper of the tech.

Is the exam difficult? ▾

Yes. It is a scenario-based exam. You won't be asked definitions; you'll be dropped into a failing company's story - e.g., one with poor supplier control or disastrous SLAs - and you must select the optimal ITIL-compliant action to save the business. You must apply the process, not just recall it.

Does SOA cover Technical Support? ▾

No. That is OSA's domain. SOA is purely about the definition of the service (what is promised) and the agreement to provide it (how it's funded and measured). It is a management and governance course; don't confuse it with technical troubleshooting.

Does the certificate say "Intermediate" or "SOA"? ▾

The certificate is titled "ITIL Certificate in Service Offerings and Agreements." It is officially recognized as an Intermediate Capability level certification by the industry.

Can I self-study? ▾

No. Axelos/PeopleCert strictly requires that you attend an Accredited Training Course to obtain the necessary candidate eligibility number. Any attempt to bypass this requirement is a waste of time

What is the pass mark? ▾

You need to score 70% (28 out of 40 marks) to pass. The questions are tricky because they use gradient scoring (5, 3, 1, 0 marks), meaning you must choose the most correct answer, not just a correct one.

Do I need to know Math for Financial Management? ▾

You need functional business arithmetic, not advanced accounting. You must understand how to calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), factor in potential SLA penalties, and analyze cost structures. It's about budgeting and commercial risk assessment, not calculus.

Do I need the Foundation certificate first? ▾

Yes. This is mandatory. You absolutely cannot sit the ITIL Intermediate SOA exam without holding a valid ITIL Foundation credential. Attempting to enroll without it will lead to administrative refusal by the examination institute.

How long does the exam take? ▾

You are allotted 90 minutes to complete the exam. Given the scenario complexity, you must manage your time aggressively, spending approximately two minutes per question.

Do you provide an ITIL Service Offerings and Agreements pdf? ▾

Yes. Enrolled students receive a comprehensive digital study guide (PDF) covering the entire syllabus. More critically, we provide high-yield cheat sheets specifically for the financial formulas and the critical activities in Supplier Management.

Is this relevant for Sales people? ▾

Extremely so. IT Sales professionals (Pre-sales, Account Managers, Solutions Consultants) find SOA invaluable. It teaches them the governance structure required to deliver the services they are selling, ensuring their deals are feasible, profitable, and adhere to industry-standard SLA structures.

What is the ITIL SOA exam cost? ▾

Pricing is volatile due to currency and regional variations. In India, the cost is virtually always bundled with the mandatory training. Expect the total package to be in the range of ₹25,000 - ₹35,000. Check the "Schedule" section for the precise, current INR price before budgeting.

Can I access the course content later? ▾

(Adding a practical, missing question/answer) Yes. We provide a minimum of 180 days of access to the class recordings and all digital training materials via our Learning Management System (LMS). This is for review and pre-exam preparation, not a substitute for attending the live sessions.

What is the primary benefit of mastering SOA? ▾

(Refining a core benefit) The primary benefit is commercial control and risk mitigation. You become the professional who can look at a service agreement and immediately identify hidden liabilities, poor service definitions, or financial risk factors, ensuring that the IT organization delivers what it promises, profitably.

Growth

In this training program, students will learn to design and implement service offerings that meet customer needs and business objectives. By applying ITIL's guidelines, they will develop the skills to manage service level agreements (SLAs), operational level agreements (OLAs), and underpinning contracts (UCs).

This expertise will enable them to build strong relationships with customers and suppliers. This training program is tailored to meet the needs of IT professionals in Suffolk, VA, who aim to provide high-quality services to customers.

By mastering service offerings and agreements, they can create a competitive advantage and improve customer satisfaction. Effective service offerings drive revenue growth and loyalty, making it a critical component of business strategy.

Customer Testimonials

Hear from our successful graduates

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great class, very informative.

James Conklin

Project Manager, Harris Health System

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great PMP® Bootcamp. I had a great time taking this course. I took the course to prepare to sit for the CAPM® but may be able to sit for the PMP®. I learnt a lot was challenging. Great course. We need one more day. Content was very detailed.

Karle Scroggins

Operations Coordinator, Harris Health System

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

it was a great class. Lots of energy. And I enjoyed.

John Denke

Project Manager , Boeing

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fantastic course to prepare for PMP® exam.

Kevin Hambrice

Global Factory Sales & Marketing Manager, ABB

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

As a participant it was smooth sailing for me.

Eric S. Tumlinson

Sr. Project Manager, Montco Oilfield Contractors, LLC

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Trainer was excellent. Shared good resources and good experiences.

Khemoni Holmes

Project Manager, Harris Health System

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Good content and training.

Dennis Glover

Project Manager, eProtex

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I wanted to let you know that I took and passed the PMP exam. Thanks to iCert Global and especially my Cincinnati course instructor, who was an excellent teacher and helped me immensely.

Steve Ditty

Executive Director, Cogent IBS

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Trainer was good. Trainer was very engaged and interacting. Very much satisfied with the training.

Stefan Long

Owner, MAGMAX Group LLC

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this training. Yomi was awesome as a trainer and working to make sure that we understood the concepts. Controlling Cost and Controlling Risk are the most complicated, but Yomi spent time after class working through questions to help others understand. This class also helped to change my perception of the PMP being this MONSTER to something that I can I can successfully do.

Nancy Davis

Sr. Project Manager , GK Software USA, Inc

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great class with a lot of information and tips to prepare for the exam

John Eric Nelson

Business Development Manager , WCA Waste

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

It was a great course, covered all the things that i ended up hitting road bumps on. I was the only one in the class, but the trainer was just as involved as if it had been a full class.

Mark Butler

Project Manager, Starbucks Via Aerotek

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I was nervous about taking it online versus classroom; but I am actually glad I took it online. Instructor was very great and gave a good learning experience with his relevant project management experience.

Xeng Yang

IT Specialist, Beautiful Creations & More

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The training was very intense but covered with course material. It was more than I expected.

Bernadette Gilliam

Operations/Technical Support Analyst , The Johns Hopkins Hospital

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I thought the class was very informative. The instructor did an excellent job breaking down each chapter to where it was easy to understand. I was also very impressed with his commitment to help us pass ever after the class is over.

Taylor Mitchell

Business Management, AT&T

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Excellent training. Instructor was very knowledgeable and explained information in an understandable way

Sandra Hamilton Allen

Sales Analyst , Alcon

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Quality Materials presented, Instructor very knowledgeable. Exceeded my expectations.

Anthony Muldrow

Engineering Safety Manager, SNC-Lavalin

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The training is a great introduction into the PMI mindset. Very informative and helpful

Bryan Tamburro

Managing Partner, Arrakis Development LLC

Course & Support

Everything you need to know about our training options and support

What is the duration of the SOA course? ▾

It is typically a 3-day intensive bootcamp (full-time) or spread over 4-5 evenings for part-time batches. This is engineered for surgical process focus, ensuring you spend maximum time internalizing complex processes like Service Portfolio Management and Supplier Management, not on filler content.

Do you provide ITIL SOA study guide materials? ▾

Yes. You receive a comprehensive, accredited workbook, critical process flow maps specifically for SLM and Portfolio Management (which simplifies the abstract concepts), and guaranteed access to our Learning Management System (LMS) for supplementary resources.

Who are the trainers? ▾

Our trainers are current or former Senior Service Delivery Managers, Vendor Management Leads, and IT Financial Experts. They possess the practical scars from managing massive, multi-vendor contracts and resolving real-world SLA breaches, ensuring your learning is grounded in actionable, high-risk scenarios.

Is the training valid for ITIL 4? ▾

This training directly targets the ITIL v3 Credit System (4 credits) for the Expert track. However, the skills acquired (Service Level Management, Supplier Management, Financial Management) are the direct, non-optional foundation for key ITIL 4 Practices. You are learning the mechanics that ITIL 4 requires you to perform.

Can I take the course online? ▾

Yes. We offer fully interactive, expert-led Instructor-led LIVE virtual classrooms. This is the standard, high-intensity delivery method that ensures you get the same quality of instruction and interaction as a physical session.

Do you help with exam booking? ▾

Yes. As an Accredited Training Organization (ATO), we take the administrative burden. We handle the purchase of the PeopleCert voucher and provide full, clear instructions on scheduling your exam at your convenience.

Is there a guarantee? ▾

Yes, we offer a robust Pass Guarantee. If you attend the full, mandatory training, complete the required mock exams, and subsequently fail the official SOA exam, you receive free remedial training and support until you succeed. We guarantee preparation, not complacency.

Is there a guarantee? ▾

Can I access the recordings later? ▾

Yes. You get a minimum of 180 days of access to the class recordings and all digital materials. This time is provided for focused review and reinforcement of complex processes like Demand Modeling.

ITIL Service Offerings and Agreements Training in Other Cities

Alexandria, VA Arlington, VA Blacksburg, VA Charlottesville, VA Chesapeake, VA Danville, VA Fairfax, VA Hampton, VA Harrisonburg, VA Leesburg, VA Lynchburg, VA Manassas, VA Newport News, VA Norfolk, VA Portsmouth, VA Richmond, VA Roanoke, VA Suffolk, VA Virginia Beach, VA