CompTIA A+

CompTIA’s A+ Certification is the industry standard for validating the foundational skills needed by support technicians in today's digital world. A technical support professional does much more than fix a PC, they now must understand how applications work across systems and be capable of solving problems that help to keep the business running smoothly.

The CompTIA A+ Certification has recently been updated to reflect the growing focus on topics such cybersecurity, Privacy, IoT, Scripting, Virtualization and Cloud,  

This globally recognized vendor-neutral certification requires that you pass two exams: CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam 220-1001 and Core 2 Exam 220-1002.

At course completion
you should be able to:

Support basic IT infrastructure, including endpoint management, advanced device connectivity troubleshooting, and basic networking
Configure and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware, including components, connectors and peripherals
Implement basic data backup and recovery methods and apply data storage and management best practices
Demonstrate baseline security skills for IT support professionals, including detecting and removing malware, addressing privacy concerns, physical security and device hardening
Configure device operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android and iOS and administer client-based as well as cloud-based (SaaS) software
Troubleshoot and problem solve core service and support challenges while applying best practices for documentation, change management, and the use of scripting in IT support

Modules:

• Module 1: Core 1
• Mobile Devices
• Install and configure laptop & components
• Compare and contrast characteristics of various types of other mobile devices
• Connect and configure accessories and ports of other mobile devices & accessories
• Configure basic mobile device network connectivity and application support
• Use methods to perform mobile device synchronization
• Networking
• Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports, protocols and their purposes
• Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices
• Install and configure a basic wired/wireless SOHO network
• Compare and contrast wireless networking protocols
• Summarize the properties and purposes of services provided by networked hosts
• Explain common network configuration concepts
• Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types, and their features
• Hardware
• Explain basic cable and connector types, features, and their purposes
• Summarize power supply types and features
• Select and configure appropriate components & devices for a custom PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs
• Configure SOHO multifunction devices/ printers and settings
• Install and maintain various print technologies
• Virtualization and Cloud Computing
• Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts
• Set up and configure client-side virtualization
• Network and Hardware Troubleshooting
• Use the best practice methodology to resolve problems
• Troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays and problems related to motherboards, RAM, power and more
• Troubleshoot video, projector and display issues
• Troubleshoot common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures
• Troubleshoot common wired and wireless network problems
• Module 2: Core 2
• Operating Systems
• Compare and contrast common operating system types and their purposes
• Compare and contrast features of Microsoft Windows versions
• Summarize general OS installation considerations and upgrade methods
• Use appropriate Microsoft command line tools
• Use Microsoft operating system features and tools
• Use Microsoft Windows Control Panel utilities
• Summarize application installation and configuration concepts
• Configure Microsoft Windows networking on a client/desktop
• Use features and tools of the Mac OS and Linux client/desktop operating systems
• Security
• Summarize the importance of physical security measures
• Explain logical security concepts
• Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods
• Given a scenario, detect, remove and prevent malware using appropriate tools and methods
• Compare and contrast social engineering, threat and vulnerabilities
• Compare and contrast the differences of basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings
• Implement security best practices to secure a workstation
• Implement methods for securing mobile devices
• Implement appropriate data destruction and disposal methods
• Configure security on SOHO wireless and wired networks
• Software Troubleshooting
• Troubleshoot Microsoft Windows OS problems
• Troubleshoot and resolve PC security issues
• Use best practice procedures for malware removal
• Troubleshoot mobile OS and application issues
• Troubleshoot mobile OS and application security issues
• Operational Procedures
• Compare and contrast best practices associated with types of documentation
• Implement basic change management best practices
• Implement basic disaster prevention and recovery methods
• Explain common safety procedures
• Explain environmental impacts and appropriate controls
• Explain the processes for addressing prohibited content/ activity, and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts
• Use proper communication techniques and professionalism
• Identify the basics of scripting
• Use remote access technologies

Prerequisites:

• Attendees should meet the following prerequisites:
• Recognize the main components of a PC and different data media such as USB drives and DVD.
• Start the computer and navigate the desktop.
• Use Windows Explorer to create directories and subdirectories and manage files.
• Use a web browser such as Internet Explorer to view websites.