CompTIA A+ – CERTIFICATION
Become a CompTIA A+ – CERTIFIED
The CompTIA A+ certification is designed to help you land an entry-level position in IT by ensuring you know the basics of working with hardware, networks, and computer systems.
The CompTIA A+ certification is an entry-level qualification in the information technology (IT) industry. Issued by IT association CompTIA, the A+ certification is widely accepted as an industry standard certification often used to start a career in IT. Keep in mind that while certificate programs include education, certifications typically only contain an exam, meaning you’ll need to study on your own to pass.
CERTIFICATION AWARDING BODY – CompTIA
CompTIA A+ certification overview
Here’s a quick look at the basics [1]:
- The CompTIA A+ is composed of two exams in the Core Series—the 220-1101 and 220-1102.
- The exams will test your knowledge of operating systems, mobile devices, security, networking, hardware, and virtualization and cloud computing.
There are several training programs that will prepare you for the CompTIA A+ exams
See how your Certificate will look like from CompTIA
What you’ll learn
Section 1: Hardware Fundamentals
- Personal Computer Components
- Storage Devices
- Mobile Digital Devices
- Connection Interfaces
Section 2: Operating System Fundamentals - PC and Mobile Operating Systems
- PC Operating System Tools and Utilities
- Section 3: Networking and Security Fundamentals
- Network Types
- Network Compenents
- Common Network Services
- Cloud Concepts
- Security Fundamentals
- Section 4: Safety and Operational Procedures
- Basic Maintenance Tools and Techniques
- Personal and Electrical Safety
- Environmental Safety and Materials Handling
- Professionalism and Communication
- Organizational Policies and Procedures
- Troubleshooting Theories
- Section 5: Supporting Display Devices
- Install Display Devices
- Configure Display Devices
- Troubleshoot Video and Display Devices
- Section 6: Installing and Configuring Peripheral Components
- Install and Configure Input Devices
- Install and Configure Output Devices
- Install and Configure Input/Output Devices
- Install and Configure Expansion Cards
- Section 7: Managing System Components
- Identify Motherboard Components and Features
- Install and Configure CPUs and Coolings Systems
- Install Power Supplies
- Troubleshoot System Components
- Section 8: Managing Data Storage
- Identify RAM Types and Features
- Troubleshoot RAM Issues
- Install and Configure Storage Devices
- Configure the System Firmware
- Troubleshoot Hard Drives and RAID Arrays
- Section 9: Installing and Configuring Microsoft Windows
- Implement Client-Side Virtualization
- Install Microsoft Windows
- Use Microsoft Windows
- Configure Microsoft Windows
- Upgrade Microsoft Windows
- Section 10: Optimizing and Maintaining Microsoft Windows
- Optimize Microsoft Windows
- Back Up and Restore System Data
- Perform Disk Maintenance
- Update Software
- Section 11: Working With Other Operating Systems
- The OS X Operating System
- The Linux Operating System
- Section 12: Customized Client Environments
- Types of Common Business Clients
- Custom Client Environments
- Section 13: Networking Technologies
- TCP/IP Problems and Characteristics
- TCP/IP
- Internet Connections
- Ports and Protocols
- Networking Tools
- Section 14: Installing and Configuring Networking Capabilities
- Configure Basic Windows Networking
- Configure Network Parameters
- Using Windows Networking Features
- Install and Configure SOHO Networks
- Section 15: Supporting Mobile Digital Devices
- Install and Configure Exterior Laptop Components
- Install and Configure Interior Laptop Components
- Other Mobile Devices
- Mobile Device Accessories and Ports
- Mobile Device Connectivity
- Mobile Device Synchronization
- Troubleshoot Mobile Device Hardware
- Section 16: Supporting Printers and Multifunction Devices�
- Printers and Multifunction Devices
- Install and Configure Printers
- Maintain Printers
- Troubleshoot Printers
- Section 17: Security Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Controls
- Common Security Threats and Vulnerabilities
- General Security Controls
- Mobile Security Controls
- Data Destruction and Disposal Methods
- Section 18: Implementing Security Controls
- Secure Operating Systems
- Secure Workstations
- Secure SOHO Networks
- Secure Mobile Devices
- Section 19: Troubleshooting System-Wide Issues
- Troubleshoot PC Operating Systems
- Troubleshoot Mobile Device Operating Systems and Applications
- Troubleshoot Wired and Wireless Networks
- Troubleshoot Common Security Issues
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE CompTIA A+ EXAM
The exam for the certification combines multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions. The exam broadly tests your knowledge of various IT basics in categories including hardware, software, networking, operating systems, and security. Expect questions to cover the following domains:
Domains for CompTIA A exam 220-1101
- Mobile devices: Installing and configuring laptops and mobile devices
- Networking: Types of networks and connections (TCP/IP, wifi, SOHO, etc.)
- Hardware: Identifying, using, and connecting devices and hardware components
- Virtualization and cloud computing: Comparing cloud concepts and setting up client-side virtualization
Hardware and network troubleshooting: Solving issues with devices and networks
Protection of Information Assets
Domains for CompTIA A exam 220-1102
- Operating systems: Installing and configuring Windows OS, and understanding Mac OS, Linux, and mobile OS
- Security: Identifying and protecting against vulnerabilities in both devices and networks
- Software troubleshooting: Resolving issues with applications on PC and mobile devices, including security support
- Operational procedures: Best practices for safety, sustainability, communication, and professionalism
What jobs can you get with the CompTIA A+?
The CompTIA A+ certification is widely recognized as the go-to certification for an entry-level position in IT. Here are a few entry-level jobs that often call for the CompTIA A+ certification, and their average US base salaries (according to October 2024 data from Glassdoor).
- Help desk analyst: $55,862
- IT technician: $48,794
- Help desk specialist: $51,019
- Technical support specialist: $49,072
- Desktop support administrator: $58,089
- System support specialist: $71,530
- Associate network engineer: $89,602
CERTIFICATION FEE: NOT INCLUSIVE
COURSE DURATION: 1 Month