CompTIA A+ Certification

Course Overview

CompTIA A is the preferred performance-based qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles. A certified professionals identify issues and problem solve more effectively than those without certification. CompTIA A supports the ability to connect users to the data they need to do their jobs regardless of the devices being used. In order to receive the CompTIA A certification, candidates must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002).

Course Schedule

Request Group Training

Target Audience

Technical support and IT operational roles

Course Objectives

9 skills that you master and validate with CompTIA A plus

HARDWARE

Identifying, using, and connecting hardware components and devices

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Install and support Windows OS including command line & client support. Understand Mac OS, Linux and mobile OS

SOFTWARE TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshoot PC and mobile device issues including application security support

NETWORKING

Explain types of networks and connections including TCP/IP, WIFI and SOHO

HARDWARE & NETWORK TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshoot device and network issues

SECURITY

Identify and protect against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections

MOBILE DEVICES

Install & configure laptops and other mobile devices

VIRTUALIZATION & CLOUD COMPUTING

Compare & contrast cloud computing concepts &set up client-side virtualization

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

Follow best practices for safety, environmental impacts, and communication and professionalism

Course Prerequisites

Basic Computer knowledge

Expected Accomplishments

Successful candidates will have the skills 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

Course Outline

CompTIA A is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT and the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles. It is about much more than PC repair. Candidates are better prepared to troubleshoot, and problem solve, and technicians better understand a wide variety of issues ranging from networking and operating systems to mobile devices and security. A supports the ability to connect users to the data they need to do their jobs regardless of the devices being used.

CompTIA A CORE 1 (220-1001)

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

CompTIA A CORE 2 (220-1002)

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, threats, 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