CompTIA A+ Explained

To complete a CompTIA A+ certification, learners are required to pass the Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) exams. Learners will become certified by taking the relevant courses and passing the associated exams. 

The easiest way to become certified is through our all-in-one CompTIA A+ certification programme, which combines both courses and exams and access to CompTIA's Certmaster Practice tool - a self paced, adaptive e-learning tool designed to help learners prepare for the exams.

The CompTIA A+ covers the maintenance of PCs, mobile devices, laptops, operating systems and printers. 

There are two associated courses, Core 1 and Core 2, which cover the following topics: 

CompTIA A+ Core 1: 

Lesson 1: Installing Motherboards and Connectors

Lesson 2: Installing System Devices

• Topic 2A: Install and Configure Power Supplies and Cooling

• Topic 2B: Select and Install Storage Devices

• Topic 2C: Install and Configure System Memory

• Topic 2D: Install and Configure CPUs

Lesson 3: Troubleshooting PC Hardware

• Topic 3A: Apply Troubleshooting Methodology

• Topic 3B: Configure BIOS/UEFI

• Topic 3C: Troubleshoot Power and Disk Issues

• Topic 3D: Troubleshoot System and Display Issues

Lesson 4: Comparing Local Networking Hardware

• Topic 4A: Compare Network Types

• Topic 4B: Compare Networking Hardware

• Topic 4C: Explain Network Cable Types

• Topic 4D: Compare Wireless Networking Types

Lesson 5: Configuring Network Addressing and Internet Connections

• Topic 5A: Compare Internet Connection Types

• Topic 5B: Use Basic TCP/IP Concepts

• Topic 5C: Compare Protocols and Ports

• Topic 5D: Compare Network Configuration Concepts

Lesson 6: Supporting Network Services

• Topic 6A: Summarise Services Provided by Networked Hosts

• Topic 6B: Compare Internet and Embedded Appliances

• Topic 6C: Troubleshoot Networks

Lesson 7: Summarizing Virtualisation and Cloud Concepts

• Topic 7A: Summarise Client-Side Virtualisation

• Topic 7B: Summarise Cloud Concepts

Lesson 8: Supporting Mobile Devices

• Topic 8A: Set Up Mobile Devices and Peripherals

• Topic 8B: Configure Mobile Device Apps

• Topic 8C: Install and Configure Laptop Hardware

• Topic 8D: Troubleshoot Mobile Device Issues

Lesson 9: Supporting Print Devices

Topic 9A: Deploy Printer and Multifunction Devices

Topic 9B: Replace Print Device Consumables

Topic 9C: Troubleshoot Print Device Issues

CompTIA A+ Core 2: 

Lesson 1: Configuring Windows

Lesson 2: Managing Windows

• Topic 2A: Use Management Consoles

• Topic 2B: Use Performance and Troubleshooting Tools

• Topic 2C: Use Command-line Tools

Lesson 3: Identifying OS Types and Features

Lesson 4: Supporting Windows

• Topic 4A: Perform OS Installations and Upgrades

• Topic 4B: Install and Configure Applications

• Topic 4C: Troubleshoot Windows OS Problems

Lesson 5: Managing Windows Networking

• Topic 5A: Manage Windows Networking

• Topic 5B: Troubleshoot Windows Networking

• Topic 5C: Configure Windows Security Settings

• Topic 5D: Manage Windows Shares

Lesson 6: Managing Linux and macOS

• Topic 6A: Identify Features of Linux

• Topic 6B: Identify Features of macOS

Lesson 7: Configuring SOHO Network Security

• Topic 7A: Explain Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities

• Topic 7B: Compare Wireless Security Protocols

• Topic 7C: Configure SOHO Router Security

• Topic 7D: Summarize Security Measures

Lesson 8: Managing Security Settings

• Topic 8A: Configure Workstation Security

• Topic 8B: Configure Browser Security

• Topic 8C: Troubleshoot Workstation Security Issues

Lesson 9: Supporting Mobile Software

• Topic 9A: Configure Mobile OS Security

• Topic 9B: Troubleshoot Mobile OS and App Software

• Topic 9C: Troubleshoot Mobile OS and App Security

Lesson 10: Using Support and Scripting Tools

• Topic 10A: Use Remote Access Technologies

• Topic 10B: Implement Backup and Recovery

• Topic 10C: Explain Data Handling Best Practices

• Topic 10D: Identify Basics of Scripting

Lesson 11: Implementing Operational Procedures

• Topic 11A: Implement Best Practice Documentation

• Topic 11B: Use Proper Communication Techniques

• Topic 11C: Use Common Safety and Environmental Procedures

CompTIA A+ certification provides validation in essential skills required for IT professionals. 

From installing motherboards, connectors and systems devices, to troubleshooting issues with PC hardware and configuring networks and internet connections, this certification is the perfect launchpad for a career as an IT professional. 

CompTIA A+ helps individuals to become more confident in their abilities and improves the workplace readiness for those in PC and IT support roles. 

CompTIA A+ is targeted at individuals who are just starting, or want to embark on a career in IT. 

Learners should have around 12 months of hands-on experience working in an IT support, help desk or desktop technician role before taking this certification.  

Learners without this experience may wish to consider CompTIA Tech+ Certification.