Course: CompTIA A+ (901-902)

What Is The CompTIA A+ (901 & 902)?

The CompTIA A+ certification is the essential computer technician authorization, and is required by over 100 leading employers. This course gives you the once-over and practice you need to approach the exam with confidence. CompTIA A+ 220-901 covers PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking and troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity issues.

CompTIA A+ 220-902 covers installing and configuring operating systems including Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux. It also addresses security, the fundamentals of cloud computing and operational procedures.

Key Areas

  • Look over PC hardware, laptops, printers, and mobile devices
  • Review the fundamentals of networking and security
  • Research into the latest operating systems and operating procedures
  • Troubleshoot typical IT issues, and learn the latest best practices

Training Solution Breakdown

  • Intuitive and rewarding online training resources
  • Official CompTIA Exams
  • Comprehensive Freephone or email support
  • 24/7 access to training materials
  • Study anytime, anywhere in a world for a flexible learning experience
  • Full mock examinations to fully prepare you for any final exam
  • 12 months unrestricted access
  • Access to online or classroom training options
  • Progress reviews & comprehensive assessments to ensure efficient understanding of course content
  • Career advice and CV support upon completion of the training
CompTIA A+ 2016 Breakdown

Click below to expand the areas and see more information.

220-901 Outline

1.0 Hardware
  • 1.1 Given a scenario, configure settings and use BIOS/UEFI tools on a PC.

    • Firmware upgrades – flash BIOS
    • BIOS component information
    • BIOS configurations
    • Built-in diagnostics
    • Monitoring
  • 1.2 Explain the importance of motherboard components, their purpose, and properties.

    • Sizes
    • Expansion slots
    • RAM slots
    • CPU sockets
    • Chipsets
    • CMOS battery
    • Power connections and types
    • Fan connectors
    • Front/Top panel connectors
    • Bus speeds
  • 1.3 Compare and contrast various RAM types and their features.

    • Types
    • RAM compatibility
  • 1.4 Install and configure PC expansion cards.

    • Sound cards
    • Video cards
    • Network cards
    • USB cards
    • Firewire cards
    • Thunderbolt cards
    • Storage cards
    • Modem cards
    • Wireless/cellular cards
    • TV tuner cards
    • Video capture cards
    • Riser cards
  • 1.5 Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media.

    • Optical drives
    • Magnetic hard disk drives
    • Hot swappable drives
    • Solid state/flash drives
    • RAID types
    • Tape drive
    • Media capacity
  • 1.6 Install various types of CPUs and apply the appropriate cooling methods.

    • Socket types
    • Characteristics
    • Cooling
  • 1.7 Compare and contrast various PC connection interfaces, their characteristics and purpose.

    • Physical connections
    • Wireless connections
    • Characteristics
  • 1.8 Install a power supply based on given specifications.

  • 1.9 Given a scenario, select the appropriate components for a custom PC configuration, to meet customer specifications or needs.

    • Graphic / CAD / CAM design workstation
    • Audio/Video editing workstation
    • Virtualization workstation
    • Gaming PC
    • Home Theater PC
    • Standard thick client
    • Thin client
    • Home Server PC
  • 1.10 Compare and contrast types of display devices and their features.

    • Types
    • Refresh / frame rates
    • Resolution
    • Native resolution
    • Brightness/lumens
    • Analog vs. digital
    • Privacy/antiglare filters
    • Multiple displays
    • Aspect ratios
  • 1.11 Identify common PC connector types and associated cables.

    • Display connector types
    • Display cable types
    • Device cables and connectors
    • Adapters and convertors
  • 1.12 Install and configure common peripheral devices.

    • Input devices
    • Output devices
    • Input & Output devices
  • 1.13 Install SOHO multifunction device/printers and configure appropriate settings.

    • Use appropriate drivers for a given operating system
    • Device sharing
    • Public/shared devices
  • 1.14 Compare and contrast differences between the various print technologies and the associated imaging process.

    • Laser
    • Inkjet
    • Thermal
    • Impact
    • Virtual
  • 1.15 Given a scenario, perform appropriate printer maintenance.

    • Laser
    • Thermal
    • Impact
    • Inkjet

For more information, contact one of our course advisors

2.0 Networking
  • 2.1 Identify the various types of network cables and connectors.

    • Fiber
    • Twisted Pair
    • Coaxial
  • 2.2 Compare and contrast the characteristics of connectors and cabling.

    • Fiber
    • Twisted pair
    • Coaxial
  • 2.3 Explain the properties and characteristics of TCP/IP.

    • IPv4 vs. IPv6
    • Public vs. private vs. APIPA/link local
    • Static vs. dynamic
    • Client-side DNS settings
    • Client-side DHCP
    • Subnet mask vs. CIDR
    • Gateway
  • 2.4 Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purpose.

    • Ports
    • Protocols
    • TCP vs. UDP
  • 2.5 Compare and contrast various WiFi networking standards and encryption types.

    • Standards
    • Encryption types
  • 2.6 Given a scenario, install and configure SOHO wireless/wired router and apply appropriate settings.

    • Channels
    • Port forwarding, port triggering
    • DHCP (on/off)
    • DMZ
    • NAT / DNAT
    • Basic QoS
    • Firmware
    • UPnP
  • 2.7 Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types, and their features.

    • Internet Connection Types
    • Network Types
  • 2.8 Compare and contrast network architecture devices, their functions, and features.

    • Hub
    • Switch
    • Router
    • Access point
    • Bridge
    • Modem
    • Firewall
    • Patch panel
    • Repeaters/extenders
    • Ethernet over Power
    • Power over Ethernet injector
  • 2.9 Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.

    • Crimper
    • Cable stripper
    • Multimeter
    • Tone generator & probe
    • Cable tester
    • Loopback plug
    • Punchdown tool
    • WiFi analyzer

For more information, contact one of our course advisors

3.0 Mobile Devices
  • 3.1 Install and configure laptop hardware and components.

    • Expansion options
    • Hardware/device replacement
  • 3.2 Explain the function of components within the display of a laptop.

    • Types
    • Wi-Fi antenna connector/placement
    • Webcam
    • Microphone
    • Inverter
    • Digitizer
  • 3.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features.

    • Special function keys
    • Docking station
    • Physical laptop lock and cable lock
    • Rotating / removable screens
  • 3.4 Explain the characteristics of various types of other mobile devices.

    • Tablets
    • Smart phones
    • Wearable technology devices
    • Phablets
    • e-Readers
    • Smart camera
    • GPS
  • 3.5 Compare and contrast accessories & ports of other mobile devices.

    • Connection types
    • Accessories

For more information, contact one of our course advisors

4.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
  • 4.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools.

    • Common symptoms
    • Tools
  • 4.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays with appropriate tools.

    • Common symptoms
    • Tools
  • 4.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common video, projector and display issues.

    • Common symptoms
  • 4.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools.

    • Common symptoms
    • Hardware tools
    • Command line tools
  • 4.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and repair common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.

    • Common symptoms
    • Disassembling processes for proper re-assembly
  • 4.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools.

    • Common symptoms
    • Tools

For more information, contact one of our course advisors

220-902 Outline

1.0 Windows Operating Systems
  • 1.1 Compare and contrast various features and requirements of Microsoft Operating Systems (Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1).

    • Features
    • Upgrade paths
  • 1.2 Given a scenario, install Windows PC operating systems using appropriate methods.

    • Boot methods
    • Type of installations
    • Partitioning
    • File system types/formatting
    • Load alternate third party drivers when necessary
    • Workgroup vs. Domain setup
    • Time/date/region/language settings
    • Driver installation, software and windows updates
    • Factory recovery partition
    • Properly formatted boot drive with the correct partitions/format
  • 1.3 Given a scenario, apply appropriate Microsoft command line tools.

    • TASKKILL
    • BOOTREC
    • SHUTDOWN
    • TASKLIST
    • MD
    • RD
    • CD
    • DEL
    • FORMAT
    • COPY
    • XCOPY
    • ROBOCOPY
    • DISKPART
    • SFC
    • CHKDSK
    • GPUPDATE
    • GPRESULT
    • DIR
    • EXIT
    • HELP
    • EXPAND
    • [command name]/?
    • Commands available with standard privileges vs. administrative privileges.
  • 1.4 Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft operating system features and tools

    • Administrative
    • MSCONFIG
    • Task Manager
    • Disk management
    • Other
    • System utilities
  • 1.5 Given a scenario, use Windows Control Panel utilities.

    • Internet options
    • Display/Display Settings
    • User accounts
    • Folder options
    • System
    • Windows firewall
    • Power options
    • Programs and features
    • HomeGroup
    • Devices and Printers
    • Sound
    • Troubleshooting
    • Network and Sharing Center
    • Device Manager
  • 1.6 Given a scenario, install and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop.

    • HomeGroup vs. WorkGroup
    • Domain setup
    • Network shares/administrative shares/mapping drives
    • Printer sharing vs. network printer mapping
    • Establish networking connections
    • Proxy settings
    • Remote Desktop Connection
    • Remote Assistance
    • Home vs. Work vs. Public network settings
    • Firewall settings
    • Configuring an alternative IP address in Windows
    • Network card properties
  • 1.7 Perform common preventive maintenance procedures using the appropriate Windows OS tools.

    • Best practices
    • Tools

For more information, contact one of our course advisors

2.0 Other Operating Systems and Technologies
  • 2.1 Identify common features and functionality of the Mac OS and Linux operating systems.

    • Best practices
    • Tools
    • Features
    • Basic Linux commands
  • 2.2 Given a scenario, setup and use client-side virtualization.

    • Purpose of virtual machines
    • Resource requirements
    • Emulator requirements
    • Security requirements
    • Network requirements
    • Hypervisor
  • 2.3 Identify basic cloud concepts.

    • SaaS
    • IaaS
    • Paas
    • Public vs. Private vs. Hybrid vs. Community
    • Rapid Elasticity
    • On-demand
    • Resource pooling
    • Measured service
  • 2.4 Summarize the properties and purpose of services provided by networked hosts.

    • Server roles
    • Internet appliance
    • Legacy / embedded systems
  • 2.5 Identify basic features of mobile operating systems.

    • Android vs. iOS vs. Windows
  • 2.6 Install and configure basic mobile device network connectivity and email.

    • Wireless / cellular data network (enable/disable)
    • Bluetooth
    • Corporate and ISP email configuration
    • Integrated commercial provider email configuration
    • PRI updates/PRL updates/Baseband updates
    • Radio firmware
    • IMEI vs. IMSI
    • VPN
  • 2.7 Summarize methods and data related to mobile device synchronization.

    • Types of data to synchronize
    • Synchronization methods
    • Mutual authentication for multiple services (SSO)
    • Software requirements to install the application on the PC
    • Connection types to enable synchronization

For more information, contact one of our course advisors

3.0 Security
  • 3.1 Identify common security threats and vulnerabilities.

    • Malware
    • Phishing
    • Spear phishing
    • Spoofing
    • Social engineering
    • Shoulder surfing
    • Zero day attack
    • Zombie/botnet
    • Brute forcing
    • Dictionary attacks
    • Non-compliant systems
    • Violations of security best practices
    • Tailgating
    • Man-in-the-middle
  • 3.2 Compare and contrast common prevention methods.

    • Physical security
    • Digital security
    • User education/AUP
    • Principle of least privilege
  • 3.3 Compare and contrast differences of basic Windows OS security settings.

    • User and groups
    • NTFS vs. Share permissions
    • Shared files and folders
    • System files and folders
    • User authentication
    • Run as administrator vs. standard user
    • Bitlocker
    • Bitlocker-To-Go
    • EFS
  • 3.4 Given a scenario, deploy and enforce security best practices to secure a workstation.

    • Password best practices
    • Account management
    • Disable autorun
    • Data encryption
    • Patch/update management
  • 3.5 Compare and contrast various methods for securing mobile devices.

    • Screen locks
    • Remote wipes
    • Locator applications
    • Remote backup applications
    • Failed login attempts restrictions
    • Antivirus/Antimalware
    • Patching/OS updates
    • Biometric authentication
    • Full device encryption
    • Multifactor authentication
    • Authenticator applications
    • Trusted sources vs. untrusted sources
    • Firewalls
    • Policies and procedures
  • 3.6 Given a scenario, use appropriate data destruction and disposal methods.

    • Physical destruction
    • Recycling or repurposing best practices

For more information, contact one of our course advisors

4.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
  • 4.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools.

    • Common symptoms
    • Tools
  • 4.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays with appropriate tools.

    • Common symptoms
    • Tools
  • 4.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common video, projector and display issues.

    • Common symptoms
  • 4.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools.

    • Common symptoms
    • Hardware tools
    • Command line tools
  • 4.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and repair common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.

    • Common symptoms
    • Disassembling processes for proper re-assembly
  • 4.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools.

    • Common symptoms
    • Tools

For more information, contact one of our course advisors

5.0 Operational Procedures
  • 5.1 Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures.

    • Equipment grounding
    • Toxic waste handling
    • Personal safety
    • Compliance with local government regulations
  • 5.2 Given a scenario with potential environmental impacts, apply the appropriate controls.

    • MSDS documentation for handling and disposal
    • Temperature, humidity level awareness and proper ventilation
    • Power surges, brownouts, blackouts
    • Protection from airborne particles
    • Dust and debris
    • Compliance to local government regulations
  • 5.3 Summarize the process of addressing prohibited content/activity, and explain privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.

    • Incident Response
    • Licensing / DRM / EULA
    • Personally Identifiable Information
    • Follow corporate end-user policies and security best practices
  • 5.4 Demonstrate proper communication techniques and professionalism.

    • Use proper language – avoid jargon, acronyms, slang when applicable
    • Maintain a positive attitude / Project confidence
    • Actively listen (taking notes) and avoid interrupting the customer
    • Be culturally sensitive
    • Be on time (if late contact the customer)
    • Avoid distractions
    • Dealing with difficult customer or situation
    • Set and meet expectations/timeline and communicate status with the customer
    • Deal appropriately with customers confidential and private materials
  • 5.5 Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory.

    • Always consider corporate policies, procedures and impacts before implementing changes.
    1. 1. Identify the problem
    2. 2. Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious)
    3. 3. Test the theory to determine cause
    4. 4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution
    5. 5. Verify full system functionality and if applicable implement preventive measures
    6. 6. Document findings, actions and outcomes

For more information, contact one of our course advisors

More Information

For more information, contact one of our course advisors

CompTIA A+ Exam
  • CompTIA A+ 220-901
  • CompTIA A+ 220-902

For more information, contact one of our course advisors

Job Role

Achieving a CompTIA A+ qualification will unlock a number of doors for you
within the IT industry, with salaries for those that hold an A+
certification ranging from £16,000 to £56,673.

The roles that you will be qualified for are as follows:

  • Support Technician
  • Support Engineer
  • Support Analyst
  • Service Desk Analyst
  • IT Manager

For more information, contact one of our course advisors

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