CompTIA's professional qualification
CompTIA A+
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- The cornerstone for CompTIA Expert certifications.
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Certification summary
The CompTIA A+ certification is the starting point for a career in IT. The CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognised global certification which validates your abilities and professionalism in the vast field of IT support, computer hardware and mobile devices.
Exams summary
In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams:
CompTIA A+: 220-901
CompTIA A+: 220-902
A closer look...
The A+ certification consists of two exams: A+ 220-901; A+ 220-902; and focuses on the development of hardware and software support skills including being able to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosis, preventative maintenance and basic networking. It also covers the communication and customer services skills you'll need to support end users.
CompTIA 901...
The CompTIA 901 exam considers PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking and troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity issues.
CompTIA 902...
The CompTIA 902 exam considers the installation and configuration of operating systems including Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux. It also addresses security, the fundamentals of cloud computing and operational procedures.
Career & Job Opportunities
In the UK, the average salary of a CompTIA A+ technician is £24,300pa. The average salary for an A+ graduate is estimated to be £17,500pa. After graduation, you will easily find work for example as a Hardware Engineer or a 1st line Support Technician. Below is a short list of the starting range of career opportunities offered to A+ Technicians:
- Systems Administrator;
- Computer Hardware Engineer;
- Technical Support Specialist;
- Field Service Technician;
- Desktop Support Specialist;
- 1st Line Support Engineer;
- IT Support Administrator;
- PC Technician;
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We will work with you to ensure that you can find work in IT after completing your CompTIA course
Working with JobcentrePlus and our Recruitment Partners across the UK, we will work with you to ensure that you can find work in IT (an not in any job) through job interviews and applications. We aim to get you in an IT job role on completion of your CompTIA. If you have no qualification or background in IT, we will provide you with the necessary training for the experience required. For existing CompTIA professionals, we can upgrade your qualifications and improve your career prospects. Do not allow your lack of experience or self-confidence deny you from a career in I.T - it is a lot easier (and enjoyable too) than most people think, once you learn the basics.
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The two exams
The CompTIA A+ is the latest generation in CompTIA technology and as such there is no current retirement plan for its exams. Below is a breakdown of the exams for this certification and how they are made up.
A+ 220-901
This exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed:
- PC Hardware
- Networking
- Mobile Devices
- Troubleshooting
CompTIA A+ 220-901
CompTIA A+ 220-901 covers the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, and basic networking. Here are the module chapters and the key topics that will be covered within the module:
- Chapter 1: PC Hardware
- 1.1 Configure and apply BIOS settings
- 1.2 Differentiate between motherboard components, their purposes, and properties
- 1.3 Compare and contrast RAM types and features
- 1.4 Install and configure expansion cards
- 1.5 Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media
- 1.6 Differentiate among various CPU types and features and select the appropriate cooling method
- 1.7 Compare and contrast various connection interfaces and explain their purpose
- 1.8 Install an appropriate power supply based on a given scenario
- 1.9 Select appropriate components for a configuration, to meet customer specifications
- 1.10 Given a scenario, evaluate types and features of display devices
- 1.11 Identify connector types and associated cables
- 1.12 Install and configure various peripheral devices
- 1.13 Install SOHO multifunction device/printers and configure appropriate settings
- 1.14 Compare and contrast differences between the various print technologies and the associated imaging process
- 1.15 Given a scenario, perform appropriate printer maintenance
- Chapter 2: Networking
- 2.1 Identify types of network cables and connectors
- 2.2 Categorise characteristics of connectors and cabling
- 2.3 Explain properties and characteristics of TCP/IP
- 2.4 Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purpose
- 2.5 Compare and contrast wireless network standards and encryption types
- 2.6 Install, configure, and deploy a SOHO wireless/wired router using appropriate settings
- 2.7 Compare and contrast Internet connection types and features
- 2.8 Compare and contrast network architecture devices, their functions and features
- 2.9 Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools
- Chapter 3: Mobile Devices
- 3.1 Install and configure laptop hardware and components
- 3.2 Explain the function of components within the display of a laptop
- 3.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features
- 3.4 Explain the characteristics of various types of other mobile devices
- 3.5 Compare and contrast accessories and ports of other mobile devices
- Chapter 4: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
- 4.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools
- 4.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays with appropriate tools
- 4.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common video, projector and display issues
- 4.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools
- 4.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and repair common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures
- 4.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools
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A+ 220-902
This exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed:
- Windows Operating Systems
- Other Operating Systems & Technologies
- Security
- Software Troubleshooting
- Operational Procedures
CompTIA A+ 220-902
CompTIA A+ 220-902 covers the skills required to install and configure PC operating systems, as well as configuring common features (e.g. network connectivity and email) for mobile operating systems Android and Apple iOS. Here are the module chapters and the key topics that will be covered within the module:
- Chapter 1: 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)
- 1.2 - Given a scenario, install Windows PC operating systems using appropriate methods
- 1.3 - Given a scenario, apply appropriate Microsoft command line tools
- 1.4 - Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft operating system features and tools
- 1.5 - Given a scenario, use Windows Control Panel utilities
- 1.6 - Given a scenario, install and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop
- 1.7 - Perform common preventive maintenance procedures using the appropriate Windows OS tools
- Chapter 2: Other Operating Systems and Technologies
- 2.1 - Identify common features and functionality of the Mac OS and Linux operating systems
- 2.2 - Given a scenario, set up and use client-side virtualisation
- 2.3 - Identify basic cloud concepts
- 2.4 - Summarise the properties and purpose of services provided by networked hosts
- 2.5 - Identify basic features of mobile operating systems
- 2.6 - Install and configure basic mobile device network connectivity and email
- 2.7 - Summarise methods and data related to mobile device synchronisation
- Chapter 3: Security
- 3.1 Identify common security threats and vulnerabilities
- 3.2 Compare and contrast common prevention methods
- 3.3 Compare and contrast differences of basic Windows OS security settings
- 3.4 Given a scenario, deploy and enforce security best practices to secure a workstation
- 3.5 Compare and contrast various methods for securing mobile devices
- 3.6 Given a scenario, use appropriate data destruction and disposal methods
- 3.7 Given a scenario, secure SOHO wireless and wired networks
- Chapter 4: Software Troubleshooting
- 4.1 - Given a scenario, troubleshoot PC operating system problems with appropriate tools
- 4.2 - Given a scenario, troubleshoot common PC security issues with appropriate tools and best practices
- 4.3 - Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues with appropriate tools
- 4.4 - Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues with appropriate tools
- Chapter 5: Operational Procedures
- 5.1 - Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures
- 5.2 - Given a scenario with potential environmental impacts, apply the appropriate controls
- 5.3 - Summarise the process of addressing prohibited content/activity, and explain privacy, licensing and policy concepts
- 5.4 - Demonstrate proper communication techniques and professionalism
- 5.5 - Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory
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Buy the CompTIA A+ Certification Package at £799.99
Includes the two courses shown above plus their official exams.
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This course is suitable for...
School leavers
A fun and enjoyable way to build a fresh career
Teachers & IT professionals
A prestigious qualification which will distinguish you from the crowd of 21st century geeks
Anyone else...
Looking to start a healthy, rewarding & lucrative career in I.T
But is this course right for you?
Will it provide you with the skills that you need, or the career you'd like to explore? If you are not 100% sure that it's correct for you then we highly recommend that you experience our trial courses and assessments to get an accurate insight to the CompTIA A+ certification. You can sign up for this below or use it to ask our lecturers some questions. You can also call us on 0800 622 69 69 and speak to one of our course advisers and they will help you choose the perfect certification tailored to your needs.
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