CompTIA A+ 220-801 & 220-802

Master PC hardware fundamentals with the CompTIA A+ qualification now widely regarded as essential training for support analysts and engineers. From a basic understanding of PC hardware, through to more advanced concepts like operating system installation and configuration, the CompTIA A+ qualification is the gold standard certification for IT support technicians and PC system builders.

As a vendor-neutral qualification, the CompTIA A+ certification is an ideal introduction to common computer hardware support scenarios for system engineers of all levels of experience, because all the skills learned are fully-transferrable. The CompTIA A+ course is ideal for:

• System engineers and PC builders who need to improve their general computer hardware knowledge.
• PC engineers needing to improve their hardware troubleshooting skills.
• IT support technicians and engineers managing and maintaining networked PC resources and peripherals.
• IT engineers tasked with increasing the use of mobile technologies within the corporate network.

The CompTIA A+ qualification is recognised by most organisations that operate an IT department and is a globally accepted qualification. Having completed the course, students will be fully prepared to sit the CompTIA A+ exam and earn their certificate of achievement.

Using a blend of instructor led videos and self-study resources, the CompTIA A+ course can be accessed anyplace anytime, to fit in around the student’s existing schedule and study preferences. Our platform also provides a social networking facility that allows students to discuss topics and learn from each other’s knowledge and experience. Finally end of section tests help participants identify whether they are fully ready to sit the A+ exam and ear their accreditaion.

Key learning points

The CompTIA A+ 220-801 and 220-802 course gives hardware engineers a complete understanding of PCs in a corporate network setting. Initially study begins by using a combination of instructor-led videos, self-study materials and hands-on exercises to help students fully understand the hardware building blocks of a common PC.

Module 220-801 takes participants through:

• Motherboard and BIOS configurations, and the associated components.
• The use of expansion cards, display devices and peripherals to add extra functionality to a PC.
• How to build and customise personal computers for specific applications and roles.
• How to network computers and laptops for data and resource sharing.

The course then moves on to module 220-802 which focuses on the installation and configuration of Microsoft Windows operating systems, for use in a standalone or networked environment. Students will:

• Gain a complete understanding of the Windows operating system environment and the use of advanced features like BitLocker drive encryption.
• Learn how to configure security policies and groups to protect data and applications stored on the PC’s hard drive.
• Master basic networking fundamentals, including how to configure PCs for use on a corporate domain or workgroup.
• Understand how to monitor and maintain PCs to reduce the risk of a failure and resulting system outage.
• Practice deploying and managing Windows in a virtualised environment as is becoming increasingly more common in the modern workplace.
• Integrate mobile device technologies into the corporate network and learn how to configure and manage data access and backup for smartphones and tablets.

Advantages of this course

The CompTIA A+ course is an essential step towards to learning the skills required to be an exceptional PC hardware support technician. Upon completion of this course, students will:

• Be able to build, configure, maintain and troubleshoot common PC hardware devices.
• Install, configure, maintain and troubleshoot Microsoft Windows operating systems that are commonly found in the workplace.
• Use security best practice principles to protect PC devices running on a corporate network.
• Understand and facilitate the use of mobile devices in a corporate setting, including Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies.
• Be fully prepared to sit and pass the CompTIA A+ exam, earning their certification in the process.

Armed with the knowledge gained through this course, PC engineers will not only perform better at their jobs, but they will also improve their employment prospects by gaining new, valuable skills. The CompTIA A+ course is also an essential preparation for passing the A+ certification exam, without which candidates are unlikely to achieve the required standard.

• Units of study

CompTIA 220-802 or JK0-802: CompTIA A+ Practical Application

• Installing and Configuring Operating Systems
• Working With Mobile Devices
• Understanding System Security
• Troubleshooting Hardware and Software Issues

CompTIA 220-801 or JK0-801: CompTIA A+ Essentials

• Introduction To Personal Computers And IT Certification
• Internal Hardware Components
• Storage Fundamentals
• Expanding Hardware Capabilities
• Working With Peripheral Devices
• Laptop Computers
• Computer Networking
• Operational Procedures