What Does A+ Certification Cover?

Last Updated on April 26, 2024

Most businesses require the services of IT specialists or professionals to manage and support their IT infrastructure and equipment. To gain certification in the industry, the CompTIA+ certification is one of the best options for professionals.  

 

CompTIA is the world’s largest source of vendor-neutral IT certifications. The A+ certification training focuses on fundamental computer technology, troubleshooting, and repair abilities. It helps you enhance and demonstrate your computer hardware, software, networking, and security knowledge and skills. 

 

How long does it take to get CompTIA A+? The time it takes to study for and pass the CompTIA A+ certification exam varies from person to person. It is dependent on factors such as past knowledge, study plan, and learning speed. The certification you earn after completing the exam is viable for three years.

 

The A+ certification comprises two exams: CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) and CompTIA A+ 220-1102. (Core 2). Here is a list of what is covered: 

 

Exam 220-1101

 

This exam focuses on five key subjects: mobile devices, networking, hardware, visualization, cloud computing, and hardware and troubleshooting. Let’s walk through each of these.

 

Mobile Devices

 

Mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable technology have grown increasingly vital in modern computing. To keep up with advancements, you must be familiar with popular mobile operating systems, such as Apple iOS and Google Android. This includes expertise in their features, capabilities, and limitations. 

 

You must understand mobile device components such as touchscreens, batteries, cameras, sensors, and storage and can troubleshoot common hardware issues. You should be able to identify and resolve standard mobile devices issues such as unresponsive touchscreens, app crashes, and connectivity problems.

 

Networking

 

Understanding various types of networks, network connections, and protocols are all part of basic networking concepts. These include:

 

• Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP): the suite of protocols used for communication over the Internet and other networks
• IP addressing: IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnet masks, and subnetting
• Network topologies: standard network layouts such as star, mesh, bus, and ring topologies; network protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and DNS

 

You must also know wireless networking concepts, such as wireless standards (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax), frequencies, channels, and encryption methods like WPA2 and WPA3. You should be able to set up and configure small office/home office networks, including network devices like routers, switches, and access points.

 

Hardware

 

You should be well-versed in identifying, operating, connecting hardware components, and have a broad knowledge of various devices. These skills are required to support a remote workforce. This includes motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage devices, graphics cards, and peripherals.

 

Virtualization and Cloud Computing

 

Understanding the basics of virtualization and cloud computing is essential. You must know the principles of virtualization (for example, hardware abstraction), resource sharing, and isolation. 

 

You must exhibit knowledge in virtual machine construction, configuration, and management. Be familiar with common hypervisors such as VMware Workstation, VMware vSphere (ESXi), and Microsoft Hyper-V. 

 

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

 

Hardware and network troubleshooting focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and fix typical computer hardware and networking issues. These skills allow IT workers to manage and repair computer systems and networks, assuring optimal performance and dependability. This includes hardware components, such as:

 

• Motherboards 
• CPUs (processors) 
• Memory (RAM)
• Storage devices
• Power supplies
• Peripherals

 

Exam 220-1102

 

This exam focuses on operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. We describe each of these subjects in-depth below:

 

Operating Systems

 

IT professionals should have a strong understanding of various Windows versions, Apple’s macOS, and a basic knowledge of Linux operating systems (Ubuntu, Fedora, and CentOS). Installation, configuration, updates, user management, file systems, and basic troubleshooting are also covered.

 

Security

 

You should be able to detect and protect against security flaws in devices and network connections. You must know fundamental security principles and best practices, such as malware protection, encryption, and secure authentication techniques. In addition, a thorough understanding of the basics of physical security is necessary, including how to implement and maintain security measures on both hardware and software levels.

 

Software Troubleshooting

 

You should be able to diagnose computer and mobile device problems and provide application security support. In addition, professionals must be able to troubleshoot common software problems such as application crashes, operating system failures, and driver compatibility concerns.

 

Operational Procedures

 

Operational Procedures focus on the best practices and principles that IT professionals must follow in their work environment. These practices assure safety, reduce environmental impact, and encourage effective communication and professionalism. For example, professionals must know how to handle electronic components to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage. Another example is how to dispose of e-waste using authorized disposal facilities responsibly.

 

In Conclusion

 

CompTIA A+ can be a valuable investment in improving the quality and efficiency of your IT support services. The best way to get CompTIA A+ certification is through instructor-led courses. ONLC is a CompTIA Authorized Partner that offers training programs to assist you in preparing your team for CompTIA certification–contact us to learn more!