I. Overview:

Start your tech career with CompTIA A+, the industry standard certification for entry-level roles. Trusted by employers worldwide, A+ builds foundational skills in hardware, software, networking, troubleshooting, and security. The latest version, V15, is updated for today's technology and prepares you for roles like IT support specialist and help desk technician through two exams—Core 1 and Core 2.

II. Duration: 48 hours (6 days)

III. Objectives:

• Install, configure, and maintain hardware components and devices effectively.
• Diagnose and resolve issues with PCs, mobile devices, and software applications.
• Understand networking basics and configure wired/wireless SOHO networks.
• Explain virtualization and cloud computing concepts and their applications.

IV. Intended Audience:

• Echnical support specialist
• System administrator
• Cyber defense infrastructure support specialist

V. Prerequisites:

• 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role.

VI. Course outlines:

1. Mobile Devices

• Given a scenario, monitor mobile device hardware and use appropriate replacement techniques.
• Compare and contrast accessories and connectivity options for mobile devices.
• Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and provide application support.

2. Networking

• Compare and contrast Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports, protocols, and their purposes.
• Explain wireless networking technologies.
• Summarize services provided by networked hosts.
• Explain common network configuration concepts.
• Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices.
• Given a scenario, configure basic wired/wireless small office/home office (SOHO) networks.
• Compare and contrast internet connection types, network types, and their characteristics.
• Explain networking tools and their purposes.

3. Hardware

• Compare and contrast display components and attributes.
• Summarize basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes.
• Compare and contrast RAM characteristics.
• Compare and contrast storage devices.
• Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards.
• Given a scenario, install the appropriate power supply.
• Given a scenario, deploy and configure multifunction devices/printers and settings.
• Given a scenario, perform appropriate printer maintenance.

4. Virtualization and Cloud Computing

• Explain virtualization concepts.
• Summarize cloud computing concepts.

5. Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

• Given a scenario, troubleshoot motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot drive and RAID issues.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile device issues.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot network issues.
• Given a scenario, troubleshoot printer issues.