Trying to break into the IT industry? Our CompTIA A+ training is the ideal entry-level qualification for jobs in Maryland, Virginia and DC. Whether you are looking for a first job out of school or college or looking to switch industries mid-career, this foundational certification will give you what you need to ace that interview or finally change to a more lucrative and rewarding career. You will learn how to perform duties related to Help-Desk and Computer support roles including installing, configuring and managing desktop computers and basic network administration.

A+ certification satisfies DOD 8570 IAT Level I

Top tip! - More often than not, employers are looking for people with both CompTIA A+ Certification and Network+ Certification for entry-level jobs. TrainACE offers a combined course for these two certifications which will get you where you need to be faster and more cost-effectively. Check out our combined A+ and Network+ training.

Why Take CompTIA A+ Training?

CompTIA A+ certification is the foundation for your IT career. This course provides the skills and training you need to troubleshoot technology problems across a wide range of networks, operating systems, and device types. With a focus on supporting and troubleshooting PC and mobile operating systems, configuring networks with internet access and client device networking, this is a vendor-neutral certification making your knowledge applicable everywhere.

Successful candidates learn the skills and knowledge to take customer requirements and assemble components, install, configure and maintain devices, and software for end users. Our hands-on approach will give you the confidence to handle basic networking and security/forensics. It will also teach you to properly safely diagnose, resolve and document common hardware and software issues. Key to roles utilizing the A+ certification is the ability to troubleshoot issues, provide appropriate help-desk support, and to comprehend the fundamentals of virtualization, desktop imaging, and deployment, all of which we teach in-class in a convenient location to you, whether in Maryland, Virginia, or DC.

In job opportunities that the A+ course prepares you for, it is essential that you have the confidence to handle real-world situations. TrainACE’s uniquely hands-on approach prepares you for those practical, real-world situations, as well as how to pass the certification exams.

Who Should Take CompTIA A+ Certification Training?

This CompTIA A+ certification training course is designed for individuals who are looking to start a career in the IT industry, or those who are looking to change careers by moving into an IT career path. The course will teach you the fundamentals of computer technology, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting. CompTIA A+ training is a must for anyone who is preparing to take the certification exam.

What Jobs Can You get with CompTIA A+ Certification?

Obtaining a CompTIA A+ certification demonstrates to prospective employers that you are prepared to work in various IT service positions. It proves your competency, knowledge, and skill levels associated with the objectives of the certification.

The CompTIA A+ certification is a beginner-level credential that will prepare you for various entry-level IT positions. Some of those roles include IT Support Specialist, Service Desk Technician, Help Desk Technician, IT Operations Technician, Desktop Support Technician, PC and Hardware Repair Technician. Often, entry-level IT jobs will require that you have other certifications in addition to A+, typically Network+.

The positions that are available for individuals with only the CompTIA A+ certification are typically considered stepping stones to more advanced roles within the IT environment. The job you get with this certification will prepare you to make an educated decision about your future career path.

Is Obtaining a CompTIA A+ Certification Worth it?

The CompTIA A+ certification is definitely worth obtaining for anyone entering the IT industry. With the certification, you are able to begin building a career that offers better benefits and pay. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door of the IT industry and grow your career. Here are some of the benefits of obtaining your CompTIA A+ certification:

• · Makes an IT Career More Accessible – More and more employers are looking to certifications rather than traditional IT Computer degrees when making hiring decisions. A+ training and certification can help you get started in IT faster and for a lot less money than going through a four year degree.
• · Global Recognition – CompTIA certifications, including the A+, are recognized worldwide by all types of organizations including the U.S. Department of Defense.
• · Demonstrates Dedication – Obtaining your CompTIA A+ certification shows that you are serious about your career and dedicated to keep up with the newest developments in the IT industry.
• · Validation of Fundamental Skills – CompTIA A+ certified individuals are well-versed in the troubleshooting, security, and networking skills that prepare them for many IT professions.
• · Trusted by Hiring Employers – Employers of all types need IT professionals within their organizations, and they trust CompTIA A+ certified professionals to maintain the operation of their computer systems.
• · Increased Earning Potential – Jobs in the IT industry are some of the best-paying positions you’ll find, and they are abundant. Having the CompTIA A+ certification will help put you on a career path that offers many lucrative jobs with excellent job security.

How Much Can You Make with a CompTIA A+ Certification?

IT professionals who have earned their CompTIA A+ certification are frequently paid up to 15 percent more than their non-certified counterparts. Some of the most common entry-level IT positions and their corresponding average annual salaries are:

• IT Support Specialist – $47,854
• Service Desk Technician – $39,250
• Help Desk Technician – $34,340
• IT Operations Technician – $40,747
• Desktop Support Technician – $40,684
• PC and Hardware Repair Technician – $34,306

What you need to know before taking CompTIA A+ training

CompTIA A+ is an entry-level certification which provides a great starting point for a career in IT. There are no prerequisites for taking the CompTIA A+ certification exam.

Folk with some basic computer knowledge and skills will find this course a little easier than those with none. The course is not a walk in the park, but with a commitment and determination, you will be successful, even if you are new to the industry.

Exam and Certification Requirements:

To become A+ Certified, you must pass two exams: 1001 and 1002. TrainACE’s A+ training course will prepare you for both.

Current exam number 220-1001 and 220-1002

• Maximum of 90 questions per Exam
• Time Length 90 minutes per Exam
• Passing Score 1001 675 and 1002 700
• Format Multiple Choice and Performance-Based Questions

Who needs A+ Certification?

Job titles that CompTIA A+ will prepare you for:

• IT Support Specialist
• Service Desk Technician
• Help Desk Technician
• IT Operations Technician
• Desktop Support Technician
• PC and Hardware Repair

Skills and Concepts:

Module 1 / Peripheral Devices

Motherboard Components

• System Case Types
• Disassembling a PC
• Motherboard Layout and Sizes
• Bus Architecture
• Motherboard Components
• Expansion Slots
• Labs - Identifying PC Components

Connection Interfaces

• I/O Ports and Cables
• USB Ports
• Other Port Types
• Wireless Ports
• Expansion Cards
• Input Devices
• Installing and Configuring Peripherals

Display Devices

• Display Device Types
• Comparing Display Devices
• Modern Display Connectors
• Other Display Connectors
• Video Cards
• Touchscreens and Digitizers
• Troubleshooting Display Problems

Audio and Multimedia Devices

• Audio Devices
• Imaging Devices
• Multimedia Devices
• Labs - Identifying PC Ports, Connecting Peripheral Devices, Upgrading the Graphics Adapter

Removable Storage Devices

• Storage Devices
• Storage Adapters and Cables
• Installing Storage Devices
• Optical Disc Drives
• Flash Drives
• Tape Drives

Module 2 / System Components

Mass Storage Devices

• Hard Drives
• Solid State Drives
• Troubleshooting Hard Drives
• Installing RAID Arrays
• Troubleshooting RAID
• Labs - Adding Storage Devices

System Memory

• Random Access Memory (RAM) Types
• RAM Configurations
• Installing and Upgrading Memory
• Labs - Upgrading Memory

Processors

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• CPU Architectures
• Other CPU Features
• CPU Packaging
• Cooling Systems
• Installing and Upgrading CPUs

BIOS and UEFI

• BIOS and UEFI System Firmware
• Configuring Component Properties
• Configuring Devices and Boot Properties
• Diagnostics and Monitoring
• Configuring BIOS Security
• Upgrading Firmware
• Labs - System Setup

Power Supplies

• Electrical Circuits
• Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• Connector Types and Voltages
• Installing a Power Supply Unit

Custom Configuration

• Configuring Computers for Business
• Configuring Computers for Home Use

Module 3 / Troubleshooting and Mobile Devices

Troubleshooting System Components

• Troubleshooting Basic Hardware Problems
• Troubleshooting Power Problems
• Troubleshooting POST
• Troubleshooting Motherboard Components
  • Labs - Removing and Installing FRUs, Testing Hardware Components, Diagnosing System Errors

Laptops

• Laptop Types
• Laptop Features
• Laptop Expansion Options
• Laptop Power Supplies

Mobile Devices

• Mobile Device Types
• Mobile Accessories and Ports

Troubleshooting Mobile Devices

• Laptop and Mobile Disassembly
• Upgrading Laptop FRUs
• Upgrading Laptop System Components
• Troubleshooting Mobile Displays
• Troubleshooting Mobile Connectivity Issues
• Troubleshooting Laptop Power Troubleshooting Other Mobile Issues
• Labs - Removing and Installing Laptop FRUs

Module 4 / Printer and Network Hardware

Printers

• Printer Types
• Laser Printers
• Inkjet Printers
• Impact Printers
• Thermal Transfer Printers

Configuring Printers

• Installing Printers
• Configuring Printers
• Sharing and Networking Printers
• Labs - Installing a Printer

Troubleshooting Printers

• Routine Printer Maintenance
• Maintaining Laser Printers
• Maintaining Other Printer Types
• Troubleshooting Print Errors
• Troubleshooting Print Defects
• Labs - Printer Maintenance

Network Architectures

• Basic Network Concepts
• Network Topologies
• The OSI Model
• Types of Network

Ethernet Networks

• OSI Model Physical Layer
• Twisted Pair Cabling and Connectors
• Installing and Testing Network Cables
• Fiber Optic Cabling and Connectors
• Coaxial Cabling and Connectors
• OSI Model Data Link Layer
• Network Cards
• Hubs, Bridges, and Switches
• Troubleshooting Wired Links
• Ethernet over Power
• Labs - Connecting to a Switch

Module 5 / Networks

Wireless Networks

• Wireless Network Devices
• Wi-Fi Standards
• Wireless Network Security
• Configuring a SOHO Access Point
• Troubleshooting Wireless Links

Internet Connections

• Internet Connection Types
• Legacy Internet Access Methods
• Broadband Internet Access Methods
• Wireless Internet Access Methods
• Labs - Connecting to an Access Point

Internet Protocol

• OSI Model Network Layer
• The TCP/IP Suite
• Internet Protocol and IP Addressing
• Subnet Masks
• Configuring IP
• Classless Addressing
• Troubleshooting IP
• IP Version 6

Routers and Firewalls

• IP Routing Basics
• TCP and UDP Ports
• Configuring a SOHO Router Firewall

Troubleshooting Networks

• Domain Name System (DNS)
• Internet Application Services
• File and Printer Sharing Services
• Remote Terminals and Network Management
• Labs - Troubleshooting a Network

Module 1 / Supporting Windows (1)

Windows Operating System

• What is an Operating System?
• Microsoft Windows 7
• Microsoft Windows 8
• Microsoft Windows Vista
• Windows System Requirements
• Windows Upgrade Paths
• Labs - The Windows Desktop (Windows 8.1 / Windows 10), Hyper-V, Virtual Machines, and Windows 7

Administration Tools

• Control Panel and System Properties
• User Account Control
• Administrative Tools
• Command Prompt and Text Editors
• File Explorer
• Shut Down
• Windows Registry
• Labs - System Administration Tools

Managing Storage

• Disk Partitions
• File Systems
• Disk Management Tool
• Adding Arrays (Dynamic Storage)
• Drive Status
• Command Line Disk Management
• Mount Points and Disk Images
• Labs - Disk Management

Managing Files

• File Explorer
• OneDrive
• Navigating Directories using a Command Prompt
• File Management using a Command Prompt
• Labs - File Management

Managing Applications

• Managing Software
• Managing Services
• Msconfig
• Task Manager
• Windows 8 Task Manager
• Labs - Application Management

Module 2 / Supporting Windows (2)

Managing Devices

• Configuring Hardware
• Device Manager
• Display and Sound Settings
• Power Options
• Labs - Device Management

Managing Performance

• Viewing System Information
• Performance Monitor
• Advanced System Properties
• Labs - System Management and Performance

Troubleshooting Windows

• Troubleshooting Models
• Troubleshooting Procedures
• Event Viewer
• Windows Troubleshooting Tools
• Troubleshooting Windows Errors
• Troubleshooting Application Errors
• Labs - Event Viewer

Managing Users

• User and Group Accounts
• Managing User Accounts

Installing Windows

• Windows Installation Overview
• Installation Boot Methods
• Preparing the Hard Disk
• Completing an Attended Installation
• Options for Deploying Windows
• Labs - Installing Windows 8, Installing Windows Vista

Module 3 / Supporting Windows (3)

Troubleshooting Boot Problems

• BIOS and UEFI
• Troubleshooting Boot Problems
• System Restore
• Advanced Boot Options Menu
• System Repair and Reinstallation
• Labs - Boot Troubleshooting, Advanced Recovery Options

Maintenance and Backup

• Disk Maintenance Utilities
• Task Scheduler
• Patch Management
• Data Backup
• Restoring User Profiles
• Labs - Windows Maintenance Tasks

Threats and Vulnerabilities

• Security Fundamentals
• Security Policies
• Social Engineering
• Network Footprinting and Fingerprinting
• Network Attack Strategies
• Vulnerabilities and Zero-day Attacks
• Password Attacks

Viruses and Malware

• Types of Malware
• Anti-Virus Software
• Malware Symptoms
• Researching Malware
• Quarantine and Remediation
• Preventing Malware Infections
• Security Center and Windows Defender
• Labs - Anti-Virus Software

Securing Workstations

• Digital Security
• Authentication
• Password and Account Policies
• Workstation Security
• Physical Security
• Labs - Account and Password Policies

Securing Data

• Data Policies
• Corporate Security Policy
• Incident Response Policies
• Data Encryption
• Data Disposal Methods

Module 4 / Supporting Windows Networks

Configuring Network Connections

• Network Card Properties
• Establishing Networking Connections
• Configuring Internet Protocol (IP)
• Establishing Internet Connections
• Remote Access Utilities

Securing Network Connections

• Configuring the Browser
• Network and Host Firewalls
• Windows Firewall
• Securing SOHO Networks
• Labs - Network Connections and Windows Firewall

Configuring Shared Resources

• Domains
• Workgroups and Homegroups
• Configuring File and Folder Sharing
• NTFS File and Folder Permissions
• Labs - Windows Homegroup Networking

Virtualization and Services

• Virtualization Basics
• Purposes of Virtual Machines
• Security Requirements
• Cloud Concepts
• Networked Host Services
• Labs - Windows Domain Networking

Module 5 / Linux, OS X, and Mobile OS

Linux Operating System

• Linux Distros and Shells
• Linux Disk and File Management
• Securing a Linux File System
• Managing Linux User Accounts
• Linux Software and Patch Management
• Troubleshooting Linux OS
• Labs - Installing and Configuring Linux

OS X

• Apple Macs and OS X
• OS X File Management
• OS X Users and Passwords
• OS X Software Management
• OS X Networking
• OS X Diagnostic Utilities
• OS X Troubleshooting

Mobile Operating Systems

• Android, iOS, and Windows Mobile
• Features of Mobile Operating Systems
• Cellular Data Networks
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Networks
• Mobile Device Synchronization

Mobile OS Security and Troubleshooting

• Mobile OS Security
• Mobile OS Access Control
• Mobile OS Policies
• Mobile OS Troubleshooting Tools
• Troubleshooting Mobile OS Issues
• Troubleshooting Mobile Wireless Issues
• Troubleshooting Mobile Security Issues

Safety and Environmental Procedures

• Local Government Regulations
• Electrical Safety
• Cable Management and Lifting Techniques
• Component Handling
• Environmental Controls
• Power Problems
• Disposal and Recycling
• Labs - Implementing an Anti-ESD Service Kit, Cleaning and Preventive Maintenance