CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide

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If you are ready for a career as an entry-level Information Technology (IT) professional or computer service technician, CompTIA A+ certification is your first step towards a fulfilling IT career in cloud computing, networking, mobility, security or systems administration.

CompTIA A+ certified professionals are proven problem solvers. They support today’s core technologies from security to cloud to data management and more. CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for launching IT careers into today’s digital world.

CompTIA A+ is the only industry recognized credential with performance-based items to prove pros can think on their feet to perform critical IT support tasks in the moment. It is trusted by employers around the world to identify the go-to person in end point management & technical support roles. CompTIA A+ is regularly re-invented by IT experts to ensure that it validates core skills and abilities demanded in the workplace.

CompTIA A+ Exam Codes 220-1001 & 220-1002 (Core 1 & Core 2). The new CompTIA A+ Core Series covers expanded content on these growing parts of the IT support role including an expansion of baseline security topics and a different approach in defining competency in operational procedures.

SCHEDULE DATES - 35 Hour Hands-On Program


CompTIA A+ 09AM-2PM (Mon-Tue) Start Date & Graduation Date 04/11/2022 to 04/26/2022 2 Days (10 Hours) a Week for 4 Weeks
CompTIA A+ 09AM-2PM (Wed-Thurs) Start Date & Graduation Date 04/27/2022 to 05/12/2022 2 Days (10 Hours) a Week for 4 Weeks
CompTIA A+ 10AM-3PM (Weekends) Start Date & Graduation Date 04/16/2022 to 05/01/2022 2 Days (10 Hours) a Week for 4 Weeks
CompTIA A+ 10AM-3PM (Weekends) Start Date & Graduation Date 05/08/2022 to 05/29/2022 2 Days (10 Hours) a Week for 4 Weeks
CompTIA A+ 9AM-5PM (M-F) Start Date & Graduation Date 06/27/2022 to 07/01/2022 5 Days (35 Hours) a Week for 1 Week


CompTIA A+ 10AM - 4PM (Mon-Tue)	Start Date Graduation Date	04/11/2022 04/26/2022	2 Days (10 Hours) a Week for 4 Weeks
CompTIA A+ 09AM-2PM (Wed-Thurs)	Start Date Graduation Date	04/27/2022 05/12/2022	2 Days (10 Hours) a Week for 4 Weeks
CompTIA A+ 10AM-3PM (Weekends)	Start Date Graduation Date	04/16/2022 05/07/2022	2 Days (10 Hours) a Week for 4 Weeks
CompTIA A+ 10AM-3PM (Weekends)	Start Date Graduation Date	05/08/2022 05/29/2022	2 Days (10 Hours) a Week for 4 Weeks
CompTIA A+ 9AM-5PM (M-F)	Start Date Graduation Date	06/27/2022 07/01/2022	5 Days (35 Hours) a Week for 1 Week

CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide (Exam 220-1001 & 220-1002) Objective

Mobile Devices
Networking
Hardware
Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
Operating Systems
Security
Software Troubleshooting
Operational Procedures

CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide (Exam 220-1001 & 220-1002) Outline

Mobile Devices

Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components
1. Hardware/device replacement
Given a scenario, install components within the display of a laptop
1. Types
2. WiFi antenna connector/placement
3. Webcam
4. Microphone
5. Inverter
6. Digitizer/touchscreen
Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features
1. Special function keys
2. Docking station
3. Port replicator
4. Physical laptop lock and cable lock
5. Rotating/removable screens
Compare and contrast characteristics of various types of other mobile devices
1. Tablets
2. Smartphones
3. Smartphones
4. Wearable technology devices
5. E-readers
6. GPS
Given a scenario, connect and configure accessories and ports of other mobile devices
1. Connection types
2. Accessories
Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and application support
1. Wireless/cellular data network (enable/disable)
2. Bluetooth
3. Corporate and ISP email configuration
4. Integrated commercial provider email configuration
5. PRI updates/PRL updates/ baseband updates
6. Radio firmware
7. IMEI vs. IMSI
8. VPN
Given a scenario, use methods to perform mobile device synchronization
1. Synchronization methods
2. Types of data to synchronize
3. Mutual authentication for multiple services (SSO)
4. Software requirements to install the application on the PC
5. Connection types to enable synchronization

Networking

Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purposes
1. Ports and protocols
2. TCP vs. UDP
Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices
1. Routers
2. Switches
3. Access points
4. Cloud-based network controller
5. Firewall
6. Network interface card
7. Repeater
8. Hub
9. Cable/DSL modem
10. Bridge
11. Patch panel
12. Power over Ethernet (PoE)
13. Ethernet over Power
Given a scenario, install and configure a basic wired/wireless SOHO network
1. Router/switch functionality
2. Access point settings
3. IP addressing
4. NIC configuration
5. End-user device configuration
6. IoT device configuration
7. Cable/DSL modem configuration
8. Firewall settings
9. QoS
10. Wireless settings
Compare and contrast wireless networking protocols
1. 802.11a
2. 802.11b
3. 802.11g
4. 802.11n
5. 802.11ac
6. Frequencies
7. Channels
8. Bluetooth
9. NFC
10. RFID
11. Zigbee
12. Z-Wave
13. 3G
14. 4G
15. 5G
16. LTE
Summarize the properties and purposes of services provided by networked hosts
1. Server roles
2. Internet appliance
3. Legacy/embedded systems
Explain common network configuration concepts
1. IP addressing
2. DNS
3. DHCP
4. IPv4 vs. IPv6
5. Subnet mask
6. Gateway
7. VPN
8. VLAN
9. NAT
Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types, and their features
1. Internet connection types
2. Network types
Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools
1. Crimper
2. Cable stripper
3. Multimeter
4. Tone generator and probe
5. Cable tester
6. Loopback plug
7. Punchdown tool
8. WiFi analyzer

Hardware

Explain basic cable types, features, and their purposes
1. Network cables
2. Video cables
3. Multipurpose cables
4. Peripheral cables
5. Hard drive cables
6. Adapters
Identify common connector types
1. RJ-11
2. RJ-45
3. RS-232
4. BNC
5. RG-59
6. RG-6
7. USB
8. Micro-USB
9. Mini-USB
10. USB-C
11. DB-9
12. Lightning
13. SCSI
14. eSATA
15. Molex
Given a scenario, install RAM types
1. RAM types
2. Single channel
3. Dual channel
4. Triple channel
5. Error correcting
6. Parity vs. non-parity
Given a scenario, select, install and configure storage devices
1. Optical drives
2. Solid-state drives
3. Magnetic hard drives
4. Hybrid drives
5. Flash
6. Configuration
Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards
1. Motherboard form factor
2. Motherboard connectors types
3. BIOS/UEFI settings
4. CMOS battery
5. CPU features
6. Compatibility
7. Cooling mechanism
8. Expansion cards
Explain the purposes and uses of various peripheral types
1. Printer
2. ADF/flatbed scanner
3. Barcode scanner/QR scanner
4. Monitors
5. VR headset
6. Optical
7. DVD drive
8. Mouse
9. Keyboard
10. Touchpad
11. Signature pad
12. Game controllers
13. Camera/webcam
14. Microphone
15. Speakers
16. Headset
17. Projector
18. External storage drives
19. KVM
20. Magnetic reader/chip reader
21. NFC/tap pay device
22. Smart card reader
Summarize power supply types and features
1. Input 115V vs. 220V
2. Output 5.5V vs. 12V
3. 24-pin motherboard adapter
4. Wattage rating
5. Number of devices/types of devices to be powered
Given a scenario, select and configure appropriate components for a custom PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs
1. Graphic/CAD/CAM design workstation
2. Audio/video editing workstation
3. Virtualization workstation
4. Gaming PC
5. Standard thick client
6. Thin client
7. Network attached storage device
Given a scenario, install and configure common devices
1. Desktop
2. Laptop/common mobile devices
Given a scenario, configure SOHO multifunction devices/printers and settings
1. Use appropriate drivers for a given operating system
2. Device sharing
3. Public/shared devices
Given a scenario, install and maintain various print technologies
1. Laser
2. Inkjet
3. Thermal
4. Impact
5. Virtual
6. 3D printers

Virtualization and Cloud Computing

Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts
1. Common cloud models
2. Shared resources
3. Rapid elasticity
4. On-demand
5. Resource pooling
6. Measured service
7. Metered
8. Off-site email applications
9. Cloud file storage services
10. Virtual application streaming/ cloud-based applications
11. Virtual desktop
Given a scenario, set up and configure client-side virtualization
1. Purpose of virtual machines
2. Resource requirements
3. Emulator requirements
4. Security requirements
5. Network requirements
6. Hypervisor

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

Given a scenario, use the best practice methodology to resolve problems
1. Always consider corporate policies, procedures, and impacts before implementing changes
Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power
1. Common symptoms
Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays
1. Common symptoms
Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues
1. Common symptoms
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures
1. Common symptoms
2. Disassembling processes for proper reassembly
Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers
1. Common symptoms
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common wired and wireless network problem
1. Common symptoms

Operating Systems

Compare and contrast common operating system types and their purposes
1. 32-bit vs. 64-bit
2. Workstation operating systems
3. Cell phone/tablet operating systems
4. Vendor-specific limitations
5. Compatibility concerns between operating systems
Compare and contrast features of Microsoft Windows versions
1. Windows 7
2. Windows 8
3. Windows 8.1
4. Windows 10
5. Corporate vs. personal needs
6. Desktop styles/user interface
Summarize general OS installation considerations and upgrade methods.
1. Boot methods
2. Type of installations
3. Partitioning - Dynamic
4. File system types/formatting
5. Load alternate third-party drivers when necessary
6. Workgroup vs. Domain setup
7. Time/date/region/language settings
8. Driver installation, software, and Windows updates
9. Factory recovery partition
10. Properly formatted boot drive with the correct partitions/format
11. Prerequisites/hardware compatibility
12. Application compatibility
13. OS compatibility/upgrade path
Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft command line tools
1. Navigation
2. ipconfig
3. ping
4. tracert
5. netstat
6. nslookup
7. shutdown
8. dism
9. sfc
10. chkdsk
11. diskpart
12. taskkill
13. gpupdate
14. gpresult
15. format
16. copy
17. xcopy
18. robocopy
19. net use
20. net user
21. [command name] /?
22. Commands available with standard privileges vs. administrative privileges
Given a scenario, use Microsoft operating system features and tools
1. Administrative
2. MSConfig
3. Task Manager
4. Disk Management
5. System utilities
Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows Control Panel utilities
1. Internet Options
2. Display/Display Settings
3. User Accounts
4. Folder Options
5. System
6. Windows Firewall
7. Power Options
8. Credential Manager
9. Programs and features
10. HomeGroup
11. Devices and Printers
12. Sound
13. Troubleshooting
14. Network and Sharing Center
15. Device Manager
16. Bitlocker
17. Sync Center
Summarize application installation and configuration concepts
1. System requirements
2. OS requirements
3. Methods of installation and deployment
4. Local user permissions
5. Security considerations
Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking on a client/desktop
1. HomeGroup vs. Workgroup
2. Domain setup
3. Network shares/administrative shares/mapping drives
4. Printer sharing vs. network printer mapping
5. Establish networking connections
6. Proxy settings
7. Remote Desktop Connection
8. Remote Assistance
9. Home vs. Work vs. Public network settings
10. Firewall settings
11. Configuring an alternative IP address in Windows
12. Network card properties
Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Mac OS and Linux client/desktop operating systems
1. Best practices
2. Tools
3. Features
4. Basic Linux commands

Security

Summarize the importance of physical security measures
1. Mantrap
2. Badge reader
3. Smart card
4. Security guard
5. Door lock
6. Biometric locks
7. Hardware tokens
8. Cable locks
9. Server locks
10. USB locks
11. Privacy screen
12. Key fobs
13. Entry control roster
Explain logical security concepts
1. Active Directory
2. Software tokens
3. MDM policies
4. Port security
5. MAC address filtering
6. Certificates
7. Antivirus/Anti-malware
8. Firewalls
9. User authentication/strong passwords
10. Multifactor authentication
11. Directory permissions
12. VPN
13. DLP
14. Access control lists
15. Smart card
16. Email filtering
17. Trusted/untrusted software sources
18. Principle of least privilege
Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods
1. Protocols and encryption
2. Authentication
Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using appropriate tools and methods
1. Malware
2. Tools and methods
Compare and contrast social engineering, threats, and vulnerabilities
1. Social engineering
2. DDoS
3. DoS
4. Zero-day
5. Man-in-the-middle
6. Brute force
7. Dictionary
8. Rainbow table
9. Spoofing
10. Non-compliant systems
11. Zombie
Compare and contrast the differences of basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings
1. User and groups
2. NTFS vs. share permissions
3. Shared files and folders
4. System files and folders
5. User authentication
6. Run as administrator vs. standard user
7. BitLocker
8. BitLocker To Go
9. EFS
Given a scenario, implement security best practices to secure a workstation
1. Password best practices
2. Account management
3. Disable autorun
4. Data encryption
5. Patch/update management
Given a scenario, implement methods for securing mobile devices
1. Screen locks
2. Remote wipes
3. Locator applications
4. Remote backup applications
5. Failed login attempts restrictions
6. Antivirus/Anti-malware
7. Patching/OS updates
8. Biometric authentication
9. Full device encryption
10. Multifactor authentication
11. Authenticator applications
12. Trusted sources vs. untrusted sources
13. Firewalls
14. Policies and procedures
Given a scenario, implement appropriate data destruction and disposal methods
1. Physical destruction
2. Recycling or repurposing best practices
Given a scenario, configure security on SOHO wireless and wired networks
1. Wireless
2. Change default usernames and passwords
3. Enable MAC filtering
4. Assign static IP addresses
5. Firewall settings
6. Port forwarding/mapping
7. Disabling ports
8. Content filtering/parental controls
9. Update firmware
10. Physical security

Software Troubleshooting

Given a scenario, troubleshoot Microsoft Windows OS problems
1. Common symptoms
2. Common solutions
Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve PC security issues
1. Common symptoms
Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware removal
1. Identify and research malware symptoms.
2. Quarantine the infected systems.
3. Disable System Restore (in Windows).
4. Remediate the infected systems.
5. Schedule scans and run updates.
6. Enable System Restore and create a restore point (in Windows).
7. Educate the end user
Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application issues
1. Common symptoms
Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application security issues
1. Common symptoms

Operational Procedures

Compare and contrast best practices associated with types of documentation
1. Network topology diagrams
2. Knowledge base/articles
3. Incident documentation
4. Regulatory and compliance policy
5. Acceptable use policy
6. Password policy
7. Inventory management
Given a scenario, implement basic change management best practices
1. Documented business processes
2. Purpose of the change
3. Scope the change
4. Risk analysis
5. Plan for change
6. End-user acceptance
7. Change board
8. Backout plan
9. Document changes
Given a scenario, implement basic disaster prevention and recovery methods
1. Backup and recovery
2. Backup testing
3. UPS
4. Surge protector
5. Cloud storage vs. local storage backups
6. Account recovery options
Explain common safety procedures
1. Equipment grounding
2. Proper component handling and storage
3. Toxic waste handling
4. Personal safety
5. Compliance with government regulations
Explain environmental impacts and appropriate controls
1. MSDS documentation for handling and disposal
2. Temperature, humidity level awareness, and proper ventilation
3. Power surges, brownouts, and blackouts
4. Protection from airborne particles
5. Dust and debris
6. Compliance to government regulations
Explain the processes for addressing prohibited content/ activity, and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts
1. Incident response
2. Licensing/DRM/EULA
3. Regulated data
4. Follow all policies and security best practices
Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism
1. Use proper language and avoid jargon, acronyms, and slang, when applicable
2. Maintain a positive attitude/ project confidence
3. Actively listen (taking notes) and avoid interrupting the customer
4. Be culturally sensitive - Use appropriate professional titles, when applicable
5. Be on time (if late, contact the customer)
6. Avoid distractions
7. Dealing with difficult customers or situations
8. Set and meet expectations/timeline and communicate status with the customer
9. Deal appropriately with customer's confidential and private materials
Identify the basics of scripting
1. Script file types
2. Environment variables
3. Comment syntax
4. Basic script constructs
5. Basic data types
Given a scenario, use remote access technologies
1. RDP
2. Telnet
3. SSH
4. Third-party tools
5. Security considerations of each access method

CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide (Exam 220-1001 & 220-1002) Prerequisites

This course is designed for individuals who have basic computer user skills and who are interested in obtaining a job as an entry-level IT technician.
This course is also designed for students who are seeking the CompTIA A+ certification and who want to prepare for the CompTIA A+ 220-1001 Certification Exam and the CompTIA 220-1002 Certification Exam.
HS Diploma/GED

Income Expectation

$53,100/yr

The average salary for a CompTIA A+ Certified Employee is $53,100 in New York City. Salary estimates are provided by CompTIA.