CompTIA A+® Certification (PLA)

The CompTIA A+ course syllabus covers a wide range of essential IT topics. Here's a brief summary of what you'll learn:

• Hardware Fundamentals: Learn how to install, configure, and troubleshoot typical hardware devices, such as motherboards, processors and memory modules.
• Networking: Understand basic networking concepts, including different types of networks, IP addressing, and troubleshooting network connectivity issues.
• Operating Systems: Gain knowledge about various operating systems and their differences, how to install and configure them, and solve common OS issues.
• IT Security: Understand essential security concepts, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption, as well as how to identify and deal with common security threats.
• Software Troubleshooting: Learn how to troubleshoot software issues in a systematic way, including identification of the problem, researching solutions, and implementing fixes.
• Operational Procedures: Understand typical IT operational procedures, such as safety practices, environmental controls, and communication and professionalism in the IT environment.

The CompTIA A+ Certification course is broken down into 20 comprehensive lessons that systematically cover the breadth and depth of the CompTIA A+ certification syllabus:

Lesson 1: Installing Motherboards and Connectors

Lesson 2: Installing System Devices

Lesson 3: Troubleshooting PC Hardware

Lesson 4: Comparing Local Networking Hardware

Lesson 5: Configuring Network Addressing and Internet Connections

Lesson 6: Supporting Network Services

Lesson 7: Summarising Virtualisation and Cloud Concepts

Lesson 8: Supporting Mobile Devices

Lesson 9: Supporting Print Devices

Lesson 10: Configuring Windows

Lesson 11: Managing Windows

Lesson 12: Identifying OS Types and Features

Lesson 13: Supporting Windows

Lesson 14: Managing Windows Networking

Lesson 15: Managing Linux and macOS

Lesson 16: Configuring SOHO Network Security

Lesson 17: Managing Security Settings

Lesson 18: Supporting Mobile Software

Lesson 19: Using Support and Scripting Tools

Lesson 20: Implementing Operational Procedures

Exams

The course culminates in two exams, known as CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) and CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102).
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101)
The CompTIA A+ certification exam objectives are to test your competency as an IT support professional. The test covers the following areas: mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualisation and cloud computing, and network troubleshooting.

Exam Details:

o Maximum of 90 questions
o Duration: 90 minutes
o Passing Score: 675 (on a scale of 100-900)
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102)
This exam tests the skills required to install and configure operating systems. It also covers expanded security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Exam Details:
o Maximum of 90 questions
o Duration: 90 minutes
o Passing Score: 700 (on a scale of 100-900)

Both exams consist of multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop activities, and performance-based items. The course includes mock exams and practice test questions to ensure you're fully prepared.

Remember that your enrolment includes your CompTIA exam voucher and practice labs.

• The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
• Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
• Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
• Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
• Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
• All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
• Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
• Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.