CompTIA A+ Essentials Curriculum Outline
A+ Essentials 2009: Computer Hardware Components
Overview/Description
The IT industry has grown by leaps and bounds, but the backbone of that work has always remained the computers themselves. In order for a computer to function correctly it requires specific types of hardware components. This course covers the different types of motherboards, power supplies, storage devices, central processing units, and memory that are needed by computers and how they work in unison to ensure that computers perform as required. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track
Prerequisites
Candidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)
2.0
Lesson Objectives
A+ Essentials 2009: Computer Hardware Components
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A+ Essentials 2009: Configuring Displays, Peripherals, Laptops, and Printers
Overview/Description
Add-on devices and displays are a whole market in themselves, as are laptops and printers. The mobile world of technology has seen two ongoing trends: bigger and better displays, and smaller and more efficient components and laptops. This course examines these trends and covers the types of display devices, peripherals, adapter card technologies, laptop trends and the different types of printers that are used today, and how to install and configure them. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track
Prerequisites
Candidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)
2.5
Lesson Objectives
A+ Essentials 2009: Configuring Displays, Peripherals, Laptops, and Printers
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A+ Essentials 2009: Installing Windows Operating Systems
Overview/Description
There have been numerous versions of Windows over the years, and each has added new abilities and components. Each new version of the Windows operating system provides better and more efficient features to improve the users interaction with the operating system and computer. This course compares Windows 2000, XP, and Vista as well as 32-bit vs. 64-bit operating systems. It will also demonstrate how to install Windows, device drivers, and migrate users files and applications using USMT. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track
Prerequisites
Candidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)
1.5
Lesson Objectives
A+ Essentials 2009: Installing Windows Operating Systems
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A+ Essentials 2009: Using and Managing Windows
Overview/Description
With each new version of the Windows operating system, new interface elements and enhancements have been made to provide better visual effects and easier access to the tools and utilities that are provided to use and manage them. This course demonstrates how to use the Windows interface, including built-in tools such as Administrative Tools, the Control Panel, and command-line utilities to manage the Windows operating system. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track.
Prerequisites
Candidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)
1.5
Lesson Objectives
A+ Essentials 2009: Using and Managing Windows
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A+ Essentials 2009: Troubleshooting Computers and Printers
Overview/Description
Troubleshooting computer problems is a major role in the computer technicians life. Every day there will be new problems to solve. This course examines the theories and practical application methods to troubleshoot problems on computers, laptops, and printers. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track.
Prerequisites
Candidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)
2.0
Lesson Objectives
A+ Essentials 2009: Troubleshooting Computers and Printers
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A+ Essentials 2009: Security and Network Fundamentals
Overview/Description
Security and networking are important in the computer world. This trend has only increased as the average persons interaction on the Internet continues to grow. This course examines security concepts and technologies, such as encryption, authentication, firewalls, and malicious content scanners while also examining malicious content types and the preventative measures that can be taken to guard against them. This course also examines network connectivity, including wired and wireless, and the components and communication mechanisms, such as cables, protocols and devices, used in order to allow two or two million computers to communicate with each other and to share information. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track
Prerequisites
Candidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)
2.5
Lesson Objectives
A+ Essentials 2009: Security and Network Fundamentals
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A+ Essentials 2009: Operational Procedures and Preventative Maintenance
Overview/Description
Operational procedures are necessary to guarantee that products function properly while not damaging the environment, other products, or individuals around them. Another aspect of operational procedures is the need for professionalism and good communication skills in the workplace. This course covers both safety and environmental procedures to be established and used along with the appropriate use of communication skills and professionalism in the workplace. This course is one of a series in the SkillSoft learning path that covers the objectives for the CompTIA 220-701: A+ Essentials exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies who need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track.
Prerequisites
Candidates should have the knowledge required to understand the fundamentals of computer technology, networking, and security. They should be able to identify hardware, peripheral, networking, and security components. They should also understand the basic functionality of the operating system and basic troubleshooting methodology.
Expected Duration (hours)
2.0
Lesson Objectives
A+ Essentials 2009: Operational Procedures and Preventative Maintenance
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CompTIA A+ Practical Application Curriculum Outline
A+ Practical Application 2009: Personal Computer Components
Overview/Description
The IT industry has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, but the backbone of the industry has always remained the computers themselves. This course looks at the components that make up personal computers and shows you how they all work in unison. It explores such components as motherboards, power supplies, storage devices, central processing units, adapter cards, and a variety of memory types. The course is part of the preparation for the CompTIA A+ 220-702 Practical Application exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies that need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track
Prerequisites
Computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the “A+ Essentials” exam (220-701)
Expected Duration (hours)
1.5
Lesson Objectives
A+ Practical Application 2009: Personal Computer Components
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A+ Practical Application 2009: Maintaining Networks
Overview/Description
Understanding the methods that computers and network devices use to talk to one another is essential knowledge for IT technicians to have in order to configure and troubleshoot networked environments. This course examines TCP/IP, connectivity and networking issues, connection types, router and firewall configurations, and small office or home office (SOHO) configurations. It also explores troubleshooting network issues using a series of command line tools such as NET, PING, and TRACERT. This course is part of the preparation for the CompTIA A+ 220-702 Practical Application exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies that need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track
Prerequisites
Computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the “A+ Essentials” exam (220-701)
Expected Duration (hours)
1.5
Lesson Objectives
A+ Practical Application 2009: Maintaining Networks
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A+ Practical Application 2009: Troubleshooting Hardware
Overview/Description
Within all industries, computer technicians are expected to locate and resolve issues ranging from hardware failure to operating system problems. In this course, the learner will be shown how to troubleshoot various computer components, such as motherboards, storage devices, power supplies, memory, and adapter cards. The course also explores troubleshooting techniques used to resolve laptop and printer problems. This course is part of the preparation for the CompTIA A+ 220-702 Practical Application exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies that need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track.
Prerequisites
Computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the “A+ Essentials” exam (220-701)
Expected Duration (hours)
2.0
Lesson Objectives
A+ Practical Application 2009: Troubleshooting Hardware
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A+ Practical Application 2009: Maintaining Operating Systems
Overview/Description
There are a variety of hardware and software resources a technician can use to troubleshoot Windows operating system issues. This course examines the commands, disk management tools, system utilities, and error messages commonly used to resolve such problems. This course is part of the preparation for the CompTIA A+ 220-702 Practical Application exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies that need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track.
Prerequisites
Computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the “A+ Essentials” exam (220-701)
Expected Duration (hours)
2.0
Lesson Objectives
A+ Practical Application 2009: Maintaining Operating Systems
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A+ Practical Application 2009: Security
Overview/Description
Preventing, treating, and removing malware and system security threats are necessary skills for IT technicians. This course examines methods used to deal with viruses and malware, along with measures used to implement resource security on operating systems and networks. This course is part of the preparation for the CompTIA A+ 220-702 exam which is half of the requirement necessary to acquire the CompTIA A+ certification.
Target Audience
Individuals undertaking the A+ certification track and companies that need technical staff trained in the A+ exam track.
Prerequisites
Computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the “A+ Essentials” exam (220-701)
Expected Duration (hours)
1.0
Lesson Objectives
A+ Practical Application 2009: Security
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CompTIA A+ Remote Support Technician Curriculum Outline
Adding, Optimizing, and Troubleshooting PC Components
Overview/DescriptionTo add, configure, optimize, and troubleshoot PC components
Target Audience
Computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the A+ Essentials exam (220-601)
Prerequisites
None
Expected Duration
1.25 Hours
- Identify how to add, remove, and configure display and input devices and adapter cards
- Identify troubleshooting techniques and how to isolate issues with PC components
- Use troubleshooting to identify problems with PC components and perform preventive maintenance techniques for storage devices
- Troubleshoot PC components in a given scenarios
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Understanding and Supporting Networks
Overview/DescriptionTo understand network protocols and connectivity technologies and to establish and troubleshoot a network connection
Target Audience
Computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the A+ Essentials exam (220-601)
Prerequisites
None
Expected Duration
1.50 Hours
- Identify the characteristics of networking and Internet protocols
- Recognize which network connectivity technology to use in given scenarios and establish a network connection
- Recognize networking protocols and technologies for establishing connectivity in given scenarios and establish a network connection
- Identify how to troubleshoot basic network issues using appropriate tools, diagnostic procedures and techniques
- Troubleshoot a network connection in a given scenario
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Managing Operating Systems
Overview/DescriptionTo understand how to manage, optimize, and prevent future problems with operating systems
Target Audience
Computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the A+ Essentials exam (220-601)
Prerequisites
None
Expected Duration
3 Hours
- Identify the function of command-line functions and utilities for managing operating systems
- Identify procedures for creating, viewing, and managing operating system disks, directories and files
- Use disk, system, and file management tools in given scenarios
- Recognize procedures and utilities for maximizing operating system performance in given scenarios
- Manage and optimize an operating system
- Recognize how to resolve operational problems using diagnostic utilities
- Recognize how to troubleshoot common operational problems and error messages in given scenarios
- Identify how to perform preventive maintenance on Windows operating systems
- Resolve operational problems in a given scenario
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Adding and Fixing Printers and Scanners
Overview/DescriptionTo recognize how to install and troubleshoot printers and scanners
Target Audience
Computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the A+ Essentials exam (220-601)
Prerequisites
None
Expected Duration
1.50 Hours
- Identify printing and scanning processes
- Install, configure, and optimize printers and scanners in given scenarios
- Install and optimize a printer in a given scenario
- Identify the tools and procedures for troubleshooting printers and scanners
- Troubleshoot laser printers in a given scenario
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Implementing IT Security
Overview/DescriptionTo understand basic security principles and security software and how to troubleshoot security issues
Target Audience
Computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the A+ Essentials exam (220-601)
Prerequisites
None
Expected Duration
1.75 Hours
- Identify the characteristics of access control and permissions
- Install and configure hardware, software, wireless, and data security
- Install and configure software and data security in given scenarios
- Recognize how to diagnose and troubleshoot software and data security issues in given scenarios
- Resolve security issues in a given scenario
- Identify how to prevent social engineering breaches
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Using Effective Remote Communication
Overview/DescriptionTo recognize the importance of effective communication and professional workplace behavior
Target Audience
Computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the A+ Essentials exam (220-601)
Prerequisites
None
Expected Duration
1 Hour
- Recognize guidelines for effective remote communication
- Recognize how to respond to given workplace scenarios in a professional manner
- Recognize how to communicate effectively and display professional workplace behavior
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CompTIA A+ Depot Technician Curriculum Outline
Working with Personal Computer Components
Overview/Description
To install personal computer components, including hard drives, motherboards, power supplies, processors, adapter cards and memory, and to use techniques and tools to troubleshoot and prevent problems with computer components
The audience for this path includes computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the A+ Essentials exam (220-601)
Working with Personal Computer Components
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Managing Laptops and Portable Devices
Overview/Description
To identify laptop-specific connections, power, and electrical devices, how to remove laptop hardware, and how to diagnose and repair laptop problems
The audience for this path includes computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the A+ Essentials exam (220-601)
Managing Laptops and Portable Devices
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Maintaining Printers and Scanners
Overview/Description
To identify how printers and scanners operate and how to install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain printers and scanners
The audience for this path includes computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the A+ Essentials exam (220-601)
Maintaining Printers and Scanners
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Implementing IT Security and Workplace Safety Measures
Overview/Description
To protect data and hardware using access control and hardware security and to learn about potential workplace hazards and how to avoid them
The audience for this path includes computer technicians who have accumulated 500 hours hand-on experience in a lab or in the field and, ideally, have completed the A+ Essentials exam (220-601)
Implementing IT Security and Workplace Safety Measures
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CompTIA Aplus (A+) Certification (2009 Edition)
CompTIA Aplus (A+) certification (2009 Edition) validates the latest skills needed by today's computer support professionals. It is an international,
vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA Aplus (A+) certification (2009 Edition) confirms a
technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.
The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism.
CompTIA Aplus (A+) certification (2009 Edition) ensures the right people have the right skills. While many of the essential skills are universal, there are additional skills required to support the needs of businesses. By offering certification options for specific job scenarios, CompTIA Aplus (A+) gives individuals the ability to grow their careers in a certain area, and employers the flexibility to choose the exam combination that best fits their needs.
Benefits of CBT Direct’s Online CompTIA Aplus (A+) Certification Training (2009 Edition)
CBT Direct boasts the most beneficial online certification training on the market. With online training, you have the flexibility to
study on your schedule, and with the speed and reliability of the internet, CBT Direct’s CompTIA Aplus (A+) training course (2009 Edition) is accessible
anywhere you have an internet connection. Convenience finally costs less with CBT Direct – the most affordable online training solution
today. CBT Direct is also a member of CompTIA.
The unique design of CBT Direct’s CompTIA Aplus (A+) certification course (2009 Edition) incorporates a proven four-step learning process: presentation, demonstration, guidance and independent practice. This four-step proven learning model for CBT Direct’s CompTIA Aplus (A+) training course ensures the greatest level of retention to prepare you for your CompTIA Aplus (A+) certification exam.
CBT Direct also offers online mentoring for over 100 current major certification exams, including CompTIA Aplus (A+), for IT professionals
and end-users alike. CBT Direct’s mentors have a minimum of 20 certifications each and are available 24/7*.
* Available for most courses.
Is your resume not getting noticed? Get more attention with certification.
Who Benefits from CBT Direct’s CompTIA Aplus (A+) Training (2009 Edition)?
Individuals in careers that require IT knowledge outside of the formal IT job role, such as SMB office manager, technical sales roles
or other non-technical roles that require understanding of computer repair issues may also find the validation of skills associated
with the CompTIA Aplus (A+) credential to be valuable. This training would be beneficial for individuals looking for IT job positions such as;
Help Desk Support, PC Technician, Remote Service Technician, Field Service Engineer, Senior Help Desk Support, Senior Computer
Technician, Customer Support Manager or Network Technician.
What Professionals Will Learn from CBT Direct’s CompTIA Aplus (A+) Training (2009 Edition)
Two exams are required for the CompTIA A+ 2009 Edition certification:
CompTIA Aplus (A+) Essentials Exam 220-701:
CompTIA Aplus (A+) Essentials validates knowledge of basic computer hardware and operating systems, covering skills
such as installing, building, upgrading, repairing, configuring, troubleshooting, optimizing, diagnosing and preventive
maintenance, with additional elements of security and soft skills. The Essentials Exam validates the basic skills needed
by any entry-level service technician regardless of job environment. Click here to see a detailed curriculum outline.
Click here to see a detailed curriculum outline.
CompTIA Aplus (A+) Practical Application Exam 220-702:
The CompTIA Aplus (A+) 220-702 exam measures key abilities for an entry-level IT professional with hands-on lab or field
experience. This exam validates skills such as installing, configuring, upgrading, maintaining, troubleshooting PC workstations
and SOHO networks. Examples of job roles include: Enterprise Technician, IT Administrator, Field Service Technician and PC
Technician. Click here to see a detailed curriculum outline.Click here to see a detailed curriculum outline.
Why CBT Direct's Online Training Works
The unique design of CBT Direct’s CompTIA Aplus (A+) certification course incorporates a proven four-step learning process:
presentation, demonstration, guidance and independent practice. This four-step proven learning model for CBT Direct’s CompTIA
Aplus (A+) training course ensures the greatest level of retention to prepare you for your CompTIA Aplus (A+) certification
exam.
Exam#
Certification
Certified Mentoring
Hours
Hours
24x7
Mon-Fri
(9-5 EST)
(9-5 EST)
Tier 3
TestPrep
| 220-701 | CompTIA A+ Essentials | ü | ü | |
| 220-702 | CompTIA A+ Practical Application | ü | ü |
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CompTIA Aplus (A+) Essentials Exam 220-701
CompTIA Aplus (A+) Practical Application Exam 220-702
