A+1 - CompTIA A+ Essentials exam code 220-701 (Part 1)

This five-day instructor-led course CompTIA A+ (2009 Objectives) is part 1 of the CompTIA A+ certification training providing students the knowledge and skills to install, configure and maintain both laptop and desktop hardware as well as an in depth understanding of installation, configuration and support of operating systems such as Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft operating systems.

CompTIA A+ is part of the certification track for corporations such as Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco and Novell. Other technology companies, including CompuCom and Ricoh, have made CompTIA A+ certification mandatory for their service technicians. More than 700,000 people worldwide have become CompTIA A+ certified since the program’s inception in 1993.

The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard for computer support technicians. This international, vendor-neutral certification proves competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting. CompTIA A+ certified technicians also have excellent customer service and communication skills to work with clients.

The latest version of CompTIA A+ is CompTIA A+ 2009 Edition. Two exams are necessary to be certified: CompTIA A+ Essentials, exam code 220-701 and CompTIA A+ Practical Application, exam code 220-702.

CompTIA A+ Essentials measures the necessary competencies of an entry-level IT professional with at least 500 hours of hands-on experience in the lab or field. It tests for the fundamentals of computer technology, networking and security, as well as the communication skills and professionalism now required of all entry-level IT professionals.

CompTIA A+ Practical Application is an extension of the knowledge and skills identified in CompTIA A+ Essentials, with more of a "hands-on" orientation focused on scenarios in which troubleshooting and tools must be applied to resolve problems.

• Donwload the CompTIA A+ 220-701 Exam Objectives here
• Download the CompTIA A+ 220-702 Exam Objectives here

Required exams: CompTIA A+ Essentials, CompTIA A+ Practical Application

Number of questions: 100 for each exam

Length of test: 90 minutes each

Passing score: 675 for CompTIA A+ Essentials, 700 for CompTIA A+ Practical Application on a scale of 100-900

Exam codes:
220-701 for CompTIA A+ Essentials
220-702 for CompTIA A+ Practical Application

Module 1:
PC & laptop hardware: CPU’s, memory, motherboards, storage and peripherals

Module 2:
PC and laptops hardware maintenance, upgrades, optimisation and troubleshooting.

Module 3:
Installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of Windows XP

Module 4:
Remote diagnostic tools for deployment, configuration and troubleshooting

Module 5:
Configure, manage users, groups and secure shared resources

Module 6:
Preventative hardware and operating systems maintenance

Module 7:
Install, troubleshoot and maintain printers, scanners and other peripherals.

Module 8:
Networking: LAN, WAN, Internet and Wireless connectivity and security

Module 9:
Security: fundamentals of wired, wireless, workplace and internet security

Module 10:
Customer service, communication and professionalism in IT Support

This course is intended for people who wish to obtain any of the CompTIA 2009 A+ Certifications, including the premier A+ certification: A+ IT Technician. This course covers key knowledge for IT aspirants, IT Technicians, Service Desk staff, Desktop and Remote Support Professionals responsible for the day-to-day operation and support of computers and any individuals looking to become a certified computer service technician or improve their knowledge of PC’s. A+ IT Technician is the recommended starting point for nearly all other IT certification paths.

Students must be familiar with basic PC use, such as navigating windows and surfing the web.