Systems

The CompTIA A+ certification is an entry-level qualification in the information technology (IT) industry. Issued by IT association CompTIA, the A+ certification is widely accepted as an industry standard certification often used to start a career in IT.

What Skills Will You Learn?

Hardware:

Identifying, using and connecting hardware components and devices, including the broad knowledge about different devices that is now necessary to support the remote workforce.

Operating Systems:

Install and support Windows OS including command line and client support, system configuration imaging and troubleshooting for Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android, and Linux OS

Software Troubleshooting:

Troubleshoot PC and mobile device issues including common OS, malware and security issues.

Networking:

Explain types of networks and connections including TCP/IP, WIFI and SOHO

Troubleshooting:

Troubleshoot real-world device and network issues quickly and efficiently.

Security:

Identify and protect against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections.

Mobile Devices:

Install and configure laptops and other mobile devices and support applications to ensure connectivity for end users.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing:

Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts and set up client-side virtualization.

Operational Procedures:

Follow best practices for safety, environmental impacts, and communication and professionalism.

What jobs can I get with the CompTIA A+ certification?

The CompTIA A+ certification is widely recognized as the go-to certification for an entry-level position.

Here are a few entry-level jobs that often call for the CompTIA A+ certification, and their average US base salaries.

• Help desk analyst: $49,307
• IT Server Technician: $46,083
• Help desk specialist: $48,473
• Technical support specialist: $50,130
• Desktop support administrator: $50,422
• IT Support Manager: $58,567
• Business Analyst: $93,000

Keep in mind that this number might change depending on where you’re located—IT jobs in large cities might pay more than those in smaller towns to adjust for cost of living, for example. Other factors, like your education level and previous experience, can also influence your salary.

What’s on the CompTIA A+ exam?

The exam for the certification combines multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions. The exam broadly tests your knowledge of various IT basics in categories including hardware, software, networking, operating systems, and security. Expect questions to cover the following domains:

Domains for exam 220-1101

• Mobile devices: Installing and configuring laptops and mobile devices
• Networking: Types of networks and connections (TCP/IP, wifi, SOHO, etc.)
• Hardware: Identifying, using, and connecting devices and hardware components
• Virtualization and cloud computing: Comparing cloud concepts and setting up client-side virtualization
• Hardware and network troubleshooting: Solving issues with devices and networks

Domains for exam 220-1102

• Operating systems: Installing and configuring Windows OS, and understanding Mac OS, Linux, and mobile OS
• Security: Identifying and protecting against vulnerabilities in both devices and networks
• Software troubleshooting: Resolving issues with applications on PC and mobile devices, including security support

Operational procedures: Best practices for safety, sustainability, communication, and professionalism