CompTIA A+ / PC Technician

Course details

The CompTIA A+ programme is designed for learners who are interested in the technical side of computers. This internationally recognised qualification covers industry standards for computer support technicians.

Learners will gain theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in PC hardware and operating systems and will be prepared to write the CompTIA A+ examinations. The CompTIA A+ certification is the starting point for a career in IT.

UniCollege provides tuition towards this qualification and is an authorised CompTIA delivery partner and a Pearson VUE-authorised test centre.

Type of Programme

• Part time
• Agent programme/international certification

In the case of an agent programme, UniCollege registers the students, provides tuition and conducts formative assessments. The agent body usually sets and/or verifies the final examinations, and certifies the student. Agent programmes provide local and/or international mobility to students.

Why CompTIA Certifications?

• Demand is high for qualified, knowledgeable IT professionals. In a rapidly evolving field like technology, employers can find it difficult to pinpoint the job candidates with the right knowledge and skills to fill these positions. 86% of IT hiring managers therefore place a high or medium priority on IT certifications during the job candidate evaluation process, according to a 2011 CompTIA survey.
• CompTIA certifications are vendor-neutral credentials that cover the specific tasks and knowledge required for IT jobs, and are well-recognised in the industry.
• IT professionals with certifications on their resume command better jobs, earn higher salaries and have more doors open to new multi-industry opportunities.

Career fields

Successful learners can enter IT positions such as:

• Technical support specialist
• Field service technician
• IT support technician
• IT support administrator
• IT support specialist

Programme Outline

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam 220-801

PC Hardware

• Configure and apply BIOS settings
• Differentiate between motherboard components, their purposes and properties
• Compare and contrast RAM types and features
• Install and configure expansion cards
• Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media
• Differentiate among various CPU types and features and select the appropriate cooling method
• Compare and contrast various connection interfaces and explain their purpose
• Install an appropriate power supply
• Evaluate and select appropriate components for a custom configuration, to meet customer specifications or needs
• Evaluate types and features of display devices
• Identify connector types and associated cables
• Install and configure various peripheral devices

Networking

• Identify types of network cables and connectors
• Categorise characteristics of connectors and cabling
• Explain properties and characteristics of TCP/IP
• Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols and their purpose
• Compare and contrast wireless networking standards and encryption types
• Install, configure and deploy a SOHO wireless/wired router using appropriate settings
• Compare and contrast Internet connection types and features
• Identify various types of networks
• Compare and contrast network devices, their functions and features
• Use appropriate networking tools

Operational Procedures

• Use appropriate safety procedures
• Explain environmental impacts and the purpose of environmental controls
• Demonstrate proper communication and professionalism
• Explain the fundamentals of dealing with prohibited content/activity

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam 220-802

Operating Systems

• Compare and contrast the features and requirements of various Microsoft Operating Systems
• Install and configure the operating system using the most appropriate method
• Use command line tools
• Use operating system features and tools
• Use Control Panel utilities
• Setup and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop
• Perform preventive maintenance procedures using appropriate tools
• Explain the differences among basic OS security settings
• Explain the basics of client-side virtualisation

Security

• Apply and use common prevention methods
• Compare and contrast common security threats
• Implement security best practices to secure a workstation
• Use the appropriate data destruction/disposal method
• Secure a SOHO wireless network
• Secure a SOHO wired network

Mobile Devices

• Explain the basic features of mobile operating systems
• Establish basic network connectivity and configure email
• Compare and contrast methods for securing mobile devices
• Compare and contrast hardware differences with regards to tablets and laptops
• Execute and configure mobile device synchronisation

Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools
• Troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays
• Troubleshoot common video and display issues
• Troubleshoot wired and wireless networks
• Troubleshoot operating system problems
• Troubleshoot common security issues with appropriate tools and best practices
• Troubleshoot and repair common laptop issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures
• Troubleshoot printers 

Disclaimer

• The information contained in this fact sheet is accurate at the time of printing. UniCollege reserves the right to change the programme content due to changes in the regulatory environment, legislation, market requirements and other reasons. In the event of any such change, UniCollege will notify current students. All possible measures will be taken to minimise inconvenience to students.