CompTIA A+: IT support technician
Master hardware, networks, systems and security to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification.
- Duration
- 35 h · 5 days
- Level
- Beginner
- Format
- On site · Remote · Blended
- Max. group size
- 12 participants
Overview
This program prepares for the CompTIA A+ certification, the international benchmark for IT support technicians. Over five days, it covers all the domains of both exams: hardware, mobile devices, networking, virtualization and cloud, operating systems, security, troubleshooting and operational procedures. Hands-on work is everywhere: assembling and troubleshooting workstations, configuring systems and networks, security scenarios and a method for answering performance-based questions, so you can approach the exams with confidence.
Who this program is for
- Future IT support, maintenance and helpdesk technicians
- People retraining for infrastructure and support careers
- Training centers and companies that want to certify their support teams
Prerequisites
- No formal technical prerequisites
- Comfortable using a Windows computer
- Technical English is a plus: the exams are in English
Learning objectives
- Identify, install and troubleshoot hardware components
- Configure and troubleshoot mobile devices
- Understand networks, ports and protocols and configure a small network
- Describe virtualization and cloud services
- Install, configure and administer Windows, Linux and macOS
- Apply security best practices and handle incidents
- Follow a troubleshooting method and operational procedures
- Prepare methodically for the two CompTIA A+ exams
Detailed curriculum
11 modules · 35 h · 5 days
Hardware and peripherals
- Motherboards, processors, memory and storage
- Expansion cards, power supplies and cooling
- Connectors and peripherals
- Printers and printing devices
- Assembling and disassembling a workstation
Assemble a workstation, check that it boots and configure the firmware.
Mobile devices
- Smartphones, tablets and laptops
- Connection, synchronization and accessories
- Mobile device management and security
Networking
- Models and protocols: TCP/IP, addressing
- Ports, services and network equipment
- Local network, wireless and configuring a small network
- Cabling, connectors and test tools
- DNS, DHCP and common services
Configure a router, Wi-Fi and addressing, then test connectivity.
Virtualization and cloud
- Principles of virtualization
- Virtual machines: creation and management
- Cloud service models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
Hardware and network troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting methodology
- Power, boot and storage problems
- Display, printing and peripheral problems
- Diagnosing network connectivity
Diagnose and fix hardware and network failures prepared by the trainer.
Operating systems: Windows
- Windows editions and installation
- Administration tools and command line
- Managing users, disks and shares
- Updates, backup and restore
Install a Windows workstation on a virtual machine and configure it for a user.
macOS, Linux and administration tools
- macOS features
- Basic Linux commands
- File and permission management
Security
- Threats: malware, phishing, social engineering
- Physical security and access control
- Security of workstations, accounts and networks
- Encryption, firewalls and hardening
- Mobile device security
- Secure data destruction
Apply a hardening checklist and handle a simulated infection.
Software troubleshooting and security incidents
- Troubleshooting Windows and applications
- Malware removal
- Troubleshooting mobile devices
Operational procedures
- Documentation and change management
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Personal safety and environmental protection
- Remote support, basic scripts and communicating with the user
Exam preparation
- Exam structure and time management
- Performance-based questions: method
- Annotated mock exams
- Revision plan
Take a mock exam under real conditions, then correct the mistakes as a group.
Tools and technologies
Certifications
International benchmark certification for IT support technicians, earned through two exams (Core 1 and Core 2).
Teaching methods
- Alternating lectures and hands-on lab work
- Hands-on work on hardware and virtual machines
- Troubleshooting scenarios and support role-plays
- Mock exams and annotated correction
Assessment
- Quiz for each module
- Mock exams for both tests
- Hands-on troubleshooting assessment
Required equipment
- A computer with an internet connection
- Virtualization software (guided installation)
- Demonstration hardware provided on site (for disassembly and assembly)
Resources provided
- Course materials and guided labs
- Question bank and mock exams
- Revision sheets by domain and English-French glossary
Career outcomes
- IT support technician, helpdesk, maintenance technician
- Access to level 1 support positions
- Progression towards CompTIA Network+ or Security+