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CompTIA A+ Certification Preparation

Hands-On Training for Your IT Career

Prepare for a career in IT with the industry’s most recognized entry-level certification.

In this CompTIA A+ Certification Prep Course, you’ll gain hands-on skills and foundational knowledge needed to troubleshoot, support, and maintain hardware and software systems. You’ll learn to diagnose and resolve common technical issues, configure devices and operating systems, and understand core networking and cybersecurity principles. This course aligns with the latest CompTIA A+ exam objectives and equips you with real-world, job-ready skills for roles such as IT support specialist, help desk technician, or desktop support analyst.

Here are common class topics typically covered in a CompTIA A+ Certification Prep Course, aligned with the two certification exams (Core 1: 220-1101 and Core 2: 220-1102):

Hardware and Devices

  • Identifying and installing PC components (RAM, CPUs, motherboards, storage)
  • Troubleshooting hardware and peripheral issues
  • Laptop and mobile device configuration
  • Printer types and troubleshooting

Networking

  • TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, and networking protocols
  • SOHO routers and network configuration
  • IP addressing and subnetting basics
  • Network troubleshooting tools and techniques

Cybersecurity Fundamentals

  • Threat detection (malware, ransomware, phishing)
  • Security best practices (passwords, authentication, firewalls)
  • Securing devices and data
  • Mobile device security

Operating Systems and Software

  • Installing and configuring Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS
  • Command-line tools and utilities
  • Software troubleshooting (boot issues, system crashes, driver problems)
  • Virtualization basics

IT Support and Troubleshooting

  • Best practices in documentation and professionalism
  • Remote support tools and techniques
  • Problem-solving strategies and decision-making frameworks

Professionalism and Customer Service

  • Communication in tech support roles
  • Managing customer expectations and empathy in troubleshooting
  • Service level agreements (SLAs) and escalation protocols

The CompTIA A+ certification qualifies you for a number of entry-level jobs in the IT field, including Help Desk Technician, IT Support Specialist, and Associate Network Engineer. This course prepares students to take the CompTIA A+ certification exam and also enables them to keep their existing certifications up to date. This program is designed to validate a student’s expertise and empower them to expand their skill set for career advancement.

There are no formal prerequisites required to enroll in the CompTIA A+ Certification Prep Course. However, to ensure student success, the following foundational skills and background knowledge are strongly recommended:

  1. Basic Computer Literacy: Students should be comfortable navigating a computer, managing files and folders, and using common software applications.
  2. Familiarity with Hardware and Software Concepts: A general understanding of computer components (e.g., memory, storage, processors) and operating systems (especially Windows) will support learning outcomes.
  3. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills: The course includes hands-on troubleshooting activities that require logical reasoning and attention to detail.
  4. Educational Background: A high school diploma or equivalent is recommended. Students without prior technical experience are encouraged to complete an introductory computer or IT fundamentals course prior to enrollment.
  5. Optional Experience: Although not required, 6–12 months of practical experience in an IT support or help desk role is beneficial and aligns with CompTIA’s recommended preparation.

This course is designed to serve both career changers entering the IT field and early-career professionals looking to earn a recognized industry credential.

This workforce certification is available for free to qualifying students through the Next Level Jobs program. You are eligible to earn this free certification from Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:

  • You are an Indiana resident, and
  • You have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency, and
  • You have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelor's, master's, etc.) and
  • You have not previously used Next Level Jobs/Workforce Ready Grant funding. 

Learn more about Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech

Ivy Tech skills training classes do not earn you college credit on their own, but they may crosswalk into Ivy Tech's academic degree programs should you decide to pursue that route in the future. Speak with an advisor to learn more about getting credit for prior learning.