CompTIA A+ Syllabus

CompTIA - CompTIA A+ 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 based on a given scenario.
• Evaluate and select appropriate components for a custom configuration, to meet customer specifications or needs.
• Given a scenario, 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.
• Categorize 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.
• Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.

Laptops

• Install and configure laptop hardware and components.
• Compare and contrast the components within the display of a laptop.
• Compare and contrast laptop features.

Printers

• Explain the differences between the various printer types and summarize the associated imaging process.
• Given a scenario, install, and configure printers.
• Given a scenario, perform printer maintenance.

Operational Procedures

• Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures.
• Explain environmental impacts and the purpose of environmental controls.
• Given a scenario, demonstrate proper communication and professionalism.
• Explain the fundamentals of dealing with prohibited content/activity.

CompTIA - CompTIA A+ 220-802

Operating Systems

• Compare and contrast the features and requirements of various Microsoft Operating Systems.
• Given a scenario, install, and configure the operating system using the most appropriate method.
• Given a scenario, use appropriate command line tools.
• Given a scenario, use appropriate operating system features and tools.
• Given a scenario, use Control Panel utilities
• Setup and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop.
• Setup and configure Windows networking on a client/desktop.
• Explain the differences among basic OS security settings.
• Explain the basics of client-side virtualization.

Security

• Apply and use common prevention methods.
• Compare and contrast common security threats.
• Implement security best practices to secure a workstation.
• Given a scenario, use the appropriate data destruction/disposal method.
• Given a scenario, secure a SOHO wireless network.
• Given a scenario, 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 in regards to tablets and laptops.
• Execute and configure mobile device synchronization.

Troubleshooting

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