CompTIA A+ certification validates the latest skills needed by today's computer support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA A+ certification confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism.

CompTIA A+ ensures the right people have the right skills. While many of the essential skills are universal, there are additional skills required to support the needs of businesses. By offering certification options for specific job scenarios, CompTIA A+ gives individuals the ability to grow their careers in a certain area, and employers the flexibility to choose the exam combination that best fits their needs.

1. Hardware

Module 1: Introduction to Computers
· Describe the major milestones in the development of the modern computer
· Define your role as a modern computer technician

Module 2: Understanding Electronic Communication
· Understand how a computer transmits and receives information
· Explain the principles of computer language
· Understand the concept of an electronic bus

Module 3: An Overview of the Personal Computer
· Describe the three stages of computing
· Define the primary components that make up a computer
· Identify additional support hardware for a computer
· Understand the functions of some of the add-on hardware

Module 4: The Central Processing Unit
· Describe how a microprocessor works
· Define different types of processors and describe their advantages and limitations
· Decide whether a CPU is worth upgrading, find the type of CPU required for upgrade, install a new CPU

Module 5: Power Supplies
· Define the current and voltage requirements for a computer power supply
· Identify when you need to replace a power supply
· Specify the correct surge suppressors for a computer system
· Select a backup power supply for a computer system
· Determine the types of problems that can be caused by power supplies
· Know when to check and when to replace a power supply
· Plan how to protect your system from external power supply problems

Module 6: Motherboard and ROM BIOS
· Identify the primary types of PC cases
· Explain how the case helps to protect the PC and surrounding devices from electromagnetic interference
· Identify a motherboard and its functions
· Locate and define the components of a motherboard
· Safely remove and replace a motherboard
· Identify the different types of ROM
· Modify the CMOS settings in a computer
Identify POST codes and take appropriate corrective action when a problem is identified

Module 7: Memory
· Identify basic concepts related to computer memory
· Define the types of memory and describe their advantages and disadvantages
· Explain memory upgrade options and issues
· Use hexadecimal numbers
· Define the different types of memory access
· Optimize memory allocation

Module 8: Expansion Buses, Cables, and Connectors
· Identify the different types of expansion buses in a computer
· Understand the difference between the system bus and the expansion bus
· Define addresses
· Describe the attributes and limitations of an IRQ
· Identify the causes of conflicts within a computer
· Locate and resolve hardware conflicts
· Identify cables and connectors by their names and functions

Module 9: Basic Disk Drives
· Describe floppy disk drive technology
· Troubleshoot a floppy disk drive problem
· Explain the operation of a hard disk drive
· Define the different types of hard disk drives, including their advantages and disadvantages
· Partition a hard disk drive
· Troubleshoot hard disk drives

Module 10: Advanced Disk Drive Technology
· Define the advantages of using CD-ROMs
· Explain the differences between CD-ROMs and DVDs
· Install and operate both CD-ROM and DVD drives
· Configure the newer large-capacity hard disk drives
· Define the limitations of hard disk drives
· Identify the advantages and disadvantages of SCSI connections
· Define the advantages and disadvantages of a SCSI system
· Determine whether a SCSI system is best for your client
· Set up a SCSI system

Module 11: The Display System
· Identify the various types of monitors
· Recognize the components of monitor resolution
· Determine the amount of video memory your system requires
· Troubleshoot common monitor problems
· Understand how flat-panel displays differ from CRT systems
· Know what is required to install a flat-panel display
· Identify the different types of display adapters
· Understand display memory and how it affects quality and performance
· Select the right card for a monitor
· Understand the basic criteria used to advise a customer about display-system options
· Troubleshoot common display problems

Module 12: Printers
· List the various types of printers and their advantages and disadvantages
· Possess a working knowledge of laser printers. Troubleshoot printer problems
· Identify the differences between parallel and serial printers
· Understand expansion cards and how to use them

Module 13: Portable Computers
· Distinguish among the different categories of portable computers
· Identify the unique components of portable systems
· Define the unique problems of portable systems
· Distinguish among the different types of computer cards designed for portable computers

Module 14: Connectivity and Networking
· Define basic networking concepts and describe how a network functions
· Configure and change network interface cards
· Define basic Internet terms

Module 15: Telecommunications: Modems and the Internet
· Define how modems transmit data
· Define the difference between serial and parallel data transfer
· Install a modem
· Troubleshoot basic modem and communication problems
· Set up and test a modem

2. Operating System

Module 16: Operating System Fundamentals
· Define an operating system
· Explain the fundamental roles the operating system plays in computer operations
· Understand the development of the PC-based operating environment from early DOS to modern Windows systems
· Explain the role of the command-line interface
· Be familiar with key DOS terms
· Use the primary command prompt applications
· Understand the functions of CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT
· Explain the differences among the major file systems used on today's PCs
· Understand why different types of media (magnetic, CD-ROM, and so on) have different file systems and attributes
· Understand how to choose which file system to use on a new hard drive or floppy disk
· Understand file attributes and how they are used

Module 17: Introducing and Installing Microsoft Windows
· Differentiate among the current versions of Windows
· Know the basic features, system requirements, intended users, and uses for the different versions of Windows currently on the market
· Prepare a system for a new Windows installation or upgrade an existing one
· Manage a dual boot configuration
· Choose the best method for setting up Windows 98 and Windows 2000
· Describe the issues and features with the different types of setup approaches
· Install Windows 98 and Windows 2000
· Troubleshoot problems in installation with both operating systems

Module 18: Running Microsoft Windows
· Understand the Windows 98 system architecture
· Understand how Windows 98 handles tasks and allocates memory
· Identify the elements of the boot process and core files of Windows
· Understand the Windows 2000 system architecture
· Understand how Windows 2000 Professional handles tasks and allocates memory
· Identify the elements of the boot process and core files of Windows 2000
· Understand the functions of the Registry Control Panel and the Microsoft Management Console
· Understand how to configure system settings and add new hardware using the Control Panel
· Understand basic use of the Windows 2000 Administrative Tools
· Know the fundamentals of how to edit the Registry

Module 19: Maintaining the Modern Computer
· Identify and describe the basic tools required to be equipped for working on computers
· Describe the outside resources available to make your work more productive and effective
· Explain the safety considerations and basic policies to be used when working with computer equipment
· Describe the methods and tools available for planning computer maintenance
· Identify and describe the basic system maintenance required for the typical desktop PC
· Extend the useful life of computer hardware
· Avoid major problems caused by unexpected downtime
· Describe the methods and tools available for performing Windows maintenance
· Identify and describe the basic regular maintenance steps required to maintain the Windows file system
· Inspect, clean up, defragment, and back up data on both Windows 98 and Windows 2000- based computers

Module 20: Upgrading a Computer
· Develop a systematic and logical approach to repairing a computer
· Identify procedures for working on a computer
· Identify basic procedures for adding and removing computer components
· Describe the principles behind upgrading a computer
· Define the limits of and expectations for upgrading a system

Module 21: Troubleshooting Techniques and Client Relations
· Identify the steps in defining scope of a computer-related problem
· Understand various troubleshooting techniques
· Apply those techniques to resolve the problem
· Identify some of the common problems encountered while using Windows
· Understand the general strategy for resolving Windows operating system problems
· Understand the system tools to restore and optimize performance
· Use the proper tool to restore the System Registry
· Troubleshoot problems with MS-DOS applications
· Troubleshoot common printer problems
· Identify the level of support needed to resolve a problem
· Put techniques for offering good customer service to use

Module 22: The Basics of Electrical Energy
· Explain the difference between electricity and electrical energy
· Define the terms used to measure electrical energy
· Identify basic electric and electronic components
· Perform basic and advanced electrical energy tests
· Define ESD. Avoid ESD
· Identify high-voltage hazards
· Define some common guidelines for electrical safety