CompTIA A+ 2009 Certificate

College:	College SA
School:	Computer School
Course:	CompTIA A+ Essentials & CompTIA A+ Practical Application
Award type:	Certificate
Programme type:	College SA certificate
SAQA Programme ID:	N/A
NQF Level:	N/A
Certificate issued by:	College SA

What is CompTIA A+?

A CompTIA A+ Technician must be able to troubleshoot and solve problems at a level higher than the basics. Apart from this, a CompTIA A+ Technician will have knowledge about operating systems, electricity and power supplies as well as motherboards. After completing the CompTIA A+ course, technicians will also have practical experience to back their theoretical knowledge.

Why should I study CompTIA A+?

Almost all organisations need IT support. Completing the CompTIA A+ certification will demonstrate your abilities as an IT professional, since you will be trained in a wide variety of IT-related topics. This qualification not only equips you with the essentials of IT support, but provides you with the opportunity to practically apply what you’ve learnt. Potential employers will realise that someone with a CompTIA A+ certification is a step above just basic IT support. The CompTIA A+ qualification is also your stepping stone to the CompTIA Network+ certification.

CompTIA A+ Course Structure

In order to complete the CompTIA A+ course, students will have to complete two components:

CompTIA A+ Certification: Essentials, and
CompTIA A+ Certification: Practical Application.

These components contain the following units:

Personal Computer Components
Operating System Fundamentals
PC Technician Professional Best Practices
Installing and Configuring Peripheral Components
Installing and Configuring System Components
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Peripheral Components
Troubleshooting System Components
Installing and Configuring Operating Systems
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows
Network Technologies
Installing and Managing Network Connections
Supporting Laptops and Portable Computing Devices
Supporting Printers
Personal Computer Security Concepts
Supporting Personal Computer Security

CompTIA A+: Programme Outcomes

1    Personal Computer Components

In this module you will learn about personal computer components, system unit components, storage devices as well as personal computer connection methods.

2    Operating System Fundamentals

In this module you will learn about personal computer operating systems, Windows user interface components, Windows file system management as well as windows system management tools.

3   PC technician Professional Best Practices

In this module you will learn about tools of the trade, electrical safety, environmental safety and materials handling. You will also learn how to perform preventative maintenance, diagnostics and troubleshooting as well as professionalism and communication.

4    Installing and Configuring Peripheral Components

In this module you will learn how to install and configure display devices and input devices. You will also learn how to install and configure adapter cards, and multimedia devices.

5    Installing and Configuring System Components

In this module you will learn how to select and install power supplies and memory. You will also learn how to select, install and configure CPUs and cooling system units.

6    Maintaining and Troubleshooting Peripheral Components

In this module you will learn how to troubleshoot display devices as well as how to maintain and troubleshoot input devices. You will also learn how to troubleshoot adapter cards and multimedia devices.

7    Troubleshooting System Components

In this module you will learn how to troubleshoot storage devices and power supplies. You will also learn how to troubleshoot memory, CPUs and cooling systems and system boards.

8    Installing and Configuring Operating Systems

In this module you will learn how to install Microsoft windows as well as how to upgrade windows. You will also learn how to add devices to windows and how to optimize windows.

9    Maintaining and Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows

In this module you will learn about operating system utilities as well as how to back up Microsoft Windows. You will also learn how to troubleshoot Microsoft Windows as well as how to recover Microsoft Windows.

10    Network Technologies

In this module you will learn about Network concepts, communications and connectivity. You will also learn about Internet technology.

11    Installing and Managing Network Connections

In this module you will learn how to create network connections, how to install and configure web browsers as well as how to maintain and troubleshoot Network Connections.

12    Supporting Laptops and Portable Computing Devices

In this module you will learn about laptop and portable computing device components as well as how to install and configure laptops and portable computing devices.

13    Supporting Printers

In this module you will learn about printer technologies, printer components and printer processes. You will also learn how to install and configure printers as well as how to maintain and troubleshoot printers.

14    Personal Computer Security Concepts

In this module you will learn about security fundamental, security protection measures. You will also learn about data and physical security and wireless security as well as social engineering.

15    Supporting Personal Computer Security

In this module you will learn how to install and configure security measures as well as how to maintain and troubleshoot security measures.

Course Duration

This course should take no more than 12 months to complete.

Entrance Requirements

You should have a good understanding of English. This course is very comprehensive, and although previous computer qualifications are not necessary in order to complete the CompTIA A+ certificate, you should note that this course is not for complete beginners, and it will therefore be expected that you will already have basic computer knowledge and understanding.

Apart from this you will need a personal computer. Please see the hardware and software requirements your computer should have below:

Hardware and Software Required

Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0
Browser Firefox 1.x
Browser Safari 1.x
Operating System MacOS 10.3.x
Operating System MS-Windows 2000

Assessment and Award

This course will prepare you for the CompTIA A+ examinations:

220-701 for CompTIA A+ Essentials
220-702 for CompTIA A+ Practical Application

You will need to contact a Prometric Testing centre two weeks before you want to write your exams on telephone number 0800 991 120. The exam fees are not included in your College SA programme fees.

Once you have successfully completed the examinations, your Prometric Testing Centre will provide you with a report and CompTIA will issue you with a certification pack. Included in your certification pack is a credit card with the details of the exams that you have passed as well as the expiry date, which means you will have to update your exam every three years by enrolling in CompTIA’s continuing education program to keep your certification current.

To find out more about CompTIA’s continuing education program please go to: http://www.comptia.org/certifications/listed/a.aspx

Your 220-701 CompTIA A+ Essentials exam tests the fundamental skills of an entry-level IT professional with a recommended 500 hours hands-on experience in a lab or the field. The exam consists of 100 questions and the duration of the exam is 90 minutes.

Your passing score is 675 out of 900 which is 75%

Your 220-702 CompTIA A+ Practical Application exam is an extension of the skills you have mastered in the CompTIA A+ Essentials exam and is a hands-on practical application of those skills using scenarios in which you will troubleshoot and use tools to resolve problems. The exam consists of 100 questions and the duration of the exam is 90 minutes.

Your passing score is 700 out of 900 which is 78%

Prometric – More about them

Prometric is the leading global provider of comprehensive testing and assessment services in the academic, professional, government, corporate and information technology markets. They operate more than 3000 test centres in 135 countries. Examinations include those from Microsoft, IBM and various others. You will be sitting your CompTIA A+ exams at one of Prometric’s sites in South Africa.

CompTIA – More about them

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the association that represents the international technology community. Its goal is to provide a unified voice, global advocacy and leadership, and to advance industry growth through standards, professional competence, education and business solutions. In order to most efficiently serve the industry and its members, CompTIA has developed specialised initiatives and programmes dedicated to major areas within the IT industry. They include convergence technology, e-commerce, IT training, software services, certification, public policy and workforce development.

Is this the right course for you – QUESTIONNAIRE?

Do this questionnaire to find out if this is the right qualification for you. Answer Yes or No.

Do you have basic computer skills already, and wish to expand your knowledge?
Do you wish to be able to work in the professional or corporate sector?
Would you like a qualification that brands you as a competent IT professional?
Do you wish to hold a qualification that is recognised by the largest computer corporations worldwide?
Do you want to advance your career in the IT field?
Do you want to do a course that shows you are eager to expand your knowledge beyond the basics?
Do you have access to a personal computer?
Do you want to complete a course that will enable you to support a wide variety of IT needs?
Are you a driven individual who relishes the challenge of internationally recognised examinations?
Do you want to develop your IT skills so that you will be able to troubleshoot and correct most IT problems?

If you answered YES to more than five of these questions, then this is the right programme of study for you.

If you did NOT answer yes to more than five of the questions, perhaps you should consider registering for one of our other career skills courses.

Other Career Skills courses you may be interested in

CompTIA Network+
Windows SharePoint: This web page design course is designed for individuals who access information on a SharePoint site.

Register Today

To register on this course please click here to complete a short form. One of our student registrars will contact you to guide you through the registration process. We have many different payment options and specials available and would like to help you choose the option that suits you best.