CompTIA A+ (220-1201 & 220-1202) Online Training & Certification Prep
CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard entry credential for IT support professionals. This course prepares you for both the 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) exams through hands-on Live Labs covering real hardware teardowns, operating system installation, networking troubleshooting, and security fundamentals.
Course Overview
The CompTIA A+ certification — earned by passing two separate exams, 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) — is the most widely recognised entry-level credential in IT support. It validates that a technician can install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain the hardware and software environments found in enterprise and SMB help desks, field service roles, and managed service provider (MSP) environments.
This course covers every objective across both exams in full. Core 1 (220-1201) focuses on the physical and connectivity layer: mobile devices, networking fundamentals, hardware installation, virtualisation basics, and cloud computing concepts. Core 2 (220-1202) shifts to operating systems and operational practice: installing and configuring Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS; troubleshooting software and OS failures; security fundamentals including malware removal and physical security; and professional IT support scripting and documentation practices.
What distinguishes this course is the depth of its Live Labs. Rather than watching an instructor plug in a SATA drive, you perform the actions yourself: you seat RAM into a simulated motherboard, route cables, install Windows 11 from scratch, configure TCP/IP on a network adapter, remove a simulated malware infection using real anti-malware tooling, and write a basic PowerShell script to list running services. These are the exact tasks A+ candidates encounter in the performance-based questions (PBQs) that appear at the start of each exam — and the tasks you will perform on your first day in a support role.
Instruction is delivered by CompTIA Certified Partner instructors who understand both the exam blueprint and the realities of tier-1 and tier-2 support work. Three modalities — self-paced video, live virtual classroom sessions, and on-demand labs — accommodate full-time workers studying for a career change. The Pass Guarantee covers both exams: if you do not pass Core 1 or Core 2 on your first attempt after completing the course, Boost eLearning provides re-sit preparation support at no additional cost.
What You'll Learn
- Identify and install internal PC components including CPUs, RAM, storage devices, expansion cards, and power supplies
- Configure and troubleshoot wired and wireless networking including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and common connectivity failures
- Install, configure, and troubleshoot printers and mobile devices including iOS and Android
- Explain virtualisation concepts and configure a basic virtual machine using hypervisor software
- Describe cloud computing service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and deployment models
- Perform a clean installation and upgrade of Windows 10 and Windows 11 from bootable media
- Navigate and use macOS, Linux (command line), and ChromeOS for basic administrative tasks
- Troubleshoot common OS failures including boot errors, driver conflicts, and application crashes using built-in tools
- Apply security best practices: user account control, BitLocker, software firewall configuration, and phishing awareness
- Identify, quarantine, and remove malware using anti-malware software and manual remediation techniques
- Follow change management, documentation, and ticketing procedures expected in a professional IT environment
- Write basic PowerShell and Bash scripts to automate repetitive support tasks
Who This Course Is For
- Career changers entering IT support or help desk roles for the first time
- Tier-1 and tier-2 help desk technicians formalising their skills with an industry credential
- Field service and break-fix technicians who work with hardware hands-on
- IT apprentices and vocational students working toward their first professional certification
- Military personnel transitioning to civilian IT careers
- Small business IT generalists who manage desktops, printers, and basic networking without a dedicated team
Course Outline
- Laptop hardware components: display types, storage, RAM, and proprietary connectors
- Mobile device types: smartphones, tablets, wearables, and e-readers
- iOS and Android network connectivity, email configuration, and MDM enrollment
- Common mobile device issues: battery, touchscreen, and connectivity troubleshooting
- TCP/IP addressing: IPv4, IPv6, subnetting basics, CIDR notation
- Common ports and protocols: HTTP/S, FTP, SMTP, DNS, DHCP, RDP, SSH
- Networking hardware: routers, switches, access points, firewalls, and PoE
- Wireless standards: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, frequencies, and channel selection
- Cable types: Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, fibre (MMF/SMF), and tools (crimper, toner probe, cable tester)
- Network troubleshooting using ipconfig, ping, tracert, nslookup, and netstat
- Motherboard form factors, chipsets, BIOS/UEFI configuration, and expansion slots
- CPU architectures, socket types, cooling solutions, and thermal paste application
- RAM types: DDR4, DDR5, ECC, registered; installation and compatibility
- Storage: SATA, NVMe (M.2 and PCIe), HDD vs SSD, RAID levels 0/1/5/10
- Power supply unit (PSU) form factors, rail ratings, and connector types
- Display types, resolutions, and video connectors: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C
- Printer types: laser, inkjet, thermal, and 3D; maintenance and troubleshooting
- Hypervisor types (Type 1 vs Type 2) and common platforms
- VM resource allocation: CPU, RAM, storage, and network adapters
- Cloud service models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and shared responsibility
- Cloud deployment models: public, private, hybrid, and community
- Common cloud capabilities: high availability, scalability, and rapid elasticity
- Windows 10 and Windows 11: editions, feature differences, and upgrade paths
- Windows installation: clean install, upgrade, image deployment, and repair installation
- Windows administrative tools: Task Manager, Event Viewer, Device Manager, Registry Editor
- Windows file system: NTFS permissions, FAT32, exFAT, and disk management
- macOS features and tools: Spotlight, Time Machine, Finder, and Terminal basics
- Linux fundamentals: filesystem hierarchy, common distros, and essential CLI commands
- ChromeOS administration and management for enterprise deployment
- Physical security: cable locks, biometric readers, access control vestibules, and asset tracking
- Logical security: UAC, least privilege, password policies, and MFA
- Malware types: virus, worm, ransomware, spyware, Trojans, and rootkits
- Malware removal: safe mode, anti-malware scanning, and manual remediation steps
- Windows Defender Firewall and Windows Security configuration
- Browser security: certificate warnings, pop-up blockers, and phishing indicators
- Data destruction: secure erase, degaussing, shredding, and data classification
- Windows boot troubleshooting: startup repair, System Restore, safe mode, and BCD repair
- Application crashes, compatibility modes, and Windows compatibility troubleshooter
- Profile and permission errors: corrupted profiles, access denied, and UAC prompts
- Common OS error messages and their causes
- Remote support tools: Remote Desktop, Quick Assist, and third-party remote access
- Documentation best practices: network diagrams, asset inventories, and knowledge base articles
- Change management: change request process, rollback plans, and impact analysis
- Ticketing system workflow: ticket creation, escalation, and closure
- Backup types: full, incremental, differential, and the 3-2-1 backup rule
- Scripting basics: PowerShell, Python, Bash, and batch file use cases in support
- Environmental and safety: ESD precautions, proper lifting, and proper disposal of batteries/toner
About the Certification Exam
- Exam code
- 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) u2014 both exams required for certification
- Length
- 90 minutes per exam
- Questions
- Up to 90 questions per exam (multiple choice and performance-based)
- Passing score
- 675 out of 900 (Core 1); 700 out of 900 (Core 2)
- Exam cost
- ~$253 USD per exam (~$506 USD total for both)
- Where
- Pearson VUE u2014 online proctored or at a test center
The certification exam fee is paid separately to the testing provider and is not included in the course price unless stated otherwise.
Live Labs Included
Hands-on practice on real environments
This course includes Live Labs — direct access to real hardware and cloud environments so you build the skills the exam actually tests.
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Pass Guarantee Included
Complete this course and if you don't pass the certification exam on your first attempt, we'll refund your course fee or give you a free retake — your choice.