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CompTIA A+ Certification

A full route to CompTIA A+: the current objectives checked, a diagnostic and dated plan, both cores studied by domain, hands-on labs and PBQ practice, booking, exam days and a first help desk role.

Free · Mac (Apple silicon) and Windows · v1.0.0 · Other platforms

Then open the Marketplace in the app, search for CompTIA A+ Certification, and click Install. It goes into your own files, and works offline from then on.

What it installs.

1

Pillar

1

Area

50

Projects

200

Starter tasks

🏅 Tech & Engineering Certifications

CompTIA A+ Certification

Passing the two CompTIA A+ core exams: hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, networking basics, security and help desk procedures, with practice labs.

  1. Deciding whether A+ is your first IT certification
  2. Current A+ exam objectives and format check
  3. Baseline practice test before any study
  4. Choosing Core 1 or Core 2 to sit first
  5. A+ study materials shortlist
  6. Exam voucher budget and discount search
  7. Hands-on toolkit for A+ practice
  8. Objective-by-objective readiness tracker
  9. Dated study plan for both cores
  10. Protected weekly study blocks
  11. Daily ten-question practice set
  12. Ports, protocols and commands flashcard deck
  13. Wrong-answer log and weekly review
  14. Monthly timed practice exam
  15. Weekly hands-on lab session
  16. Performance-based question drill
  17. Weak-domain revision cycle
  18. PC components and installation basics
  19. Storage drives, interfaces and RAID levels
  20. Cables, connectors and peripheral ports reference
  21. Laptop and mobile device support basics
  22. Printer types and the laser printing process
  23. Networking essentials for support technicians
  24. Virtualisation and cloud computing concepts
  25. Six-step troubleshooting method on real faults
  26. Windows editions, installation and upgrades
  27. Windows tools and command line for technicians
  28. macOS and Linux essentials for the help desk
  29. Security fundamentals for support technicians
  30. Software troubleshooting scenarios practice
  31. Operational procedures for the help desk
  32. Safety, ESD and environmental disposal rules
  33. Backup methods with a tested restore
  34. Script types and remote access tools
  35. Readiness rule before booking an exam
  36. Test centre or online proctored exam choice
  37. Last seven days before each core
  38. Booking and sitting Core 1
  39. Booking and sitting Core 2
  40. Retake plan after a failed core
  41. Claiming the A+ certificate and digital badge
  42. A+ alongside school or college coursework
  43. Career change into IT support
  44. Studying for A+ as a parent with limited hours
  45. Employer-funded A+ for help desk staff
  46. Volunteer device help for family and community
  47. From A+ to a first help desk role
  48. Repair case study portfolio
  49. PowerShell for repetitive support tasks
  50. Choosing your next credential after the A+ exams

Where it starts.

Each project arrives with its purpose, milestones and first tasks written out. Here is how the first three read.

Deciding whether A+ is your first IT certification

A+ is the entry credential most help desk, desktop support and field technician adverts ask for, and it needs two exams, so it is a real commitment of money and evenings. Someone aiming straight at cloud or development work may get more from a different first step. An evening comparing your goal, your experience and local job adverts against the A+ objectives tells you whether to start here.

First tasks

  • Search ten support job adverts and count how many ask for A+
  • Write five lines on the devices and systems you have already fixed or used
  • Ask someone working in IT support which first credential they would choose
  • Record your decision and reason at the top of your study notes

Current A+ exam objectives and format check

CompTIA revises A+ every few years, and study guides, videos and question banks written for a retired series still circulate cheaply. Downloading the official objectives for both cores, and noting the current exam codes, delivery options and retirement dates, means every hour of study points at the exam you will actually sit.

First tasks

  • Open the A+ page on the CompTIA website and note both current exam codes
  • Download the Core 1 and Core 2 objectives into one study folder
  • Copy each core's domain list and published weightings into your notes
  • Note any announced retirement date and the date you checked

Baseline practice test before any study

Most candidates already know more about some domains than they think and far less about others, such as printers or operational procedures. A timed practice test for each core, taken cold in the first fortnight, shows where the weeks should go and gives a starting score to measure progress against.

First tasks

  • Find a full-length practice test written for the current exam codes
  • Sit the Core 1 practice test in one timed sitting without notes
  • Sit the Core 2 practice test on a different day under the same rules
  • Record both scores by domain and name your three weakest areas

Make it yours.

Install CompTIA A+ Certification, then tell Aurum the date you're aiming for. It checks whether the plan fits the weeks you actually have.

Free · Mac (Apple silicon) and Windows · v1.0.0 · Other platforms

Blueprints are general information to help you organise your own work. They are not medical, financial, legal or other professional advice. See the Terms.