CompTIA A+

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Course Description

CompTIA A+ certification is earned by passing a set of two exams, created by IT industry professionals, that validate skills needed for entry-level IT jobs. That said, CompTIA A+ is not just about PC repair. CompTIA A+ candidates are better prepared to troubleshoot and problem-solve a wider variety of issues, ranging from networking and operating systems to mobile devices and security.

Students will have the opportunity to showcase their accomplishments by participating in Business Professionals of America (BPA) Competitions. It is a “hand-on” class and much of the work is completed independently.  There will also be opportunities in Soft Skills and Work Based Learning.

Topics Covered

• Hardware: Identify, use and connect hardware components and devices

• Networking: Explain types of networks and connections including transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), Wi-Fi and small office/home office (SOHO)

• Mobile Devices: Install and configure laptops and other mobile devices

• Network and Hardware Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot device and network issues

• Security: Identify and protect against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections

• Windows Operating System: Install and support Windows OS, including command line and client support

• Other OS Technologies: Understand Mac OS, Linux and mobile OS

• Software Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot PC and mobile device issues, including application security support

• Operational Procedures: Follow best practices for safety, environmental impacts and communication and professionalism

Course Prerequisites

• Tech+ 

Certifications

• The CompTIA A+ Core Series requires candidates to pass two exams: 

  • Core 1 (220-1201) and 

  • Core 2 (220-1202)

    • Required

    • Exam Version & Release Date:  March 2025

    • ‍Question Count: Maximum of 90 questions per exam

    • ‍Task Count: Multiple choice questions (single and multiple response), drag and drops and performace-based.

    • ‍Time Limit:  90 minutes per exam

    • ‍Score Range: 

      • 220-1201:  675 out of 900

      • 220-1202:  700 out of 900

    • Typical Salary Range:  $74,000  *Based on data found in PayScale.com

    • Certification Test Attempts:  

      • Candidates can take the A+ exam as many times as they wish. 

      • After failing the first attempt, there is no waiting period before the second attempt.

      • However, candidates must wait at least 14 calendar days from their last attempt for the third attempt or any subsequent attempts.

      • Retakes:

        • You must first take and not pass the exam in order to activate the retake option

        • You must first take and not pass the exam in order to activate the retake option

        • Special retake vouchers are exam specific and cannot be redeemed for other versions of the same exam.

Articulation

• A+ Articulation Agreements

Michigan Merit Curriculum High School Graduation Requirements

• Language Other Than English:  The second credit can be substituted with CTE program completion

• Physical Education & Health:  PE/Health credit can be substituted with additional CTE program completion

• Science:  One credit of Physics or Chemistry can be substituted with CTE program completion

• Social Studies:  One credit of Social Studies (except Govt) can be substituted with additional CTE program completion

• Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts:  Credit can be substituted with CTE program completion

Other

• • • Grades: 10-12

    • Length:  1 year

    • Credits:  1

    • 11.1003 Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance

    • PSN:  21402

Agenda:

Links:

• Resources