CompTIA A-plus Certification Lecture Notes

Introduction to CompTIA A-plus Certification

• Popular IT certification globally
• Introduces individuals to IT or validates IT job skills
• Often a prerequisite for IT jobs
• Managed by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association)
• Vendor-neutral certification
• Recognized worldwide, available in multiple languages

About the Instructor

• James Messer
  • Experience in IT: supercomputers, hardware, networking, cybersecurity
  • Courses aim to help individuals secure or improve IT jobs

Course Overview

• Covers two exams:
  • 220-1101 (Core 1)
  • 220-1102 (Core 2)
• Exams released on April 20, 2022
• Designed to correspond with CompTIA exam objectives
• Available for free on Professor Messer website and YouTube channel

Exam Details

Core 1 Exam (220-1101)

• Domains:
  • Mobile devices
  • Networking
  • Hardware
  • Virtualization and Cloud Computing
  • Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
• Format:
  • 90-minute duration
  • Up to 90 questions
  • Passing score: 675/900

Core 2 Exam (220-1102)

• Domains:

  • Operating Systems
  • Security
  • Software Troubleshooting
  • Operational Procedures

• Format:

  • 90-minute duration
  • Up to 90 questions
  • Passing score: 700/900

• Both exams required for A-plus certification

• No time or order restriction between exams

• Exams typically valid for ~3.5 years

Study Recommendations

• Obtain CompTIA exam objectives from CompTIA.org
• Utilize video courses, books, and hands-on experience
• Practice exams to assess knowledge retention

Exam Format

• Multiple-choice questions
• Performance-based questions (tasks, command prompts, matching, drag-and-drop)
• Topics covered directly from CompTIA exam objectives

Study Methodology

• Videos indexed by exam objective numbers
• Option to jump between topics or follow sequentially

Additional Resources

• Offline course materials available for purchase
• Course notes available in PDF or physical format
• Community and support available via Discord and study groups

Preparing for the Exam

• Understand testing environment options (in-person vs. online)
• Manage time effectively during exams
• Use the "Mark" option for questions
• Review exam results online for detailed feedback

Conclusion

• Resources and community support available at professormesser.com
• Encourage participation in monthly study groups for A+, Network+, Security+
• Best wishes for success in the certification journey