Early Bird: Save up to 40% off select courses. Ends in
Early Bird: Save up to 40% off select courses. Ends in
Choose Your Start Date
Browse our upcoming live online classes. Download your brochure to learn more.
Secure your place by paying in full or availing of our payment plan. For Part-time, on demand and on campus courses, pay in three equal interest-free instalments. For full-time Bootcamps enrol with a 50% deposit and the rest at the course start date. T&C's apply.
Why UCD Professional Academy?
- Valuable, trusted certification
- Industry expert lecturers
- Flexible learning options
CompTIA A+ Course Modules
Build foundational knowledge and skills in the key areas of IT support: infrastructure, devices, data management, IoT, hardware, IT security, and operating systems. Discover practical techniques for not only detecting issues but addressing them in real-world scenarios. You will acquire valuable troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities to tackle core service and support challenges confidently. This course will ensure you are fully prepared to complete the two CompTIA A+ exams, with practical lab exercises, videos, ongoing assessments, and case study analysis.
Or browse our wide range of expert-led online courses and grow your career potential today.
1. Mobile Devices
Learn to compare and contrast the characteristics of various types of mobile device and install and configure laptop hardware and components.
- Laptop hardware and components
- Components and features
- Other types of mobile device
- Accessories and ports
- Network connectivity and application support
- Mobile device synchronisation
2. Networking
Learn about TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purposes, compare wireless networking protocols, and install and configure a basic wired/wireless SOHO network.
- TCP and UDP ports, protocols
- Common networking hardware devices
- Wired/wireless networking
- Network services and configuration
- Network and internet connections
- Appropriate networking tools
3. Hardware
Discover how to select and configure appropriate components for a custom PC configuration that meets specific requirements. Learn to install and configure motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards.
- Cables and connectors
- Install RAM types
- Storage devices
- Motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards
- Purposes and uses of various peripherals
- Install and configure common devices
4. Virtualisation & Cloud Computing
You will set up and configure client-side virtualisation and be able to compare and contrast cloud computing concepts.
- Cloud computing concepts
- Client-side virtualisation
5. Network & Hardware Troubleshooting
Learn best practice methodology to identify and troubleshoot common hardware and network problems, for example with displays, printers, networks, RAM, or power.
- Best practice problem solving
- Motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power
- Hard drives and raid arrays
- Video, projector, and display issues
- Troubleshoot mobile devices and printers
- Common wired/wireless network problems
6. Operating Systems
Learn to compare common operating system types and their purposes and know the features of different Microsoft Window versions. Learn general OS installation considerations and upgrade methods.
- Common operating systems
- OS installation and upgrade considerations
- Microsoft Windows
- Application installation and configuration
- Mac and Linux operating systems
7. Security
Learn the importance of security measures and protocols. Learn to detect, remove, and prevent malware using appropriate tools and methods and use security best practice.
- Physical and logical security measures
- Wireless/wired security and authentication
- Threats, malware, and vulnerabilities
- Microsoft Windows OS security settings
- Securing mobile devices
- Data destruction and disposal methods
8. Software Troubleshooting
Learn to troubleshoot and resolve PC, mobile operating system, and application security issues.
- Microsoft Windows OS problems
- PC security issues
- Malware removal
- Mobile OS and application issues
9. Operational Procedures
Learn best practice in operational procedures, including key areas such as dealing with prohibited activity and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts. You will also consider proper communication techniques and professionalism.
- Documentation best practices
- Basic change management best practice
- Basic disaster prevention and recovery
- Common safety procedures
- Environmental impacts and appropriate controls
- Remote access technologies
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Access to thousands of journals, articles and papers. Free of charge.
Students taking part in this course will now have access to the EBSCO Online Library, free of charge, for the full duration of the course. Here you can browse thousands of relevant journals, articles and other reliable academic and commercial texts like the Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg Businessweek and Forbes Magazine, to supplement your learning and assignments.
Download BrochureRelevant skills for your team, results for you.
Whether you’re interested in making your training budget work harder with volume discounts across our standard portfolio, or have bespoke training needs to be addressed, we’ll help you level up. Our team of upskilling experts are ready to take the pain out of meeting your training targets.
Talk to our expertsFrequently Asked Questions
Is this course right for me?
This preparation course is for individuals looking to sit the CompTIA A+ exam. This is an entry-level course with a recommended experience of 9-12 months. This certification is part of the CompTIA Certification Pathway.
CompTIA A+ certification is internationally recognised and vendor neutral. It’s an industry-recognised certification that many employers consider a prerequisite for entry-level IT employment. A+ certification signifies that the individual is capable of performing tasks such as the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of common PC systems.
How will this course help with my career?
CompTIA certifications are highly sought after by employers, making this qualification an attractive addition to the CV of any technology professional.
According to CompTIA:
• CompTIA-certified staff with less than one year’s experience demonstrate more domain knowledge than non certified staff with three years’ experience.
• The CompTIA IT Employment snapshot showed a 2.3% growth from 2015 to 2016 with a 16% growth forecasted for the next 10 years.
•More than 23,500 job postings in 2016 required applicants to have CompTIA A+ certification
What is the student experience like?
Student care is a high priority at UCD Professional Academy, which is why our Student Services team is on hand to support you throughout your time with us. They will respond to any queries you have, help you with any technical issues, and facilitate your learning experience at every point. All students are given access to our Student Portal, where you can see your timetable, access all your study materials, and manage your account.
What is the online learning experience like?
Our online experience is designed to be just as interactive, supportive, and inspiring as the UCD Professional Academy campus experience.
Online courses can be accessed from any computer or laptop with an internet connection.
Live lectures are delivered using Zoom. During these lectures, your teachers will use technology interactively to ensure an engaging learning experience. When appropriate, students will be encouraged to activate their microphones so that they can ask questions and communicate with other students.
How is this course assessed?
This course is assessed externally by two 90-minute exams, Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). The cost of the exams are included in the price of this course. Exams are administered by Pearson Vue Test Centres, either in the testing centre or via an online proctored exam.
What are the benefits of a Professional Academy Certificate?
UCD Professional Academy Certificates and Diplomas are designed to give your career an advantage. Developed in conjunction with industry thought leaders our courses teach practical, applied skills to support you to achieve your career and business goals. Professional Academy Certificates are suitable for career minded learners wishing to advance their professional skills and prospects rather than their academic credentials.
The Professional Academy is an independent wholly owned part of UCD designed to address the need for skills development in the workforce. Courses tend to be short, designed and delivered by industry practitioners, and are not part of nor do they lead to a traditional University award such as a degree or a masters. They are widely accepted by employers and many students are sponsored to study by their organisation.
For full details of UCD Professional Academy’s Certifications & Governance please visit https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/governance/
How do I get my Professional Academy Certificate?
This course is certified by CompTIA, the world's leading tech association bringing together millions of IT professionals. This qualification is part of their Certification Pathway.
Upon successful completion of the CompTIA exam, you will also be awarded a certificate from the UCD Professional Academy. Your UCD Professional Academy Certificate will be issued electronically on a secure platform, with a link that you can share with employers and others wishing to verify your credentials. You can also add the certificate to your LinkedIn profile.
What payment options are available?
You can secure your spot on most of our Live Online, On-Campus, or On-Demand courses with a low 30% deposit. The remaining balance can be paid in two equal instalments (30 and 60 days later).
For full-time Bootcamp courses, you can secure your spot with a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due prior to the start of your course.
Please note that standard terms and conditions apply, which you can review here: https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/terms-and-conditions/