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Ace Skills Consulting
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220-1201/1202: CompTIA A+ (Core 1 & Core 2)

Build the practical support skills every IT career starts with, and prepare for both CompTIA A+ exams.

  • 40 hours of live, trainer-led sessions
  • Covers both Core 1 and Core 2 objectives
  • Hands-on labs with Windows, Linux and virtual machines
  • Structured troubleshooting method practised on real faults
  • Practice for performance-based questions
Aligned to CompTIA exam 220-1201/1202
Duration
5 Days | 40 Hrs
Next batch
Batches on request
Delivery
Live Online · Onsite · Corporate
Level
Beginner
Exam
220-1201 / 220-1202
Language
English

Why learn 220-1201/1202 with Ace Skills

  • Hardware to software

    Covers devices, operating systems, networks and security in one practical path, as entry-level IT roles require.

  • Command-line confidence

    Use Windows and Linux command-line tools you will rely on daily in a support role.

  • Real support scenarios

    Work through planted faults with a repeatable troubleshooting method and clear user communication.

  • A solid career start

    A recognised foundation that leads naturally into Network+, Security+ and cloud certifications.

Course overview

Help desk and desktop support roles are where many IT careers begin, and they demand a broad mix of skills: building and repairing devices, configuring operating systems, connecting users to networks, keeping endpoints secure and calmly fixing whatever breaks. CompTIA A+ is the best-known benchmark for those skills, and this five-day course prepares you for both of its exams.

Days one and two cover the Core 1 material. You will work through mobile devices, motherboards, processors, memory, storage and printers, then move into networking hardware, wireless standards, common ports and protocols, virtualisation and cloud concepts. Day two ends with the hardware and network troubleshooting process. Days three and four cover Core 2: installing and configuring Windows, working with macOS and Linux at the command line, security fundamentals, malware removal and software troubleshooting. Day five covers operational procedures such as documentation, change management, backups, safety and professional communication, followed by exam preparation.

The course is hands-on throughout. You will build and configure virtual machines, use command-line tools on Windows and Linux, set up a small home-office network, harden a workstation and work through a series of planted faults using a consistent troubleshooting method. These exercises are designed to prepare you for the performance-based questions in both exams.

This course is aligned to the CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams. Exam versions change over time, so confirm the current exam codes, objectives and pricing on the CompTIA website before booking.

Key features

  • Trainer with real desktop and service desk support experience
  • Both Core 1 and Core 2 covered in one course
  • Hands-on labs with virtual machines and command-line tools
  • Troubleshooting scenarios with planted faults
  • Performance-based question practice
  • Mock exams for both cores with review
  • Course completion certificate from Ace Skills Consulting

Who should attend

  • Freshers and graduates starting an IT career
  • Help desk and desktop support technicians
  • Field service engineers
  • Professionals switching into IT from other fields
  • Small-business IT generalists

Prerequisites

  • Comfortable using a computer and the internet
  • Some hands-on exposure to PCs is helpful but not required

Curriculum

5 Days · 40 Hours · 16 Modules · 7 Labs

  1. Mobile devices

    • Laptop components and replacement
    • Mobile device connectivity and accessories
    • Synchronisation and mobile management basics

    Motherboards, CPUs and memory

    • Form factors and connectors
    • Processor and cooling options
    • Memory types and installation
    • Power supplies

    Storage and peripherals

    • HDD, SSD and NVMe
    • RAID levels
    • Display and peripheral connectors
    • Printers and their maintenance
    • Lab: Plan and build a workstation specification for three user profiles · 45 min

  2. Networking fundamentals

    • Common ports and protocols
    • TCP and UDP
    • IP addressing, DHCP and DNS
    • Network devices and cabling

    Wireless and SOHO networks

    • Wi-Fi standards and security
    • Configuring a small office router
    • Internet connection types
    • Lab: Configure a SOHO network with secure wireless · 45 min

    Virtualisation and cloud

    • Client-side virtualisation
    • Cloud models and services
    • Sandboxes and test environments
    • Lab: Create and configure virtual machines · 40 min

    Hardware and network troubleshooting

    • Troubleshooting methodology
    • Diagnosing boot, display and storage faults
    • Network connectivity problems

  3. Windows

    • Editions and installation
    • Settings, Control Panel and management consoles
    • Users, groups and permissions
    • Windows networking and file sharing

    Command-line tools

    • Windows command prompt and PowerShell basics
    • Disk, network and system commands
    • Linux shell commands
    • Lab: Diagnose a PC using command-line tools only · 45 min

    macOS and Linux

    • macOS features and tools
    • Linux file system and package managers
    • Common desktop applications and installation

  4. Security fundamentals

    • Physical security
    • Authentication and MFA
    • Wireless security protocols
    • Social engineering threats

    Securing workstations and devices

    • Windows security settings and Defender
    • Encryption and data destruction
    • Mobile device security
    • Lab: Harden a Windows workstation · 40 min

    Malware and software troubleshooting

    • Identifying and removing malware
    • Application and OS troubleshooting
    • Browser security issues
    • Lab: Clean up a simulated malware infection · 40 min

  5. Operational procedures

    • Ticketing and documentation
    • Change management basics
    • Backup and recovery methods
    • Safety and environmental procedures

    Professionalism and scripting

    • Communication with users
    • Licensing and privacy policies
    • Basic scripting concepts
    • Remote access tools

    Exam readiness

    • Exam strategy for both cores
    • Performance-based question practice
    • Mock exams and review
    • Lab: Performance-based question walkthrough · 45 min
Download full syllabus (PDF)

Skills you will gain

  • PC hardware
  • Mobile devices
  • Printers
  • Networking basics
  • SOHO wireless
  • Virtualisation
  • Windows administration
  • Linux basics
  • macOS basics
  • Command line
  • Endpoint security
  • Malware removal
  • Troubleshooting
  • IT documentation

Tools & technologies

  • Windows 11
  • Ubuntu Linux
  • VirtualBox
  • Windows Command Prompt
  • PowerShell
  • Windows Defender
  • Disk Management

Certification exam

Exam details
Exam nameCompTIA A+
Exam code220-1201 / 220-1202
Voucher includedNo — book directly with the vendor

Skill areas measured

  1. Core 1: Mobile Devices
  2. Core 1: Networking
  3. Core 1: Hardware
  4. Core 1: Virtualization and Cloud Computing
  5. Core 1: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
  6. Core 2: Operating Systems
  7. Core 2: Security
  8. Core 2: Software Troubleshooting
  9. Core 2: Operational Procedures

Exam details are pending verification. Vendors change exams; confirm on the official vendor page before booking. Official exam page (opens in a new tab)

Schedule & Pricing

Live Online

Individual

Price on request

  • 40 hours of live, trainer-led sessions
  • 7 hands-on labs
  • Ace Skills course completion certificate

Onsite

At your office or our centre

Pricing depends on location, group size and dates.

  • Delivered at your premises or an Ace centre
  • Same curriculum and labs as live online
  • Dates planned around your team

Corporate / Team

Private batch for your organisation

A private batch with content adapted to your environment and goals.

  • Customised curriculum
  • Private batch, online or onsite
  • Progress and assessment reports
  • GST invoice and PO-based billing

No public batches scheduled — Talk to an Advisor for a private batch.

Projects & labs you will build

  • Day 2 · 45 min

    Configure a SOHO network with secure wireless

  • Day 3 · 45 min

    Diagnose a PC using command-line tools only

Your certificate

Certificate of Completion — Ace Skills Consulting

Awarded on completing the course. It records the course title and training hours, and you can share it on your LinkedIn profile.

The CompTIA certification itself is awarded by CompTIA when you pass exam 220-1201 / 220-1202.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to pass both exams?

Yes. CompTIA A+ requires passing both the Core 1 and Core 2 exams, which can be taken in either order.

Is A+ useful if I already work in IT?

It is most useful early in a career or when moving into support roles. Experienced engineers often go straight to Network+ or Security+.

Do I need my own hardware?

No. Labs use virtual machines and simulations; you only need a laptop that can run a browser and remote lab tools.

Are exam vouchers included?

Only when the batch shows the "Exam voucher included" badge. Otherwise you buy vouchers directly from CompTIA.

How long is the certification valid?

CompTIA A+ is valid for three years and can be renewed through CompTIA's continuing education programme.

Related courses

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CompTIA, A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, PenTest+, SecurityX, Cloud+ and Linux+ are trademarks of CompTIA, Inc.

Train your team on 220-1201/1202

Private batches online or at your office in India and the GCC, with a curriculum adapted to your environment.