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CERTIFICATION GUIDECompTIAA Core SeriesWhat is it?CompTIA A certified professionals are proven problem solvers. They support today’score technologies from security to cloud to data management and more. CompTIAA is the industry standard for launching IT careers into today’s digital world.Why is it different?CompTIA A is the only industry recognized credential with performance-based items to provepros can think on their feet to perform critical IT support tasks in the moment. It is trusted byemployers around the world to identify the go-to person in end point management & technicalsupport roles. CompTIA A is regularly re-invented by IT experts to ensure that it validates coreskills and abilities demanded in the workplace.About the examCompTIA A is the preferred performance-based qualifying credential for technical support andIT operational roles. A certified professionals identify issues and problem solve more effectivelythan those without certification. CompTIA A supports the ability to connect users to the datathey need to do their jobs regardless of the devices being used. In order to receive the CompTIA A certification, candidates must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Successfulcandidates will have the skills to:CompTIA A Core SeriesExam #220-1001 and 220-1002Release DateJanuary 2019LanguagesEnglish, German, Japanese,Portuguese, SimplifiedChinese and SpanishCE Required? Support basic IT infrastructure, including endpoint management, advanced device connectivitytroubleshooting, and basic networking Configure and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware, including components, connectorsand peripherals Implement basic data backup and recovery methods and apply data storage and managementbest practices Demonstrate baseline security skills for IT support professionals, including detecting andremoving malware, addressing privacy concerns, physical security and device hardening Configure device operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android andiOS and administer client-based as well as cloud-based (SaaS) software Troubleshoot and problem solve core service and support challenges while applying bestpractices for documentation, change management, and the use of scripting in IT supportYesAccreditationAccredited by ANSI to showcompliance with the ISO17024 Standard. It is alsoapproved by the DoD forDirective 8140/8570.01-M.

What’s in this Version?The new CompTIA A Core Series includesexpanded content on these growing partsof the IT support role:A general expansion of baseline securitytopics core to the IT support role, including Physical versus logical security conceptsand measures Social engineering Malware detection and removal Device hardening for not just PCsbut devices in generalA dramatically different approach in defining competency in operational procedures Importance of documentation and usingbest practices Change management Basic disaster prevention and recovery Privacy concerns, including GDPR andhanding PII Scripting basics Use of remote accessNetworking and device connectivityare broadened Cloud and virtualization are nowweighed more heavily Managing networking and deviceconnectivity includes IoT devicesand related protocols Includes the concept of Internetappliances and end pointmanagement servers Added wireless mesh networksto network typesTraining alone is not enough. A lot of training varies in scope, quality and content. A establishes a consistent standard that ensures the material one learns maps directly to job roles. CompTIA A certification validates that a candidate has mastered the foundational skills for that role.CompTIA Certification PathwayIT support professionals work with critical-path teams, including security operations center (SOC) team members, cloud and networkadministrators, and applications analysts. These teams offer a glimpse of future options and a gateway to career advancement.CompTIA A is the key to unlocking these options and setting you on the IT career pathway of your choosing.CompTIA certifications align with the skillsets needed to support and manage IT infrastructure and security. Enter where appropriate foryou. Consider your experience and existing certifications or course of study.INFRASTRUCTURE PATHWAYPROFESSIONAL SKILLSCYBERSECURITY PATHWAY

CompTIA A CORE 1 (220-1001)Technical Areas Covered in the CertificationMobileDevicesNetworking2014% Install and configure laptop& components Compare and contrastcharacteristics of varioustypes of other mobiledevices Connect and configureaccessories and ports ofother mobile devices &accessories Configure basic mobiledevice network connectivityand application support Use methods to performmobile devicesynchronization27% Compare and contrast TCPand UDP ports, protocols,and their purposes Compare and contrastcommon networkinghardware devices Install and configure abasic wired/wireless SOHOnetwork Compare and contrastwireless networkingprotocols Summarize the propertiesand purposes of servicesprovided by networkedhosts Explain common networkconfiguration concepts Compare and contrastInternet connection types,network types, and theirfeaturesOperating SystemsCompTIA A CORE 2 (220-1002)Hardware%27% Compare and contrast commonoperating system types and theirpurposes Compare and contrast features ofMicrosoft Windows versions Summarize general OS installationconsiderations and upgrade methods Use appropriate Microsoft commandline tools Use Microsoft operating system featuresand tools Use Microsoft Windows Control Panelutilities Summarize application installationand configuration concepts Configure Microsoft Windowsnetworking on a client/desktop Use features and tools of the Mac OS andLinux client/desktop operating systems12% Explain basic cable andconnector types, features,and their purposes Summarize power supplytypes and features Select and configureappropriate components& devices for a customPC configuration to meetcustomer specifications orneeds Configure SOHOmultifunction devices/printers and settings Install and maintainvarious print technologiesSecurity24% Summarize the importance ofphysical security measures Explain logical security concepts Compare and contrast wirelesssecurity protocols andauthentication methods Given a scenario, detect, remove,and prevent malware usingappropriate tools and methods Compare and contrast socialengineering, threats, andvulnerabilities Compare and contrast thedifferences of basic MicrosoftWindows OS security settings Implement security best practicesto secure a workstation Implement methods for securingmobile devices Implement appropriate datadestruction and disposal methods Configure security on SOHOwireless and wired networksVirtualization andCloud ComputingNetwork andHardwareTroubleshooting27% Compare and contrastcloud computing concepts Set up and configureclient-side virtualization Use the best practicemethodology to resolveproblems Troubleshoot hard drivesand RAID arrays andproblems related tomotherboards, RAM,power and more Troubleshoot video,projector, and displayissues Troubleshoot commonmobile device issueswhile adhering to theappropriate procedures Troubleshoot commonwired and wirelessnetwork es Troubleshoot Microsoft WindowsOS problems troubleshoot and resolve PCsecurity issues Use best practice proceduresfor malware removal Troubleshoot mobile OS andapplication issues Troubleshoot mobile OS andapplication security issues Compare and contrast bestpractices associated with typesof documentation Implement basic changemanagement best practices Implement basic disaster preventionand recovery methods Explain common safety procedures Explain environmental impacts andappropriate controls Explain the processes for addressingprohibited content/ activity, andprivacy, licensing, and policyconcepts Use proper communicationtechniques and professionalism Identify the basics of scripting Use remote access technologies26%23%

How does A Compare to Alternatives?CertificationA MCSAMTA NoYes2 exams, 90 min. each2-3 exams4 exams1 exam, 90 min.EntryEntryEntryEntryVendor-neutral,technical &professional skillsTied to specific products(e.g., MCSA Windows 8or MCSA Server 2012)Broad-based intro to IT.Gateway to Microsoft’sproduct-centriccertifications.Entry level networkingfor Cisco products &solutionsNone. 9-12 monthsexperience recommendedNone. Prior experiencerecommended.NoneNoneExam LengthExperience LevelExam FocusPrerequisitesTop A Job Titles Service Desk Analyst Help Desk Tech Technical Support Specialist Field Service Technician Associate Network EngineerData Support TechnicianDesktop Support AdministratorEnd User Computing Technician Help Desk Technician System Support Specialist General DynamicsHPIntelNissanRicoh Organizations that Use A Best Buy/Geek SquadBlue Cross Blue ShieldCanonDellFry’s ElectronicsSharpU.S. Department of Defense (DoD)VerizonWells FargoResearch and StatisticsMore Domain KnowledgeLong Term Job GrowthCompTIA A staff have more core domainknowledge than uncertified staff with thesame amount of experience. In addition,CompTIA certified staff with less than 1year experience even demonstrate moredomain knowledge than uncertified staffwith 3 years experience.1The CompTIA IT Employment snapshotshowed a 2.3% growth from 2015 to 2016with a 16% growth forecasted for the next10 years. More than 23,500 job postings in2016 required applicants to have CompTIAA certification.2Salary SnapshotThe CompTIA IT Employment snapshotshows an average salary of 48,620 forcomputer user support specialists.2“My primary job isto repair computersystems and networks. ObtainingA and Network certifications exposed me to easilyrecognizing — andthus repairing andtroubleshooting —problems.”TonyCarmichaelUSAF Veteran