CompTIA A+ is the preferred performance-based qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles. A+ certified professionals identify issues and problem solve more effectively than those without certification. CompTIA A+ supports the ability to connect users to the data they 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). Successful candidates will have the skills to:
• Support basic IT infrastructure, including endpoint management, advanced device connectivity troubleshooting, and basic networking
• Configure and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware, including components, connectors and peripherals
• Implement basic data backup and recovery methods and apply data storage and management best practices
• Demonstrate baseline security skills for IT support professionals, including detecting and removing malware, addressing privacy concerns, physical security and device hardening
• Configure device operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android and iOS and administer client-based as well as cloud-based (SaaS) software
• Troubleshoot and problem solve core service and support challenges while applying best practices for documentation, change management, and the use of scripting in IT support

The new CompTIA A+ Core Series includes expanded content on these growing parts of the IT support role:

A general expansion of baseline security topics core to the IT support role, including
• Physical versus logical security concepts and measures
• Social engineering
• Malware detection and removal
• Device hardening for not just PCs but devices in general

A dramatically different approach in defining competency in operational procedures
• Importance of documentation and using best practices
• Change management
• Basic disaster prevention and recovery
• Privacy concerns, including GDPR and handing PII
• Scripting basics
• Use of remote access

Networking and device connectivity are broadened
• Cloud and virtualization are now weighed more heavily
• Managing networking and device connectivity includes IoT devices and related protocols
• Includes the concept of Internet appliances and end point management servers
• Added wireless mesh networks to network types