A+ Certification is a testing program sponsored by CompTIA that certifies the competency of entry-level service technicians in the computer industry. Anyone who wants an internationally recognized credential as a competent entry-level computer service professional can take the A+ examination.

Earning A+ certification means that the individual possesses the knowledge and skills essential for a successful entry-level computer service technician, as defined by experts from companies across the industry. The test covers a broad range of hardware and software technologies, but is not related to any vendor-specific products. Two exams must be passed to become certified - the Core Hardware and the Operating Systems Technologies exams. When both the Core and the Operating Systems exams are passed, the candidate receives the A+ designation. Once someone is A+ certified, they retain this designation for life and do not need to become recertified when an updated exam is released.

This learning path addresses the topics and objectives students need to know in order to take the A+ Core Hardware exam 220-201. The topics covered include motherboards, CPUs, memory, printers, basic networking, and preventative maintenance as well as configuring, upgrading, troubleshooting, and repairing computer systems. Titles covered include:

• Components, Printers, Networks, and Safety
  Identifying, Adding, and Removing Systems
  Installation and Configuration
  Operating System Technologies