COMPTIA A+ (Core Series) Certification
CompTIA is an industry-recognised credential sought after by employers and IT professionals looking to set themselves apart from the crowd. CompTIA professionals are proven problem solvers! This qualification is a great addition to the CV of a career-minded IT professional.
Why UCD Professional Academy?
- Valuable, trusted qualification
- Industry expert lecturers
- Flexible live online learning

Secure your place with a 5% deposit and continue your professional development.
Course Information
Choose a start date below
Location
Supported learning with live, online lectures
Duration
40 hours: Evening Class: 3 hours per lesson, once a week for 13 weeks
Timetable
Online evening course: 6.30 - 9.30 pm Tuesday evenings
Course Type
Live Online Learning
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Industry-focused courses recognised by top companies worldwide
We offer ambitious professionals the opportunity to stay competitive and relevant in the changing workplace. With flexible learning that slots easily into your busy life, access industry-focused courses that deliver job-ready skills. Our courses are developed and delivered by experienced industry experts.
98 of our students say they would take another course with us

Fit professional advancement into your busy career and life
As an alternative to on-campus learning, we deliver all instructor-led courses via an easy-to-use online study environment. This facilitates student-teacher interaction with live lectures delivered straight to your computer. Our friendly Student Services team is on hand to answer your questions and fix any technical issues you may have.
96 of our alumni would recommend us to friends and family
Course overview
Learning outcomes and course content
Develop the skills and knowledge to perform mission-critical support tasks. Prove that you have the necessary expertise to provide superior technical support for the modern workplace with this coveted qualification.
What will I learn?

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.

Mobile Devices
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
Networking
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
Hardware
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
Virtualisation & Cloud Computing
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
Network & Hardware Troubleshooting
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
Operating Systems
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
Security
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
Software Troubleshooting
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
Operational Procedures
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
Have questions about this course?
Find out how this industry-focused course will give you the job-ready skills and knowledge to advance your career.
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 qualification 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 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.
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.
How is this course assessed?
This course is assessed externally by two 90-minute exams, Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002) and the cost is at the participant’s expense. 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 Certificate?
A UCD Professional Academy Certificate is a relatively short, practical course that gives learners up-to-date skills in a professional area. They are suitable for learners wishing to advance their professional skills and career prospects rather than their academic credentials.
With their tight focus and duration, these diplomas are stand-alone qualifications and not referenced to NFQ levels or university degree/diploma courses. They are not generally accepted for transfer credit onto academic courses but are widely recognised and valued by employers.
How do I get my certificate?
This qualification 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, 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 qualification to your LinkedIn profile.
What payment options are available?
A place on any of our programmes can be secured with a 5% deposit.
For full-time (bootcamp) programmes, the balance must be paid in full before course commencement.
For part-time programmes students will be required to pay 50% of the fees before the start of the course, with the remaining balance due within 30 days of the course commencing.
Please note that standard terms and conditions apply, which you can review here: https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/terms-and-conditions/
Pricing
COMPTIA A+ (Core Series) Certification
Gain the only IT support qualification of its kind to focus on the performance-based criteria required for real job roles.