CCCOnline LogoCourse Snapshot for CNG120 - A+ Certification Preparation

The information listed below is subject to change. Please review the course syllabus within your online course at the start of class.

Course Competencies

The competencies you will demonstrate in this course are as follows:

  1. Examine the COMPTIA objectives for the current A+ certification examination.
  2. Demonstrate computer assembly. 
  3. Demonstrate hardware repair and troubleshooting. 
  4. Demonstrate OS installation.
  5. Demonstrate OS navigation and troubleshooting. 
  6. Demonstrate the ability to install and troubleshoot printers. 
  7. Demonstrate the ability to build basic network. 
  8. Demonstrate the ability to build wireless network.
  9. Demonstrate procedures to secure computers and networks.
  10. Demonstrate preventive maintenance operations.
  11. Demonstrate the ability to pass practice tests on current A+ objectives. 

Module Outcomes Mapped to Competencies

Module 1
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Describe essential part of a computer or mobile device. II 
2 Describe hardware, software, and firmware.  II, IV
3 Describe the COMPTIA six-step troubleshooting theory.   I
4 Describe BIOS/UEFI configuration.  IV, V
5 Describe flash upgrade BIOS.   IV, V
6 Outline BIOS/UEFI diagnostics.   IV, V
7 Describe ATX, ITX, and smaller sizes. II, III
8 Identify expansion slot types. II, III
9 Describe RAM, CPU, and chipset sockets. II, III
Module 2
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Describe memory upgrade considerations.  II
2 Identify RAM, SO-DIMM vs. DIMM  II
3 Describe installing memory.  II
4 Describe installing video cards.  II
5 Describe installing network cards.  II
6 Describe installing USB cards.  II
7 Describe optical drive features and capacities. II
8 Identify magnetic hard disk drives. II
9 Identify flash drives, SSD, and hot swappable drives. II
Module 3
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Describe processor characteristics. II
2 Describe socket types.  II
3 Describe CPU installation and cooling. II
4 Describe rear panel port clusters.  II
5 Describe USB, FireWire (IEEE 1394), SATA and eSATA. II
6 Identify video, audio, and PS/2 interfaces.  II
7 Identify custom PC configurations and onboard components. II
8 Describe installing power supplies, input/output devices. II
9 Identify display types and settings and features. II
Module 4
  Outcomes Competencies
1  Define laser printers, inkjet, thermal, impact, and virtual printers. II, VI 
2  Describe installing and configuring your printer or multifunction device. II, VI
3  Describe maintaining data privacy.  V
4  Identify network cable and connector types and characteristics.  II, VIII
5  Describe TCP and UDP ports and protocols.  V, VII
6  Describe WiFi network and encryption standards.  VIII
7 Identify internet and network connection types. V, VII
8 Describe installing, replacing, displaying, and configuring laptop components. II, III
9 Identify characteristics of other mobile devices. III
10 Describe accessories and ports used by other mobile devices. II
11 Describe troubleshooting motherboard, RAM, CPU, and power issues. II, III
12 Describe troubleshooting hard drives and RAID arrays. II, III
13 Describe troubleshooting video, networks and printers. II, III
Module 5
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Describe differences between Windows versions and file systems.  V 
2 Describe boot methods, partitioning and installation types.  IV, V 
3 Describe configuring Windows during/after installation.  V 
4 Describe Admin and Command-Line tools. V 
5 Describe Task Manager and MSCONFIG.  V 
6 Describe System Utilities and Control Panel.  V 
7 Describe domain setups, Admin and Network Shares. V, VII
8 Describe printer sharing versus network printer mapping V, VI
9 Describe establish networking, proxy settings, and firewall settings. V, VII
10 Describe network card properties. VII

Module 6
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Describe using appropriate safety and environmental procedures. X
2 Describe addressing prohibited content or activity. X
3 Describe following corporate end-user policies and security best practices. X
4 Describe best practices. V
5 Describe tools and features. V
6 Describe basic Linux commands. V
7 Describe client-side virtualization overview. V
8 Describe basic cloud concepts and internet applications. V
9 Describe properties of network services - server roles. V, VII
Module 7
  Outcomes Competencies
1 Describe Android vs. iOS vs. Windows features. V
2 Describe mobile device connectivity and email configurations. V
3 Describe radio firmware and IMEI vs. IMSI. V
4 Describe common security threats and vulnerabilities. V, IX
5 Describe Windows basic security settings.  V, IX
6 Describe best security practices for workstations. V, IX
7 Describe securing mobile devices. V, IX
8 Describe troubleshooting common symptoms. V, IX
9 Identify tools for troubleshooting software.  V, IX
10 Describe troubleshooting Mobile OS and application issues. V, IX
11 Describe mobile devices and application security issues. V, IX
12 Describe troubleshooting PC security issues.  V, IX

Course Time Commitment and Expectations

The semester schedule for this course may be 15 weeks or 10 weeks in duration. Based on the course format, this table shows the approximate amount of time you should plan to spend per week on this course. This includes time to read/listen to the online content, participate in discussion forums, complete all assignments, and study the course material.

For accelerated courses, the amount of time required per week is greater. Note that regardless of course format, the course material is the same and all course competencies, module outcomes, and assignments will be covered.

Course Activity Hours and Student Learning Hours
Course Credit Hours Course Format (Duration) Pace Relative to a 15 Week Course Course Activity Hours Student Learning Hours Per Week
4 15 Weeks - 180 11.5 to 12.5
4 10 Weeks 1.5x faster 180 17 to 19

Aside from typical reading assignments, this course has the following (Please Note: This list is subject to change based on the discretion of the instructor facilitating this course.):


Summary of Grading
Assignment Points %
Discussions (14 @ 20 points each) 280 23%
Ucertify Quizzes (22 @ 10 points each) 220 18%
UCertify Labs (22 @ 10 points each) 220 18%
Capstones (2 @ 250 points each) 500 41%
TOTAL 1220 100%
Grading Scale
A = 90 to 100% B = 80 to 89% C = 70 to 79% D = 60 to 69% F = 59% and below

 

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