CompTIA A+ syllabus update!

The time has come for another CompTIA A+ syllabus update. CompTIA update their courses every three years to represent the fact that times are changing. 

If we go back to the last update from 2016 – the 900 series update – Internet of Things and relevant devices were introduced and ransomware protections became familiar, which were quite timely considering the “WannaCry” ransomware attacks that dominated headlines in 2017.

Fast forward to the start of 2019 and CompTIA have introduced important tools and changes with the future of computing in mind: IoT has been expanded with device hardware and connectivity being addressed, the introduction of scripting, and cloud and virtualisation getting a dedicated exam domain – to name a few.

The old 900 series focused on supporting users’ access to application and data needed to complete a task from any given device. While the newly added, and named, Core Series focuses on enabling end users and devices to securely access data needed to complete a task. The GDPR data privacy regulation has also been added to the syllabus to represent the biggest change in data privacy laws since 1995.

• IoT is expanded with both device hardware and device connectivity addressed
• Scripting is introduced as an important technical support tool
• Cloud and virtualization get a dedicated domain

Learn how to facilitate a career in IT. 

Coverage in the new syllabus includes:

• Laptops, desktop PCs, smartphones, tablets, wearables, e-readers, GPS
• Windows 10, 7, 8, 8.1, Android, iOS, Linux, Mac OS X, Chrome OS
• Mobile device network connectivity, application support and device synchronization
• Networking hardware devices (Routers, switches, access points, cloud-based network controller, PoE, etc.)
• Networked hosts, server role, Internet appliances, legacy systems
• PC hardware tools and components, BIOS/UEFI settings, solid state drives (M2, NVME, SATA 2.5), RAID 10, hot swappable storage configurations
• Custom PC configurations including virtualization workstations and NAS devices
• Sharing multifunction devices and printers via OS settings, wired and wireless connections, 3D printing
• Logical security concepts, Active Directory security settings, software tokens, MDM policies, MAC address filtering, certificates, VPN, DLP, email filtering
• Security protocols and encryption (WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES), authentication methods (single-factor, multifactor, RADIUS, TACACS), security threat identification and prevention
• Privacy concerns and policies (PII, PCI, GDPR, PHI)

If you want to see a cool page where you can compare the current CompTIA A+ syllabus to syllabi of days gone by. 

At e-Careers, we offer the latest CompTIA A+ syllabus as part of our complete training programmes to help you become an IT or cyber security specialist. Enquire or call us today to find out more.

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