CompTIA A+ IT Support Specialist Certificate

Students begin with the foundational elements of IT support: how computers are built, how components interact, and how the operating systems that run on them are installed and managed. By the end of this module, students can identify hardware components, perform basic troubleshooting, install operating systems, and configure user accounts on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Session 1: Introduction to IT and Basic Hardware

• IT support roles and current industry expectations
• Key computer components and their function (CPU, RAM, storage, motherboard, GPU)
• Hands-on: identifying hardware components and basic troubleshooting

Session 2: Introduction to Operating Systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)

• OS types, installation processes, and setup
• Basic OS configuration and user account management
• Hands-on: installing and configuring Windows and macOS

Students cover the networking concepts that underpin every IT support role: IP addressing, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and how networks are structured and connected. The second session introduces cybersecurity principles and the practical security tasks that IT support professionals perform daily. By the end, students can configure a basic local network, set up security controls, and explain the security implications of common threat vectors.

Session 1: Networking Basics

• IP addressing, TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP
• Network topologies, routing concepts, and wireless connectivity
• Hands-on: setting up and configuring a local network

Session 2: Introduction to IT Security

• Cybersecurity principles: CIA Triad and common threats (phishing, malware, social engineering)
• Security controls for devices and networks
• Hands-on: configuring firewalls, antivirus, and device security settings

Students go deeper into OS administration, with a focus on diagnosing and resolving the problems that IT support professionals encounter daily. Windows troubleshooting using Event Viewer, Task Manager, and the registry is covered in the first session; macOS and Linux administration in the second. Customer service skills, change management principles, and risk mitigation approaches in IT are woven into this module.

Session 1: Advanced Windows OS Management and Troubleshooting

• User accounts, file systems, and registry configuration
• Diagnosing Windows OS issues using Event Viewer and Task Manager
• Customer service in IT: change management and risk mitigation
• Hands-on: diagnosing and repairing Windows OS problems

Session 2: macOS and Linux OS Administration

• User account management, disk utilities, and file systems on macOS
• Linux terminal commands, package management, and system maintenance
• Hands-on: system updates and repairs on macOS and Linux

Students expand their networking knowledge to cover the concepts tested in the more advanced sections of the CompTIA A+ exam: VLANs, subnetting, and router and switch configuration. The second session introduces ITIL 4 and the service management tools that IT support teams use to track and resolve incidents, including Jira and ServiceNow.

Session 1: Advanced Networking Concepts

• Routers, switches, VLANs, subnetting, and static routes
• Troubleshooting network connectivity
• Hands-on: configuring a network and router

Session 2: ITIL 4 and IT Service Management

• ITIL 4 Service Value System and key service management concepts
• Incident, problem, and change management processes
• Ticketing and documentation using Jira and ServiceNow
• Hands-on: documenting incidents and change requests

Students develop the hands-on troubleshooting skills that employers evaluate most closely in IT support interviews and on the job. Hardware failures, software issues, and OS problems are diagnosed and resolved using professional diagnostic tools. The second session addresses AI tools that are becoming standard in IT support environments, covering practical applications for troubleshooting, automation, and customer service.

Session 1: Hardware and Software Troubleshooting

• Diagnosing hardware failures: displays, printers, and peripherals
• Software and OS troubleshooting: freezes, crashes, and slowdowns
• Diagnostic tools: ping, tracert, and device manager
• Hands-on: repairing hardware and resolving OS failures

Session 2: AI Tools in IT Support

• AI tools in current IT support environments: ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Azure AI
• Using AI for troubleshooting, ticket automation, and diagnostics
• Hands-on: AI-assisted ticketing and technical problem-solving
• Evaluating AI output in IT support contexts

The final module is dedicated to getting students ready to sit and pass the CompTIA A+ exam. Session 1 covers all exam objectives across Core 1 and Core 2, with targeted review of the areas where candidates most frequently drop points. Practice exams are administered and reviewed. Session 2 is the Capstone: a real-world IT support simulation where students apply everything they have learned, followed by a final Q&A session and exam-day strategy review. Students leave with their exam voucher and a clear plan for scheduling and sitting the exam.

Session 1: CompTIA A+ Exam Review and Practice

• Comprehensive review of Core 1 and Core 2 exam objectives
• Practice exams with targeted review of weak areas
• Exam strategy: timing, question approach, and scoring structure

Session 2: Capstone Project and Final Exam Preparation

• Real-world IT support simulation (Capstone)
• Final Q&A and exam strategy session
• Exam voucher distribution and exam scheduling guidance

The CompTIA A+ IT Support Specialist Certificate is eligible for WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding, which is a federal workforce development program administered through local American Job Centers. WIOA can cover part or all of tuition for eligible individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, or seeking to change careers.

At $2,850 total cost with the CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exam voucher bundle included in tuition, this is one of the most affordable and WIOA-friendly programs in DWC’s catalog. WIOA funding covers both the training and the certification exam in a single approved amount, with no separate exam fee for the student to pay out of pocket.

Your local American Job Center determines your eligibility based on your employment status and income level. If approved, your case manager authorizes funding through an Individual Training Account (ITA). DWC is listed as an eligible training provider and works directly with case managers to provide everything they need to process a funding request.

DWC prepares a complete documentation package for every WIOA-funded student, including the program description and learning objectives, tuition and itemized costs, the full program schedule, credential documentation for both the DPOS professional certificate and the CompTIA A+ certification, labor market alignment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (computer support specialist employment projections, salary data, and job posting demand), and student performance and completion outcomes data. If your case manager has documentation requirements beyond this standard package, the admissions team will work with them directly.

DWC is approved to operate and enroll students in Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois. Students from other states are welcome to enroll. If your state is not listed, contact the admissions team to discuss eligibility and funding options in your area.

Not sure if you qualify? Contact your local American Job Center to start the eligibility process, or contact DWC’s admissions team and we can help you identify the right workforce resources for your situation.

The CompTIA A+ IT Support Specialist Certificate is eligible for funding through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). DVR provides training funding for individuals with documented disabilities who are working toward employment. DVR services are available in every state through state-run vocational rehabilitation agencies.

The CompTIA A+ is a particularly strong fit for DVR-funded students because it is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification, the program is short (6 weeks), the cost is low ($2,850 including the exam voucher), and the career path it opens (IT support, help desk, desktop support) has strong and consistent hiring demand across every industry.

If you are already working with a DVR counselor, they can contact DWC directly to initiate enrollment and coordinate funding approval. DWC’s admissions team has experience working with DVR offices across multiple states and handles the documentation, scheduling coordination, and progress reporting that DVR counselors require.

If you think you may be eligible for DVR services but do not yet have a counselor, contact your state’s vocational rehabilitation agency to begin the intake process. Eligibility is based on having a documented disability that creates a barrier to employment. DWC can provide program information to support your application.

DWC awards scholarships to eligible students through the following programs.

The Tech Skills Scholarship is for unemployed individuals who are returning to the workforce and need financial support to complete their training. Scholarship amounts vary and are determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Women in Tech Scholarship is for women pursuing careers in technology, design, IT, data analytics, or other technical fields. IT support is one of the most accessible entry points into the technology industry, and this scholarship is designed to help women take that first step.

The Next Mission Scholarship is for eligible U.S. veterans and qualifying active-duty service members within 180 days of separation. The Next Mission Scholarship provides 80% off standard tuition on this program. For the CompTIA A+ Certificate, that means a qualifying veteran pays $570 instead of $2,850. At this amount, the remaining balance can typically be paid directly in two installments rather than requiring financing. Eligibility requires verified veteran status (DD-214 or equivalent), individual annual income between $30,000 and $75,000, and separation within the past 7 years. Veterans with income below $30,000 may qualify for fully funded training through WIOA or VA Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31) at no out-of-pocket cost. Veterans with income above $75,000 qualify for the Community Heroes Discount of 40% off standard tuition. See if you qualify or visit the Next Mission Scholarship page for full details, eligibility criteria, and required documentation.

The CompTIA A+ is also approved for Department of Defense (DoD) 8570/8140 compliance, which makes it especially relevant for veterans and active-duty service members transitioning into civilian IT roles or qualifying for defense contractor positions.

Scholarships can be combined with other funding sources including WIOA and DVR. To inquire about current availability, contact the admissions team or visit the financial aid page.

Many employers offer professional development budgets, tuition reimbursement programs, or workforce training stipends that can be applied to DWC certificate programs. If you are currently employed and your employer supports professional development, the CompTIA A+ Certificate may be partially or fully covered by your company’s existing benefits.

At $2,850 including the exam voucher, this program sits well within most employer professional development budgets. The CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification in the industry, and many employers actively encourage or require it for employees moving into IT support roles. If your company has an internal help desk, manages its own desktop hardware, or is growing its IT team, the business case for funding this training is straightforward: the certification validates that the employee can support the technology environment the company runs on.

If you are not sure how to approach the conversation, DWC has a step-by-step guide on how to ask your employer to pay for professional development that includes talking points, email templates, and tips on framing the request as a business investment. DWC can also provide a program summary document with the curriculum overview, credential outcomes, and a clear explanation of how the training benefits your employer. Contact the admissions team to request this document.

If your employer wants to enroll multiple employees or explore team training in IT fundamentals, DWC offers group training options and can work with your organization on scheduling and billing. Contact us to discuss employer-sponsored enrollment.

For students paying out of pocket, the CompTIA A+ Certificate at $2,850 is one of the most affordable professional certification programs available. DWC partners with Climb Credit for student-friendly tuition financing. Climb Credit offers fixed monthly payments with terms up to 36 months, 0% interest payment plan options (subject to credit approval), no prepayment penalties, and an online application with fast approval.

At $2,850, monthly payments through Climb Credit can be as low as approximately $80 to $100 per month depending on the loan term and interest rate. Apply through Climb Credit to see your personalized options, or visit the financial aid page for more details.

Note that study materials (CompTIA-approved textbooks and practice resources) are required for this program and are not included in tuition. Students purchase study materials separately before the program begins. The admissions team can recommend current resources and advise on what to expect to spend when you enroll.

DWC also accepts direct payment by credit card or bank transfer. Contact the admissions team to discuss payment options.

The CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification in the industry, held by over 1.4 million IT professionals worldwide. It is vendor-neutral, meaning it demonstrates competency with the kinds of hardware, operating systems, and network environments that appear across different employers and industries rather than certifying proficiency with one company’s products. It is also approved for DoD 8570 compliance, which opens doors to IT roles in government and defense. Most employers listing entry-level IT support, help desk, or desktop support roles list the A+ as required or preferred. This program prepares you to pass both the Core 1 and Core 2 exams required for full A+ certification.

The CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ are frequently pursued together and are designed to build on each other. The A+ establishes the hardware, OS, and support fundamentals. The Network+ goes deeper into networking concepts, infrastructure, and troubleshooting at the network level, and qualifies graduates for network technician, NOC analyst, and junior network engineer roles. Many students complete the A+ program and enroll in the Network+ program in the following cohort. DWC offers both, and the admissions team can help you plan a sequenced path if that is your goal.

The most common entry-level roles are IT support specialist, help desk technician, desktop support technician, and technical support analyst. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports approximately 50,500 annual openings for computer support specialists through 2034, with a median wage of $60,340 for computer user support specialists as of May 2024. Most A+ holders use the credential as a launching pad: the A+ gets you in the door, and experience plus additional certifications (Network+, Security+) moves you into higher-compensation networking, cybersecurity, and systems administration roles.

The Capstone project in Module 6 is a real-world IT support simulation that produces troubleshooting documentation, support records, and diagnostic logs you can reference in interviews. IT support roles are credential-focused rather than portfolio-focused, so the CompTIA A+ certification itself carries the most weight with employers. The Capstone gives you something concrete to discuss when interviewers ask how you would approach specific support scenarios, which is the most common interview format for IT support roles. Career coaching is included for all students at no additional cost.