CompTIA A+ IT Support Specialist Certificate
Live CompTIA A+ Certification Training with Exam Voucher Included
DWC’s CompTIA A+ certification training is a six-week, live instructor-led program that prepares adults for the CompTIA A+ exam and for entry-level IT support roles. The CompTIA A+ is the most widely recognized entry-level IT credential in the industry, required or preferred by employers in help desk, desktop support, and technical support roles across every sector that runs technology infrastructure — which is to say nearly all of them. The CompTIA A+ exam voucher is included in tuition. Students do not pay separately to sit for the exam.
The curriculum covers all objectives tested on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams: hardware and device configuration, operating systems (Windows, macOS, and Linux), networking fundamentals, cybersecurity basics, IT service management, troubleshooting methodology, and AI tools now standard in IT support workflows. Every session is hands-on. Graduates earn two credentials: the DWC IT Support Specialist Certificate issued by the State of Colorado Division of Private Occupational Schools, and the CompTIA A+ certification issued by CompTIA upon passing the Core 1 and Core 2 exams. Note that study materials are not included in tuition and must be purchased separately; the admissions team can recommend current resources when you enroll. Many graduates pair this program with DWC’s CompTIA Network+ training to build a stronger credential stack for networking and infrastructure roles.
Length & Frequency
6 weeks | 2 sessions per week
36 total class hours
Delivery
Online with 100% live instruction
Tuition
$2,850
*incl $350 exam voucher
Upcoming Schedule
IT Support Specialist Q2/2026 | Start Date: 04/13/2026
IT Support Specialist Q3/2026 | Start Date: 07/20/2026
IT Support Specialist Q4/2026 | Start Date: 10/12/2026
What You Will Learn in This IT Support Certificate Program
The curriculum maps directly to the CompTIA A+ exam objectives across both Core 1 and Core 2 exams. Every topic you are tested on is covered in class. The final module is dedicated to exam review, practice tests, and targeted preparation for the areas where candidates most commonly lose points.
Download the Program Guide for the full curriculum breakdown.
IT Support Specialist Certificate Curriculum
Module 1 - Core IT Fundamentals & Operating Systems Overview
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
Module 2 - Networking Fundamentals and IT Security
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
Module 3 - Advanced Operating Systems & Troubleshooting
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
Module 4 - Advanced Networking and IT Service Management
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
Module 5 - IT Troubleshooting and AI Tools
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
Module 6 - CompTIA A+ Exam Prep and Capstone
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
Tuition
We want you to focus on your education and career path. We partner with Climb Credit to offer several options help ease the burden of your tuition costs. Additional scholarships may be available for those who qualify.
Apply with Climb Credit today for student-friendly tuition loans today.
Tuition Example
As low as $55/month*
Easy Ways To Pay
- Pay up front & in full
- Pay with a traditional loanˆ
- Pay with a payment planˆˆ
*¹Actual price of program varies. ²Average award shown as an example only. Scholarships are reviewed and awarded individually. Scholarship award amount may vary. No amount of scholarship funding is guaranteed. ³Subject to lender terms and loan approval. This is not an offer for a loan. These loans are not offered or made by Digital Workshop Center but are made by the loan provider. These terms are representative and may not be the exact terms of your loan. ˆAvailable to those who qualify and subject to lender terms and loan approval. ˆˆPayment Plans available to those who qualify and subject to lender terms and payment plan approval.
Support Every Step of the Way
Guidance from pre-enrollment to graduation
Admissions Advisors
From pre-enrollment through your first day, talk to our advisors to learn all the important details about your program
Mentoring
Instructors are here to be your mentor before, during & after class. Working with an expert as a mentor will help you become industry-ready.
Student Support
Our dedicated student affairs manager will be there to help you get your accounts setup, assess your technology, download the proper files and more.
Career Coaching
Meet with a career coach to review your updated resume, portfolio & LinkedIn profile, as well as job search and interview techniques.
Tech Support
While in your program, if you are stuck and need help you can reach out to our tech support for guidance. Whether through Slack, email or phone.
Internships & Alumni
Sign up for our micro-internship network and explore new opportunities. Our alumni network is also available to all students.
Who This Program Is For
This program is built for adults who want to enter the IT field and need the most direct, credentialed path to do it. Six weeks. Thirty-six hours of live instruction. A recognized industry credential at the end, with the exam fee already paid. For someone who has been curious about IT support but has not known where to start, or who has picked up informal technical skills over the years and wants to formalize them with a credential employers recognize, this is the program.
It is also well-suited for career changers who need to move fast. The CompTIA A+ does not require a degree. It does not require years of experience. It requires passing two exams, and this program prepares you to pass them. Many students come from customer service, retail, healthcare administration, or military service backgrounds, fields where technical problem-solving and working under pressure are already part of the job. Those skills transfer directly into IT support roles, and the A+ provides the technical credentialing layer employers need to see.
What You Should Know Before You Enroll
No prior IT experience is required. What helps is genuine curiosity about how technology works and comfort with the kind of systematic thinking that troubleshooting requires. This is a focused, fast-moving program. The six weeks cover a significant volume of technical material. Students who engage fully, complete the practice exams outside of class time, and treat the Capstone seriously are the ones who sit for and pass the A+ exam with confidence. Students who drift through and cram before the exam are the ones who need to retake it.
IT Support Specialist Career Outcomes and Salary Data
The CompTIA A+ is the entry point for a career path with real upward mobility, and that upward mobility is the most important thing to understand about this credential. The A+ itself qualifies candidates for help desk technician, desktop support technician, IT support specialist, and technical support analyst roles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports approximately 50,500 openings per year for computer support specialists through 2034, driven primarily by the need to replace workers who move into higher-level IT roles — which is exactly the path most A+ holders take. Common entry-level roles include IT support specialist, help desk technician, desktop support technician, and technical support analyst.
The A+ is designed to be a foundation, not a ceiling. Most IT professionals use it to move into more specialized and better-compensated roles: network administration (often with the CompTIA Network+), cybersecurity (CompTIA Security+), systems administration, and cloud infrastructure. The CompTIA A+ is also approved for Department of Defense (DoD) 8570 compliance, which opens doors to IT roles in government agencies and defense contractors. DWC’s CompTIA Network+ program is frequently taken alongside or immediately after this one by students who want to move toward networking and infrastructure roles.
Compensation in entry-level IT support roles reflects the value of the credential in the market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $60,340 for computer user support specialists as of May 2024, with the top 10 percent earning above $98,010. Network support specialists, the next step for many A+ graduates who pursue the Network+, earn a median of $73,340. The A+ is not the end of the earnings trajectory; it is the beginning of one. Most career IT professionals who started with the A+ look back on it as the credential that unlocked the first role that unlocked everything else.
IT Support Specialist
Provide day-to-day technical assistance to end users, troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues.
Help Desk Technician
Serve as the first point of contact for IT problems, resolving tickets and guiding users through solutions.
Desktop Support Technician
Install, configure, and maintain desktop computers, laptops, and peripherals while assisting users with technical issues.
Technical Support Analyst
Monitor, diagnose, and resolve IT system and network problems to ensure smooth business operations.
How AI Is Changing IT Work
AI tools have moved into IT support workflows in ways that are practical, immediate, and already showing up in job descriptions. Help desk environments use AI for ticket classification, automated diagnostics, and first-level resolution of common issues. AI-assisted tools like Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI are integrated into the Microsoft 365 environments that most corporate IT teams support. IT professionals who know how to use these tools are resolving tickets faster and handling higher volumes without sacrificing quality.
Module 5 of this program addresses AI tools in IT support directly. Students work with ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Azure AI in the context of real IT support tasks: troubleshooting, ticket documentation, diagnostic automation, and customer communication. The goal is not to teach students to rely on AI to do the job for them. It is to teach them to use AI tools the way experienced IT professionals already do: as a force multiplier for technical judgment they have already developed. A technician who cannot diagnose a network issue will not produce better results because an AI suggested three possibilities. A technician who can will use those suggestions to narrow the diagnostic path in half the time.
Why DWC Trains Differently
DWC has been delivering workforce training since 2006. The CompTIA A+ program is not a video library with a certificate at the end. Every session is live, with an instructor who has worked in IT and knows the difference between what the exam tests and what the job actually requires. Those are not always the same thing, and knowing both is what makes graduates effective from their first week on the job rather than still catching up three months in.
Class sizes are intentionally small, with an average student-to-instructor ratio of 5 to 1. Every student gets their questions answered and their practice work reviewed. Career coaching, admissions advising, student support, tech support, and access to the DWC micro-internship network and alumni community are all included for every student.
WIOA Funding and Financial Support
The IT Support Specialist Certificate is eligible for WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding through local American Job Centers. At $2,850, this is one of the most accessible programs in DWC’s catalog for workforce funding, and many students cover part or all of the cost through WIOA. Eligibility is determined individually based on employment status and income level. DWC works directly with case managers to provide the documentation they need, including program descriptions and learning objectives, tuition costs and itemized fees, program schedule, credential documentation, and labor market alignment data.
State-specific WIOA guidance is available for Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois. Contact our admissions team if your state is not listed.
This program is also eligible for Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) funding for students who qualify. Admissions staff can assist with documentation and coordination with your DVR counselor.
DWC offers scholarships of up to $2,500 for eligible students, including the Tech Skills Scholarship for unemployed individuals returning to work, the Women in Tech Scholarship, and the Veterans Skills Scholarship. Learn more on the financial aid page.
For students paying out of pocket, DWC partners with Climb Credit for student-friendly tuition loans and payment plan options. Explore all options on the financial aid page.
DWC can provide case managers with program descriptions and learning objectives, tuition costs and itemized fees, program duration and schedule, credential documentation, labor market alignment data, and performance outcomes data. Contact our team directly if your case manager has specific documentation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CompTIA A+ IT Support Specialist Certificate at Digital Workshop Center is 36-hour, career-focused program designed for adults who want to launch a career in IT support and technical troubleshooting. The curriculum aligns directly with the CompTIA A+ certification exam objectives and includes the cost of the CompTIA A+ exam voucher. Students gain hands-on experience with hardware, operating systems, networking fundamentals, cybersecurity basics, and customer support skills. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about program length, schedule, cost, certification, funding options (including WIOA), and career support.
Do I need prior IT experience to enroll?
No. The program is designed for adults starting from scratch. Module 1 begins with the fundamentals of how computers work and builds from there. What is helpful going in is genuine curiosity about technology and comfort with systematic thinking. This is a fast-moving program that covers a significant volume of technical material in six weeks. Students who engage fully and complete practice exams outside of class are the ones who pass the A+ exam on their first attempt.
Is the exam voucher really included in tuition?
Yes. The $350 CompTIA A+ exam voucher is included in the $2,850 tuition. The voucher is a Core 1 and Core 2 bundle, covering one attempt at each of the two exams required for full A+ certification. If you do not pass one or both exams and need to retake, you purchase a new voucher directly from CompTIA at your own expense. Exam scheduling guidance and voucher distribution are handled in Module 6.
One important note: study materials are not included in tuition. Students are required to purchase CompTIA-approved study materials before the program begins. The admissions team can recommend current resources and let you know what to expect to spend when you enroll.
Is this program eligible for WIOA funding?
Yes. The IT Support Specialist Certificate is eligible for WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding through local American Job Centers. Eligibility is determined individually based on your employment status and income level. DWC’s admissions team can provide full program documentation for workforce case managers. State-specific guidance is available for Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois.
How long is the program and how much time does it require each week?
Six weeks, two sessions per week, three hours per session, for six hours of live instruction per week and 36 total class hours. Students should also plan two to three hours per week outside of class for reviewing material and working through practice exam questions. That brings the typical weekly commitment to eight to nine hours. The program runs in the evenings and is designed for people who are working or job searching at the same time.
What is the CompTIA A+ and why does it matter?
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.
How does this program connect to the CompTIA Network+ program?
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.
What jobs can I get with the CompTIA A+?
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.
Will I build a portfolio?
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.
Explore an IT Support Certificate at DWC
Attend a free info session to meet an instructor, ask questions about the curriculum and the IT job market, and understand exactly what is covered before committing to anything. You can also request program information and an admissions advisor will follow up within one business day.
If funding is the first thing you want to sort out, the financial aid page covers WIOA, DVR, scholarships, and financing options. At $2,850 including the exam voucher, this is one of the most accessible programs in DWC’s catalog, and many students cover all or most of the cost through workforce funding.