Free CompTIA A+ Online Training and Certification
Tech Works, sponsored by the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (CAA), offers two free IT certification options. The free CompTIA A+ training is a 14-week certification program that requires 84 hours of online coursework completed four days per week. Graduates will earn a CompTIA A+ certification needed to secure the most in-demand living wage jobs in the information technology (IT) industry.
Due to the rigorous curriculum for CompTIA A+, Tech Works also offers a free prerequisite program, CompTIA, IT Fundamentals (ITF) that requires 60 hours of online course work completed four days per week over 10 weeks. CompTIA IT Fundamentals is an introduction to basic IT knowledge and skills. Graduates will be eligible to complete the most advanced CompTIA A+ training and certification.
CompTIA A+ Certification Coursework
Hardware
Identifying, using, and connecting hardware components and devices
Operating Systems
Install and support Windows OS, including command line & client support. Understand Mac OS, Linux and mobile OS
Software Troubleshooting
Troubleshoot PC and mobile device issues, including application security support
Networking
Explain types of networks and connections, including TCP/IP, WIFI and SOHO
Hardware & Network Troubleshooting
Troubleshoot device and network issues
Security
Identify and protect against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections
Mobile Devices
Install & configure laptops and other mobile devices
Virtualization & Cloud Computing
Compare & contrast cloud computing concepts &set up client-side virtualization
Operational Procedures
Follow best practices for safety, environmental impacts, and communication and professionalism
Free CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF)
IT Concepts and Terminology
Comprehend notational systems, illustrate the basics of computing, and explain the value of data and troubleshooting
Infrastructure
Know how to set up and install standard peripheral devices to a laptop/PC or secure a basic wireless network
Applications and Software
Manage applications software, understand the various components of an operating system, and explain the purpose of methods of application architecture
Software Development
Comprehend programming language categories, interpret logic, and understand the purpose of programming concepts
Database Fundamentals
Able to explain database concepts, structures, and purpose, as well as understand methods used to interface
Free CompTIA Certification Eligibility and Enrollment Requirements
- ITIQ Assessment
- Work Keys Assessment
- Interview with program coordinators
- Hamilton County Resident
- 18 years and older
- HS Diploma or GED
- Computer and WIFI
- Household income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline
| Household Size | Monthly Standard (200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)) |
| 1 | $2,127 |
| 2 | $2,873 |
| 3 | $3,620 |
| 4 | $4,367 |
| 5 | $5,113 |
| 6 | $5,860 |
| 7 | $6,607 |
| 8 | $7,353 |
| 9 | $8,100 |
| 10 | $8,847 |
| Each additional person | $747 |
Tech Jobs
Participants who complete the online training and earn a Free CompTIA A+ certification will meet the minimum education requirements for the tech jobs with the greatest demand in Hamilton County. Click the links to see current job descriptions and openings.
- Service Desk Analyst
- Help Desk Tech
- Technical Support Specialist
- Field Service Technician
- Data Support Technician
- Desktop Support Administrator
- End-User Computing Technician
- System Support Specialist
Any resident of Hamilton County, ages 18 and older with a high school diploma or GED and a monthly household income of 200% FDL can apply for this free IT training program. For more information about the free CompTIA A+ training and certification program, contact Shawnte Hodge at [email protected], call 970-765-8506 or visit the Community Action Agency website.
Written by: Crystal Kendrick
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Free CompTIA A+ Photo provided by Adobe
