Certified - The CompTIA A+ Audio Course

In this episode, we take a close look at wireless communication hardware inside laptops, focusing on how to identify, remove, and replace mini PCI Express or M dot 2 wireless cards. You’ll learn about antenna connections, slot types, screw mounts, and compatibility considerations when dealing with dual-band and Wi-Fi 6 modules. We explain the difference between onboard and removable wireless cards...

Upgrading storage in a mobile device is a common support task and a key part of the Core 1 exam. This episode explains the different interface types and form factors used in laptop storage, such as 2.5-inch SATA drives and M dot 2 S S D options. We detail the physical process of removing, installing, and securing a drive in various laptop configurations. You’ll also hear about best practices for h...

In this episode, we focus on internal laptop components, beginning with one of the most commonly serviced parts—batteries. We explain the various types of laptop batteries, how to identify compatibility, and what to expect when replacing or servicing them under warranty or in a field environment. Then we dive into laptop keyboards and touchpads, breaking down how these integrated input devices are...

This episode introduces the first domain of the Core 1 exam: Mobile Devices. We explain why this domain has become increasingly important in modern IT support roles, given the prevalence of laptops, smartphones, and tablets in today’s business and personal environments. You’ll learn about the scope of this domain, which includes not only device components but also installation procedures, configur...

This foundational episode lays out the full landscape of the Core 1 exam, offering a detailed walkthrough of each of its five official domains. You’ll get a clear breakdown of what’s covered under hardware topics such as motherboards, storage devices, and memory, as well as networking concepts ranging from IP addressing to port numbers. We also introduce mobile devices like laptops and smartphones...

This final part of the glossary deep dive series focuses on terms from N to Z found in Core 2 exam content, especially in areas related to security, operating systems, and troubleshooting workflows. You’ll hear in-depth explanations of concepts like NTFS, U A C, SSO, VPN, and more—each presented with attention to how they might appear on the actual exam. These terms often appear in command-line ex...

Continuing our glossary series, this episode dives into terms from E through M, focusing on hardware components, interface types, and basic virtualization concepts. You’ll gain audio-guided clarity on terms like EEPROM, HDMI, IDE, and M.2, which are critical to the hardware and storage domains of Core 1. Each explanation is designed to be easy to follow while reinforcing vocabulary that may appear...

In this first installment of our glossary deep dives, we focus on essential terms related to Core 1’s mobile and networking topics. Covering acronyms and definitions from A to D, you’ll hear clear, audio-friendly explanations of terms like A P I P A, BIOS, Bluetooth, and DHCP. These terms frequently appear in exam questions and are critical to understanding networking functions and device behavior...

This episode helps you clearly understand the key differences between the two exams that make up the A Plus certification. Core 1 focuses primarily on hardware, networking, mobile devices, and virtualization, while Core 2 deals with operating systems, security, and software troubleshooting. Knowing this divide early on helps you target your study efforts efficiently. We also discuss strategies for...

The resources you choose can make or break your preparation, so this episode focuses on how to evaluate and select high-quality study materials. You’ll learn what to look for in books, video courses, practice tests, and mobile apps, with a focus on aligning each to the current version of the exam. We’ll also cover how to spot outdated resources and why using up-to-date material is critical. Beyond...

Effective exam prep is about more than just memorizing facts—it’s about building a strategy that suits your learning style. This episode offers guidance on different approaches to studying, from daily review schedules to active recall methods like flashcards, self-quizzing, and spaced repetition. You’ll also hear how to use practice exams to assess readiness and identify weak spots for targeted re...

This episode is your detailed walkthrough of the official exam objective documents that CompTIA provides for both Core 1 and Core 2. We break down how these documents are structured, how to interpret the nested bullet points, and how to use them to guide your study. Rather than guessing what might be covered, the objectives give you a map of what’s actually testable. You’ll also learn techniques f...

Understanding how the A Plus certification is split into two exams—Core 1 and Core 2—is critical to passing on the first try. This episode walks you through the structural format of each exam, including the number of questions, time limits, and passing scores. You’ll also learn about the mix of question types you'll face, from multiple-choice to performance-based scenarios that simulate real-world...

This episode takes a step back to explain what the CompTIA A Plus certification actually is and why it’s such a foundational credential in the IT industry. You’ll hear about its global recognition, vendor-neutral status, and why employers use it to identify skilled entry-level technicians. Whether you're targeting a help desk role, field technician position, or general IT support job, A Plus is of...

This opening episode introduces the A Plus PrepCast and sets the foundation for your journey toward CompTIA A Plus certification. You’ll discover how this prepcast is structured to deliver exam-focused content through audio, giving you a flexible way to study whether you’re commuting, walking, or multitasking. The episode outlines the types of topics you’ll encounter across Core 1 and Core 2 and h...