A+ Computer Hardware Service

Course Description

CET1178C – A+ Computer Hardware Service is an intermediate-level course in computer engineering technology that prepares students for the industry-standard CompTIA A+ hardware certification. Students learn how to install, configure, and upgrade computer components; diagnose and troubleshoot computer systems; and identify and test hardware. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with PC hardware, peripherals, mobile devices, and basic networking, along with preventative maintenance and diagnosis of the microcomputer with basic-to-advanced troubleshooting skills. The course is delivered as a combined lecture and laboratory experience, as denoted by the "C" suffix in the SCNS course number — a "C" after the course number indicates a combined lecture and laboratory within a course.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Install and configure internal PC hardware components, including motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage devices, power supplies, and expansion cards.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot hardware, network, and connectivity issues using a structured troubleshooting methodology.
• Install, configure, and maintain hardware components and mobile devices; troubleshoot hardware, network, and connectivity issues; understand networking basics and configure SOHO networks; explain virtualization and cloud computing concepts; and use troubleshooting tools to diagnose and resolve technical problems.
• Identify cables, connectors, and ports (HDMI, USB, Ethernet, DisplayPort, etc.) and select the proper cable for a given scenario.
• Install and replace peripheral devices including printers, scanners, and input/output devices, and perform routine printer maintenance.
• Apply safety procedures including ESD prevention, proper tool usage, and environmental controls when servicing computer equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance on PCs and laptops to ensure system reliability and performance.
• Demonstrate professional communication and customer-service skills appropriate to a help-desk or field-service technician role.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on the institution and instructor, additional outcomes may include:

• Configure client-side virtualization and explain hypervisor types and use cases.
• Explain cloud models such as IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS and identify their uses in modern IT environments.
• Build a custom PC from components based on customer requirements (gaming, workstation, NAS, thin client, etc.).
• Configure mobile devices, including synchronization, accessory ports, and wireless/cellular connectivity.
• Document service procedures and prepare a help-desk ticket workflow.
• Prepare for and sit for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101 / 220-1201) certification exam.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• PC Hardware Fundamentals — motherboards, CPUs, chipsets, BIOS/UEFI, expansion buses
• Memory — installing the appropriate RAM (DDR generations, ECC vs. non-ECC, channel configurations)
• Storage Devices — selecting and installing storage devices (HDD, SSD, NVMe, RAID basics)
• Power Supplies and Cooling — wattage calculation, connectors, fans and heat-sink installation
• Cables, Connectors, and Ports — video, data, power, and peripheral interfaces
• Peripheral and Display Devices — monitors, printers (laser, inkjet, thermal, 3D), input devices
• Mobile Devices — laptop component replacement, tablets, smartphones, accessories
• Networking Basics — TCP/IP, common ports/protocols, networking hardware, wired and wireless standards
• Hardware and Network Troubleshooting — using a structured methodology to diagnose hardware, network, and connectivity problems and use troubleshooting tools such as multimeters, cable testers, and loopback plugs
• Safety and Operational Procedures — ESD, environmental impacts, professionalism, and documentation

Optional Topics

• Virtualization and Cloud Computing — hypervisors, virtual machines, IaaS/PaaS/SaaS
• SOHO Network Configuration — router setup, IP addressing, VPN basics
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart home technology
• Custom PC Builds for specialized use cases
• CompTIA A+ Exam Preparation — practice tests, performance-based question practice

Resources & Tools

• Hardware lab kit: tear-down PC systems, power supplies, motherboards, RAM modules, storage drives, and assorted cables
• Hand tools: Phillips/Torx screwdrivers, anti-static wrist strap and mat, multimeter, cable tester, loopback plugs, thermal compound
• Diagnostic software: POST/BIOS utilities, memory testers, drive diagnostic tools, system information utilities
• Reference materials: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives and the current CompTIA A+ exam objectives document published by CompTIA
• Recommended texts: Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing and Troubleshooting PCs; Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software (Pearson); or equivalent current edition aligned to the active CompTIA A+ exam version
• Virtual lab platforms: TestOut LabSim, uCertify, or CompTIA CertMaster Labs

Career Pathways

This course prepares students for entry-level information-technology support roles. Successful candidates have the knowledge and skills required for a desktop support technician or field service technician job role. Common career titles include:

• Help Desk Technician / IT Support Specialist
• Desktop Support Technician
• Field Service Technician
• PC Repair Technician
• Technical Support Representative

The course also provides a foundation for further study in advanced certifications like Network+ and Security+ and serves as a building block for A.S. degrees and college credit certificates in Network Systems Technology, Computer Information Technology, and Cybersecurity.

Special Information

Certification Preparation: CET1178C is explicitly aligned with the CompTIA A+ certification, the industry standard for entry-level computer technicians. In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, candidates must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). CET1178C focuses on the hardware-oriented Core 1 content; many Florida colleges pair this course with a companion software/operating-systems course to cover Core 2.

Exam domain coverage (Core 1 reference weights): Networking 20%, Hardware 25%, Virtualization and Cloud Computing 11%, and Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 29%, with the remainder devoted to mobile devices.

DoD 8140 alignment: The CompTIA A+ credential maps to DoD 8140 approved work roles including technical support specialist, system administrator, and cyber defense infrastructure support specialist, making this course valuable for students pursuing federal or defense-contractor IT positions.

Recommended prior experience: 12 months of hands-on experience in a help desk support technician, desktop support technician, or field service technician job role is recommended by CompTIA before sitting for the certification exam, although it is not required to enroll in CET1178C.

Lab component: Because of the "C" suffix, this course includes mandatory laboratory hours alongside lecture; students should expect significant hands-on disassembly, assembly, and troubleshooting activities.