Your First Shift
Learn what an IT specialist does, practice the troubleshooting methodology, and work a queue of realistic support tickets.
Start Mission 01Cybersecurity • Certification Preparation
CompTIA A+ Learning Path
Learn how computers, devices, networks, operating systems, security controls, and support procedures work—then practice thinking like an IT technician. This independent FamilyPD learning path is designed to support preparation for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) exams.
Start here • Interactive missions
Continue with the missions you already know.
Mission 01, Mission 02, and Mission 03 stay at the top so returning learners can get back to work without hunting through the page.
Inside the Machine
Investigate power versus data, volts/amps/watts, motherboard components, CPU, RAM, storage, bits and bytes, and safe hardware handling.
Start Mission 02Motherboards, Connectors & PC Hardware
Disassemble a training desktop, identify common PC hardware and connectors, compare designs across manufacturers, verify compatibility, and begin a careful PC assembly.
Start Mission 03Build a ComputerMemory & Storage
Go deeper into RAM, HDD, SATA SSD, NVMe, RAID, storage performance, upgrades, and troubleshooting symptoms.
Clear explanations, visuals, examples, and memory connections.
Realistic technician scenarios and troubleshooting decisions.
Add useful pieces to your interactive A+ study notebook.
Use certification-aligned checks and mixed practice.
Core 1 • 220-1201
Build the hardware and networking foundation first.
The current Core 1 exam is organized into five domains.
Mobile Devices
Hardware, accessories, connectivity, synchronization, support.
Networking
Ports, protocols, Wi-Fi, services, SOHO networks, tools.
Hardware
Displays, cables, RAM, storage, motherboards, power, printers.
Virtualization & Cloud
VMs, hypervisors, containers, cloud models and characteristics.
Troubleshooting
Hardware, storage, displays, mobile, network, and printer issues.
Core 2 • 220-1202
Then move into systems, security, and support operations.
Operating Systems
Windows, Linux, macOS, installations, settings, tools, commands, networking, and applications.
Security
Physical and logical controls, hardening, malware, social engineering, wireless security, and data protection.
Software Troubleshooting
Windows, mobile OS, application, and security troubleshooting scenarios.
Operational Procedures
Documentation, change management, backup, safety, professionalism, scripting, remote access, and AI concepts.
Build an A+ Interactive Notebook
Turn each mission into a study tool you can reuse later. Print FamilyPD images, draw your own, use accurate cutouts, add safe cable samples, and build flaps, pockets, sliders, and mini-books that help you quiz yourself.
Build the A+ notebookBuild, Understand & Use a Raspberry Pi 5
Use a real single-board computer to connect A+ concepts: power, cooling, storage, ports, operating systems, Linux, networking, command-line tools, troubleshooting, and documentation.
Open the Raspberry Pi 5 labCertification alignment, sources & credit
This independent FamilyPD educational resource supports preparation for CompTIA A+. CompTIA and A+ are trademarks of CompTIA, Inc. Family Personal Development, Inc. is not affiliated with or endorsed by CompTIA unless expressly stated.
Primary alignment sources used for this page: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) V15 Exam Objectives, CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202) V15 Exam Objectives, and instructor-provided CompTIA A+ Module 1 instructional materials. FamilyPD explanations, scenarios, activities, and page design are independently created for teaching and study.
When future lessons use additional authoritative sources—such as Microsoft, Apple, Linux documentation, hardware manufacturers, NIST, or CISA—the specific sources used will be listed on that lesson page.