CompTIA A+ (2009 Objectives)
The CompTIA A+ credential remains the industry baseline for IT support roles—and this Pluralsight course delivers the 2009 objectives framework that hiring managers still reference. You’ll move from hardware basics through practical troubleshooting in under 40 hours, building the hands-on foundation that separates certified technicians from self-taught tinkerers.
AIU.ac Verdict: Ideal for career-switchers and junior support staff targeting first-line IT roles; the 2009 objectives are now legacy, so pair this with current exam updates if you’re sitting the live certification. Paul Gadbois’s pacing works well for structured learners who need labs alongside theory.
What This Course Covers
The course spans CompTIA A+ 2009 domains: PC hardware architecture (motherboards, RAM, storage), operating systems (Windows/Linux essentials), networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, protocols, cabling), and mobile device basics. You’ll work through real-world scenarios—diagnosing boot failures, configuring network adapters, managing user accounts—using Pluralsight’s hands-on labs and sandboxes to reinforce each concept.
Beyond theory, the curriculum emphasises troubleshooting methodology and customer-facing soft skills critical in support environments. Topics include security basics, printer configuration, BIOS settings, and preventative maintenance. While the 2009 objectives predate modern cloud and mobile-first IT, the foundational logic remains transferable; many employers still use this framework as a baseline competency check.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- Career-switchers to IT support: Non-technical background? This course assumes no prior knowledge and builds systematically from hardware up. The 38-hour commitment is realistic for working adults.
- Junior technicians preparing for certification: If you’re targeting CompTIA A+ exam eligibility, this covers the 2009 objectives thoroughly. Pair with current exam guides if pursuing the latest certification version.
- Help desk and field service candidates: The practical troubleshooting and customer interaction modules directly map to first-line support job descriptions.
May not suit:
- Candidates pursuing current CompTIA A+ exams: The 2009 objectives are outdated; current exams (220-1001/1002) cover cloud, modern OS versions, and updated security. Use this as a foundation, then supplement with current materials.
- Advanced IT professionals: If you’re already managing networks or systems, this beginner-level course will feel repetitive. Jump to specialised certifications (Security+, Network+) instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does CompTIA A+ (2009 Objectives) take?
The course is 38 hours 10 minutes of video content. Most learners complete it in 4–6 weeks at 8–10 hours per week, though hands-on lab time may extend that depending on your pace.
Will this prepare me for the current CompTIA A+ exam?
This covers the 2009 objectives, which are legacy. Current exams (220-1001/1002) include cloud services, modern Windows/macOS versions, and updated security topics. Use this as a foundation and supplement with current study materials.
Do I need IT experience to start?
No. The course assumes no prior knowledge and builds from hardware fundamentals. If you’ve never opened a PC or configured a network, you’re in the right place.
What’s included with Pluralsight access?
You get video lessons, hands-on labs, and sandboxes to practise real scenarios. Pluralsight’s platform is trusted by Fortune 500 companies; only 5.5% of applicants become course authors, so quality is vetted.
Course by Paul Gadbois on Pluralsight. Duration: 38h 10m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
