What You Really Learn in Alison’s CompTIA A+ 1000 – Part 1 Course
Starting out in IT often means facing a wall of technical terms and hardware you have never handled before. If you are considering a career in computer support or want to understand how PCs work from the inside out, you might be looking for a course that covers the basics without a big upfront cost. Alison’s “CompTIA A+ 1000 – Part 1” course is one of the options you will find online, promising to help you build a foundation in PC hardware and support.
But what do you actually learn in this course? How much time will it take? And, perhaps most importantly, what does the certificate mean in practice? This article explains what the Alison course really covers, what you get for free, what you pay for, and how its certificate fits into the bigger picture of IT qualifications.
What skills and topics does the course actually teach?
Alison’s CompTIA A+ 1000 – Part 1 course is designed as an introduction to core PC hardware and support concepts. The content is aimed at beginners, so you do not need previous experience with IT support to start.
The course focuses on the following areas:
- Comparing different types of computer memory and understanding their uses.
- Identifying power supplies and learning about voltage requirements in PCs.
- Discussing various input and output devices, such as keyboards, mice, monitors, and printers.
- Understanding the differences between maintaining mobile devices and laptops versus desktop computers.
- Distinguishing between hard drives and other storage devices, including their roles and maintenance.
Each topic is delivered through video lessons, and the course is structured to help you build a practical understanding of how computer components work together. The aim is to prepare you for more advanced study or to give you the confidence to start handling basic PC support tasks.
Who should consider this course? Matching your situation to the content
This course is best suited for:
- Beginners who want to explore a career in IT support and need a structured introduction to PC hardware.
- Students or job changers who are thinking about preparing for the official CompTIA A+ certification but want to see if they enjoy the subject first.
- Anyone who owns or works with computers and wants to understand how to maintain or troubleshoot basic hardware issues.
If you already work in IT and have hands-on experience with PC assembly, power supplies, and storage devices, you may find the content too basic. In that case, you might want to look for more advanced training or go straight to official CompTIA A+ exam preparation resources.
How much time does it take, and what is the study format?
The course is listed as taking between 6 and 10 hours to complete, depending on your pace and prior knowledge. All lessons are delivered online, with video as the main format. You can access the course on a computer or mobile device, and Alison offers an app for offline study.
There are no formal prerequisites. You do not need previous IT experience, but you should be comfortable using a computer and have access to the internet to view the lessons.
What is free, and what do you pay for?
Studying the course content is completely free. You can register on Alison, access all the lessons, and complete the course at no cost. If you want a formal certificate to prove you completed the course, you will need to purchase it. Alison certificates are optional and come in digital or printed form, with prices shown on the Alison website.
You can also download a free learner record from your Alison dashboard, which lists courses you have completed, but this is not the same as an official certificate.
What does the Alison certificate mean—and what does it not?
The certificate you receive from Alison for this course is a CPD-accredited document that shows you completed the course and passed the assessments on the Alison platform. It can be added to your CV or LinkedIn profile to demonstrate your commitment to learning and your knowledge of basic PC hardware topics.
However, it is important to understand what this certificate is not:
- It is not an official CompTIA A+ certification. To earn the CompTIA A+ credential, you must pass a separate, paid exam administered by CompTIA or an authorised testing centre.
- The Alison certificate is not a professional licence or government-recognised qualification. Its value depends on how employers or institutions view online learning in your region.
- It does not guarantee a job, promotion, or entry into further study.
Step-by-step: How to enrol in the Alison CompTIA A+ 1000 – Part 1 course
Step 1: Create a free Alison account
Go to the official course page: Go to the official course page. Click “Sign Up” and register with your email or social account.
Step 2: Start the course
Once logged in, click “Start Course Now.” You can begin learning immediately.
Step 3: Complete the lessons and assessments
Work through the video lessons at your own pace. At the end, complete any required assessments to finish the course.
What to check before you start: Limitations and practicalities
- Recognition: The Alison certificate is not the same as an official CompTIA A+ certification. If you need a credential for a specific employer or institution, check their requirements first.
- Language: The course is available in English and Spanish. Make sure you are comfortable learning in one of these languages.
- Internet access: While you can download lessons via the Alison app, initial access and registration require a stable internet connection.
- Time commitment: Set aside at least 6–10 hours for the course, plus extra time if you want to review or take notes.
Common questions about the Alison CompTIA A+ 1000 – Part 1 course
Q: Can I become CompTIA A+ certified by completing this Alison course?
A: No. This course helps you study the topics covered by the CompTIA A+ exam, but the official certification requires passing CompTIA’s own exam, which is not included or administered by Alison.
Q: Is there a deadline to complete the course?
A: No, you can study at your own pace and finish whenever you are ready.
Q: Do I need any special equipment?
A: No special equipment is required, but having access to a computer for practice can help reinforce what you learn.
Q: Is the certificate free?
A: No. Studying is free, but the certificate is optional and paid. Prices are listed on Alison’s website ([TO VERIFY]).
Q: Is this course enough to get a job in IT?
A: This course covers foundational skills. For most IT support roles, employers look for the official CompTIA A+ certification and/or hands-on experience.
Q: What is CPD accreditation?
A: CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It means the course meets certain standards for ongoing learning, but it is not a professional licence.
Comparing Alison’s CompTIA A+ 1000 – Part 1 with official CompTIA exam preparation
If your goal is to become officially CompTIA A+ certified, you need to pass the CompTIA A+ exams, which are not included in this Alison course. Alison’s course is a good way to explore the subject and build your confidence, but it does not replace official exam preparation materials or practice tests offered by CompTIA or authorised partners.
For learners who want a low-risk introduction before investing in official study guides or exam fees, Alison’s course can be a useful first step. If you already know you want the official certification, consider combining Alison’s course with more in-depth resources and practice exams from CompTIA.
Conclusion: Is this course worth your time?
Alison’s CompTIA A+ 1000 – Part 1 course offers a free, beginner-friendly way to learn about PC hardware and support basics. It is best for those exploring IT for the first time or looking to build confidence before moving on to more advanced study. The certificate can demonstrate your commitment to learning, but it is not a substitute for the official CompTIA A+ certification. Before enrolling, consider your goals and whether you will need the official credential for your next step.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
- Alison, CompTIA A+ 1000 – Part 1, https://alison.com/course/comptia-a-1000-part-1, accessed 07/09/2026.
This website is an independent guide. We are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Alison, nor by any certification body mentioned in this article. Course content, prices, entry requirements and application dates are set by the provider and can change at any time. Always confirm the current details on the official course page before enrolling.
Review: [TO VERIFY]
Last verified: 07/09/2026
Next recommended check: 07/12/2026