Is Alison’s CompTIA A+ 1000 – Part 2 Course Right for You?

ByKuduGuide Editorial Team
Cover of the KuduGuide guide to CompTIA A+ 1000 - Part 2

Starting with the biggest limitation: this Alison course covers the CompTIA A+ 1000 series (220-1001 and 220-1002), which was retired in October 2022. The content is now out of date for the current CompTIA A+ certification exam. Still, if you want a free, structured way to learn PC maintenance, troubleshooting, and operating systems, it remains a practical introduction for beginners or those brushing up on IT basics.

This article explains what you will actually learn in this course, who benefits most, and how it fits into the IT support career path today. We’ll also clarify what the Alison certificate means, how it compares to official CompTIA certification, and what to do next.

CompTIA A+ 1000 - Part 2
Course at a glance
CompTIA A+ 1000 – Part 2
Platform
Alison
Level
Beginner
Duration
6-10 hours
Modules
11 modules
Enrolled
122,144
Languages
English, Spanish
Certificate
Optional paid certificate of completion
Study cost
Free to study; Paid certificate

Verdict: Who Should Take This Course?

Close-up of a pair of hands holding a hard drive and a screwdriver, with a laptop open on a desk.

Quick verdict:

Take this course if you want a free, beginner-friendly introduction to PC maintenance, troubleshooting, and operating systems, and you’re not aiming for the latest CompTIA A+ exam right now.

Who it’s for:

  • First-time learners exploring IT support
  • Those wanting to refresh foundational PC and OS skills
  • Anyone needing a structured overview before deeper study

Who should skip it:

  • Anyone preparing directly for the current CompTIA A+ (220-1201/220-1202) exam
  • Those seeking an official or employer-recognised qualification

What You Actually Learn: Content and Modules

The course is divided into 11 modules, each focusing on a core IT support skill:

  • Preventive Maintenance: Why regular maintenance matters, tasks like virus scanning, backups, and drive defragmentation.
  • Troubleshooting Procedures: Step-by-step guides to diagnosing and fixing hardware and software issues, including essential tools.
  • Operating Systems: Functions and differences between Windows, Linux, and Mac; managing hardware, resources, and user interfaces.
  • Managing Files: File systems, naming conventions, and common file extensions for executables, scripts, and system files.
  • Applications Utility, Troubleshooting, and Optimisation: Installing, upgrading, and removing software, plus troubleshooting common application issues.
  • Configuring Device Drivers: How to install, update, and troubleshoot device drivers, including plug-and-play devices and system restore.
  • Networking and Wireless Connections: Basics of peer-to-peer and server networks, network topologies, and devices like routers, switches, and hubs.
  • Recovering Systems and Disaster Recovery: Safe mode, system recovery, boot logs, and planning for disaster recovery scenarios.
  • Cloud Computing: What cloud computing is, its benefits and risks, and how it supports IT infrastructure.
  • Security Fundamentals: Business continuity, disaster recovery planning, access control, risk management, and basic network security.
  • Course Assessment: A final test to review what you’ve learned.

Preventive Maintenance, OS Choices, and Troubleshooting: What Matters in IT Support

Preventive maintenance is the backbone of reliable IT support. It includes tasks like updating antivirus software, backing up data, and regularly checking hardware for signs of wear. These steps help avoid unexpected failures and data loss.

Understanding operating systems is equally crucial. Most IT support roles require you to work with Windows, Linux, and Mac environments. Each system handles files, resources, and user interaction differently. For example, Windows is dominant in business settings, Linux powers many servers, and Macs are common in creative industries. Being able to navigate all three, install drivers, and troubleshoot system errors is a core skill for any technician.

Troubleshooting is both a process and a mindset. Good technicians use systematic approaches—starting with the most likely causes, using diagnostic tools, and documenting steps. Over time, this saves effort and builds confidence in handling both common and unusual problems.

Pros and Cons of Alison’s CompTIA A+ 1000 – Part 2 Course

Pros:

  • Free to study: No cost to access all learning materials.
  • Beginner-friendly: Assumes no prior experience; step-by-step explanations.
  • Covers a broad range of IT support basics: From hardware to cloud computing and security.
  • Flexible access: Study at your own pace, including offline via the Alison app.

Cons:

  • Outdated exam coverage: Follows the 1000 series, retired in 2022; not aligned with the current CompTIA A+ exam (220-1201/220-1202).
  • Certificate is not official: Alison’s certificate is not a professional qualification or recognised by CompTIA or employers as proof of certification.
  • No hands-on labs: Content is video and text-based; practical experience must be gained elsewhere.
  • May not cover recent technologies: Newer hardware, OS updates, and security trends are not included.

When to Skip This Course—and What to Do Instead

You should skip this course if your goal is to pass the current CompTIA A+ exam or you need a qualification recognised by employers. The content does not match the latest exam objectives (now 220-1201/220-1202), and the Alison certificate is not accepted as proof of professional skills.

Alternatives:

  • For exam preparation: Choose a course that explicitly covers the current CompTIA A+ objectives (220-1201/220-1202), available from CompTIA’s own training partners or major online learning platforms.
  • For official recognition: Register for the CompTIA A+ exam through an authorised testing centre after studying up-to-date material.

How Much Does It Cost? What Do You Get?

Note: The Alison certificate is not an official professional qualification and does not replace CompTIA A+ certification. Always check with local employers or authorities if a specific qualification or licence is required for IT support roles in your region.

IT Support Technician: Market Demand and Salaries

IT support remains a high-demand field across Africa’s largest economies:

  • South Africa: IT technician roles are listed as high demand in the digital sector, according to the Department of Higher Education and Training.
  • Kenya: ICT and technical support roles are highlighted as key growth areas with strong job trends (Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Kenya).
  • Nigeria: Digital services, including IT support technicians, are priority sectors for youth employment (ILO).

Salaries:

  • In Kenya, Paylab lists IT support technician salaries from KES 32,230 to KES 98,827 per month (2026).
  • In Nigeria, Paylab lists salaries from NGN 127,248 to NGN 411,695 per month (2026).

There is no official regulation for IT support technicians in these countries, but always confirm with your local authority if a licence or registration is needed.

Should You Move On to the Next Alison Course or Prepare for the Official Exam?

If you found this course manageable and want to keep building your knowledge, the natural next step is to study a course aligned with the current CompTIA A+ exam (220-1201/220-1202). Alison’s Part 1 and Part 2 provide a strong foundation, but for official certification, you must use up-to-date material and register for the exam through CompTIA.

Choose the next Alison course if:

  • You want to deepen your understanding before committing to an exam
  • You’re exploring IT support as a possible career

Move to official exam prep if:

  • You’re ready to pursue a recognised qualification
  • You want to apply for IT support roles that require CompTIA A+ certification

FAQ

Does this course prepare me for the current CompTIA A+ exam?

No. It covers the 1000 series (retired in 2022). The current exam is 220-1201/220-1202, so you’ll need updated study material.

Is the Alison certificate recognised by employers or CompTIA?

No. The certificate is issued by Alison and is not an official CompTIA qualification.

Can I study offline?

Yes, you can download course materials using the Alison app for offline study.

Do I need to take Part 1 before this course?

It’s recommended, especially if you’re new to IT support, as Part 1 covers hardware basics.

Are there any prerequisites?

No formal prerequisites. Basic computer literacy helps, but the course is designed for beginners.

OFFICIAL SOURCES

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.

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