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Certificate
Upon successful completion of the Computer User Support Specialist program, you will be awarded a completion certificate from Nexum Career Institute.
Course content
Sections:
13
•
Activities:
289
•
Resources:
2
Introduction
- Announcements
- Zoom Meetings
- Computer User Support Specialist Course Syllabus
- Typing Practice
Week 1
- Read: Welcome to Your Course
- Read: Hardware and Software Requirements
- Watch: Getting Started with MindTap
- About CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support
- About CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support
- Watch: Introduction to Information Technology
- Watch: A+ Certification and Employability
- Read: Live Virtual Machine Labs Quick Start Guide
- Watch: Getting Started with Live Virtual Machine Labs
- Prerequisite: Live Virtual Machine Lab (Graded 100pts)
- Check Your Understanding: Advanced Hardware Simulation Pre-Requisite (Graded 100pts)
- Knowledge Check: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Pre-Assessment Quiz (Graded 20pts)
- Knowledge Check: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220 - 1102) Pre-Assessment Quiz (Graded 22pts)
- Module 1: Taking a Computer Apart and Putting It Back Together
- IT for Life: Module 01 Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Back Together
- PowerPoints: Module 01 Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Back Together
- Practice Test: Module 01 Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Back Together
- Hardware Lab Simulation 1-1: PC Audio and Video Connectors (Graded 100pts)
- Hardware Lab Simulation 1-2: PC Connectors and Ports (Graded 100pts)
- Hardware Lab Simulation 1-3: Using Motherboard Connectors (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 1-3: Identify Parts Inside a Laptop and All-in-One Computer (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 1-4: Use Tools from the Technician's Toolkit (Graded 100 pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 1-5: Diagram and Remove Cables Inside a Computer (Graded 100 pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 1-6: Remove Motherboard, Power Supply, and Drives (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 1-7: Install Components Inside the Case (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 1-8: Attach Internal Data and Power Cables (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 1-9: Disassemble a Laptop (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 01 Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Back Together (Graded 10pts)
- Reflection: Module 01 Taking a Computer Apart and Putting it Back Together
- Read: Welcome to Your Course
- Read: Hardware and Software Requirements
- Watch: Getting Started with MindTap
- About CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support
- About CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support
- Watch: Introduction to Information Technology
- Watch: A+ Certification and Employability
- Read: Live Virtual Machine Labs Quick Start Guide
- Watch: Getting Started with Live Virtual Machine Labs
Week 2
- Module 2: All About Motherboards
- IT for Life: Module 02 All About Motherboards
- Visualize: The Evolution of Motherboard Chipsets
- PowerPoints: Module 02 All About Motherboards
- Flashcards: Module 02 All About Motherboards
- Practice Test: Module 02 All About Motherboards
- Hardware Lab Simulation 2-1: Matching a Processor to a Motherboard and Socket (Graded 100pts)
- Hardware Lab Simulation 2-2: Using Msinfo32 Memory and Components (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 2-1: Identify Motherboard Components (Part 1) (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 2-2: Identify Motherboard Components (Part 2) (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 2-3: Use UEFI Setup (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 2-4: Configure a Motherboard (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 2-5: Select and Install a Motherboard (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 02 All About Motherboards (Graded 13pts)
- Reflection: Module 02 All About Motherboards
- Module 3: Supporting Processors and Upgrading Memory
- IT for Life: Module 03 Supporting Processors and Upgrading Memory
- PowerPoints: Module 03 Supporting Processors and Upgrading Memory
- Flashcards: Module 03 Supporting Processors and Upgrading Memory
- Practice Test: Module 03 Supporting Processors and Upgrading Memory
- Hardware Lab Simulation 3-1: Installing Processor and Connecting Power (Graded 100pts)
- Hardware Lab Simulation 3-2: Upgrading Laptop Memory (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 3-1: Select a Processor (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 3-2: Install a Processor (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 3-3: Identify Memory Technologies (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 3-4: Select and Install Memory (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 03 Supporting Processors and Upgrading Memory (Graded 10pts)
- Reflection: Module 03 Supporting Processors and Upgrading Memory
Week 3
- Module 4: Power Supplies and Troubleshooting Computer Problems
- IT for Life: Module 04 Power Supplies and Troubleshooting Computer Problems
- PowerPoints: Module 04 Power Supplies and Troubleshooting Computer Problems
- Flashcards: Module 04 Power Supplies and Troubleshooting Computer Problems
- Practice Test: Module 04 Power Supplies and Troubleshooting Computer Problems
- Hardware Lab Simulation 4-1: Troubleshooting Memory (Graded 100pts)
- Hardware Lab Simulation 4-2: Methods of System Cooling
- Hardware Lab Simulation 4-3: Replacing Power Supply
- Advanced Hardware Lab 4-2: Use Good Troubleshooting Methodology (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 4-3: Troubleshoot the Electrical System (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 4-4: Troubleshoot the Motherboard, Processor, and RAM (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 04 Power Supplies and Troubleshooting Computer Problems (Graded 10pts)
- Reflection: Module 04 Power Supplies and Troubleshooting Computer Problems
- Module 5: Supporting Hard Drives and Other Storage Devices
- IT for Life: Module 05 Hard Drives and Other Storage Devices
- PowerPoints: Module 05 Hard Drives and Other Storage Devices
- Flashcards: Module 05 Hard Drives and Other Storage Devices
- Practice Test: Module 05 Hard Drives and Other Storage Devices
- Hardware Lab Simulation 5-1: Inside the Hard Drive (Graded 100pts)
- Hardware Lab Simulation 5-2: Using SD Storage and Portable Media (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 5-2: Install Hardware RAID (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 5-3: Install an Optical Drive (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 5-5: Troubleshoot a Hard Drive (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 5-6: Replace Parts in a Laptop All-in-One (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 05 Hard Drives and Other Storage Devices (Graded 13pts)
- Reflection: Module 05 Hard Drives and Other Storage Devices
Week 4
- Module 6: Supporting I/O Devices
- IT for Life: Module 06 Supporting I/O Devices
- PowerPoints: Module 06 Supporting I/O Devices
- Flashcards: Module 06 Supporting I/O Devices
- Practice Test: Module 06 Supporting I/O Devices
- Hardware Lab Simulation 6-1: Installing a Fingerprint Reader (Graded 100pts)
- Hardware Lab Simulation 6-2: Laptop Wireless Card Replacement (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 6-1: Install Peripheral Devices (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 6-2: Select and Install Adapter Cards (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 6-3: Identify Video Ports and Connectors (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 6-4: Troubleshoot Monitors and Video (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 06 Supporting I/O Devices (Graded 10pts)
- Reflection: Module 06 Supporting I/O Devices
- Module 7: Networking Fundamentals
- IT for Life: Module 07 Networking Fundamentals
- Visualize: How Subnets and Subnet Masks Work
- PowerPoints: Module 07 Networking Fundamentals
- Flashcards: Module 07 Networking Fundamentals
- Practice Test: Module 07 Networking Fundamentals
- Hardware Lab Simulation 7-1: Investigating Network Connection Settings (Graded 100pts)
- Hardware Lab Simulation 7-2: Clearing DNS Cache (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 7-1: Work with IP Addresses and Subnets (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 7-2: Identify TCP IP Protocols and Port Numbers (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 7-3: Connect a Computer to a Network (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 7-4: Install and Configure a SOHO Router (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 7-5: Identify Network Technologies (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 07 Networking Fundamentals (Graded 14pts)
- Reflection: Module 07 Networking Fundamentals
Week 5
- Module 8: Network Infrastructure and Cloud Computing
- IT for Life: Module 08 Network Infrastructure and Cloud Computing
- PowerPoints: Module 08 Network Infrastructure and Cloud Computing
- Flashcards: Module 08 Network Infrastructure and Cloud Computing
- Practice Test: Module 08 Network Infrastructure and Cloud Computing
- Hardware Lab Simulation 8-1: Using Google Cloud (Graded 100pts)
- Hardware Lab Simulation 8-2: Cable Tester (Graded 100 pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 8-2: Identify Cabling Standards and Technologies (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 8-3: Select and Install Network Hardware (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 8-4: Terminate Twisted-Pair Cables (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 8-5: Troubleshoot Network Wiring (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 08 Network Infrastructure and Cloud Computing (Graded 15pts)
- Reflection: Module 08 Network Infrastructure and Cloud Computing
- Module 9: Supporting Mobile Devices
- IT for Life: Module 09 Supporting Mobile Devices
- PowerPoints: Module 09 Supporting Mobile Devices
- Flashcards: Module 09 Supporting Mobile Devices
- Practice Test: Module 09 Supporting Mobile Devices
- Hardware Lab Simulation 9-1: Syncing to the Cloud (Graded 100pts)
- Hardware Lab Simulation 9-2: Android Smartphone Emulation (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 9-1: Create Mobile Device Connections (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 9-2: Troubleshoot Mobile Devices (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 09 Supporting Mobile Devices (Graded 12pts)
- Reflection: Module 09 Supporting Mobile Devices
Week 6
- Module 10: Supporting Printers
- IT for Life: Module 10 Supporting Printers
- PowerPoints: Module 10 Supporting Printers
- Flashcards: Module 10 Supporting Printers
- Practice Test: Module 10 Supporting Printers
- Hardware Lab Simulation 10-1: Install and Configure a Printer (Graded 100pts)
- Hardware Lab Simulation 10-2: Enable Printer Logging (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 10-1: Identify Steps of Laser Printing (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 10-2: Install a Network Printer (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 10-3: Perform Printer Maintenance Tasks (Graded 100pts)
- Advanced Hardware Lab 10-4: Troubleshoot a Printer (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 10 Supporting Printers (Graded 10pts)
- Reflection: Module 10 Supporting Printers
- Module 11: The Complex World of IT Professionals
- IT for Life: Module 11 The Complex World of IT Professionals
- PowerPoints: Module 11 The Complex World of IT Professionals
- Flashcards: Module 11 The Complex World of IT Professionals
- Practice Test: Module 11 The Complex World of IT Professionals
- Software Lab Simulation 11-1: Customer Service (Graded 100pts)
- Software Lab Simulation 11-2: Using the System Information Utility (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 11 The Complex World of IT Professionals (Graded 10pts)
- Reflection: Module 11 The Complex World of IT Professionals
Week 7
- Module 12: Installing Windows
- IT for Life: Module 12 Installing Windows
- PowerPoints: Module 12 Installing Windows
- Flashcards: Module 12 Installing Windows
- Practice Test: Module 12 Installing Windows
- Software Lab Simulation 12-1: Media Creation Tool (Graded 100pts)
- Software Lab Simulation 12-2: Install Hyper-V, Configure, and Create VM (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 12-1, Guided: Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 10 (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 12 Installing Windows (Graded 16pts)
- Reflection: Module 12 Installing Windows
- Module 13: Maintaining Windows
- IT for Life: Module 13 Maintaining Windows
- Visualize: Using the Command Line
- PowerPoints: Module 13 Maintaining Windows
- Flashcards: Module 13 Maintaining Windows
- Practice Test: Module 13 Maintaining Windows
- Software Lab Simulation 13-1: Using System Restore (Graded 100pts)
- Software Lab Simulation 13-2: Verifying TCP IP Settings (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 13-1, Guided: Manage Disk Partitions and File Systems (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 13-2, Guided: Manage System Configuration Settings (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 13-3, Guided: Perform Backup Options to Allow for Lost File Restoration (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 13-4, Guided: Use Operating System Tools and Features (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 13 Maintaining Windows (Graded 15pts)
- Reflection: Module 13 Maintaining Windows
Week 8
- Module 14: Troubleshooting Windows after Startup
- IT for Life: Module 14 Troubleshooting Windows After Startup
- PowerPoints: Module 14 Troubleshooting Windows After Startup
- Flashcards: Module 14 Troubleshooting Windows After Startup
- Practice Test: Module 14 Troubleshooting Windows After Startup
- Software Lab Simulation 14-1: Registry Editor (Graded 100pts)
- Software Lab Simulation 14-2: Using Event Viewer (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 14-1, Guided: Use Various Windows System Utilities (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 14-2, Guided: Use Various Control Panel Applets (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 14-3, Guided: Manage Windows 10 Performance (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 14-4, Advanced: Can You Configure System and Data Recovery? (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 14 Troubleshooting Windows After Startup (Graded 14pts)
- Reflection: Module 14 Troubleshooting Windows After Startup
- Module 15: Troubleshooting Windows Startup
- IT for Life: Module 15 Troubleshooting Windows Startup
- PowerPoints: Module 15 Troubleshooting Windows Startup
- Flashcards: Module 15 Troubleshooting Windows Startup
- Practice Test: Module 15 Troubleshooting Windows Startup
- Practice Test: Module 15 Troubleshooting Windows Startup
- Software Lab Simulation 15-1: Startup Repair (Graded 100pts)
- Software Lab Simulation 15-2: Practicing Using System Recovery Options (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 15-1, Guided: Create and Manage System Restore Points (Graded 100pts).
- Quiz: Module 15 Troubleshooting Windows Startup (Graded 18pts)
- Reflection: Module 15 Troubleshooting Windows Startup
Week 9
- Module 16: Security Strategies
- IT for Life: Module 16 Security Strategies
- PowerPoints: Module 16 Security Strategies
- Flashcards: Module 16 Security Strategies
- Practice Test: Module 16 Security Strategies
- Software Lab Simulation 16-1: Downloading and Using Anti-Malware Software (Graded 100pts)
- Software Lab Simulation 16-2: Creating and Using an Anti-Malware Software Rescue Disk (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 16-1, Guided: Manage Shared Folder Access and ICMP Ping Communications by Using Windows Firewall (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 16 Security Strategies (Graded 15pts)
- Reflection: Module 16 Security Strategies
- Module 17: Securing and Sharing Windows Resources
- IT for Life: Module 17 Securing and Sharing Windows Resources
- Visualize: How Share Permissions and NTFS Permissions Work
- PowerPoints: Module 17 Securing and Sharing Windows Resources
- Flashcards: Module 17 Securing and Sharing Windows Resources
- Practice Test: Module 17 Securing and Sharing Windows Resources
- Software Lab Simulation 17-1: Using Password Manager (Graded 100pts)
- Software Lab Simulation 17-2: Applying Local Security Policies (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 17-1, Guided: Implement File Encryption (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 17-2, Guided: Implement Group Policy (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 17-3, Advanced: Can You Manage Windows Security? (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 17 Securing and Sharing Windows Resources (Graded 10pts)
- Reflection: Module 17 Securing and Sharing Windows Resources
Week 10
- Module 18: Mobile Device Security
- IT for Life: Module 18 Mobile Device Security
- PowerPoints: Module 18 Mobile Device Security
- Flashcards: Module 18 Mobile Device Security
- Practice Test: Module 18 Mobile Device Security
- Software Lab Simulation 18-1: Android Studio (Graded 100pts)
- Software Lab Simulation 18-2: Locating an Android Device (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 18 Mobile Device Security (Graded 15pts)
- Reflection: Module 18 Mobile Device Security
- Module 19: Network Security and Troubleshooting
- IT for Life: Module 19 Network Security and Troubleshooting
- PowerPoints: Module 19 Network Security and Troubleshooting
- Flashcards: Module 19 Network Security and Troubleshooting
- Practice Test: Module 19 Network Security and Troubleshooting
- Software Lab Simulation 19-1: Scanning a Network for Connected Devices (Graded 100pts)
- Software Lab Simulation 19-2: Setting Up a Persistent Network Drive (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 19-1, Guided: Troubleshoot Networking (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 19-2, Guided: Configure IP Addresses (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 19-3, Guided: Use Windows Command-Line Tools (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 19-4, Advanced: Can You Configure Windows 10 Networking? (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 19 Network Security and Troubleshooting (Graded 17pts)
- Reflection: Module 19 Network Security and Troubleshooting
Week 11
- Module 20: Supporting macOS
- IT for Life: Module 20 Supporting macOS
- PowerPoints: Module 20 Supporting macOS
- Flashcards: Module 20 Supporting macOS
- Practice Test: Module 20 Supporting macOS
- Software Lab Simulation 20-1: Practicing Using the macOS Desktop (Graded 100pts)
- Software Lab Simulation 20-2: Practicing macOS Commands (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 20 Supporting macOS (Graded 10pts)
- Reflection: Module 20 Supporting macOS
- Module 21: Linux and Scripting
- IT for Life: Module 21 Linux and Scripting
- PowerPoints: Module 21 Linux and Scripting
- Flashcards: Module 21 Linux and Scripting
- Practice Test: Module 21 Linux and Scripting
- Software Lab Simulation 21-1: Linux File System (Graded 100pts)
- Software Lab Simulation 21-2: Linux Commands (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 21-1, Guided: Create a Basic Script in Windows PowerShell (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 21-2, Guided: Backup and Restore Data in Linux (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 21-3, Guided: Use Linux Tools and Commands (Graded 100pts)
- Virtual Lab 21-4, Guided: Configure Patch Management in Linux (Graded 100pts)
- Quiz: Module 21 Linux and Scripting (Graded 12pts)
- Reflection: Module 21 Linux and Scripting
- Guided Virtual Lab: Use Linux and Windows Network Command-Line Tools (Graded 100pts)
- Guided Virtual Lab: Use Windows and Linux Network Command-Line Tools (Graded 100pts)
Week 12
- Resume (Graded 100pts)
- Mock Interview (Graded 100pts)
- Knowledge Check: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Post-Assessment Quiz (Graded 90pts)
- Knowledge Check: CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) Post-Assessment Quiz (Graded 90pts)
Enrollment options
Computer User Support Specialist Computer User Support Specialist
Course modified date: 12 August 2026
This program is designed to equip students with the critical people skills and technical knowledge to successfully work at the helpdesk of a company in any industry. Graduates of this program will know how to competently troubleshoot and problem solve computer end user issues. Graduates will know how to effectively communicate and interact with computer end users in an ethical and professional manner.
Certification Preparation
Prepare for an industry-recognized certification aligned with your career pathway. Certification preparation is integrated into your training to help you build the knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete the certification exam and earn your professional credential.
After program completion, test for the CompTIA Tech+ and CompTIA A+ certification exams, demonstrating foundational IT knowledge, computer troubleshooting, operating systems, networking, and technical support skills. These industry-recognized certifications help launch careers in help desk and IT support.
Certification exam fees are included in the total program cost, along with:
- Tuition
- Laptop
- Certification prep tools
NCI also supports students throughout the certification process, including exam preparation, scheduling, testing, and credential attainment—so you're not on your own.
Our goal: Help you complete your training, earn your industry-recognized credential, and take the next step toward employment.
Upcoming Start Dates
- August 17, 2026
- October 12, 2026
- November 16, 2026
- Teacher: Nexum Instructor
- Enrolled students: There are no students enrolled in this course.
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