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AI-generated Certificate in Computer Hardware and Networking campaign scene

Computer Hardware and Networking

Duration
4 months
Delivery
On campus
Total learning
552 hours

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities & Progression

  • Computer Hardware Technician
  • PC Assembly Technician
  • Laptop Repair Technician
  • Desktop Support Technician
  • IT Support Assistant
  • Help Desk Technician

Before you apply

Your programme at a glance

Apply / enquire
Qualification
Certificate (non-NVQ)
Awarding institution
NextGen Campus · Academic Transcript
Duration
Four months (16 teaching weeks)
Delivery
Physical, hands-on – full-day Saturday lectures with guided practice and full-day Sunday student practicals at NextGen Campus, weekday LMS laboratories, the Student Project Book and a physical capstone
Class schedule
Saturday 9.00 AM – 6.00 PM (lecture and guided practice) - Sunday 9.00 AM – 6.00 PM (student practicals) — both physical, 1-hour lunch
Lecture / guided learning
256 hours – instructor-led
LMS laboratory hours
120 hours – hardware, operating system, networking and security labs via the NextGen LMS
Student Project Book
160 hours – including the Management Module
Modules
11 taught modules
Entry requirements
G.C.E. O/L with Mathematics and English passes, or equivalent. Other applicants may enter through an interview and aptitude test.
Next intake
Confirm available batches with admissions

Class schedules follow the syllabus; confirm the batch timetable with admissions.

Complete Programme Map

Course Content Architecture

11 modules across 3 learning phases. Select a module to read its full curriculum.

11Taught modules
3Learning phases
74Syllabus topics
10Career directions
Four months (16 teaching weeks)Programme duration
NextGen CampusAwarding institution
03 · Hands-on practice
Identify and document every component in a desktopAssemble at least two desktops to a successful first bootDesign three builds (entry, mid-range, high-end) with costed quotesFully disassemble and reassemble a laptopInstall Windows 11 and UbuntuDiagnose faults on prepared machines and write fault reportsSubnetting and addressing-plan exercisesCreate a complete SOHO network from a brief

Guided laboratories, practical activities and a Student Project Book build evidence of your learning.

04 · Project, portfolio & progression
Professional portfolioDocumented laboratories, project evidence and the Management Module
Career directionsComputer Hardware Technician · PC Assembly Technician · Laptop Repair Technician · Desktop Support Technician · IT Support Assistant
Further opportunitiesHelp Desk Technician · Field Service Technician · Junior Network Technician · Computer Maintenance Technician · Technical Support Representative
DeliveryPhysical, hands-on – full-day Saturday lectures with guided practice and full-day Sunday student practicals at NextGen Campus, weekday LMS laboratories, the Student Project Book and a physical capstone
AssessmentContinuous assessment, practical work, final project and Student Project Book
CompletionNextGen Campus qualification and Academic Transcript on successful completion

11 modules · Full syllabus

Complete Curriculum

Explore every phase of the programme, then expand the modules below for the complete syllabus, outcomes and practical work.

Phase 1 — Hardware, Assembly & Repair

M01Computer Fundamentals & Hardware Components16 lecture h · 7.5 lab h

Builds the foundation every technician needs — how a computer works, what each internal component does, and how to choose compatible parts to a budget.

Syllabus Content

  • Computer system architecture
  • CPU, motherboard and chipsets
  • Memory and storage (HDD, SATA SSD, NVMe)
  • Power supplies and expansion buses
  • Ports, connectors and cables
  • Component compatibility and budgeting

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and explain the function of every major internal component
  • Compare component specifications and check compatibility
  • Size a power supply and match ports, connectors and cables
  • Handle components safely using ESD practice

LMS Laboratories

  • Identify and document every component in a desktop
  • Build three compatible parts lists to stated budgets

Syllabus alignment: CompTIA A+ Core 1 aligned

M02PC Assembly, BIOS/UEFI & Peripherals32 lecture h · 15 lab h

Develops the core build skill of the role in depth — assembling desktops step by step to a first boot, configuring firmware, managing cables and airflow, and installing the peripherals a working machine needs.

Syllabus Content

  • Workshop tools and ESD practice
  • Step-by-step assembly order
  • CPU and cooler installation; thermal paste
  • RAM, M.2 NVMe, SATA and GPU installation
  • Cable management and airflow
  • POST, beep and LED codes
  • BIOS vs UEFI, Secure Boot, XMP/EXPO and firmware updates
  • Printers, displays and input devices

Learning Outcomes

  • Assemble desktops from components following ESD and safety procedures
  • Install CPU, cooler, RAM, storage, GPU and PSU correctly and manage cables and airflow
  • Diagnose POST failures from beep and LED codes
  • Configure BIOS/UEFI, boot order, Secure Boot, XMP and firmware updates
  • Install and share printers and peripherals

LMS Laboratories

  • Assemble at least two desktops to a successful first boot
  • Fault-find deliberately mis-built systems
  • Configure BIOS/UEFI and update firmware
  • Install and test a shared printer

Syllabus alignment: CompTIA A+ Core 1 aligned

M03Gaming PC & Workstation Design16 lecture h · 7.5 lab h

Designs and builds high-performance systems — gaming PCs and professional workstations — balancing CPU, GPU, memory, storage, power, cooling and budget for a client's real needs.

Syllabus Content

  • Gaming vs workstation requirements
  • CPU and GPU selection; bottlenecks
  • High-speed memory and NVMe storage
  • PSU sizing and efficiency ratings
  • Air and liquid (AIO) cooling; case airflow
  • Benchmarking, stress testing and thermal monitoring
  • Quoting and presenting a build to a client

Learning Outcomes

  • Specify a gaming PC or workstation to a client brief and budget
  • Balance CPU and GPU and avoid bottlenecks
  • Select PSU capacity and efficiency, cooling (air/AIO) and case airflow
  • Benchmark, stress-test and monitor temperatures

LMS Laboratories

  • Design three builds (entry, mid-range, high-end) with costed quotes
  • Build, benchmark and stress-test a gaming PC

Syllabus alignment: CompTIA A+ Core 1 aligned

M04Laptop Repair & Upgrades32 lecture h · 15 lab h

Develops practical laptop repair skills — safe disassembly, diagnosing common faults, and replacing and upgrading screens, keyboards, batteries, charging ports, storage and memory.

Syllabus Content

  • Laptop architecture and service manuals
  • Safe disassembly, screws and ribbon cables
  • Power, charging and battery faults
  • Display, keyboard, touchpad and webcam replacement
  • Fan cleaning and thermal paste
  • RAM and SSD upgrades; disk cloning
  • Intro to board-level diagnosis and when to escalate

Learning Outcomes

  • Disassemble and reassemble laptops safely using service documentation
  • Diagnose no-power, no-display, overheating and charging faults
  • Replace screens, keyboards, batteries, charging ports and fans
  • Upgrade RAM and SSD and clone the existing drive
  • Clean, re-paste and restore thermal performance

LMS Laboratories

  • Fully disassemble and reassemble a laptop
  • Replace a screen, keyboard and battery
  • Upgrade an SSD and clone the drive
  • Diagnose and fix an overheating laptop

Syllabus alignment: CompTIA A+ Core 1 aligned

M05Operating System Installation & Administration32 lecture h · 15 lab h

Builds operating-system deployment and administration skills on Windows and Linux — installation, partitioning, users, permissions, updates, drivers and the command line.

Syllabus Content

  • OS types and licensing
  • Installation media and imaging
  • Disk partitioning
  • Users, groups and NTFS permissions
  • Updates and driver management
  • Linux shell fundamentals
  • Virtualisation with VirtualBox

Learning Outcomes

  • Create installation media and install Windows 11 and Ubuntu
  • Partition disks (MBR/GPT) and configure dual-boot
  • Manage users, groups, permissions, updates and drivers
  • Administer systems from the Windows and Linux command line

LMS Laboratories

  • Install Windows 11 and Ubuntu
  • Configure users, permissions and updates
  • Complete Linux command-line exercises

Syllabus alignment: CompTIA A+ Core 2 aligned

M06Troubleshooting, Maintenance & Workshop Safety16 lecture h · 7.5 lab h

Develops a structured troubleshooting method and the preventive-maintenance, data-recovery and workshop-safety practice expected of a desktop support technician.

Syllabus Content

  • Troubleshooting methodology
  • Hardware and software fault diagnosis
  • Diagnostic tools
  • Preventive maintenance
  • Data recovery
  • Workshop health, safety and e-waste

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply a six-step troubleshooting methodology
  • Diagnose power, boot, display, storage and overheating faults
  • Perform preventive maintenance, backup and data recovery
  • Follow electrical, ESD, fire-safety and e-waste practice

LMS Laboratories

  • Diagnose faults on prepared machines and write fault reports
  • Recover data from a failing disk image

Syllabus alignment: CompTIA A+ Core 1 & 2 aligned

Phase 2 — Networking & SOHO Networks

M07Networking Fundamentals, IP Addressing & Structured Cabling32 lecture h · 15 lab h

Builds a solid networking foundation — network models and devices, IPv4 addressing and subnetting, IPv6 basics — and the physical skill of terminating, testing and documenting structured cabling.

Syllabus Content

  • Network types, topologies and devices
  • OSI and TCP/IP models
  • IPv4 addressing, subnet masks and subnetting
  • VLSM and address planning
  • IPv6 basics
  • Copper, fibre and structured cabling
  • Cable testing and labelling

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the OSI and TCP/IP models and common ports and protocols
  • Plan IPv4 addressing, subnetting and VLSM for a small network
  • Describe IPv6 addressing basics
  • Terminate, test and document UTP cabling to T568A/B

LMS Laboratories

  • Subnetting and addressing-plan exercises
  • Terminate and test patch cables
  • Build a simple LAN in Cisco Packet Tracer

Syllabus alignment: CompTIA Network+ aligned

M08SOHO Network Setup: Routing, Wireless & Services32 lecture h · 15 lab h

Creates complete small-office/home-office (SOHO) networks — router and switch configuration, DHCP, DNS and NAT, secure Wi-Fi, and file and printer sharing — from a client brief to a working, documented network.

Syllabus Content

  • SOHO router and switch configuration
  • DHCP, DNS and NAT
  • Wi-Fi standards, channels and coverage
  • WPA2/WPA3 security and guest networks
  • File and printer sharing
  • Port forwarding and basic firewall rules
  • Network documentation and handover

Learning Outcomes

  • Configure a SOHO router, switch and access point
  • Configure DHCP, DNS and NAT for internet access
  • Plan and secure Wi-Fi with WPA2/WPA3
  • Set up file and printer sharing and a guest network
  • Build, test and document a complete SOHO network

LMS Laboratories

  • Create a complete SOHO network from a brief
  • Secure the Wi-Fi and add a guest network
  • Mirror the build in Cisco Packet Tracer

Syllabus alignment: CompTIA Network+ aligned

Phase 3 — Security, Ethical Hacking & AI Help Desk

M09Basic Security, Backup & Customer Service16 lecture h · 7.5 lab h

Develops the security, backup and customer-service skills of an IT support technician — keeping systems safe, protecting data and supporting users professionally.

Syllabus Content

  • Malware prevention, antivirus and firewalls
  • Patch management
  • Account and password security
  • Backup types, imaging and restore
  • Customer service and communication
  • Ticketing and documentation

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply endpoint security, patching and password practice
  • Implement 3-2-1 backup and restore
  • Handle support requests professionally end to end
  • Log and track work in a ticketing system

LMS Laboratories

  • Harden an endpoint to a checklist
  • Back up and restore a system
  • Resolve help-desk tickets end to end

Syllabus alignment: CompTIA A+ Core 2 aligned

M10Ethical Hacking with AI16 lecture h · 7.5 lab h

Introduces ethical hacking for IT technicians — the legal and ethical rules, authorised scanning and vulnerability checks on small networks, password and Wi-Fi security testing, and how AI assists security testing and defence — all inside an isolated lab.

Syllabus Content

  • Computer Crimes Act No. 24 of 2007 and ethics
  • Authorisation and scope
  • Kali Linux and Nmap basics
  • Vulnerability checks on SOHO devices
  • Password and Wi-Fi security testing
  • AI-assisted analysis and reporting
  • Hardening recommendations

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the law, ethics and authorisation required for security testing
  • Scan and assess a small network for weaknesses in the lab
  • Test password and Wi-Fi security on authorised lab equipment
  • Use AI assistants to explain findings and recommend fixes, verifying the output

LMS Laboratories

  • Scan a lab SOHO network and report weaknesses
  • Harden the network and re-test
  • Use AI to draft a findings report and check it against the evidence

AI Integration

  • AI-assisted vulnerability explanation and report drafting, always verified

Syllabus alignment: Security+ foundations · CEH awareness

M11AI for IT Help Desk Assistants16 lecture h · 7.5 lab h

Prepares learners to work as AI-enabled IT help desk assistants — using AI tools to diagnose faults, answer user questions, write knowledge-base articles and scripts, and handle tickets faster, safely and responsibly.

Syllabus Content

  • AI assistants for IT support (Microsoft Copilot and others)
  • Prompting for troubleshooting
  • AI-drafted ticket replies and knowledge-base articles
  • AI-assisted scripts and commands
  • Verifying AI output
  • Data protection (PDPA No. 9 of 2022) and responsible use

Learning Outcomes

  • Use AI assistants to diagnose hardware, software and network faults
  • Draft ticket responses, user guides and knowledge-base articles with AI
  • Generate simple PowerShell and command-line fixes with AI and test them
  • Apply responsible-AI and data-protection rules at the help desk

LMS Laboratories

  • Resolve a queue of help-desk tickets with AI assistance
  • Write and test an AI-assisted script
  • Build a small AI-drafted knowledge base

AI Integration

  • The dedicated AI module for help desk work

Syllabus alignment: AI-901 awareness · Microsoft Copilot

Industry certification alignment is syllabus guidance. External examinations are separate; course completion does not award vendor certification.

Learning outcomes

Skills You Will Develop

  • Identify components and specify compatible PCs to a budget.
  • Assemble desktops to a professional standard and configure BIOS/UEFI and firmware.
  • Design, build and benchmark gaming PCs and professional workstations.
  • Diagnose, repair and upgrade laptops safely.
  • Install and administer Windows and Linux, troubleshoot faults and recover data.
  • Plan IPv4 addressing and subnetting and terminate structured cabling.
  • Create, secure and document complete SOHO networks.
  • Secure endpoints, back up data and support users professionally.
  • Test small-network security ethically and legally, using AI to assist.
  • Use AI tools responsibly as an IT help desk assistant.

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Computer Hardware TechnicianPC Assembly TechnicianLaptop Repair TechnicianDesktop Support TechnicianIT Support AssistantHelp Desk TechnicianField Service TechnicianJunior Network TechnicianComputer Maintenance TechnicianTechnical Support Representative

Potential roles to work towards, depending on your practical portfolio, experience and employer requirements. Some roles require further training or certification.

Tools & Platforms

Technologies used

  • PC and laptop hardware
  • BIOS / UEFI
  • Windows and Linux
  • Structured cabling
  • Small-office networking equipment
  • AI help desk tools

Labs & practicals

How you will learn

  • Physical classes and hands-on practical learning at NextGen Campus
  • LMS module labs with trainer feedback
  • A Student Project Book documenting your learning
  • A final project, presentation and practical assessment

Admission requirements

Before you start

G.C.E. O/L with Mathematics and English passes, or equivalent. Other applicants may enter through an interview and aptitude test.

Arrange access to a computer and internet for LMS activities between campus sessions.

NextGen Campus support

Student support

  • Academic guidance from your course coordinator
  • Trainer feedback on LMS laboratory work
  • Project planning and documentation support
  • LMS help for login and technical questions

Put your learning into practice

Projects & assessment

Bring your hardware, networking and support skills together in a practical capstone, with a panel presentation and technical defence.

Continuous assessment
40%
Practical / final project
40%
Student Project Book
20%

Complete the required practical work and project submissions. The handbook sets out attendance, pass requirements, grading and re-sit arrangements.

Capstone Project — 16 Hours (Physical)

Small Office IT Build with Workstation and Laptop Service

The capstone brings the course together in two full physical days (9.00 AM – 6.00 PM, 1-hour lunch — 16 hours) at the NextGen Campus Head Office in Nugegoda, in weeks 15 and 16. Working from a realistic client brief, each learner assembles and configures workstations (including a gaming or high-performance workstation build), services and upgrades a laptop, builds and secures a complete SOHO network, and hands the solution over with documentation and a panel defence.

Capstone Deliverables

  • Costed hardware specification to the client brief
  • Assembled and tested workstations, including a gaming/high-performance build with benchmark results
  • Laptop service report: fault, repair or upgrade, and test results
  • Working SOHO network with IP plan, Wi-Fi security and sharing
  • Security and backup plan, and handover documentation
  • Panel presentation and technical defence

Student Project Book & Management Module

The Student Project Book is a major part of this course — about 10 hours every week, 160 hours in total. Learners keep a professional record of all their practical work: build logs for every PC assembled, repair logs for every laptop serviced, gaming and workstation specifications and benchmarks, IP plans and network diagrams, security checklists and help-desk tickets. It also contains the Management Module and becomes the learner's technical portfolio for employment.

  • MU1 IT Service Management & Ticketing Incident and request handling, ticket quality and escalation
  • MU2 Service-Level Agreements & Customer Communication SLA basics, repair turnaround targets and professional communication
  • MU3 Project Planning and Costing Scoping, quoting, scheduling and risk for builds, repairs and small networks
  • MU4 Backup, Business Continuity & Asset Records Backup strategy, recovery planning and asset documentation
  • MU5 Interview Skills and the IT Job Market CV, portfolio and technical interviews; local and overseas job markets

Payment Options

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Total course feeLKR 45,000Course tuition
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Registration feeLKR 3,000 (one-time)
  • Lecturer-led learning and guided practical work
  • LMS laboratories and Student Project Book
  • Programme project and assessment

Course tuition and the one-time registration fee are listed separately. Confirm payment dates and installment availability with admissions. External professional certification examination fees are separate unless NextGen Campus specifically states otherwise.

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