CompTIA A+ syllabus
Two computer-based exams for an IT support role: Core 1 (220-1201) on hardware, networking, mobile devices and troubleshooting, and Core 2 (220-1202) on operating systems, security and procedures.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)
Mobile devices
About 13% of the exam · 90 minutes for the whole exam
Domain 1.0. Performance-based items also appear in the exam and are not limited to one domain.
- Monitor mobile hardware and choose a replacement
- Accessories and connection methods
- Wireless and cellular setup, MDM and synchronization
Networking
About 23% of the exam · 90 minutes for the whole exam
Domain 2.0.
- Ports, protocols and wireless standards
- Networked hosts, DNS, DHCP and VLANs
- SOHO setup, connection types and cabling tools
Hardware
About 25% of the exam · 90 minutes for the whole exam
Domain 3.0.
- RAM, storage and RAID
- Motherboards, CPUs, firmware and power
- Displays, cables, printers and printer maintenance
Virtualization and cloud computing
About 11% of the exam · 90 minutes for the whole exam
Domain 4.0.
- Virtual machines, hypervisors, VDI and containers
- Cloud models and characteristics
Hardware and network troubleshooting
About 28% of the exam · 90 minutes for the whole exam
Domain 5.0. The printed troubleshooting methodology is not itself tested.
- Motherboards, RAM, CPUs, power and drives
- Displays, mobile devices, networks and printers
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)
Operating systems
About 28% of the exam · 90 minutes for the whole exam
Domain 1.0 of Core 2. Not covered by the practice test on this site.
- Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS and mobile operating systems
- Installation, file systems, command-line tools and features
Security
About 28% of the exam · 90 minutes for the whole exam
Domain 2.0 of Core 2.
- Threats, hardening, wireless security and malware prevention
- Authentication, encryption and access control at support level
Software troubleshooting
About 23% of the exam · 90 minutes for the whole exam
Domain 3.0 of Core 2.
- Windows, macOS and Linux problems
- Mobile OS and application problems, including security symptoms
Operational procedures
About 21% of the exam · 90 minutes for the whole exam
Domain 4.0 of Core 2.
- Documentation, change management, backups and safety
- Communication and professional conduct