⚡ The A+ at a Glance
CompTIA A+ requires passing two separate exams — 220-1201 (Core 1, hardware and networking) and 220-1202 (Core 2, operating systems and security). Core 1 has 5 domains; Core 2 has 4 domains. Both exams have up to 90 questions, 90 minutes, and a passing score of 675/900 (Core 1) and 700/900 (Core 2). Mobile Devices (15%) and Networking (20%) dominate Core 1 — Operating Systems (30%) dominates Core 2.
Exam Facts — Both Exams Side by Side
Core 1
220-1201
QuestionsUp to 90
Time90 minutes
Passing score675 / 900
FocusHardware, networking, cloud, virtualisation
Domains5 domains
Core 2
220-1202
QuestionsUp to 90
Time90 minutes
Passing score700 / 900
FocusOS, security, software troubleshooting, scripting
Domains4 domains
220-1201
Core 1 — Domain Weightings
220-1201 Core 1 Domain Weightings
1. Mobile Devices
2. Networking
3. Hardware
4. Virtualisation & Cloud
5. Hardware & Network Troubleshooting
Domain 1 — Mobile Devices (15%)
01
Mobile Devices
220-1201 · Laptops, tablets, smartphones
15%
Covers the hardware and connectivity of laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Laptop components are heavily tested — specifically which parts are user-replaceable and how to identify them. Mobile device configuration (email setup, MDM enrolment, synchronisation) is a major focus. Expect scenario questions about setting up email on a phone or troubleshooting a laptop display problem.
Laptop HardwareRAM types (SO-DIMM), SSD form factors (M.2, mSATA), display types (IPS, OLED, TN), battery replacement, keyboard/trackpad
Mobile ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth pairing, NFC, hotspot/tethering, cellular (GSM vs CDMA), GPS
Mobile Device ConfigurationEmail setup (POP3, IMAP, Exchange ActiveSync), MDM enrolment, corporate email profiles
Accessories & PortsUSB-C, Thunderbolt, Lightning vs USB-C, docking stations, port replicators, external displays
Mobile OS BasicsAndroid vs iOS differences, app stores, screen lock types (PIN, biometric, pattern), remote wipe
SynchronisationiCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive sync, calendar/contact sync, backup methods
Study priority: Laptop display connector types and SO-DIMM RAM are consistently tested. Know the difference between IMAP (leaves mail on server) and POP3 (downloads and deletes). MDM (Mobile Device Management) is the primary way enterprises manage mobile devices — know what it can enforce.
Domain 2 — Networking (20%)
02
Networking
220-1201 · Protocols, ports, cables, wireless
20%
The A+ networking domain covers the fundamentals a technician needs — not the deep routing and switching of Network+, but enough to configure, connect, and troubleshoot common network issues. TCP/IP addressing, common ports, wireless standards, and cable types are all heavily tested. This is one of the most practical domains — these are skills you'll use every day in IT support.
TCP/IP FundamentalsIPv4 addressing, subnet masks, default gateway, DHCP vs static IP, DNS, APIPA (169.254.x.x)
Common Ports & ProtocolsHTTP (80), HTTPS (443), FTP (20/21), SSH (22), Telnet (23), SMTP (25), DNS (53), RDP (3389), IMAP (143)
Network HardwareRouter vs switch vs hub, access points, modems, PoE switches, patch panels
Wireless Standards802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz vs 6 GHz, WPA2 vs WPA3, SSID, channel overlap
Cable TypesCat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, coaxial, fiber (SMF vs MMF), connectors (RJ45, RJ11, LC, ST, SC)
Network ServicesDHCP, DNS, NAT, proxy servers, VPN types (remote access vs site-to-site), IoT connectivity
Study priority: Port numbers are memorisation — learn the table cold. Wireless standards (know that 802.11ax = Wi-Fi 6) and cable categories (Cat6 = Gigabit at 100m) appear on almost every exam. APIPA (169.254.x.x) is the classic "what IP does a device get when DHCP fails?" question.
Domain 3 — Hardware (25%)
03
Hardware
220-1201 · Heaviest core 1 domain
25%
The biggest domain on Core 1. Covers PC components in depth — how they work, how to identify them, and how to install and upgrade them. Motherboard components, RAM types, storage interfaces, and power supply specifications are all examinable. The A+ was originally a hardware certification, and this domain reflects that heritage — you need to know your components.
Motherboards & CPUsForm factors (ATX, mATX, ITX), CPU sockets, chipsets, BIOS/UEFI settings, overclocking basics, cooling types
RAMDDR4 vs DDR5, DIMM vs SO-DIMM, ECC vs non-ECC, dual-channel, RAM slots and installation
StorageHDD vs SSD, NVMe vs SATA, M.2 form factor, RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 10), optical drives
Power SuppliesWattage ratings, modular vs non-modular, connector types (24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU, PCIe power), efficiency ratings (80 Plus)
Expansion CardsPCIe lanes and slots (x1, x4, x8, x16), GPU installation, NIC, sound card, capture card
PrintersLaser vs inkjet vs thermal vs impact, printer components (fuser, drum, toner), network printing setup, printer troubleshooting
Display TechnologyLCD, LED, OLED, refresh rates, resolution standards, display connectors (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, DVI)
PeripheralsUSB standards (2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB-C), Thunderbolt, keyboard/mouse interfaces, barcode scanners, biometric readers
Study priority: RAID levels are almost always on the exam — know RAID 0 (striping, no redundancy), RAID 1 (mirroring), RAID 5 (striping with parity, needs 3+ drives), RAID 10 (striping + mirroring). Printer troubleshooting is a consistent topic — especially laser printer components and the laser printing process (7 steps).
Domain 4 — Virtualisation & Cloud Computing (11%)
04
Virtualisation & Cloud Computing
220-1201 · Smallest domain — don't skip it
11%
At 11% it's the smallest Core 1 domain, but it's 100% testable. Covers virtualisation concepts (hypervisors, VMs, containers) and cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS). Many A+ candidates underinvest here and lose easy points. The content is conceptual — no deep technical implementation required, just solid definitions and use case recognition.
Virtualisation ConceptsType 1 vs Type 2 hypervisors, VM snapshots, VM migration, resource pooling, sandbox environments
Cloud Service ModelsIaaS (manage OS up), PaaS (manage app up), SaaS (just use it), shared responsibility model
Cloud DeploymentPublic, private, hybrid, community cloud — use cases and trade-offs
Cloud FeaturesOn-demand self-service, rapid elasticity, measured service (pay-as-you-go), resource pooling, broad network access
Virtual NetworkingVirtual switches, vNICs, virtual firewalls, software-defined networking basics
ContainersDocker basics, containers vs VMs (shared OS kernel), benefits of containerisation
Study priority: IaaS / PaaS / SaaS definitions and the shared responsibility model are the most tested cloud concepts — know who manages what in each model. Hypervisor types (Type 1 = bare metal like VMware ESXi; Type 2 = runs on an OS like VirtualBox) appear frequently.
Domain 5 — Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (29%)
05
Hardware & Network Troubleshooting
220-1201 · Largest domain — prioritise this
29%
The single biggest domain on Core 1 at 29% — roughly 26 questions. This is where the A+ earns its reputation as a practical certification. Scenario-based questions dominate: a technician observes a symptom, what's the most likely cause? What's the first step? The CompTIA troubleshooting methodology (7 steps) is tested directly, and every hardware and network symptom from the other domains can appear here as a troubleshooting scenario.
Troubleshooting Methodology7 steps: identify the problem, establish theory, test theory, establish plan, implement solution, verify, document
Storage TroubleshootingS.M.A.R.T. errors, clicking/grinding HDD, SSD wear indicators, RAID failure symptoms, boot failures
Display TroubleshootingNo signal, flickering, dead pixels, incorrect resolution, overheating GPU, backlight issues
Network TroubleshootingNo connectivity (ipconfig, ping, tracert), limited connectivity (APIPA), slow speeds, duplex mismatch
Power IssuesNo POST, intermittent shutdowns, capacitor failure, PSU testing, UPS, surge protectors
CPU & RAM IssuesOverheating (thermal paste), POST beep codes, memory errors, Blue Screen of Death causes
Printer TroubleshootingPaper jams, faded output, ghost images (fuser), smearing (drum), lines on page, network printing failures
Mobile TroubleshootingDigitiser vs display damage, overheating battery, poor signal, app crashes, connectivity problems
Study priority: Memorise the 7-step troubleshooting methodology — it's tested both directly and embedded in scenario questions. APIPA (169.254.x.x) appearing in ipconfig output means DHCP failed. S.M.A.R.T. errors are the early warning for drive failure. The laser printer process (7 steps: processing, charging, exposing, developing, transferring, fusing, cleaning) is a consistent topic.
220-1202
Core 2 — Domain Weightings
220-1202 Core 2 Domain Weightings
1. Operating Systems
2. Security
3. Software Troubleshooting
4. Operational Procedures
Domain 1 — Operating Systems (30%)
01
Operating Systems
220-1202 · Largest Core 2 domain
30%
The biggest domain on Core 2. Covers Windows 10 and Windows 11 in depth, plus macOS and Linux basics. Windows administration tools, the command line, and OS installation/upgrade scenarios dominate. The 220-1202 specifically added Linux command line content — something that wasn't on the older exam versions. Expect questions about Windows features, system utilities, and navigating the OS efficiently.
Windows Editions & FeaturesWindows 10 vs 11 system requirements, Home vs Pro vs Enterprise features, BitLocker, Group Policy, Remote Desktop
Windows Administration ToolsTask Manager, Device Manager, Event Viewer, Registry Editor, MMC, Computer Management, msconfig
Command Line (Windows)ipconfig, ping, tracert, netstat, nslookup, diskpart, sfc /scannow, chkdsk, net user
Command Line (Linux)ls, cd, pwd, chmod, chown, grep, find, ps, top, kill, apt, sudo — new in 220-1202
OS Installation & UpgradeClean install vs upgrade, boot media creation, partition types (MBR vs GPT), driver installation, activation
macOS BasicsFinder, System Preferences, Time Machine backup, Keychain, FileVault, Spotlight, Terminal basics
Windows NetworkingWorkgroup vs domain, network profiles (Public/Private/Domain), sharing settings, mapped drives, VPN client
Application ManagementInstalling/uninstalling apps, startup apps, Task Scheduler, Windows Update, app compatibility issues
Study priority: Windows administrative tools are tested heavily — know what each one does and when to use it (Task Manager vs Resource Monitor vs Performance Monitor vs Event Viewer). The new Linux commands in 220-1202 are basic but examinable —
chmod, ls -la, grep are the most commonly tested. Windows 10 vs 11 hardware requirements (TPM 2.0 for Windows 11) appear as scenario questions.Domain 2 — Security (27%)
02
Security
220-1202 · Malware, access control, physical security
27%
A broad security domain covering both physical and logical security controls, malware types and removal, social engineering, and Windows security settings. Unlike Security+, the A+ security domain is from a technician's perspective — you're the one removing malware from a machine, setting up BitLocker, or explaining to a user why they shouldn't click that link. Practical, hands-on security knowledge.
Malware Types & RemovalVirus, worm, trojan, ransomware, spyware, rootkit, keylogger — symptoms and removal steps
Social EngineeringPhishing, spear phishing, vishing, smishing, shoulder surfing, tailgating, dumpster diving
Physical SecurityCable locks, privacy screens, badge access, mantrap/access control vestibule, safe disposal
Logical Security ControlsLeast privilege, multifactor authentication, password policies, account lockout, Windows Hello
Data EncryptionBitLocker, EFS (Encrypting File System), TPM chip role, full disk encryption vs file encryption
Wireless SecurityWPA2 vs WPA3, disabling SSID broadcast, MAC filtering (limitations), rogue access points, evil twin
Malware Removal ProcessCompTIA's 7-step malware removal procedure — quarantine, disable System Restore, boot to safe mode, remediate
Windows Security ToolsWindows Defender, Windows Firewall, User Account Control (UAC), SmartScreen, Security Center
Study priority: The CompTIA malware removal process is directly tested — memorise the order (identify/quarantine → disable System Restore → remediate in safe mode → schedule scan → enable System Restore → educate user). BitLocker and TPM requirements appear frequently. Social engineering attack types (phishing vs vishing vs smishing) are easy marks if you know the definitions.
Domain 3 — Software Troubleshooting (26%)
03
Software Troubleshooting
220-1202 · OS, application, and malware scenarios
26%
The practical application of everything in the OS and Security domains. Scenario-based questions asking what a technician should do when Windows won't boot, an application crashes, or a machine is showing signs of malware infection. This and the OS domain together make up 56% of Core 2 — they are the exam.
Windows Boot IssuesStartup Repair, Recovery Environment (WinRE), bootrec commands (fixmbr, fixboot, rebuildbcd), Safe Mode types
Application CrashesEvent Viewer logs, application compatibility mode, DLL errors, services not starting, Task Manager intervention
Malware SymptomsSlow performance, unexpected pop-ups, redirected browser, changed homepage, new toolbars, disabled Task Manager
Windows PerformanceHigh CPU/RAM/disk usage diagnosis, indexing service, background processes, virtual memory/pagefile
Profile & Account IssuesCorrupt user profile, password reset, locked accounts, UPN/local account differences, roaming profiles
Mobile App TroubleshootingForce stop, clear cache vs clear data, app permissions, factory reset, iOS vs Android recovery modes
Study priority: Windows Recovery Environment tools are essential — know Startup Repair, System Restore, System Image Recovery, and Command Prompt options. The bootrec commands appear on performance-based questions. Malware symptom recognition (browser redirects, disabled security tools, high CPU with no visible process) is the core of software troubleshooting malware questions.
Domain 4 — Operational Procedures (17%)
04
Operational Procedures
220-1202 · Documentation, safety, professionalism
17%
The "soft skills and compliance" domain. Covers documentation, change management, disaster recovery, safety procedures, and professional communication. Candidates often underestimate this domain — 17% is roughly 15 questions and the content is very learnable. It also covers scripting basics and remote support tools, which are increasingly relevant for modern IT roles.
DocumentationNetwork diagrams, ticketing systems, asset inventory, knowledge base, standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Change ManagementChange request process, approval workflow, rollback plans, impact analysis, maintenance windows
Backup & RecoveryFull, incremental, differential backups — backup frequency, 3-2-1 rule, testing restores, cloud backup
Safety & EnvironmentalESD protection (antistatic wrist strap, mat), MSDS/SDS sheets, proper battery disposal, equipment weight limits
Scripting BasicsBatch files (.bat), PowerShell basics (.ps1), Python (.py), shell scripts — use cases, not coding from scratch
Remote Support ToolsRemote Desktop, Remote Assistance, third-party tools (TeamViewer, AnyDesk), screen sharing, session monitoring
ProfessionalismActive listening, setting expectations, avoiding jargon, following up, maintaining confidentiality
Regulatory CompliancePII handling, data retention policies, licensing compliance, GDPR/HIPAA awareness, incident reporting
Study priority: The 3-2-1 backup rule (3 copies, 2 different media types, 1 offsite) is tested directly. Backup types — know that differential backs up all changes since the last full backup, while incremental backs up only changes since the last backup of any kind. ESD prevention (always ground yourself before touching components) is consistently tested in the safety section.
Study Time Allocation
| Exam | Domain | Weight | Recommended Study Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 220-1201 | 5 — Hardware & Network Troubleshooting | 29% | ~4 hours — scenario practice essential |
| 220-1201 | 3 — Hardware | 25% | ~3.5 hours — lots of memorisation (RAID, ports) |
| 220-1201 | 2 — Networking | 20% | ~3 hours — port numbers and subnetting |
| 220-1201 | 1 — Mobile Devices | 15% | ~2 hours — focus on laptop hardware and MDM |
| 220-1201 | 4 — Virtualisation & Cloud | 11% | ~1.5 hours — conceptual, don't skip |
| 220-1202 | 1 — Operating Systems | 30% | ~4 hours — Windows tools and Linux basics |
| 220-1202 | 2 — Security | 27% | ~3.5 hours — malware removal process + BitLocker |
| 220-1202 | 3 — Software Troubleshooting | 26% | ~3 hours — boot repair and malware scenarios |
| 220-1202 | 4 — Operational Procedures | 17% | ~2 hours — backup types and scripting basics |
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
Both A+ exams include performance-based questions — interactive simulations where you configure a network, troubleshoot a scenario, or drag components into the correct order. PBQs appear at the start of the exam and cannot be skipped permanently (you can flag and return).
The most common PBQ formats on the A+ are: network configuration (setting up IP addresses, identifying cable types), troubleshooting simulations (following the 7-step methodology), and drag-and-drop ordering (laser printing process, malware removal steps, OSI layers). Practice these interactively — don't just read about them.
Ready to start studying for the A+?
See the best courses, practice exams, and study guides for 220-1201 and 220-1202.