CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Certification Exam Objectives

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam

A certification that verifies the knowledge and skills required to install, configure, and maintain computer equipment, mobile devices, and software for end users.

Core 1 (220-1201)

The first of two exams required to receive the CompTIA A+ certification.

Core 2 (220-1202)

The second of two exams required to receive the CompTIA A+ certification.

Exam Number

The identification number assigned to a specific certification exam, in this case, CORE 1 (220-1201).

Exam Objectives

The specific skills and knowledge that the certification exam will test candidates on.

Accredited by ANSI

Indicates that the CompTIA A+ exams comply with the ISO 17024 standard and undergo regular reviews and updates.

ISO 17024 standard

An international standard that specifies the requirements for bodies operating certification of persons.

CompTIA Candidate Agreement

An agreement that candidates must abide by when taking CompTIA exams.

Unauthorized study materials

Content provided by third-party training sites that CompTIA does not authorize or endorse.

Brain dumps

Unauthorized materials that claim to provide actual exam questions and answers.

Passing Score

The minimum score required to pass the exam, which is 675 on a scale of 100-900.

Number of questions

The maximum number of questions on the exam, which is 90.

Types of questions

The formats of questions on the exam, which include multiple-choice and performance-based questions.

Length of test

The duration of the exam, which is 90 minutes.

Recommended experience

12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role is suggested before taking the exam.

Exam Development

The process by which CompTIA exams are created, involving subject matter expert workshops and industry surveys.

Test Details

Information regarding the structure and requirements of the certification exam.

CompTIA Authorized Materials Use Policy

A policy that outlines the acceptable use of study materials for CompTIA exams.

Common hardware and software issues

Typical problems that candidates must be able to diagnose and resolve as part of the certification.

Troubleshooting skills

The ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems related to computer systems and software.

Customer support

Assistance provided to users regarding the use of technology and software.

Networking basics

Fundamental concepts of networking that candidates must understand for the exam.

Basic cybersecurity methods

Simple strategies to protect against threats and vulnerabilities in IT environments.

Mobile Devices

13% of the examination content.

Networking

23% of the examination content.

Hardware

25% of the examination content.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing

11% of the examination content.

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

28% of the examination content.

Troubleshooting Methodology

An effective best practice that new job incumbents should be aware of and leverage while troubleshooting.

Identify the problem

The first step in the troubleshooting methodology.

Establish a theory of probable cause

The second step in the troubleshooting methodology, which involves questioning the obvious.

Test the theory

The third step in the troubleshooting methodology to determine the cause.

Establish a plan of action

The fourth step in the troubleshooting methodology to resolve the problem.

Verify full system functionality

The fifth step in the troubleshooting methodology to ensure the solution works.

Document findings

The sixth step in the troubleshooting methodology that includes lessons learned, actions, and outcomes.

Wi-Fi antenna connector/placement

A component to monitor in mobile device hardware replacement techniques.

Camera/webcam

A component to monitor in mobile device hardware replacement techniques.

Microphone

A component to monitor in mobile device hardware replacement techniques.

Battery

A component to monitor in mobile device hardware replacement techniques.

Keyboard/keys

A component to monitor in mobile device hardware replacement techniques.

Random-access memory (RAM)

A component to monitor in mobile device hardware replacement techniques.

Hard disk drive (HDD)/solid-state drive (SSD)

A component to monitor in mobile device hardware replacement techniques.

Wireless cards

A component to monitor in mobile device hardware replacement techniques.

Physical privacy and security components

A component to monitor in mobile device hardware replacement techniques.

Biometrics

A physical privacy and security component for mobile devices.

Near-field scanner features

A physical privacy and security component for mobile devices.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

A connection method for mobile devices.

Bluetooth

A connection method for mobile devices.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Port 20-21 used for transferring files over a network.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

Port 80 used for transferring hypertext requests and information on the internet.

Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3)

Port 110 used for retrieving emails from a mail server.

Secure Shell (SSH)

Port 22 used for secure remote login and other secure network services.

Telnet

Port 23 used for text-based communication over a network.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)

Port 443 used for secure communication over a computer network.

Server Message Block (SMB)/Common Internet File System (CIFS)

Port 445 used for providing shared access to files and printers.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

Port 3389 used for remote desktop connections.

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)

Port 25 used for sending emails.

Domain Name System (DNS)

Port 53 used for translating domain names into IP addresses.

Internet Mail Access Protocol (IMAP)

Port 143 used for accessing email on a remote mail server.

Network Basic Input/Output System (NetBIOS)/NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT)

Ports 137-139 used for network communication and file sharing.

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)

Port 389 used for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Ports 67/68 used for dynamically assigning IP addresses to devices on a network.

Virtual LAN (VLAN)

A logical grouping of devices on a network, regardless of their physical location.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A secure network connection over the internet that allows remote users to connect to a private network.

Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC)

An email authentication protocol that helps prevent email spoofing.

DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM)

An email authentication method that allows the receiver to check that an email was indeed sent and authorized by the owner of that domain.

Sender Policy Framework (SPF)

An email validation system designed to prevent spam by verifying sender IP addresses.

Internet Protocol (IP) addressing

The method of assigning numerical labels to devices connected to a computer network.

IPv4

A 32-bit address scheme allowing over 4 billion unique addresses.

IPv6

A 128-bit address scheme allowing a vastly larger number of unique addresses than IPv4.

Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA)

A feature that automatically assigns an IP address to a device when a DHCP server is unavailable.

Liquid crystal display (LCD)

A flat-panel display technology that uses liquid crystals to produce images.

Touch screen/digitizer

A device that allows users to interact with a display by touching it.

Inverter

A device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) to power LCDs.

In-plane switching (IPS)

A technology used in LCDs that allows for better color reproduction and wider viewing angles.

Pixel density

The number of pixels per inch (PPI) on a display, affecting image clarity.

Twisted nematic (TN)

A type of LCD technology known for fast response times but limited viewing angles.

Refresh rates

The number of times per second a display updates its image, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Screen resolution

The number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed, typically expressed as width x height.

Vertical alignment (VA)

A type of LCD technology that offers better contrast and color reproduction than TN panels.

Organic light-emitting diode (OLED)

A display technology that uses organic compounds to emit light, allowing for deeper blacks and vibrant colors.

Color gamut

The range of colors that can be displayed by a device.

Mini light-emitting diode (Mini-LED)

A display technology that uses smaller LEDs for backlighting, improving contrast and brightness.

RJ45

A standard connector for Ethernet networking cables.

Thunderbolt

A high-speed interface for connecting peripherals to a computer, supporting data, video, and power.

Network cables

Cables used to connect devices in a network.

F-type

A connector used for coaxial cable, commonly found in cable television and internet connections.

Copper

A type of cable that uses copper wire to transmit data.

Video cables

Cables used to transmit video signals from one device to another.

Straight tip (ST)

A type of fiber optic connector used for video and data transmission.

Subscriber connector (SC)

A type of fiber optic connector that is push-pull and widely used in telecommunications.

Lucent connector (LC)

A compact fiber optic connector used for high-density applications.

T568A/T568B standards

Wiring standards for Ethernet cables that define the arrangement of wires.

Coaxial

A type of cable with an inner conductor surrounded by insulation and a shield, used for transmitting data.

Audit logs

Records of events that occur within a system.

Secured prints

Print jobs that require user authentication before printing.

Print server

A server that manages print requests from clients.

Automatic document feeder (ADF)

A device feature that allows multiple pages to be fed into a scanner or printer automatically.

Printer Control Language (PCL)

A page description language developed by Hewlett-Packard for controlling printers.

Postscript

A page description language used primarily for printing documents on laser printers.