Detailed Guide to CompTIA A+ 220-1201 Core 1 Certification Exam Objectives

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Exam Overview

• Exam Number: Core 1 ($220-1201$) V15.
• Document Version: $4.0$.
• Passing Score: $675$ (on a scale of $100–900$).
• Number of Questions: Maximum of $90$.
• Types of Questions: Multiple-choice and performance-based.
• Length of Test: $90$ minutes.
• Recommended Experience: $12$ months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist job role.
• Accreditation: Accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to show compliance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) $17024$ standard.
• Certification Requirements: To receive the CompTIA A+ certification, candidates must pass two exams: Core 1 ($220-1201$) and Core 2 ($220-1202$).

Competency Standard and Troubleshooting Methodology

Subject matter experts have identified the troubleshooting methodology as an effective best practice. While the methodology itself is not a formal testing objective, it is a competency standard for the IT support role. Candidates are encouraged to leverage these steps when addressing new issues:

• Step 1: Identify the problem.
• Step 2: Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious).
  • Research knowledge base/internet, if applicable.
• Step 3: Test the theory to determine the cause.
• Step 4: Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution.
• Step 5: Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures.
• Step 6: Document findings/lessons learned, actions, and outcomes.

Domain 1.0 Mobile Devices ($13\%$ of Examination)

• 1.1 Mobile Device Hardware and Replacement Techniques:
  • Battery: Monitoring health and replacement.
  • Keyboard/keys: Identifying and replacing faulty inputs.
  • Random-access memory (RAM): Memory upgrades and replacements.
  • Internal Storage: Hard disk drive (HDD) and solid-state drive (SSD).
  • Wireless cards: Internal Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module replacement.
  • Physical Privacy and Security Components:
    • Biometrics: Fingerprint or facial recognition.
    • Near-field scanner features.
  • Internal Components: Wi-Fi antenna connector/placement, camera/webcam, and microphone.
• 1.2 Accessories and Connectivity Options:
  • Connection Methods: Universal Serial Bus (USB), USB-C, microUSB, miniUSB, Lightning, Near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, and Tethering/hotspot.
  • Accessories: Stylus, headsets, speakers, and external webcams.
  • Expansion/Docking: Docking stations, port replicators, trackpads, drawing pads, and track points.
• 1.3 Network Connectivity and Application Support:
  • Wireless/Cellular Data: Enabling/disabling $3G$, $4G$, and $5G$; hotspots; Wi-Fi; and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)/eSIM.
  • Bluetooth Configuration: Enabling Bluetooth, enabling pairing, finding devices, entering Personal Identification Number (PIN) codes, and testing connectivity.
  • Location Services: Global Positioning System (GPS) services and cellular location services.
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM): Device configurations for Corporate vs. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments, policy enforcement, and corporate applications.
  • Mobile Device Synchronization: Recognizing data caps; syncing calendars, contacts, and business applications (Mail, Cloud storage).

Domain 2.0 Networking ($23\%$ of Examination)

• 2.1 TCP and UDP Ports, Protocols, and Purposes:
  • $20-21$: File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
  • $22$: Secure Shell (SSH).
  • $23$: Telnet.
  • $25$: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).
  • $53$: Domain Name System (DNS).
  • $67/68$: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
  • $80$: Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
  • $110$: Post Office Protocol $3$ (POP3).
  • $143$: Internet Mail Access Protocol (IMAP).
  • $137-139$: Network Basic Input/Output System (NetBIOS)/NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT).
  • $389$: Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP).
  • $443$: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS).
  • $445$: Server Message Block (SMB)/Common Internet File System (CIFS).
  • $3389$: Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
  • Protocol Differences: Comparing Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) vs. User Datagram Protocol (UDP).
• 2.2 Wireless Networking Technologies:
  • Frequencies: $2.4\,GHz$, $5\,GHz$, and $6\,GHz$.
  • Channels: Regulatory requirements and channel selection (widths, frequencies, bands).
  • Standards: Bluetooth, $802.11$ standards, NFC, and Radio-frequency identification (RFID).
• 2.3 Services Provided by Networked Hosts:
  • Server Roles: DNS, DHCP, Fileshare, Print, Mail, Syslog, Web, Authentication/Authorization/Accounting (AAA), Database, and Network Time Protocol (NTP).
  • Internet Appliances: Spam gateways, Unified Threat Management (UTM), Load balancers, and Proxy servers.
  • Specialized Systems: Legacy/embedded systems (SCADA) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• 2.4 Common Network Configuration Concepts:
  • DNS Records: A, AAAA, Canonical Name (CNAME), Mail Exchanger (MX), and Text (TXT).
  • TXT Spam Management: DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), Sender Policy Framework (SPF), and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC).
  • DHCP Concepts: Leases, reservations, scope, and exclusions.
  • Network Segregation: Virtual LAN (VLAN) and Virtual Private Network (VPN).
• 2.5 Networking Hardware Devices:
  • Routers and Switches: Managed vs. unmanaged switches.
  • Connectivity: Access points, patch panels, and firewalls.
  • Power Over Ethernet (PoE): Injectors, PoE switches, and PoE standards.
  • Modems/Terminals: Cable modem, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), and Optical Network Terminal (ONT).
  • Interfaces: Network Interface Card (NIC) with physical Media Access Control (MAC) addresses.
• 2.6 Wired/Wireless SOHO Network Configuration:
  • Internet Protocol (IP) Addressing: IPv4 (Private vs. Public), IPv6, and Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA).
  • Parameters: Static vs. dynamic addressing, Subnet masks, and Gateways.
• 2.7 Internet Connection and Network Types:
  • Connection Types: Satellite, Fiber, Cable, DSL, Cellular, and Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP).
  • Network Categories: LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN, SAN, and WLAN.
• 2.8 Networking Tools: Crimpers, cable strippers, Wi-Fi analyzers, toner probes, punchdown tools, cable testers, loopback plugs, and network taps.

Domain 3.0 Hardware ($25\%$ of Examination)

• 3.1 RAM Characteristics:
  • Form Factors: Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module (SODIMM) and Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM).
  • Technical Details: Double Data Rate (DDR) iterations, Error-correcting code (ECC) vs. non-ECC, and channel configurations.
• 3.2 Storage Devices:
  • Hard Drives: Spindle speeds and form factors ($2.5$-inch and $3.5$-inch).
  • Solid-state Drives: Communications interfaces (NVMe, SATA, PCIe, SAS) and form factors (M.2, mSATA).
  • Drive Configurations: Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) levels $0$, $1$, $5$, $6$, and $10$.
  • Removable/Optical: Flash drives, memory cards, and optical drives.
• 3.3 Motherboards, CPUs, and Add-on Cards:
  • Motherboard Form Factors: Advanced Technology Extended (ATX), microATX, and ITX.
  • Connectors: PCI, PCIe, power connectors, SATA, eSATA, headers, and M.2.
  • CPU Compatibility: Socket types (AMD vs. Intel), multisocket support, architecture (x86/x64 vs. ARM), and core configurations.
  • BIOS/UEFI Settings: Boot options, USB permissions, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security, fan considerations, Secure Boot, BIOS/Boot passwords, and temperature monitoring.
  • Security/Encryption: TPM and Hardware Security Module (HSM).
  • Expansion Cards: Sound, video, capture, and network interface cards.
  • Cooling: Fans, heat sinks, thermal paste/pads, and liquid cooling.
• 3.4 Peripheral Cables, Connectors, and Displays:
  • Display Types: LCD (IPS, TN, VA), OLED, and Mini-LED.
  • Display Attributes: Touch screen/digitizers, inverters, pixel density, refresh rates, screen resolution, and color gamut.
  • Network Cables: Copper (T568A/T568B), coaxial, Shielded Twisted Pair (STP), Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), plenum-rated, and optical (single-mode vs. multimode).
  • Peripheral/Video Cables: USB $2.0/3.0$, Serial, Thunderbolt, HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, and USB-C.
  • Connectors: RJ11, RJ45, F-type, ST, SC, LC, Punchdown block, Molex, Lightning, and DB9.
• 3.5 Power Supplies:
  • Input/Output: $110–120\,VAC$ vs. $220–240\,VAC$; output voltages ($3.3\,V$, $5\,V$, $12\,V$).
  • Features: $20+4$ pin motherboard connectors, redundant and modular power supplies, wattage ratings, and energy efficiency.
• 3.6 Multifunction Devices and Printers:
  • Setup: Unboxing, location, and drivers (PCL vs. PostScript).
  • Connectivity/Sharing: USB, Ethernet, Wireless, printer shares, and print servers.
  • Settings: Duplex, orientation, tray settings, and quality.
  • Security: User authentication, badging, audit logs, and secured prints.
  • Scanning: Email, SMB, and Cloud services using ADF/flatbed scanners.
• 3.7 Printer Maintenance:
  • Laser: Replacing toner, maintenance kits, calibration, and cleaning.
  • Inkjet: Replacing ink cartridges, printhead cleaning/replacement, roller/feeder maintenance, and jam clearing.
  • Thermal: Replacing thermal paper, cleaning heating elements, and removing debris.
  • Impact: Replacing ribbons, printheads, and multipart paper.

Domain 4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing ($11\%$ of Examination)

• 4.1 Virtualization Concepts:
  • Purposes: Sandboxing, test development, application virtualization (legacy software/OS, cross-platform).
  • Requirements: Security, network, and storage prerequisites.
  • Infrastructure: Desktop virtualization (VDI), Containers, and Hypervisors (Type $1$ and Type $2$).
• 4.2 Cloud Computing Concepts:
  • Cloud Models: Private, Public, Hybrid, and Community clouds.
  • Service Models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
  • Characteristics: Shared vs. dedicated resources, metered utilization (ingress/egress), elasticity, availability, file synchronization, and multitenancy.

Domain 5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting ($28\%$ of Examination)

• 5.1 Motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and Power Troubleshooting:
  • Symptoms: Power-on self-test (POST) beeps, proprietary crash screens, blank screens, no power, sluggish performance, overheating, burning smells, random shutdowns, application crashes, unusual noise, capacitor swelling, and inaccurate system time.
• 5.2 Drive and RAID Issues:
  • Symptoms: LED status indicators, grinding/clicking sounds, bootable device not found, data loss/corruption, RAID failure, S.M.A.R.T. failures, extended read/write times, low IOPS, missing drives/arrays, and audible alarms.
• 5.3 Video, Projector, and Display Issues:
  • Symptoms: Incorrect input source, cabling issues, burnt-out bulbs, fuzzy images, display burn-in, dead pixels, flashing screens, improper color/size/distortion, dim images, and intermittent projector shutdown.
• 5.4 Mobile Device Issues:
  • Symptoms: Poor/swollen batteries, broken screens, improper charging, connectivity loss, liquid damage, overheating, digitizer/calibration issues, damaged ports, malware, cursor drift, and application installation failures.
• 5.5 Network Troubleshooting:
  • Symptoms: Intermittent wireless/internet connectivity, slow speeds, limited connectivity, jitter, poor VoIP quality, port flapping, high latency, external interference, and authentication failures.
• 5.6 Printer Issues:
  • Symptoms: Lines down pages, garbled print, paper jams, faded prints, feeding issues (multipage misfeed), queue backlogs, speckling, double/echo images, grinding noises, finishing issues (staple/hole punch jams), and incorrect orientation.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Acronym List

• AAA: Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting
• ACL: Access Control List
• ADF: Automatic Document Feeder
• AES: Advanced Encryption Standard
• AMD: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
• AP: Access Point
• APFS: Apple File System
• APIPA: Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing
• ARM: Advanced RISC [Reduced Instruction Set Computer] Machine
• ATX: Advanced Technology Extended
• AUP: Acceptable Use Policy
• BEC: Business Email Compromise
• BIOS: Basic Input/Output System
• BNC: Bayonet Neill-Concelman
• BSOD: Blue Screen of Death
• BYOD: Bring Your Own Device
• CAS: Column Address Strobe
• CAC: Calling-card Authorization Computer
• CIFS: Common Internet File System
• CMDB: Configuration Management Database
• CMOS: Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor
• CNAME: Canonical Name
• CPU: Central Processing Unit
• DB-9: Serial Communications D-Shell Connector, 9 pins
• DDoS: Distributed Denial of Service
• DDR: Double Data Rate
• DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
• DIMM: Dual In-line Memory Module
• DKIM: DomainKeys Identified Mail
• DLP: Data Loss Prevention
• DMARC: Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance
• DNS: Domain Name System
• DoS: Denial of Service
• DRM: Digital Rights Management
• DSL: Digital Subscriber Line
• DVI: Digital Visual Interface
• ECC: Error-correcting Code
• EDR: Endpoint Detection and Response
• EFS: Encrypting File System
• EOL: End-of-life
• eSATA: External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
• ESD: Electrostatic Discharge
• eSIM: Embedded SIM
• EULA: End-user License Agreement
• exFAT: Extended File Allocation Table
• FaaS: Function As A Service
• FAT32: 32-bit File Allocation Table
• FRT: Facial Recognition Technology
• FTP: File Transfer Protocol
• GFS: Grandfather-Father-Son
• GPS: Global Positioning System
• GPT: GUID [Globally Unique Identifier] Partition Table
• GPU: Graphics Processing Unit
• GUI: Graphical User Interface
• GUID: Globally Unique Identifier
• HD: High Definition
• HDD: Hard Disk Drive
• HDMI: High-definition Media Interface
• HSM: Hardware Security Module
• HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol
• HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
• IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service
• IAM: Identity and Access Management
• IMAP: Internet Mail Access Protocol
• IOPS: Input/Output Operations Per Second
• IoT: Internet of Things
• IP: Internet Protocol
• IPS: In-plane Switching
• IR: Infrared
• ISO: International Organization for Standardization
• ISP: Internet Service Provider
• ITX: Information Technology eXtended
• KVM: Keyboard-Video-Mouse
• LAN: Local Area Network
• LC: Lucent Connector
• LCD: Liquid Crystal Display
• LDAP: Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
• LED: Light-emitting Diode
• LTE: Long-Term Evolution
• MAC: Media Access Control
• MAN: Metropolitan Area Network
• MBR: Master Boot Record
• MDM: Mobile Device Management
• MDR: Managed Detection and Response
• MFA: Multifactor Authentication
• MFP: Multifunction Printer
• MMC: Microsoft Management Console
• MNDA: Mutual Non-disclosure Agreement
• mSATA: Mini-serial Advanced Technology Attachment
• MX: Mail Exchange
• NAC: Network Access Control
• NAS: Network Access Server
• NAT: Network Access Translation
• NDA: Non-disclosure Agreement
• NetBIOS: Network Basic Input/Output System
• NFC: Near-field Communication
• NIC: Network Interface Card
• NTFS: New Technology File System
• NTP: Network Time Protocol
• NVMe: Non-volatile Memory Express
• OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer
• OLED: Organic Light-emitting Diode
• ONT: Optical Network Terminal
• OS: Operating System
• OTP: One-time Password (or Passcode)
• PaaS: Platform as a Service
• PAM: Privileged Access Management
• PAN: Personal Area Network
• PC: Personal Computer
• PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect
• PCIe: Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
• PCL: Printer Command Language
• PII: Personally Identifiable Information
• PIN: Personal Identification Number
• PIV: Personal Identity Verification
• PoE: Power over Ethernet
• POP: Post Office Protocol
• POST: Power-on Self-test
• PSU: Power Supply Unit
• PUP: Potentially Unwanted Program
• PXE: Preboot eXecution Environment
• QoS: Quality of Service
• RADIUS: Remote Authentication Dial-in User Server
• RAID: Redundant Array of Independent Disks
• RAM: Random-access Memory
• RDP: Remote Desktop Protocol
• ReFS: Resilient File System
• RFID: Radio-frequency Identification
• RGB: Red-Green-Blue
• RISC: Reduced Instruction Set Computer
• RJ11: Registered Jack Function 11
• RJ45: Registered Jack Function 45
• RMM: Remote Monitoring and Management
• RPM: Revolutions Per Minute
• RSR: Rapid Security Response
• SaaS: Software as a Service
• SAML: Security Assertions Markup Language
• SAN: Storage Area Network
• SAS: Serial Attached SCSI [Small Computer System Interface]
• SATA: Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
• SC: Subscriber Connector
• SCADA: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
• SCSI: Small Computer System Interface
• SD: Secure Digital
• SDS: Safety Data Sheet
• SFTP: Secure File Transfer Protocol
• SIM: Subscriber Identity Module
• SLA: Service-level Agreement
• S.M.A.R.T: Self-monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology
• SMB: Server Message Block
• SMS: Short Message Service
• SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
• SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol
• SODIMM: Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module
• SOHO: Small Office/Home Office
• SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
• SPF: Sender Policy Framework
• SPICE: Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination
• SQL: Structured Query Language
• SSD: Solid-state Drive
• SSH: Secure Shell
• SSID: Service Set Identifier
• SSO: Single Sign-on
• ST: Straight Tip
• TACACS: Terminal Access Controller Access-control System
• TCP: Transmission Control Protocol
• TKIP: Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
• TN: Twisted Nematic
• TOTP: Time-based One-time Password
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module
• TXT: Text
• UAC: User Account Control
• UDP: User Datagram Protocol
• UEFI: Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
• UPnP: Universal Plug and Play
• UPS: Uninterruptible Power Supply
• USB: Universal Serial Bus
• USB-C: Universal Serial Bus Type C
• UTM: Unified Threat Management
• VA: Vertical Alignment
• VDI: Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
• VGA: Video Graphics Array
• VLAN: Virtual LAN [Local Area Network]
• VM: Virtual Machine
• VNC: Virtual Network Computer
• VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol
• VPN: Virtual Private Network
• VRAM: Video Random-access Memory
• WAN: Wide Area Network
• WAP: Wireless Access Point
• WEP: Wired Equivalent Privacy
• WinRM: Windows Remote Management
• WISP: Written Internet Service Provider
• WLAN: Wireless LAN [Local Area Network]
• WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access
• WWAN: Wireless Wide Area Network
• XaaS: Anything As A Service
• XDR: Extended Detection and Response
• XFS: Extended File System
• XXS: Cross-site Scripting

Hardware and Software Preparation List

Equipment:

• Mobile: Apple/Android tablets and smartphones, Windows tablets, Chromebooks.
• Laptops/Desktops: Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.
• Servers: Windows Server with Active Directory and Print Manager, Server with a hypervisor.
• Network: SOHO routers/switches, Access points, VoIP phones, Punchdown blocks, Patch panels.
• Printers: Laser, inkjet, wireless, thermal, and $3$-D printers.
• Power: Surge suppressors, UPS.
• Misc: Smart devices (IoT), webcams, speakers, microphones.

Spare Parts/Hardware:

• Components: Motherboards, RAM, Hard drives (HDD/SSD), CPUs, Power supplies.
• Cards: Video, sound, network, and wireless NICs.
• Cooling: Fans, heat sinks, cooling devices.
• Connectivity: Assorted cables (USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, Network, Console), adapters (Bluetooth), and unterminated network cable/connectors.
• Maintenance: AC adapters, optical drives, maintenance kits, mice/keyboards, KVMs, screws, stand-offs, and cases.

Tools:

• Standard: Screwdrivers, wire cutters, technician toolkit.
• Specialized: Multimeter, punchdown tool, crimper, power supply tester, cable stripper, cable tester, cable toner, Wi-Fi analyzer.
• Supplies: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) strap, thermal paste, SATA to USB connectors.

Software:

• Operating systems: Windows, Linux, etc.