CompTIA A+ Test Format Overview
The CompTIA A+ certification splits across two exams with distinct content domains. You can take them in any order, but most candidates start with Core 1 because it covers foundational hardware concepts.
Core 1 (220-1101) Content Breakdown
Core 1 tests your understanding of PC hardware, networking, and troubleshooting. The five domains are:
- Mobile Devices (15%): Laptop hardware, mobile components, connectivity, and synchronization with iOS and Android.
- Networking (20%): TCP/IP, ports, protocols, routers, switches, DNS, DHCP, and 802.11 wireless standards.
- Hardware (25%): CPUs, RAM, SSDs, motherboards, power supplies, RAID, and peripheral devices.
- Virtualization and Cloud (11%): Hypervisors, IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS, and public vs private cloud models.
- Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%): POST codes, BSOD analysis, printer issues, and network diagnostics.
Core 2 (220-1102) Content Breakdown
Core 2 tests operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and professional practices. The four domains are:
- Operating Systems (31%): Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux, and command-line tools like ipconfig and sfc.
- Security (25%): Physical security, malware, social engineering, encryption (BitLocker), and multi-factor authentication.
- Software Troubleshooting (22%): Boot failures, app crashes, malware removal, and mobile troubleshooting.
- Operational Procedures (22%): Documentation, change management, disaster recovery, ESD, and professional communication.
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
Both exams include performance-based simulations alongside multiple choice. These questions appear early in the exam and require you to actually perform a task, like configuring a router or running a command. They're worth the same as multiple choice but feel very different. Budget 15-20 minutes for PBQs and skip ahead if needed.
| Term | Meaning | Pronunciation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core 1 (220-1101): Mobile Devices | Laptop hardware, mobile device components, mobile connectivity, and mobile device synchronization. | 15% of Core 1 | Laptop displays, storage, keyboards; iOS/Android; Bluetooth pairing; mobile sync (Exchange, iCloud) |
| Core 1 (220-1101): Networking | TCP/IP, ports and protocols, networking hardware, wireless standards, and network configuration. | 20% of Core 1 | OSI model, TCP/UDP ports, 802.11 standards, routers, switches, DNS, DHCP, SOHO setup |
| Core 1 (220-1101): Hardware | PC components including CPUs, RAM, storage devices, motherboards, power supplies, and peripherals. | 25% of Core 1 | DDR4/DDR5, NVMe SSDs, motherboard form factors, power supply wattage calculations, RAID levels |
| Core 1 (220-1101): Virtualization & Cloud | Client-side virtualization, cloud computing concepts, and shared resources. | 11% of Core 1 | Hypervisors (Type 1 and 2), IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS, public vs private cloud, virtual desktop |
| Core 1 (220-1101): Hardware & Network Troubleshooting | Diagnostic steps for PC, motherboard, RAM, storage, display, mobile, printer, and network issues. | 29% of Core 1 | POST beep codes, BSOD analysis, printer troubleshooting, network connectivity diagnostics |
| Core 2 (220-1102): Operating Systems | Windows 10/11 installation and configuration, macOS, Linux, and command-line tools. | 31% of Core 2 | Windows install types, Control Panel/Settings, command-line (ipconfig, netstat, sfc, chkdsk) |
| Core 2 (220-1102): Security | Physical and logical security, malware, social engineering, and securing workstations and mobile devices. | 25% of Core 2 | MFA, encryption (BitLocker, FileVault), malware types, phishing, Windows security features |
| Core 2 (220-1102): Software Troubleshooting | Troubleshooting Windows, mobile, and application issues, including malware removal procedures. | 22% of Core 2 | Boot issues, app crashes, CompTIA 7-step malware removal process, mobile app troubleshooting |
| Core 2 (220-1102): Operational Procedures | Documentation, change management, disaster recovery, safety, environmental impacts, and professionalism. | 22% of Core 2 | ESD prevention, MSDS/SDS, communication techniques, ticketing, licensing (EULA, DRM) |
Key Topics to Study for CompTIA A+
Certain topics appear repeatedly across questions and simulations. These are your highest-leverage study areas and ideal for flashcard drilling.
Port Numbers and Protocols
Memorize at least 20-30 common port numbers. The most tested are:
- 20/21: FTP (file transfer)
- 22: SSH (secure shell)
- 25: SMTP (email sending)
- 53: DNS (domain name resolution)
- 80: HTTP (web traffic)
- 110: POP3 (email retrieval)
- 143: IMAP (email)
- 443: HTTPS (secure web)
- 3389: RDP (remote desktop)
These appear on both exams and come up in performance-based simulations.
Windows Command-Line Tools
You must know the correct syntax for these commands. Practice them on a real Windows PC or virtual machine:
- ipconfig: Display IP configuration.
- ping: Test network connectivity.
- tracert: Trace route to a host.
- netstat: Display active network connections.
- nslookup: Query DNS records.
- sfc /scannow: Scan and repair system files.
- chkdsk: Check disk integrity.
- diskpart: Manage disk partitions.
- gpupdate: Apply Group Policy updates.
Performance-based questions require typing exact syntax without errors.
RAID Levels
Know the purpose, minimum disk count, and fault tolerance for each:
- RAID 0: Striping, no redundancy. Fast but zero fault tolerance. Minimum 2 disks.
- RAID 1: Mirroring. Requires double capacity. Tolerates 1 disk failure. Minimum 2 disks.
- RAID 5: Striping with parity. Requires 3+ disks. Tolerates 1 failure.
- RAID 10: Mirror of stripes. Requires 4+ disks. Tolerates multiple failures.
Windows Edition Differences
Home, Pro, Enterprise, and IoT editions have different features. The exam tests which edition supports:
- BitLocker (full-disk encryption)
- Domain join (enterprise networks)
- Group Policy (centralized management)
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) (remote access)
Core 2 especially tests these distinctions.
Malware Types and Removal
Understand each malware category and the CompTIA 7-step removal process:
- Identify the malware.
- Quarantine the infected system.
- Disable System Restore.
- Remediate the infection (remove files).
- Schedule updates and patches.
- Re-enable System Restore.
- Educate the end user.
Know the differences between viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, rootkits, and spyware.
Wireless Standards
Commit these to memory:
- 802.11a: 5 GHz, older, 54 Mbps.
- 802.11b: 2.4 GHz, slower, more range.
- 802.11g: 2.4 GHz, 54 Mbps.
- 802.11n: 2.4 and 5 GHz, 600 Mbps (Wi-Fi 5).
- 802.11ac: 5 GHz only, faster (Wi-Fi 5).
- 802.11ax: 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6).
Also know WPA2 vs WPA3 security differences.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| TCP/UDP Port Numbers | Memorize at least 20-30 common port numbers: 20/21 FTP, 22 SSH, 23 Telnet, 25 SMTP, 53 DNS, 80 HTTP, 110 POP3, 143 IMAP, 443 HTTPS, 3389 RDP. Tested on both exams. |
| Windows Command Line Tools | ipconfig, ping, tracert, netstat, nslookup, sfc, chkdsk, diskpart, gpupdate, and format. Expect performance-based questions that require typing exact commands. |
| RAID Levels | RAID 0 (stripe, no redundancy), RAID 1 (mirror), RAID 5 (stripe with parity, needs 3+ disks), RAID 10 (mirror of stripes). Know capacity and fault tolerance for each. |
| Windows Editions and Features | Home vs Pro vs Enterprise differences, BitLocker, domain join, Group Policy, and RDP availability all differ by edition and are heavily tested on Core 2. |
| Malware Types and Removal Process | Virus, worm, trojan, ransomware, rootkit, keylogger, spyware, and the CompTIA 7-step malware removal procedure (identify, quarantine, disable system restore, remediate, schedule updates, re-enable system restore, educate end user). |
| Wireless Standards | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6), speeds and frequencies (2.4GHz vs 5GHz vs 6GHz), WPA2 vs WPA3 security. Simulations often ask you to configure a SOHO router. |
Study Tips for CompTIA A+ Success
The A+ rewards both hands-on familiarity and factual recall. This plan balances both for part-time learners.
Build a Study Schedule
Commit to 2-3 hours daily over 8-12 weeks for solid preparation. This breaks down to:
- 30 minutes: Video lesson (Professor Messer or Mike Meyers).
- 45 minutes: Flashcard drills (port numbers, commands, protocols).
- 45 minutes: Hands-on practice (lab setup, configuration).
- 30 minutes: Practice exam questions.
Weekends: Full-length 90-minute practice exams.
Master the CompTIA Objectives
- Download the official CompTIA A+ objectives PDF and treat it as your master checklist.
- Build flashcards for each sub-objective, especially factual content.
- Every bullet point is fair game on the exam.
Combine Video and Flashcards
Watch a video course like Professor Messer (free) or Mike Meyers (paid) to understand concepts. Then immediately drill those concepts with flashcards. Don't skip the practical demos in videos because the performance-based simulations feel very different from multiple choice.
Practice Performance-Based Questions
Performance-based simulations appear at the start of the exam and can consume 15-20 minutes if unprepared. You can skip them and return later, but they're worth the same as multiple choice. Practice them separately using:
- Simulations in CompTIA CertMaster.
- Simulations in full-length practice exams.
- Hands-on lab setups (old PC or virtual machine).
Drill High-ROI Topics
Use flashcards to memorize:
- All port numbers (20-30 most common).
- All RAID levels and their characteristics.
- All Windows command-line tools and syntax.
- Malware types and the 7-step removal process.
These topics are heavily memorization-focused and are perfect for spaced repetition.
Take Full-Length Practice Exams
In the final two weeks, take full-length 90-minute practice exams under real conditions. Aim for 80%+ before scheduling the real exam. The scaled scoring leaves little margin for guessing.
- 1
Download the official CompTIA A+ objectives PDF and treat it as your master checklist. Every bullet point is fair game on the exam, build flashcards for each sub-objective.
- 2
Use a video course like Professor Messer (free) or Mike Meyers (paid) to cover the content, then drill with flashcards. Don't skip the practical demos, the PBQs feel very different from multiple choice.
- 3
Practice performance-based questions (PBQs) specifically. They appear at the start of the exam and can eat 15-20 minutes if you're unprepared. Skip and return if needed, they're worth the same as multiple choice.
- 4
Memorize all port numbers, RAID levels, and Windows command-line tools using flashcards. These are the highest-ROI memorization topics on both exams.
- 5
Take full-length 90-minute practice exams under real conditions in the final two weeks. Aim for 80%+ on practice tests before scheduling, the real exam's scaled scoring leaves little margin.
CompTIA A+ Resources and Tools
The A+ certification has a massive ecosystem of free and paid resources. Here's what most first-time passers actually use.
Professor Messer Videos (Free)
Professor Messer's YouTube channel offers complete, free video coverage of every A+ objective. Millions of IT professionals have used his content to pass. It's the single most recommended free resource and includes exam tips, acronym reviews, and network simulation demos.
CompTIA CertMaster Learn
CompTIA's official e-learning platform covers every objective with interactive labs and practice questions. It costs $500+, but many employers cover the cost. The content is thorough and directly aligned with exam objectives.
FluentFlash AI Flashcards
Paste the CompTIA objectives, your course notes, or a book chapter and generate A+ flashcards instantly. The FSRS spaced repetition algorithm drills port numbers, protocols, and commands until they're automatic. No credit card required to start.
Mike Meyers' All-in-One Exam Guide
The Mike Meyers book is a classic A+ resource covering every objective in conversational language. Pair it with his video course for the full experience. Also consider the CompTIA official study guide.
Jason Dion Practice Exams
Jason Dion's Udemy practice exams are widely considered closest to real A+ difficulty. Complete at least 4-6 full-length practice exams per Core before scheduling. Use the score report to identify weak domains.
Hands-On Lab Practice
Set up a Windows virtual machine or use an old PC to:
- Run ipconfig, ping, and other command-line tools.
- Configure RAID in BIOS.
- Install and configure Windows.
- Practice malware removal procedures.
- Set up a SOHO network with router configuration.
Hands-on experience with these tasks makes performance-based simulations feel natural.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Professor Messer Videos (Free) | Professor Messer's YouTube channel offers complete, free video coverage of every A+ objective. Millions of IT pros have used his content to pass, it's the single most recommended free resource. |
| CompTIA CertMaster Learn | CompTIA's official e-learning platform covers every objective with interactive labs and practice questions. Expensive ($500+) but thorough; many employers will cover the cost. |
| FluentFlash AI Flashcards | Paste the CompTIA objectives, your course notes, or a book chapter and generate A+ flashcards instantly. FSRS spaced repetition drills port numbers, protocols, and commands until they're automatic. |
| Mike Meyers' All-in-One Exam Guide | The Mike Meyers book is a classic A+ resource that covers every objective in a conversational style. Pair it with his video course for the full experience. |
| Jason Dion Practice Exams | Jason Dion's Udemy practice exams are widely considered the closest to real A+ difficulty. Aim to complete at least 4-6 full-length practice exams per Core before scheduling. |
Why Flashcards Work for CompTIA A+ Prep
The CompTIA A+ exams lean heavily on factual recall: port numbers, command syntax, acronyms, protocol definitions, hardware specifications, and troubleshooting steps. This is exactly the content type where flashcards and spaced repetition dominate other study methods.
Active Recall Beats Passive Review
A candidate who memorizes 30 port numbers via flashcards will recall them correctly in 10 seconds. A candidate who read the same list in a textbook chapter will miss half by exam day. Active recall (testing yourself) strengthens memory far more than passive review (re-reading).
Spaced Repetition Is Science-Backed
FluentFlash's FSRS algorithm schedules each card at the precise moment you'd otherwise forget it. Cognitive science research shows this maximizes long-term retention and reduces total study time by 30% compared to traditional methods.
Flashcards Complement Hands-On Practice
Flashcards cannot replace hands-on practice for performance-based simulations. But they provide the foundation of command syntax and configuration knowledge that makes simulations tractable under time pressure. Study the facts first with flashcards, then practice applying them in a lab environment.
Short Sessions Beat Marathon Study
Flashcard drills work best in 10-15 minute sessions. This is ideal for busy professionals studying part-time. Daily consistency beats cramming because spaced repetition requires spreading reviews over weeks.