CompTIA A+ Study Guide

Exam Overview

CompTIA A+ (220-1101 & 220-1102) is the industry standard for entry-level IT professionals.

Exam Details

  • Cost: $246 per exam (2 exams required)
  • Duration: 90 minutes each
  • Questions: 90 multiple choice and performance-based
  • Passing Score: 675/900 (220-1101), 700/900 (220-1102)
  • Validity: 3 years
  • Prerequisites: None (recommended 9-12 months hands-on experience)

Core 1 (220-1101) - Hardware & Networking

Mobile Devices (15%)

  • Laptop Hardware: Batteries, keyboards, displays, webcams, wireless cards
  • Mobile Device Types: Tablets, smartphones, e-readers, GPS devices
  • Mobile Device Accessories: Docking stations, port replicators, USB-C hubs
  • Mobile Device Troubleshooting: Display issues, battery problems, connectivity

Networking (20%)

  • Network Types: LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN, WLAN
  • Network Devices: Routers, switches, access points, firewalls
  • Cable Types: Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, fiber optic
  • Connector Types: RJ45, RJ11, BNC, F-connector, ST, SC, LC
  • TCP/IP: IPv4, IPv6, subnetting, DNS, DHCP
  • Wireless Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, frequencies, channels

Hardware (25%)

  • Motherboards: Form factors, chipsets, expansion slots
  • CPUs: Intel vs AMD, cores, threads, cache, overclocking
  • RAM: DDR3, DDR4, DDR5, ECC, dual-channel, triple-channel
  • Storage: HDD, SSD, NVMe, RAID levels, interfaces
  • Power Supplies: Wattage, efficiency ratings, connectors
  • Cooling: Air cooling, liquid cooling, thermal paste

Virtualization & Cloud (11%)

  • Virtualization: Hypervisors, VMs, containers
  • Cloud Computing: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, public/private/hybrid cloud
  • Cloud Services: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Office 365

Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (29%)

  • Troubleshooting Methodology: Identify, establish theory, test, plan, verify
  • Common Issues: BSOD, boot failures, overheating, network connectivity
  • Tools: Multimeter, loopback plugs, cable testers, POST cards

Core 2 (220-1102) - Operating Systems & Security

Operating Systems (31%)

  • Windows: Installation, configuration, troubleshooting
  • Linux: Command line, file systems, permissions
  • macOS: Basic operations, system preferences
  • Mobile OS: iOS, Android, configuration, troubleshooting

Security (25%)

  • Physical Security: Locks, biometrics, security cameras
  • Logical Security: Passwords, encryption, antivirus, firewalls
  • Malware: Viruses, trojans, ransomware, spyware
  • Social Engineering: Phishing, pretexting, baiting

Software Troubleshooting (22%)

  • Common Issues: Application crashes, slow performance, compatibility
  • Windows Tools: Event Viewer, Task Manager, System Configuration
  • Linux Commands: top, ps, kill, chmod, chown

Operational Procedures (22%)

  • Documentation: Change management, incident response
  • Safety: ESD, proper lifting, disposal procedures
  • Communication: Professional communication, customer service

Study Resources

Free Online Courses

Practice Labs

Practice Tests

  • CompTIA CertMaster Practice - Official practice questions
  • ExamCompass - Free practice tests
  • Crucial Exams - Free practice questions

Books

  • “CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide” by Quentin Docter
  • “CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide” by Mike Meyers
  • “CompTIA A+ Certification Study Guide” by Jane Holcombe

Hands-On Practice

Build a Computer

  1. Research Components: CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage, PSU
  2. Assemble Hardware: Install components, cable management
  3. Install OS: Windows, Linux dual-boot
  4. Configure Network: Set up home network, troubleshoot connectivity

Virtual Lab Setup 

# Install VirtualBox
# Download Ubuntu ISO
# Create virtual machines
# Practice command line
# Install and configure services

Common Troubleshooting Scenarios

  • Computer won’t boot: Check power, RAM, hard drive
  • Blue screen errors: Update drivers, check hardware
  • Network issues: Ping test, check cables, router settings
  • Slow performance: Check RAM usage, disk space, malware

Exam Preparation Tips

Study Schedule (8-12 weeks)

  • Weeks 1-4: Core 1 material (hardware, networking)
  • Weeks 5-8: Core 2 material (OS, security)
  • Weeks 9-10: Practice tests and review
  • Weeks 11-12: Final review and exam scheduling

Study Methods

  1. Watch Videos: Professor Messer, Mike Meyers
  2. Read Books: Official study guides
  3. Hands-on Practice: Build computers, use virtual machines
  4. Practice Tests: Take multiple practice exams
  5. Flashcards: Create flashcards for key concepts

Exam Day Tips

  • Arrive Early: 30 minutes before exam time
  • Bring ID: Government-issued photo ID
  • Read Carefully: Pay attention to question wording
  • Flag Questions: Mark difficult questions for review
  • Time Management: Don’t spend too long on one question

Career Paths

Entry-Level Positions

  • IT Support Specialist - $35,000-55,000
  • Help Desk Technician - $30,000-50,000
  • Desktop Support Analyst - $40,000-60,000
  • Field Service Technician - $35,000-55,000

Next Certifications

  • CompTIA Network+ - Networking fundamentals
  • CompTIA Security+ - Cybersecurity basics
  • Microsoft MTA - Microsoft technology associate
  • Cisco CCNA - Cisco networking

Maintenance and Renewal

Continuing Education

  • CEUs Required: 20 CEUs every 3 years
  • Activities: Training, conferences, additional certs
  • Cost: $50 annual maintenance fee
  • Timeline: 3-year renewal cycle

Renewal Options

  • Additional Certifications: Network+, Security+, Linux+
  • Training: CompTIA training courses
  • Teaching: Instructor-led training
  • Conferences: IT conferences and events

Remember: A+ is your foundation. Master the basics, get hands-on experience, and use this as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications. The key to success is consistent study and practical application of what you learn.