A free CompTIA A+ cheat sheet for Core 1 and Core 2: the troubleshooting steps, common ports, RAID levels, Windows tools, malware-removal order and acronyms.
By The Exam Atlas Editorial Team · Verified 2026-08-05
A quick-revision summary for both CompTIA A+ exams: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Use it in the final days before each sitting to check recall. It is a study aid only - both exams are proctored and you cannot bring notes in.
The CompTIA troubleshooting methodology (know the order)
Step
Action
1
Identify the problem (question the user, ask what changed, back up first)
2
Establish a theory of probable cause
3
Test the theory to determine the cause
4
Establish a plan of action and implement the solution
5
Verify full system functionality and apply preventive measures
6
Document findings, actions and outcomes
“What should the technician do next?” almost always means: the next step in this list.
No. Both A+ exams are proctored and no notes are allowed. Use this as a final-revision summary before each exam day, not during it.
Does this cover both A+ exams?
Yes - the ports, hardware and troubleshooting tables are Core 1 (220-1201) material, and the Windows tools, malware-removal sequence and security items are Core 2 (220-1202) material.
