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CompTIA A+ (220-1201 & 220-1202) Exam Objectives Explained

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Every CompTIA A+ domain explained in plain English: Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) weightings and what each objective area actually tests.

By The Exam Atlas Editorial Team · Verified 2026-08-05

This page explains what CompTIA A+ actually tests, domain by domain, in plain English. A+ is unusual: it is two separate exams, Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202), and you must pass both on the same version. This is a summary to help you plan your study, not a copy of the official document - always confirm against CompTIA’s official exam objectives PDF.

Core 1 (220-1201): the physical and network layer

Domain 1 - Mobile Devices (13%)

Laptops and portable devices as serviceable machines.

  • Laptop hardware: installing and replacing SODIMM memory, storage, batteries, keyboards and displays.
  • Display components: panel vs backlight vs digitizer, and which failure produces which symptom.
  • Mobile connectivity: Bluetooth pairing, NFC, Wi-Fi vs cellular data, airplane mode, hotspots.
  • Configuration: email setup, synchronisation, and locating or securing a device.

Domain 2 - Networking (23%)

The vocabulary of small networks.

  • Ports and protocols: the common TCP/UDP port numbers and what each service does.
  • TCP vs UDP: reliable, connection-oriented transport versus fast, connectionless transport.
  • Network hardware: routers, switches, access points, modems, and the all-in-one small-office router.
  • Wireless: frequency-band trade-offs, SSIDs, and basic Wi-Fi planning.
  • IP addressing and services: private ranges, subnet mask, default gateway, DHCP, DNS, NAT, VPN.

Domain 3 - Hardware (25%)

The largest Core 1 domain: identifying, installing and configuring components.

  • Cables and connectors: RJ45, RJ11, USB variants, HDMI, DisplayPort, SATA.
  • Memory: DIMM vs SODIMM form factors and DDR generations.
  • Storage: HDD vs SATA SSD vs NVMe (M.2), plus RAID levels 0, 1, 5 and 10.
  • Core components: motherboards, CPUs and cooling, power supplies, expansion cards.
  • Printers and peripherals: laser, inkjet and thermal printing, plus common peripheral setup.

Domain 4 - Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)

The smallest domain, and lab-friendly.

  • Virtualization: hypervisors, virtual machines, sandboxing and legacy-system use cases.
  • Cloud service models: IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS.
  • Cloud deployment models: public, private, hybrid and community, plus shared-resource and metered-use characteristics.

Domain 5 - Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%)

The biggest Core 1 domain.

  • The CompTIA troubleshooting methodology: the ordered steps from identifying the problem to documenting findings - questions test the order.
  • Hardware symptoms: POST beep codes, overheating, failing drives, display faults.
  • Network symptoms: no connectivity, intermittent drops, slow speeds, and the tools (like ping) that isolate them.
  • Printer and mobile symptoms: print-quality defects, connectivity failures, battery and charging issues.

Core 2 (220-1202): operating systems, security and procedure

Domain 1 - Operating Systems (28%)

Mostly Windows administration, plus cross-platform literacy.

  • Windows tools: Task Manager, Event Viewer, Device Manager, Disk Management and Settings/Control Panel.
  • File systems: NTFS vs FAT32/exFAT and when each is used.
  • Installation and management: editions, upgrades, user accounts, and command-line basics.
  • macOS and Linux: Time Machine, Keychain, file permissions and everyday commands at recognition level.

Domain 2 - Security (28%)

Threats and the everyday defences of a support role.

  • Malware types: viruses, trojans, ransomware, spyware, rootkits - and the ordered malware-removal sequence.
  • Social engineering: phishing and its variants, shoulder surfing, tailgating.
  • Authentication and access: MFA, least privilege, UAC, screen locks.
  • Hardening: patching, firewalls, wireless security (WPA2/WPA3), disk encryption, physical security, data destruction.

Domain 3 - Software Troubleshooting (23%)

Symptom-to-fix reasoning with the least invasive step first.

  • Windows issues: crashes, blue screens, boot errors, degraded performance, and Safe Mode.
  • Malware symptoms: pop-ups, redirects and rogue notifications, routed into the removal sequence.
  • Mobile OS and app issues: freezing apps, update problems, battery and connectivity symptoms.

Domain 4 - Operational Procedures (21%)

The professional wrapper around the technical work.

  • Safety and environment: ESD protection, power handling, safe disposal.
  • Documentation: ticketing, asset management, knowledge bases.
  • Change management: approvals, testing, rollback plans.
  • Incident response and privacy: chain of custody, PII, acceptable use policies.
  • Backups, scripting and remote access at awareness level, plus communication and professionalism.

FAQ

How many domains does CompTIA A+ have?
Nine across two exams. Core 1 (220-1201) has five: Mobile Devices (13%), Networking (23%), Hardware (25%), Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%), Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (28%). Core 2 (220-1202) has four: Operating Systems (28%), Security (28%), Software Troubleshooting (23%), Operational Procedures (21%).
Do I need to pass both exams?
Yes. A+ requires passing Core 1 and Core 2, both on the same version - passing one alone earns no credential, and versions cannot be mixed.
Where can I get the official objectives?
Download the official exam objectives PDF free from CompTIA's A+ certification page. This page summarises and explains them; the official document is authoritative.

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