CompTIA A+ Certification Prep

Complete practice exams for Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) with authentic scoring, timed sections, and in-depth study guides for every domain.

Exam Sections

🖥️

Core 1: Hardware & Networking (220-1101)

Mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization & cloud computing, and hardware & network troubleshooting.

📝 45 Questions ⏱ 90 Minutes 📊 Pass: 675/900

💻

Core 2: Software & Security (220-1102)

Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

📝 45 Questions ⏱ 90 Minutes 📊 Pass: 700/900

Exam Domains & Weights

Core 1 (220-1101)

📱 Mobile Devices15%
🌐 Networking20%
🔧 Hardware25%
☁️ Virtualization & Cloud11%
🛠️ Troubleshooting29%

Core 2 (220-1102)

🖥️ Operating Systems31%
🔒 Security25%
🐛 Software Troubleshooting22%
📋 Operational Procedures22%

Scoring & Passing

The CompTIA A+ exams use a scaled scoring system from 100 to 900. The passing score for Core 1 (220-1101) is 675 and for Core 2 (220-1102) is 700. Scaled scoring accounts for question difficulty — not every question is weighted equally on the real exam.

How This Test Scores: Your raw accuracy is mapped to the 100–900 scaled score range using a curve that mirrors CompTIA's methodology. Domain-level breakdowns help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Both exams must be passed to earn the A+ certification.

Study Guides

In-depth lesson guides for every exam domain.

🖥️ Core 1 (220-1101): Hardware & Networking Guide

Core 1 covers the hands-on, hardware-focused side of IT support: mobile devices, networking technology, PC hardware, virtualization/cloud, and hardware troubleshooting.

Domain 1 — Mobile Devices (15%)

This domain covers laptops, smartphones, tablets, and their components, connections, and accessories.

Laptop Hardware

RAM: Laptops use SO-DIMM (Small Outline DIMM) modules, smaller than desktop DIMMs. DDR4 SO-DIMMs have 260 pins; DDR5 SO-DIMMs have 262 pins.
Storage: M.2 drives (NVMe or SATA), 2.5" SATA SSDs/HDDs. M.2 form factors: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 (width × length in mm).
Displays: LCD types include TN (fast, poor angles), IPS (great color/angles), VA (good contrast). OLED offers true blacks. Backlight: LED or older CCFL.
Wireless Cards: Mini PCIe (older) or M.2 Key E (newer) for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth combo cards.
Batteries: Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) or Lithium-Polymer (LiPo). Never puncture or expose to extreme heat. Recycle properly.

Mobile Device Connections & Accessories

USB-C: Universal connector for data, charging, video (via DisplayPort Alt Mode). Up to USB4/Thunderbolt 4 speeds.
Lightning: Apple proprietary connector (being phased out for USB-C).
NFC: Near Field Communication — tap-to-pay, short range (~4 cm).
Bluetooth: Wireless peripherals, audio, tethering. Current version: Bluetooth 5.x.
Hotspot/Tethering: Sharing cellular data via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB.

Exam Tip: Know the difference between USB generations: USB 2.0 (480 Mbps), USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps), USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20 Gbps), USB4 (40 Gbps).

Domain 2 — Networking (20%)

Networking is heavily tested. You must understand TCP/IP, ports, wireless standards, and network hardware.

TCP/IP & Ports

Memorize these commonly tested port numbers:

Port Protocol Service 20/21 TCP FTP (data/control) 22 TCP SSH / SFTP / SCP 23 TCP Telnet (insecure!) 25 TCP SMTP (email sending) 53 TCP/UDP DNS 67/68 UDP DHCP (server/client) 80 TCP HTTP 110 TCP POP3 143 TCP IMAP 443 TCP HTTPS 445 TCP SMB / CIFS 3389 TCP RDP (Remote Desktop)

Network Devices

Router: Connects different networks (e.g., LAN to WAN). Operates at Layer 3 (Network). Makes forwarding decisions using IP addresses.
Switch: Connects devices within a LAN. Layer 2 (Data Link) — uses MAC addresses. Managed switches support VLANs.
Access Point (AP): Extends wired network to wireless clients. Not a router on its own.
Firewall: Filters traffic based on rules (IP, port, protocol). Can be hardware or software.
Modem: Modulates/demodulates signals — converts ISP signal to Ethernet.

Wi-Fi Standards

Standard Name Frequency Max Speed 802.11a Wi-Fi 1 5 GHz 54 Mbps 802.11b Wi-Fi 2 2.4 GHz 11 Mbps 802.11g Wi-Fi 3 2.4 GHz 54 Mbps 802.11n Wi-Fi 4 2.4/5 GHz 600 Mbps 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 5 GHz 6.9 Gbps 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 2.4/5/6 GHz 9.6 Gbps

IP Addressing

IPv4: 32-bit, dotted decimal (192.168.1.1). Private ranges: 10.x.x.x, 172.16-31.x.x, 192.168.x.x.
IPv6: 128-bit, hex (fe80::1). Link-local: fe80::/10. Loopback: ::1.
DHCP: Automatically assigns IP, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS. DORA process: Discover → Offer → Request → Acknowledge.
DNS: Resolves domain names to IP addresses. A record (IPv4), AAAA (IPv6), MX (mail), CNAME (alias).
Subnet Masks: /24 = 255.255.255.0 (254 hosts), /16 = 255.255.0.0 (65,534 hosts).

Must Know: APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) assigns 169.254.x.x when DHCP fails. If you see this address, the device can't reach a DHCP server.

Domain 3 — Hardware (25%)

The largest Core 1 domain. Covers motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage, power supplies, peripherals, and printers.

Motherboard Form Factors

ATX: 12" × 9.6" — Full-size, most expansion slots. Standard for desktops.
Micro-ATX (mATX): 9.6" × 9.6" — Fits ATX cases, fewer expansion slots.
Mini-ITX: 6.7" × 6.7" — Small form factor, usually 1 PCIe slot.

CPU & RAM

CPU Sockets: Intel uses LGA (Land Grid Array — pins on socket). AMD uses PGA (pins on CPU) for AM4, LGA for AM5.
Cooling: Air coolers (heatsink + fan), liquid/AIO coolers, thermal paste required between CPU and heatsink.
RAM Types: DDR4 (288 pins, 2133–3200+ MHz), DDR5 (288 pins, different notch, 4800+ MHz). DDR generations are NOT interchangeable — notches prevent wrong installation.
Channels: Dual-channel requires matching pairs in correct slots (check motherboard manual for slot pairing).

Storage Technologies

SATA III: 6 Gbps. Used for 2.5"/3.5" drives and some M.2 drives.
NVMe: Uses PCIe bus via M.2 slot. Much faster: PCIe Gen 3 ≈ 3.5 GB/s, Gen 4 ≈ 7 GB/s, Gen 5 ≈ 14 GB/s.
RAID Levels: RAID 0 (striping, no redundancy), RAID 1 (mirroring), RAID 5 (striping + parity, min 3 drives), RAID 10 (mirror + stripe, min 4 drives).

RAID Level Min Drives Redundancy Speed Usable Capacity RAID 0 2 None Fast 100% (all drives) RAID 1 2 Mirror Normal 50% (half capacity) RAID 5 3 1-drive Fast n-1 drives RAID 10 4 Mirror+ Fast 50% (half capacity)

Power Supplies

Connectors: 24-pin ATX (motherboard), 4/8-pin EPS (CPU), 6/8-pin PCIe (GPU), SATA power, Molex (legacy).
Wattage: Calculate total draw from all components. 80 Plus ratings (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium) indicate efficiency.
Modular vs Non-modular: Modular PSUs allow detachable cables for cleaner builds.

Printers

Laser: Processing → Charging → Exposing → Developing → Transferring → Fusing. Uses toner (powder). Fast, high-volume.
Inkjet: Liquid ink sprayed through nozzles. Better for photos. Thermal or piezoelectric heads.
Thermal: Uses heat-sensitive paper. Common in receipt printers. No ink needed.
Impact (Dot Matrix): Strikes ribbon against paper. Used for multi-part forms (carbon copies).

Exam Favorite: The laser printing process steps in order: Processing → Charging → Exposing → Developing → Transferring → Fusing → Cleaning. Memorize this sequence!

Domain 4 — Virtualization & Cloud Computing (11%)

Virtualization Concepts

Hypervisor Type 1 (Bare-metal): Runs directly on hardware. Examples: VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix XenServer.
Hypervisor Type 2 (Hosted): Runs on top of an OS. Examples: VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, Parallels.
Virtual Machine: Has its own virtual CPU, RAM, storage, NIC. Isolated from host and other VMs.
Sandbox: Isolated test environment to safely run untrusted applications.

Cloud Models

IaaS (Infrastructure): Virtual machines, storage, networks. You manage OS and up. Example: AWS EC2, Azure VMs.
PaaS (Platform): Development platform managed for you. Example: Heroku, Google App Engine.
SaaS (Software): Complete applications. Example: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce.
Deployment: Public (shared), Private (dedicated), Hybrid (mix), Community (shared among organizations).

Domain 5 — Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (29%)

The most heavily weighted domain. Master the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology.

CompTIA Troubleshooting Steps

Identify the problem — Gather info, question users, identify changes, reproduce the issue.
Establish a theory of probable cause — Start with most common/simple causes first.
Test the theory — If confirmed, determine next steps. If not, establish a new theory.
Establish a plan of action — Plan the resolution and any potential side effects.
Implement the solution — Or escalate if necessary.
Verify full system functionality — And implement preventive measures.
Document findings, actions, and outcomes.

Critical: These 7 steps appear on almost every A+ exam. Memorize the order and what each step involves. "Identify → Theory → Test → Plan → Implement → Verify → Document."

Common Hardware Issues

No POST/No boot: Check power connections, RAM seating, CPU fan, listen for beep codes.
Overheating: Clean fans/vents, reapply thermal paste, check for blocked airflow.
Blue Screen (BSOD): Often RAM, driver, or storage related. Note the error code.
Slow performance: Check Task Manager for resource usage. Possible causes: low RAM, failing HDD, malware.
Display issues: Check cable connections, try a different monitor, update GPU drivers.

Network Troubleshooting Tools

Command Purpose ipconfig Show IP configuration (Windows) ifconfig/ip Show IP configuration (Linux/macOS) ping Test connectivity to a host tracert/traceroute Show path packets take to destination nslookup Query DNS records netstat Show active network connections nbtstat NetBIOS statistics (Windows) pathping Combines ping + tracert (Windows)

💻 Core 2 (220-1102): Software & Security Guide

Core 2 focuses on operating systems, security concepts, software troubleshooting, and operational/professional procedures.

Domain 1 — Operating Systems (31%)

The largest Core 2 domain. Covers Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile operating systems.

Windows Editions

Windows 10/11 Home: Consumer edition. No domain join, no BitLocker, no Group Policy, no Remote Desktop host.
Windows 10/11 Pro: Business features: domain join, BitLocker, Group Policy, Remote Desktop, Hyper-V.
Windows 10/11 Enterprise: Volume licensing, AppLocker, DirectAccess, BranchCache.
Windows 10/11 Pro for Workstations: High-performance hardware support, ReFS file system.

Windows System Tools

Tool Command/Access Purpose Task Manager Ctrl+Shift+Esc Process/performance monitoring Device Manager devmgmt.msc Hardware/driver management Disk Management diskmgmt.msc Partitions, format, volumes System Configuration msconfig Boot options, services, startup Registry Editor regedit System/app configuration database Event Viewer eventvwr.msc System/app/security logs Computer Management compmgmt.msc All-in-one admin console Group Policy Editor gpedit.msc Local policy settings (Pro/Ent) System Information msinfo32 Hardware/software details Performance Monitor perfmon Detailed performance tracking

Command-Line Tools (Windows)

Command Purpose sfc /scannow Scan and repair system files DISM Service Windows images, repair component store chkdsk Check disk for filesystem errors diskpart Advanced disk partitioning gpupdate /force Force Group Policy refresh shutdown /r /t 0 Immediate restart robocopy Robust file copy (better than xcopy) format Format a drive [System Restore] Restore to a previous restore point

File Systems

NTFS: Windows default. Supports permissions (ACLs), encryption (EFS), compression, file sizes >4GB, journaling.
FAT32: Legacy. Max file size 4GB. Compatible with almost everything. No permissions.
exFAT: Extended FAT. No 4GB file limit. Great for flash drives and external storage shared across OS.
ext4: Linux default filesystem. Journaling, large file support.
APFS: Apple File System. macOS default since High Sierra. Optimized for SSDs.

Exam Tip: NTFS is required for Windows installation, BitLocker, file-level security permissions, and EFS encryption. FAT32 is used for EFI System Partition (ESP) on UEFI boot drives.

macOS & Linux Basics

macOS: Time Machine (backup), FileVault (full disk encryption), Spotlight (search), Terminal (command line), Keychain (password management), Finder, System Preferences.
Linux: Open source, many distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS). Commands: ls (list), cd (change dir), grep (search), chmod (permissions), sudo (superuser), apt/yum (package managers).
Linux Permissions: rwx = read/write/execute. Numeric: r=4, w=2, x=1. Example: chmod 755 = rwxr-xr-x.

Linux Command Purpose ls -la List all files with details and permissions cd /path Change directory pwd Print working directory grep "text" file Search for text in a file chmod 755 file Set permissions: owner=rwx, group=r-x, other=r-x chown user file Change file ownership sudo Run command as superuser apt install pkg Install package (Debian/Ubuntu) cat file Display file contents top / htop Show running processes

Domain 2 — Security (25%)

Security is critical. Know threat types, physical security, authentication, and data protection.

Malware Types

Virus: Attaches to a host file. Requires user action to spread. Types: boot sector, macro, polymorphic.
Worm: Self-replicating, spreads automatically across networks without user action.
Trojan: Disguised as legitimate software. Doesn't self-replicate.
Ransomware: Encrypts files and demands payment for the decryption key.
Spyware: Secretly monitors user activity (keyloggers, screen capture).
Rootkit: Hides deep in the OS to maintain persistent, hidden access. Very hard to detect.
Cryptominer: Secretly uses system resources to mine cryptocurrency.

Social Engineering Attacks

Phishing: Fraudulent emails/messages posing as trusted entities. Spear phishing targets specific individuals.
Vishing: Voice phishing — phone calls pretending to be from a trusted source.
Smishing: SMS phishing — malicious text messages.
Shoulder surfing: Watching someone's screen/keyboard to steal information.
Tailgating/Piggybacking: Following an authorized person through a secure door.
Dumpster diving: Searching trash for sensitive information.
Evil twin: Rogue Wi-Fi access point mimicking a legitimate one.

User Training is considered the most effective defense against social engineering. Technology alone cannot prevent users from clicking malicious links or sharing credentials.

Authentication & Access Control

MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication): Something you know (password) + something you have (token/phone) + something you are (biometrics).
Principle of Least Privilege: Users get only the minimum access needed for their job.
UAC (User Account Control): Windows prompt that requests permission for admin-level changes.
NTFS Permissions: Full Control, Modify, Read & Execute, Read, Write. Applied per user/group.
BitLocker: Full disk encryption for Windows (Pro/Enterprise). Uses TPM chip. Recovery key is critical.

Wireless Security

WPA3: Current standard. SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) replaces PSK. Most secure.
WPA2: Uses AES encryption. Still widely used. Personal (PSK) or Enterprise (RADIUS).
WEP: Deprecated! Easily cracked. Never use.
Best Practices: Change default SSID, use WPA3/WPA2-AES, disable WPS, use MAC filtering as extra layer (not primary security).

Browser & Email Security

Certificates: SSL/TLS certificates verify website identity. Look for HTTPS and padlock icon.
Pop-up blockers: Prevent malicious pop-up windows.
Password managers: Generate and store unique complex passwords.
Spam filters: Block unsolicited and potentially malicious emails.

Domain 3 — Software Troubleshooting (22%)

Windows Boot Issues

Boot into Safe Mode: F8 (legacy) or hold Shift + Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced → Startup Settings. Loads minimal drivers.
WinRE (Recovery Environment): System Restore, Startup Repair, Command Prompt, Reset this PC.
Boot order: Check BIOS/UEFI that the correct drive is first in boot sequence.
"BOOTMGR is missing": Use bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot, bootrec /rebuildbcd from recovery command prompt.
Black screen after login: Possible explorer.exe crash. Try Ctrl+Shift+Esc → File → Run → explorer.exe.

Application Issues

App crashes/freezes: Check Event Viewer for error logs. Update the app. Run as administrator. Check compatibility mode.
Slow performance: Disable startup programs (Task Manager → Startup tab). Check for malware. Increase RAM or clear temp files.
Installation failures: Check disk space, permissions, .NET Framework / Visual C++ requirements. Run installer as admin.

Malware Removal Process

Investigate and verify symptoms
Quarantine infected system — Disconnect from network to prevent spread.
Disable System Restore — Prevents malware from hiding in restore points.
Remediate — Update anti-malware signatures, scan in Safe Mode, use removal tools.
Schedule scans and run updates
Enable System Restore and create a restore point
Educate the end user — Prevent reinfection through user awareness.

Exam Favorite: The malware removal steps are heavily tested. Remember: Investigate → Quarantine → Disable Restore → Remediate → Update → Enable Restore → Educate.

Domain 4 — Operational Procedures (22%)

Documentation & Change Management

Change management: Request → Approval → Implementation plan → Testing → Documentation → Rollback plan.
Ticketing systems: Track issues, assign priority, document resolution. Always update and close tickets.
Knowledge base: Documented solutions to common problems. Saves time on recurring issues.
AUP (Acceptable Use Policy): Defines what users can/cannot do on company resources.

Backup & Recovery

Full Backup: Copies everything. Takes longest, requires most storage. Complete restore.
Incremental: Only files changed since LAST backup (full or incremental). Fast backup, slow restore (need full + all incrementals).
Differential: Only files changed since LAST FULL backup. Moderate backup speed, faster restore (need full + latest differential).
3-2-1 Rule: 3 copies of data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy offsite.

Backup Type Backup Speed Restore Speed Storage Full Slowest Fastest Most Incremental Fastest Slowest Least Differential Moderate Moderate Moderate

Safety & Environmental

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge): Use anti-static wrist strap, work on ESD mat. Ground yourself before touching components.
Electrical safety: Never open a PSU or CRT monitor — capacitors hold lethal charge even unplugged.
Proper disposal: Batteries → recycling center. Toner → manufacturer recycling. CRTs → hazardous waste. Follow local regulations and MSDS/SDS sheets.
Lifting: Bend at knees, keep back straight, use equipment for heavy items.

Professionalism & Communication

Be on time, professional appearance, positive attitude.
Actively listen — don't interrupt. Clarify jargon for non-technical users.
Set and meet expectations. If you need to escalate, explain why.
Maintain confidentiality — never access or share user data without authorization.
Document everything — protect yourself and the organization.

Remember: CompTIA loves professionalism questions. The correct answer usually involves: communicating clearly, documenting actions, respecting privacy, and following established procedures.

Scripting & Remote Access

Script types: .bat/.cmd (Windows batch), .ps1 (PowerShell), .sh (Bash/Linux), .py (Python), .vbs (Visual Basic Script), .js (JavaScript).
Remote Access: RDP (port 3389), VPN (secure tunnel), SSH (port 22, command line), VNC (screen sharing), screen-sharing tools (Teams, Zoom).

CompTIA A+ Practice Exams

90 questions across both exams, simulating real CompTIA timing and pass/fail scoring.

🖥️

Exam 1: Core 1 (220-1101)

45 questions covering mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization & cloud, and troubleshooting.

⏱ 90 min📊 Pass: 675/900

💻

Exam 2: Core 2 (220-1102)

45 questions covering operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

⏱ 90 min📊 Pass: 700/900

Total: 90 questions | 3 hours | Both Core 1 & Core 2

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