CompTIA A+ Certification Course (Exams 1201/1202)

CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (Core 1)
1.0 Mobile Devices
Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components.
· Hardware/device replacement
· Physical privacy and security components
Compare and contrast the display components of mobile devices.
· Liquid crystal display (LCD)
· Organic light-emitting diode (OLED)
· Mobile display components
· WiFi antenna connector/ placement
· Camera/webcam
· Microphone
· Touch screen/digitizer
· Inverter
Given a scenario, set up and configure accessories and ports of mobile devices.
· Connection methods
· Accessories
· Docking station
· Port replicator
· Trackpad/drawing pad
Given a scenario, configure basic mobile-device network connectivity and application support.
· Wireless/cellular data network (enable/disable)
· Bluetooth
· Location services
· Mobile device management (MDM)/mobile application management (MAM)
· Mobile device synchronization

2.0 Networking
Compare and contrast Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports, protocols, and their purposes.
· Ports and protocols
· TCP vs. UDP
Compare and contrast common networking hardware.
· Routers
· Switches
· Access points
· Patch panel
· Firewall
· Power over Ethernet (PoE)
· Hub
· Cable modem
· Digital subscriber line (DSL)
· Optical network terminal (ONT)
· Network interface card (NIC)
· Software-defined networking (SDN)
Compare and contrast protocols for wireless networking.
· Frequencies
· Channels
· Bluetooth
· 802.11
· Long-range fixed wireless
· NFC
· Radio-frequency identification (RFID)
Summarize services provided by networked hosts.
· Server roles
· Internet appliances
· Legacy/embedded systems
· Internet of Things (IoT) devices
Given a scenario, install and configure basic wired/wireless small office/home office (SOHO) networks.
· IPv4
· IPv6
· Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA)
· Static
· Dynamic
· Gateway
Compare and contrast common network configuration concepts.
· DNS
· DHCP
· Virtual LAN (VLAN)
· Virtual private network (VPN)
Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types, and their features.
· Internet connection types
· Network types
Given a scenario, use networking tools.
· Crimper
· Cable stripper
· WiFi analyzer
· Toner probe
· Punchdown tool
· Cable tester
· Loopback plug
· Network tap

3.0 Hardware
Explain basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes.
· Network cables
· Peripheral cables
· Video cables
· Hard drive cables
· Adapters
· Connector types
Given a scenario, install the appropriate RAM.
· RAM types
· Single-channel
· Dual-channel
· Triple-channel
· Quad-channel
Given a scenario, select and install storage devices.
· Hard drives
· SSDs
· Drive configurations
· Removable storage
Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards.
· Motherboard form factor
· Motherboard connector types
· Motherboard compatibility
· Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) settings
· Encryption
· CPU architecture
· Expansion cards
· Cooling
Given a scenario, install or replace the appropriate power supply.
· Input 110-120 VAC vs. 220-240 VAC
· Output 3.3V vs. 5V vs. 12V
· 20-pin to 24-pin motherboard adapter
· Redundant power supply
· Modular power supply
· Wattage rating
Given a scenario, deploy and configure multifunction devices/ printers and settings.
· Properly unboxing a device - setup location considerations
· Use appropriate drivers for a given OS
· Device connectivity
· Public/shared devices
· Configuration settings
· Security
· Network scan services
· Automatic document feeder (ADF)/flatbed scanner
Given a scenario, install and replace printer consumables.
· Laser
· Inkjet
· Thermal
· Impact
· 3-D printer

4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Summarize cloud-computing concepts.
· Common cloud models
· Cloud characteristics
· Desktop virtualization
Summarize aspects of client-side virtualization.
· Purpose of virtual machines
· Resource requirements
· Security requirements

5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
Given a scenario, apply the best practice methodology to resolve problems.
· Identify the problem
· Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious)
· Test the theory to determine the cause
· Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution
· Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures
· Document the findings, actions, and outcomes
Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU, and power.
· Power-on self-test (POST) beeps
· Proprietary crash screens (blue screen of death [BSOD]/ pinwheel)
· Black screen
· No power
· Sluggish performance
· Overheating
· Burning smell
· Intermittent shutdown
· Application crashes
· Grinding noise
· Capacitor swelling
· Inaccurate system date/time
Given a scenario, troubleshoot and diagnose problems with storage drives and RAID arrays.
· Light-emitting diode (LED) status indicators
· Grinding noises
· Clicking sounds
· Bootable device not found
· Data loss/corruption
· RAID failure
· Self-monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) failure
· Extended read/write times
· Input/output operations per second (IOPS)
· Missing drives in OS
Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues.
· Incorrect data source
· Physical cabling issues
· Burned-out bulb
· Fuzzy image
· Display burn-in
· Dead pixels
· Flashing screen
· Incorrect color display
· Audio issues
· Dim image
· Intermittent projector shutdown
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common issues with mobile devices.
· Poor battery health
· Swollen battery
· Broken screen
· Improper charging
· Poor/no connectivity
· Liquid damage
· Overheating
· Digitizer issues
· Physically damaged ports
· Malware
· Cursor drift/touch calibration
Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve printer issues.
· Lines down the printed pages
· Garbled print
· Toner not fusing to paper
· Paper jams
· Faded print
· Incorrect paper size
· Paper not feeding
· Multipage misfeed
· Multiple prints pending in queue
· Speckling on printed pages
· Double/echo images on the print
· Incorrect color settings
· Grinding noise
· Finishing issues
· Incorrect page orientation
Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems with wired and wireless networks.
· Intermittent wireless connectivity
· Slow network speeds
· Limited connectivity
· Jitter
· Poor Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) quality
· Port flapping
· High latency
· External interference

CompTIA A+ 220-1202 (Core 2)
Operating Systems
Identify basic features of Microsoft Windows editions.
· Windows 10 editions
· Feature differences
· Upgrade paths
Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft command-line tool.
· Navigation
· Command-line tools
Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system (OS).
· Task Manager
· Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in
· Additional tools
Given a scenario, use the appropriate Microsoft Windows 10 Control Panel utility.
· Internet Options
· Devices and Printers
· Programs and Features
· Network and Sharing Center
· System
· Windows Defender Firewall
· Mail
· Sound
· User Accounts
· Device Manager
· Indexing Options
· Administrative Tools
· File Explorer Options
· Power Options
· Ease of Access
Given a scenario, use the appropriate Windows settings.
· Time and Language
· Update and Security
· Personalization
· Apps
· Privacy
· System
· Devices
· Network and Internet
· Gaming
· Accounts
Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking features on a client/desktop.
· Workgroup vs. domain setup
· Local OS firewall settings
· Client network configuration
· Establish network connections
· Proxy settings
· Public network vs. private network
· File Explorer navigation - network paths
· Metered connections and limitations
Given a scenario, apply application installation and configuration concepts.
· System requirements for applications
· OS requirements for applications
· Distribution methods
· Other considerations for new applications
Explain common OS types and their purposes.
· Workstation OSs
· Cell phone/tablet OSs
· Various filesystem types
· Vendor life-cycle limitations
· Compatibility concerns between OSs
Given a scenario, perform OS installations and upgrades in a diverse OS environment.
· Boot methods
· Types of installations
· Partitioning
· Drive format
· Upgrade considerations
· Feature updates
Identify common features and tools of the macOS/desktop OS.
· Installation and uninstallation of applications
· Apple ID and corporate restrictions
· Best practices
· System Preferences
· Features
· Disk Utility
· FileVault
· Terminal
· Force Quit
Identify common features and tools of the Linux client/desktop OS.
· Common commands
· Best practices
· Tools

2.0 Security
Summarize various security measures and their purposes.
· Physical security
· Physical security for staff
· Logical security
· Mobile device management (MDM)
· Active Directory
Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods.
· Protocols and encryption
· Authentication
Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using the appropriate tools and methods.
· Malware
· Tools and methods
Explain common social-engineering attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities.
· Social engineering
· Threats
· Vulnerabilities
Given a scenario, manage and configure basic security settings in the Microsoft Windows OS.
· Defender Antivirus
· Firewall
· Users and groups
· Login OS options
· NTFS vs. share permissions
· Run as administrator vs. standard user
· BitLocker
· BitLocker To Go
· Encrypting File System (EFS)
Given a scenario, configure a workstation to meet best practices for security.
· Data-at-rest encryption
· Password best practices
· End-user best practices
· Account management
· Change default administrator's user account/password
· Disable AutoRun
· Disable AutoPlay
Explain common methods for securing mobile and embedded devices.
· Screen locks
· Remote wipes
· Locator applications
· OS updates
· Device encryption
· Remote backup applications
· Failed login attempts restrictions
· Antivirus/anti-malware
· Firewalls
· Policies and procedures
· Internet of Things (IoT)
Given a scenario, use common data destruction and disposal methods.
· Physical destruction
· Recycling or repurposing best practices
· Outsourcing concepts
Given a scenario, configure appropriate security settings on small office/home office (SOHO) wireless and wired networks.
· Home router settings
· Wireless specific
· Firewall settings
Given a scenario, install and configure browsers and relevant security settings.
· Browser download/installation
· Extensions and plug-ins
· Password managers
· Secure connections/sites - valid certificates
· Settings

3.0 Software Troubleshooting
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common Windows OS problems.
· Common symptoms
· Common troubleshooting steps
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common personal computer (PC) security issues.
· Common symptoms
· Browser-related symptoms
Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware removal.
· Investigate and verify malware symptoms
· Quarantine infected systems
· Disable System Restore in Windows
· Remediate infected systems
· Schedule scans and run updates
· Enable System Restore and create a restore point in Windows
· Educate the end user
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues.
· Application fails to launch
· Application fails to close/crashes
· Application fails to update
· Slow to respond
· OS fails to update
· Battery life issues
· Randomly reboots
· Connectivity issues
· Screen does not autorotate
Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues.
· Security concerns
· Common symptoms

4.0 Operational Procedures
Given a scenario, implement best practices associated with documentation and support systems information management.
· Ticketing systems
· Asset management
· Types of documents
· Knowledge base/articles
Explain basic change-management best practices.
· Documented business processes
· Change management
Given a scenario, implement workstation backup and recovery methods.
· Backup and recovery
· Backup testing
· Backup rotation schemes
Given a scenario, use common safety procedures.
· Electrostatic discharge (ESD) straps
· ESD mats
· Equipment grounding
· Proper power handling
· Proper component handling and storage
· Antistatic bags
· Compliance with government regulations
· Personal safety
Summarize environmental impacts and local environmental controls.
· Material safety data sheet (MSDS)/documentation for handling and disposal
· Temperature, humidity-level awareness, and proper ventilation
· Power surges, under-voltage events, and power failures
Explain the importance of prohibited content/activity and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.
· Incident response
· Licensing/digital rights management (DRM)/end-user license agreement (EULA)
· Regulated data
Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism.
· Professional appearance and attire
· Use proper language and avoid jargon, acronyms, and slang, when applicable
· Maintain a positive attitude/ project confidence
· Actively listen, take notes, and avoid interrupting the customer
· Be culturally sensitive
· Be on time (if late, contact the customer)
· Avoid distractions
· Dealing with difficult customers or situations
· Set and meet expectations/time line and communicate status with the customer
· Deal appropriately with customers' confidential and private materials