CompTIA 220-1001 A+ Exam Objectives

About 20% of these objectives are new since the 220-901 A+ exam.
All of the new or modified objectives since the 220-901 A+ exam are highlighted.

CompTIA 220-1001 A+ Exam Domains

Domain 1.0 – Mobile Devices
Domain 2.0 – Networking
Domain 3.0 – Hardware
Domain 4.0 – Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Domain 5.0 – Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

Domain 1.0 – Mobile devices

  • 1.1 – Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components.
    • Hardware/device replacement
      • Keyboard – Hard drive
      • SSD vs. hybrid vs. magnetic disk
      • 1.8in vs. 2.5in – Memory
      • Smart card reader – Optical drive
      • Wireless card/Bluetooth module
      • Cellular card
      • Video card
      • Mini PCIe
      • Screen
      • DC jack
      • Battery
      • Touchpad
      • Plastics/frames – Speaker
      • System board
      • CPU
  • 1.2 – Given a scenario, install components within the display of a laptop.
    • Types
      • LCD
      • OLED
    • WiFi antenna connector/placement
    • Webcam
    • Microphone
    • Inverter
    • Digitizer/touchscreen
  • 1.3 – Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features.
    • Special function keys
      • Dual displays
      • Wireless (on/off)
      • Cellular (on/off)
      • Volume settings
      • Screen brightness
      • Bluetooth (on/off)
      • Keyboard backlight – Touchpad (on/off)
      • Screen orientation
      • Media options (fast forward/rewind)
      • GPS (on/off)
      • Airplane mode
    • Docking station
    • Port replicator
    • Physical laptop lock and cable lock
    • Rotating/removable screens
  • 1.4 – Compare and contrast characteristics of various types of other mobile devices.
    • Tablets
    • Smartphones
    • Wearable technology devices
      • Smart watches
      • Fitness monitors
      • VR/AR headsets
    • E-readers
    • GPS
  • 1.5 – Given a scenario, connect and configure accessories and ports of other mobile devices.
    • Connection Types
      • Wired
        • Micro-USB / Mini-USB / USB-C
        • Lightning
        • Tethering
        • Proprietary vendor-specific ports (communication/power)
      • Wireless
        • NFC
        • Bluetooth
        • IR
        • Hotspot
    • Accessories
      • Headsets
      • Speakers
      • Gamepads
      • Extra battery packs/battery chargers
      • Protective covers/waterproofing
      • Credit card readers
      • Memory/MicroSD
  • 1.6 – Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and application support.
    • Wireless/cellular data network (enable/disable)
      • Hotspot
      • Tethering
      • Airplane Mode
    • Bluetooth
      • Enable Bluetooth
      • Enable pairing
      • Find a device for pairing
      • Enter the appropriate PIN code
      • Test connectivity
    • Corporate and ISP email configuration
      • POP3
      • IMAP
      • Port and SSL settings
      • S/MIME
    • Integrated commercial provider email configuration
      • iCloud
      • Google/Inbox
      • Exchange Online
      • Yahoo
    • PRI updates / PRL updates / baseband updates
    • Radio firmware
    • IMEI vs. IMSI
    • VPN
  • 1.7 – Given a scenario, use methods to perform mobile device synchronization.
    • Synchronization methods
      • Synchronize to the cloud
      • Synchronize to the desktop
      • Synchronize to the automobile
    • Types of data to synchronize
      • Contacts
      • Applications
      • Email
      • Pictures
      • Music
      • Videos
      • Calendar
      • Bookmarks
      • Documents
      • Location data
      • Social media data
      • E-books
      • Passwords
    • Mutual authentication for multiple services (SSO)
    • Software requirements to install the application on the PC
    • Connection types to enable synchronization

Domain 2.0 – Networking

  • 2.1 – Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purposes.
    • Ports and Protocols
      • 21 – FTP
      • 22 – SSH
      • 23 – Telnet
      • 25 – SMTP
      • 53 – DNS
      • 80 – HTTP
      • 110 – POP3
      • 143 – IMAP
      • 443 – HTTPS
      • 3389 – RDP
      • 137-139 – NetBIOS/NetBT
      • 445 – SMB/CIFS
      • 427 – SLP
      • 548 – AFP
      • 67/68 – DHCP
      • 389 – LDAP
      • 161/162 – SNMP
    • TCP vs. UDP
  • 2.2 – Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices.
    • Routers
    • Switches
      • Managed
      • Unmanaged
    • Access points
    • Cloud-based network controller
    • Firewall
    • Network Interface Card
    • Repeater
    • Hub
    • Cable/DSL modem
    • Bridge
    • Patch panel
    • Power over Ethernet (PoE)
      • Injectors
      • Switch
    • Ethernet over Power
  • 2.3 – Given a scenario, install and configure a basic wired/wireless SOHO network.
    • Router/switch functionality
    • Access point settings
    • IP addressing
    • NIC configuration
      • Wired
      • Wireless
    • End-user device configuration
    • IoT device configuration
      • Thermostat
      • Light switches
      • Security cameras
      • Door locks
      • Voice-enabled, smart speaker/digital assistant
    • Cable/DSL modem configuration
    • Firewall settings
      • DMZ
      • Port forwarding
      • NAT
      • UPnP
      • Whitelist/blacklist
      • MAC filtering
    • QoS
    • Wireless settings
      • Encryption
      • Channels
      • QoS
  • 2.4 – Compare and contrast wireless networking protocols.
    • 802.11a
    • 802.11b
    • 802.11g
    • 802.11n
    • 802.11ac
    • Frequencies
      • 2.4 GHz
      • 5 GHz
    • Channels
      • 1-11
    • Bluetooth
    • NFC
    • RFID
    • Zigbee
    • Z-Wave
    • 3G
    • 4G
    • 5G
    • LTE
  • 2.5 – Summarize the properties and purposes of services provided by networked hosts.
    • Server roles
      • Web server
      • File server
      • Print server
      • DHCP server
      • DNS server
      • Proxy server
      • Mail server
      • Authentication server
      • syslog
    • Internet appliance
      • UTM
      • IDS
      • IPS
      • End-point management server
    • Legacy/embedded systems
  • 2.6 – Explain common network configuration concepts.
    • IP addressing
      • Static
      • Dynamic
      • APIPA
      • Link local
    • DNS
    • DHCP
      • Reservations
    • IPv4 vs. IPv6
    • Subnet mask
    • Gateway
    • VPN
    • VLAN
    • NAT
  • 2.7 – Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types, and their features.
    • Internet connection types
      • Cable
      • DSL
      • Dial-up
      • Fiber
      • Satellite
      • ISDN
      • Cellular
        • Tethering
        • Mobile hotspot
      • Line-of-sight wireless Internet service
    • Network types
      • LAN
      • WAN
      • PAN
      • MAN
      • WMN
  • 2.8 – Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.
    • Crimper
    • Cable stripper
    • Multimeter
    • Tone generator and probe
    • Cable tester
    • Loopback plug
    • Punchdown tool
    • WiFi analyzer

Domain 3.0 – Hardware

  • 3.1 – Explain basic cable types, features, and their purposes.
    • Network cables
      • Ethernet
        • Cat 5
        • Cat 5e
        • Cat 6
        • Plenum
        • Shielded twisted pair
        • Unshielded twisted pair
        • 568A/B
      • Fiber
      • Coaxial
      • Speed and transmission limitations
    • Video cables
      • VGA
      • HDMI
      • Mini-HDMI
      • DisplayPort
      • DVI
      • DVI-D / DVI-I
    • Multipurpose cables
      • Lightning
      • Thunderbolt
      • USB
      • USB-C
      • USB 2.0
      • USB 3.0
    • Peripheral cables
      • Serial
      • Thunderbolt
    • Hard drive cables
      • SATA
      • IDE
      • SCSI
    • Adapters
      • DVI to HDMI
      • USB to Ethernet
      • DVI to VGA
    • 3.2 – Identify common connector types.
      • RJ-11
      • RJ-45
      • RS-232
      • BNC
      • RG-59
      • RG-6
      • USB
      • Micro-USB
      • Mini-USB
      • USB-C
      • DB-9
      • Lightning
      • SCSI
      • eSATA
      • Molex
    • 3.3 – Given a scenario, install RAM types.
      • RAM types
        • SODIMM
        • DDR2
        • DDR3
        • DDR4
      • Single channel
      • Dual channel
      • Triple channel
      • Error correcting
      • Parity vs. Non-parity
    • 3.4 – Given a scenario, select, install and configure storage devices.
      • Optical drives
        • CD-ROM/CD-RW
        • DVD-ROM/DVD-RW/DVD-RW DL
        • Blu-ray
        • BD-R
        • BD-RE
      • Solid-state drives
        • M2 drives
        • NVME
        • SATA 2.5
      • Magnetic hard drives
        • 5,400 rpm
        • 7,200 rpm
        • 10,000 rpm
        • 15,000 rpm
        • Sizes
          • 2.5
          • 3.5
      • Hybrid drives
      • Flash
        • SD card
        • CompactFlash
        • Micro-SD card
        • Mini-SD card
        • xD
      • Configurations
        • RAID 0,1,5,10
        • Hot swappable
    • 3.5 – Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards.
      • Motherboard form factor
        • ATX
        • mATX
        • ITX
        • mITX
      • Motherboard connectors types
        • PCI
        • PCIe
        • Riser card
        • Socket types
        • SATA
        • IDE
        • Front panel connector
        • Internal USB connector
      • BIOS/UEFI settings
        • Boot options
        • Firmware updates
        • Security settings
        • Interface configurations
        • Security
          • Passwords
          • Drive encryption
            • TPM
            • LoJack
            • Secure boot
      • CMOS battery
      • CPU features
        • Single core
        • Multicore
        • Virtual technology
        • Hyperthreading
        • Speeds
        • Overclocking
        • Integrated GPU
      • Compatibility
        • AMD
        • Intel
      • Cooling mechanism
        • Fans
        • Heat sink
        • Liquid
        • Thermal Paste
      • Expansion cards
        • Video cards
          • Onboard
          • Add-on card
        • Sound cards
        • Network interface card
        • USB expansion card
        • eSATA card
      • 3.6 – Explain the purposes and uses of various peripheral types.
        • Printer
        • ADF/flatbed scanner
        • Barcode scanner/QR scanner
        • VR headset
        • Optical
        • DVD drive
        • Mouse
        • Keyboard
        • Touchpad
        • Signature pad
        • Game controllers
        • Camera/webcam
        • Microphone
        • Speakers
        • Headset
        • Projector
          • Lumens/brightness
        • External storage drives
        • KVM
        • Magnetic reader/chip reader
        • NFC/tap pay device
        • Smart card reader
      • 3.7 – Summarize power supply types and features.
        • Input 115V vs. 220V
        • Output 5.5V vs. 12V
        • 24-pin motherboard adapter
        • Wattage rating
        • Number of devices/types of devices to be powered
      • 3.8 – Given a scenario, select and configure appropriate components for a custom PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs.
        • Graphic/CAD/CAM design workstation
          • Multicore processor
          • High-end video
          • Maximum RAM
        • Audio-video editing workstation
          • Specialized audio and video card
          • Large, fast hard drive
          • Dual monitors
        • Virtualization workstation
          • Maximum RAM and CPU cores
        • Gaming PC
          • Multicore processor
          • High-end video/specialized GPU
          • High-definition sound card
          • High-end cooling
        • Standard thick client
          • Desktop applications
          • Meets recommended requirements for selected OS
        • Thin client
          • Basic applications
          • Meets minimum requirements for selected OS
          • Network connectivity
        • Network attached storage device
          • Media streaming
          • File sharing
          • Gigabit NIC
          • RAID array
      • 3.9 – Given a scenario, install and configure common devices.
        • Desktop
          • Thin client
          • Thick client
          • Account setup/settings
        • Laptop/common mobile devices
          • Touchpad configuration
          • Touchscreen configuration
          • Application installations/configurations
          • Synchronization settings
          • Account setup/settings
          • Wireless settings
      • 3.10 – Given a scenario, configure SOHO multifunction devices/printers and settings.
        • Use appropriate drivers for a given operating system
          • Configuration settings
            • Duplex
            • Collate
            • Orientation
            • Quality
        • Device sharing
          • Wired
            • USB
            • Serial
            • Ethernet
            • Wireless
              • Bluetooth
              • 802.11 (a,b,g,n,ac)
              • Infrastructure vs. ad hoc
            • Integrated print service (hardware)
            • Cloud printing/remote printing
        • Public/shared devices
          • Sharing local/networked device via operating system settings
            • TCP/Bonjour/Airprint
          • Data privacy
            • User authentication on the device
            • Hard drive caching
      • 3.11 – Given a scenario, install and maintain various print technologies.
        • Laser
          • Imaging drum, fuser assembly, transfer belt, transfer roller, pickup rollers, separate pads,
            duplexing assembly
          • Imaging process: processing, charging, exposing, developing, transferring, fusing, and cleaning
          • Maintenance: Replace toner, apply maintenance kit, calibrate, clean
        • Inkjet
          • Ink cartridge, print head, roller, feeder, duplexing assembly, carriage, and belt
          • Calibrate
          • Maintenance: Clean heads, replace cartridges, calibrate, clear jams
        • Thermal
          • Feed assembly, heating element
          • Special thermal paper
          • Maintenance: Replace paper, clean heating element, remove debris
        • Impact
          • Print head, ribbon, tractor feed
          • Impact paper
          • Maintenance: Replace ribbon, replace print head, replace paper
        • Virtual
          • Print to file
          • Print to PDF
          • Print to XPS
          • Print to image
        • 3D printers
          • Plastic filament

      Domain 4.0 – Virtualization and Cloud Computing

      • 4.1 – Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts.
        • Common cloud models
          • IaaS
          • SaaS
          • PaaS
          • Public vs. private vs. hybrid vs. community
        • Shared resources
          • Internal vs. external
        • Rapid elasticity
        • On-demand
        • Resource pooling
        • Measured service
        • Metered
        • Off-site email applications
        • Cloud file storage services
          • Synchronization apps
        • Virtual application streaming/cloud-based applications
          • Applications for cell phones/tablets
          • Applications for Laptops/desktops
        • Virtual desktop
          • Virtual NIC
      • 4.2 – Given a scenario, set up and configure client-side virtualization.
        • Purpose of virtual machines
        • Resource requirements
        • Emulator requirements
        • Security requirements
        • Network requirements
        • Hypervisor

      Domain 5.0 – Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

      • 5.1 – Given a scenario, use the best practice methodology to resolve problems.
        • Always consider corporate policies, procedures, and impacts before implementing changes
        • 1. Identify the problem
          • Question the user and identify user changes to computer and perform backups before making changes
          • Inquire regarding environmental or infrastructure changes
          • Review system and application logs
        • 2. Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious)
          • If necessary, conduct external or internal research based on symptoms
        • 3. Test the theory to determine cause
          • Once the theory is confirmed, determine the next steps to resolve problem
          • If theory is not confirmed re- establish new theory or escalate
        • 4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution
        • 5. Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures
        • 6. Document findings, actions, and outcomes
    • 5.2 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power.
      • Common symptoms
        • Unexpected shutdowns
        • System lockups
        • POST code beeps
        • Blank screen on bootup
        • BIOS time and setting resets
        • Attempts to boot to incorrect device
        • Continuous reboots
        • No power
        • Overheating
        • Loud noise
        • Intermittent device failure
        • Fans spin – no power to other devices
        • Indicator lights
        • Smoke
        • Burning smell
        • Proprietary crash screens (BSOD/pin wheel)
        • Distended capacitors
        • Log entries and error messages
    • 5.3 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays.
      • Common symptoms
        • Read/write failure
        • Slow performance
        • Loud clicking noise
        • Failure to boot
        • Drive not recognized
        • OS not found
        • RAID not found
        • RAID stops working
        • Proprietary crash screens (BSOD/pin wheel)
        • S.M.A.R.T. errors
    • 5.4 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues.
      • Common symptoms
        • VGA mode
        • No image on screen
        • Overheat shutdown
        • Dead pixels
        • Artifacts
        • Incorrect color patterns
        • Dim image
        • Flickering image
        • Distorted image
        • Distorted geometry
        • Burn-in
        • Oversized images and icons
        • Multiple failed jobs in logs
    • 5.5 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.
      • Common symptoms
        • No display
        • Dim display
        • Flickering display
        • Sticking keys
        • Intermittent wireless
        • Battery not charging
        • Ghost cursor/pointer drift
        • No power
        • Num lock indicator lights
        • No wireless connectivity
        • No Bluetooth connectivity
        • Cannot display to external monitor
        • Touchscreen non-responsive
        • Apps not loading
        • Slow performance
        • Unable to decrypt email
        • Extremely short battery life
        • Overheating
        • Frozen system
        • No sound from speakers
        • GPS not functioning
        • Swollen battery
      • Disassembling processes for proper reassembly
        • Document and label cable and screw locations
        • Organize parts
        • Refer to manufacturer resources
        • Use appropriate hand tools
    • 5.6 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers.
      • Common symptoms
        • Streaks
        • Faded prints
        • Ghost images
        • Toner not fused to the paper
        • Creased paper
        • Paper not feeding
        • Paper jam
        • No connectivity
        • Garbled characters on paper
        • Vertical lines on page
        • Backed-up print queue
        • Low memory errors
        • Access denied
        • Printer will not print
        • Color prints in wrong print color
        • Unable to install printer
        • Error codes
        • Printing blank pages
        • No image on printer display
    • 5.7 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot common wired and wireless network problems.
      • Common symptoms
        • Limited connectivity
        • Unavailable resources
          • Internet
          • Local resources
            • Shares
            • Printers
            • Email
        • No connectivity
        • APIPA/link local address
        • Intermittent connectivity
        • IP conflict
        • Slow transfer speeds
        • Low RF signal
        • SSID not found