CompTIA 220-1002 A+ Exam Objectives

About 20% of these objectives are new since the 220-902 A+ exam.
All of the new or modified objectives since the 220-902 A+ exam are highlighted.

CompTIA 220-1002 A+ Exam Domains

Domain 1.0 – Operating Systems
Domain 2.0 – Security
Domain 3.0 – Software Troubleshooting
Domain 4.0 – Operational Procedures

Domain 1.0 – Operating Systems

  • 1.1 – Compare and contrast common operating system types and their purposes.
    • 32-bit vs. 64-bit
      • RAM limitations
      • Software compatibility
    • Workstation operating systems
      • Microsoft Windows
      • Apple Macintosh OS
      • Linux
    • Cell phone/tablet operating systems
      • Microsoft Windows
      • Android
      • iOS
      • Chrome OS
    • Vendor-specific limitations
      • End-of-life
      • Update limitations
    • Compatibility concerns between operating systems
  • 1.2 – Compare and contrast features of Microsoft Windows versions.
    • Windows 7
    • Windows 8
    • Windows 8.1
    • Windows 10
    • Corporate vs. personal needs
      • Domain access
      • BitLocker
      • Media center
      • Branchcache
      • EFS
    • Desktop styles/user interface
  • 1.3 – Summarize general OS installation considerations and upgrade methods.
    • Boot methods
      • USB
      • CD-ROM
      • DVD
      • PXE
      • Solid state/flash drives
      • Netboot
      • External/hot-swappable drive
      • Internal hard drive (partition)
    • Type of installations
      • Unattended installation
      • In-place upgrade
      • Clean install
      • Repair installation
      • Multiboot
      • Remote network installation
      • Image deployment
      • Recovery partition
      • Refresh/restore
    • Partitioning
      • Dynamic
      • Basic
      • Primary
      • Extended
      • Logical
      • GPT
    • File system types/formatting
      • ExFAT
      • FAT32
      • NTFS
      • CDFS
      • NFS
      • ext3, ext4
      • HFS
      • Swap partition
      • Quick format vs. full format
    • Load alternate third-party drivers when necessary
    • Workgroup vs. Domain setup
    • Time/date/region/language settings
    • Driver installation, software, and Windows updates
    • Factory recovery partition
    • Properly formatted boot drive with the correct partitions/format
    • Prerequisites/hardware compatibility
    • Application compatibility
    • OS compatibility/upgrade path
  • 1.4 – Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft command line tools.
    • Navigation
      • dir
      • cd
      • ..
    • ipconfig
    • ping
    • tracert
    • netstat
    • nslookup
    • shutdown
    • dism
    • sfc
    • chkdsk
    • diskpart
    • taskkill
    • gpupdate
    • gpresult
    • format
    • copy
    • xcopy
    • robocopy
    • net use
    • net user
    • [command name] /?
    • Commands available with standard privileges vs. administrative privileges
  • 1.5 – Given a scenario, use Microsoft operating system features and tools.
    • Administrative
      • Computer Management
      • Device Manager
      • Local Users and Groups
      • Local Security Policy
      • Performance Monitor
      • Services
      • System Configuration
      • Task Scheduler
      • Component Services
      • Data Sources
      • Print Management
      • Windows Memory Diagnostics
      • Windows Firewall
      • Advanced Security
      • Event Viewer
      • User Account Management
    • MSConfig
      • General
      • Boot
      • Services
      • Startup
      • Tools
    • Task Manager
      • Applications
      • Processes
      • Performance
      • Networking
      • Users
    • Disk Management
      • Drive status
      • Mounting
      • Initializing
      • Extending partitions
      • Splitting partitions
      • Shrink partitions
      • Assigning/changing drive letters
      • Adding drives
      • Adding arrays
      • Storage spaces
    • System utilities
      • Regedit
      • Command
      • Services.msc
      • MMC
      • MSTSC
      • Notepad
      • Explorer
      • Msinfo32
      • DxDiag
      • Disk Defragmenter
      • System Restore
      • Windows Update
  • 1.6 – Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows Control Panel utilities.
    • Internet Options
      • Connections
      • Security
      • General
      • Privacy
      • Programs
      • Advanced
    • Display/Display Settings
      • Resolution
      • Color depth
      • Refresh rate
    • User Accounts
    • Folder Options
      • View hidden files
      • Hide extensions
      • General options
      • View options
    • System
      • Performance (virtual memory)
      • Remote settings
      • System protection
    • Windows Firewall
    • Power Options
      • Hibernate
      • Power plans
      • Sleep/suspend
      • Standby
    • Credential Manager
    • Programs and features
    • HomeGroup
    • Devices and Printers
    • Sound
    • Troubleshooting
    • Network and Sharing Center
    • Device Manager
    • BitLocker
    • Sync Center
  • 1.7 – Summarize application installation and configuration concepts.
    • System requirements
      • Drive space
      • RAM
    • OS requirements
      • Compatibility
    • Methods of installation and deployment
      • Local (CD/USB)
      • Network-based
    • Local user permissions
      • Folder/file access for installation
    • Security considerations
      • Impact to device
      • Impact to network
  • 1.8 – Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking on a client/desktop.
    • HomeGroup vs. Workgroup
    • Domain setup
    • Network shares/administrative shares/mapping drives
    • Printer sharing vs. network printer mapping
    • Establish networking connections
      • VPN
      • Dial-up
      • Wireless
      • Wired
      • WWAN (Cellular)
    • Proxy settings
    • Remote Desktop Connection
    • Remote Assistance
    • Home vs. Work vs. Public network settings
    • Firewall settings
      • Exceptions
      • Configuration
      • Enabling/disabling Windows Firewall
    • Configuring an alternative IP address in Windows
      • IP addressing
      • Subnet mask
      • DNS
      • Gateway
    • Network card properties
      • Half duplex/full duplex/auto
      • Speed
      • Wake-on-LAN
      • QoS
      • BIOS (on-board NIC)
  • 1.9 – Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Mac OS and Linux client/desktop operating systems.
    • Best practices
      • Scheduled backups
      • Scheduled disk maintenance
      • System updates/App Store
      • Patch management
      • Driver/firmware updates
      • Antivirus/Anti-malware updates
    • Tools
      • Backup/Time Machine
      • Restore/Snapshot
      • Image recovery
      • Disk maintenance utilities
      • Shell/Terminal
      • Screen sharing
      • Force Quit
    • Features
      • Multiple desktops/Mission Control
      • Key Chain
      • Spot Light
      • iCloud
      • Gestures
      • Finder
      • Remote Disc
      • Dock
      • Boot Camp
    • Basic Linux commands
      • ls
      • grep
      • cd
      • shutdown
      • pwd vs. passwd
      • mv
      • cp
      • rm
      • chmod
      • chown
      • iwconfig/ifconfig
      • ps
      • su/sudo
      • apt-get
      • vi
      • dd
      • kill

Domain 2.0 – Security

  • 2.1 – Summarize the importance of physical security measures.
    • Mantrap
    • Badge reader
    • Smart card
    • Security guard
    • Door lock
    • Biometric locks
    • Hardware tokens
    • Cable locks
    • Server locks
    • USB locks
    • Privacy screen
    • Key fobs
    • Entry control roster
  • 2.2 – Explain logical security concepts.
    • Active Directory
      • Login script
      • Domain
      • Group Policy/Updates
      • Organizational Units
      • Home Folder
      • Folder redirection
    • Software tokens
    • MDM policies
    • Port security
    • MAC address filtering
    • Certificates
    • Antivirus/Anti-malware
    • Firewalls
    • User authentication/strong passwords
    • Multifactor authentication
    • Directory permissions
    • VPN
    • DLP
    • Access control lists
    • Smart card
    • Email filtering
    • Trusted/untrusted software sources
    • Principle of least privilege
  • 2.3 – Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods.
    • Protocols and Encryption
      • WEP
      • WPA
      • WPA2
      • TKIP
      • AES
    • Authentication
      • Single-factor
      • Multifactor
      • RADIUS
      • TACACS
  • 2.4 – Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using appropriate tools and methods.
    • Malware
      • Ransomware
      • Trojan
      • Keylogger
      • Rootkit
      • Virus
      • Botnet
      • Worm
      • Spyware
    • Tools and methods
      • Antivirus
      • Anti-malware
      • Recovery console
      • Backup/restore
      • End user education
      • Software firewalls
      • Secure DNS
  • 2.5 – Compare and contrast social engineering, threats, and vulnerabilities.
    • Social Engineering
      • Phishing
      • Spear phishing
      • Impersonation
      • Shoulder surfing
      • Tailgating
      • Dumpster diving
    • DDoS
    • DoS
    • Zero-day
    • Man-in-the-middle
    • Brute force
    • Dictionary
    • Rainbow table
    • Spoofing
    • Non-compliant systems
    • Zombie
  • 2.6 – Compare and contrast the differences of basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings.
    • User and groups
      • Administrator
      • Power user
      • Guest
      • Standard user
    • NTFS vs. Share permissions
      • Allow vs. deny
      • Moving vs. copying folders and files
      • File attributes
    • Shared files and folders
      • Administrative shares vs. local shares
      • Permission propagation
      • Inheritance
    • System files and folders
    • User authentication
      • Single sign-on
    • Run as administrator vs. standard user
    • BitLocker
    • BitLocker to Go
    • EFS
  • 2.7 – Given a scenario, implement security best practices to secure a workstation.
    • Password best practices
      • Setting strong passwords
      • Password expiration
      • Screensaver required password
      • BIOS/UEFI passwords
      • Requiring passwords
    • Account management
      • Restricting user permissions
      • Logon time restrictions
      • Disabling guest account
      • Failed attempts lockout
      • Timeout/screen lock
      • Change default admin user account/password
      • Basic Active Directory functions
        • Account creation
        • Account deletion
        • Password reset/unlock account
        • Disable account
    • Disable autorun
    • Data encryption
    • Patch/update management
  • 2.8 – Given a scenario, implement methods for securing mobile devices.
    • Screen locks
      • Fingerprint lock
      • Face lock
      • Swipe lock
      • Passcode lock
    • Remote wipes
    • Locator applications
    • Remote backup applications
    • Failed login attempts restrictions
    • Antivirus/Anti-malware
    • Patching/OS updates
    • Biometric authentication
    • Full device encryption
    • Multifactor authentication
    • Authenticator applications
    • Trusted sources vs. untrusted sources
    • Firewalls
    • Policies and procedures
      • BYOD vs. corporate-owned
      • Profile security requirements
  • 2.9 – Given a scenario, implement appropriate data destruction and disposal methods.
    • Physical destruction
      • Shredder
      • Drill/hammer
      • Electromagnetic (Degaussing)
      • Incineration
      • Certificate of destruction
    • Recycling or repurposing best practices
      • Low-level format vs. standard format
      • Overwrite
      • Drive wipe
  • 2.10 – Given a scenario, configure security on SOHO wireless and wired networks.
    • Wireless-specific
      • Changing default SSID
      • Setting encryption
      • Disabling SSID broadcast
      • Antenna and access point placement
      • Radio power levels
      • WPS
    • Change default usernames and passwords
    • Enable MAC filtering
    • Assign static IP addresses
    • Firewall settings
    • Port forwarding/mapping
    • Disabling ports
    • Content filtering/parental controls
    • Update firmware
    • Physical security

Domain 3.0 – Software Troubleshooting

  • 3.1 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot Microsoft Windows OS problems.
    • Common symptoms
      • Slow performance
      • Limited connectivity
      • Failure to boot
      • No OS found
      • Application crashes
      • Blue screens
      • Black screens
      • Printing issues
      • Services fail to start
      • Slow bootup
      • Slow profile load
    • Common solutions
      • Defragment the hard drive
      • Reboot
      • Kill tasks
      • Restart services
      • Update network settings
      • Reimage/reload OS
      • Roll back updates
      • Roll back devices drivers
      • Apply updates
      • Repair application
      • Update boot order
      • Disable Windows services/applications
      • Disable application startup
      • Safe boot
      • Rebuild Windows profiles
    • 3.2 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve PC security issues.
      • Common symptoms
        • Pop-ups
        • Browser redirection
        • Security alerts
        • Slow performance
        • Internet connectivity issues
        • PC/OS lockup
        • Application crash
        • OS updates failures
        • Rogue antivirus
        • Spam
        • Renamed system files
        • Disappearing files
        • File permission changes
        • Hijacked email
          • Responses from users regarding email
          • Automated replies from unknown sent email
        • Access denied
        • Invalid certificate (trusted root CA)
        • System/application log errors
    • 3.3 – Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware removal.
      • 1. Identify and research malware symptoms.
      • 2. Quarantine the infected systems.
      • 3. Disable System Restore (in Windows).
      • 4. Remediate the infected systems.
        • a. Update the anti-malware software.
        • b. Scan and use removal techniques (safe mode, pre-installation environment).
      • 5. Schedule scans and run updates.
      • 6. Enable System Restore and create a restore point (in Windows).
      • 7. Educate the end user.
    • 3.4 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application issues.
      • Common symptoms
        • Dim display
        • Intermittent wireless
        • No wireless connectivity
        • No Bluetooth connectivity
        • Cannot broadcast 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
        • Inaccurate touch screen response
        • System lockout
        • App log errors
    • 3.5 – Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application security issues.
      • Common symptoms
        • Signal drop/weak signal
        • Power drain
        • Slow data speeds
        • Unintended WiFi connection
        • Unintended Bluetooth pairing
        • Leaked personal files/data
        • Data transmission over limit
        • Unauthorized account access
        • Unauthorized location tracking
        • Unauthorized camera/microphone activation
        • High resource utilization

    Domain 4.0 – Operational Procedures

    • 4.1 – Compare and contrast best practices associated with types of documentation.
      • Network topology diagrams
      • Knowledge base/articles
      • Incident documentation
      • Regulatory and compliance policy
      • Acceptable use policy
      • Password policy
      • Inventory management
        • Asset tags
        • Barcodes
    • 4.2 – Given a scenario, implement basic change management best practices.
      • Documented business processes
      • Purpose of the change
      • Scope the change
      • Risk analysis
      • Plan for change
      • End-user acceptance
      • Change board
        • Approvals
      • Backout plan
      • Document changes
    • 4.3 – Given a scenario, implement basic disaster prevention and recovery methods.
      • Backup and recovery
        • Image level
        • File level
        • Critical applications
      • Backup testing
      • UPS
      • Surge protector
      • Cloud storage vs. local storage backups
      • Account recovery options
    • 4.4 – Explain common safety procedures.
      • Equipment grounding
      • Proper component handling and storage
        • Antistatic bags
        • ESD straps
        • ESD mats
        • Self-grounding
      • Toxic waste handling
        • Batteries
        • Toner
        • CRT
        • Cell phones
        • Tablets
      • Personal safety
        • Disconnect power before repairing PC
        • Remove jewelry
        • Lifting techniques
        • Weight limitations
        • Electrical fire safety
        • Cable management
        • Safety goggles
        • Air filter mask
      • Compliance with government regulations
    • 4.5 – Explain environmental impacts and appropriate controls.
      • MSDS documentation for handling and disposal
      • Temperature, humidity level awareness, and proper ventilation
      • Power surges, brownouts, and blackouts
        • Battery backup
        • Surge suppressor
      • Protection from airborne particles
        • Enclosures
        • Air filters/mask
      • Dust and debris
        • Compressed air
        • Vacuums
      • Compliance to government regulations
    • 4.6 – Explain the processes for addressing prohibited content/activity, and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.
      • Incident response
        • First response
          • Identify
          • Report through proper channels
          • Data/device preservation
        • Use of documentation/documentation changes
        • Chain of custody
          • Tracking of evidence/ documenting process
      • Licensing/DRM/EULA
        • Open-source vs. commercial license
        • Personal license vs. enterprise licenses
      • Regulated data
        • PII
        • PCI
        • GDPR
        • PHI
      • Follow all policies and security best practices
    • 4.7 – Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism.
      • Use proper language and avoid jargon, acronyms, and slang, when applicable
      • Maintain a positive attitude/ project confidence
      • Actively listen (taking notes) and avoid interrupting the customer
      • Be culturally sensitive
        • Use appropriate professional titles, when applicable
      • Be on time (if late, contact the customer)
      • Avoid distractions
        • Personal calls
        • Texting/social media sites
        • Talking to coworkers while interacting with customers
        • Personal interruptions
      • Dealing with difficult customers or situations
        • Do not argue with customers and/or be defensive
        • Avoid dismissing customer problems
        • Avoid being judgmental
        • Clarify customer statements (ask open-ended questions to narrow the scope of the problem, restate the issue, or question to verify understanding)
        • Do not disclose experiences via social media outlets
      • Set and meet expectations/timeline and communicate status with the customer
        • Offer different repair/ replacement options, if applicable
        • Provide proper documentation on the services provided
        • Follow up with customer/user at a later date to verify satisfaction
      • Deal appropriately with customers’ confidential and private materials
        • Located on a computer, desktop, printer, etc.
    • 4.8 – Identify the basics of scripting.
      • Script file types
        • .bat
        • .ps1
        • .vbs
        • .sh
        • .py
        • .js
      • Environment variables
      • Comment syntax
      • Basic script constructs
        • Basic loops
        • Variables
      • Basic data types
        • Integers
        • Strings
  • 4.9 – Given a scenario, use remote access technologies.
    • RDP
    • Telnet
    • SSH
    • Third-party tools
      • Screen share feature
      • File share
    • Security considerations of each access method