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