Exam Profile: CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) & CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002)

Date: Feb 26, 2019

This article profiles the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) and CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002), which test competency in comprehensive vendor-neutral mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, network troubleshooting, installing and configuring operating systems, expanded security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. The CompTIA A+ Core series focuses on expanded content on growing parts of the IT support role including an expansion of baseline security topics and a different approach to defining competency in operational procedures.

Pearson IT Certification provides a variety of exam preparation tools to help our customers in their quest for certification. As part of our service to you, we have developed this Exam Profile series. Each profile is developed based on the testing experience of one of our trainers or authors. You won’t get exact questions or answers, but you will get a real feel for the exam. Each profile describes question forms, trouble spots, hints for exam preparation, and recommendations for additional study resources. Find out what you can expect to see on the exams and how you can better prepare for them from industry leading professionals who want you to succeed!

The CompTIA A+ certification is globally recognized, industry-supported, and trusted by governments, businesses, and many potential employers. It is designed to prove that an exam candidate has competency with mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, network troubleshooting, installing and configuring operating systems, expanded security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. The exams are comprehensive and vendor-neutral, which means that the certification does not focus on just one company's products. Instead, the certification objectives range across many technologies, services, hardware and software ranging from traditional devices and operating systems to the plethora of mobile devices and technology in use today. It has great value in the marketplace as an indicator of a prospective employee's skill level, proving to employers that a job seeker has the necessary computer troubleshooting knowledge and proper communication skills to complete their tasks with minimal supervision.

Exam Details

In order to become CompTIA A+ certified, you must pass two exams: the 220-1001 (Core 1) and the 220-1002 (Core 2). (Note: The CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902 exams (English versions) retire on July 31, 2019). Details listed here are accurate as of February 5, 2019, and are subject to change. Please verify these details at the CompTIA website.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001)
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002)

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) Exam Description: The CompTIA A+ 220-1001 exam covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and network troubleshooting.
CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1002) Exam Description: The CompTIA A+ 220-1002 exam covers installing and configuring operating systems, expanded security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Number of Questions: Maximum of 90 questions for each exam.
The exams each consist of a maximum of 90 questions and are known as "linear exams." This means that you can go backward or forward within the exam, mark items, and change answers if necessary. You can also review your answers when you are finished with all 90 questions, as long as there is time left on the exam clock.
Types of Questions: Multiple-choice (single and multiple response), drag and drops, and performance-based.
The exams consist of multiple-choice questions where you will simply click the letter(s) of the corresponding correct answer, drag and drops where you will drag an item to a specified location, and performance-based questions (CompTIA calls these PBQs) where the test requires you to click your way through a simulated environment. CompTIA recommends these tips for handling the PBQs:

Manage your time wisely. A clock will be visible when working on multiple choice questions, but cannot be seen during performance-based questions.
If you don't feel confident about answering a performance-based question, move to the next question. Click the "done" box if you have completed any work toward the answer, then mark the question for review and come back later. Your work will be saved.
Many performance-based questions appear at the beginning of the test. Use this knowledge to help manage the amount of time you spend on each item.
Learn more about PBQs and try a sample PBQ at the CompTIA site.
CompTIA reserves the right to change the bank of questions, while still adhering to the objectives. The tests are administered on a computer within a very easy-to-use program. The exams can be taken in many languages including English, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish.

Passing scores: 675 for 220-1001, and 700 for 220-1002.
The passing score for the 220-1001 exam is 675 (on a scale of 100-900). The passing score for the 220-1002 exam is 700 (on a scale of 100-900). This equates roughly to a required passing score of 72% and 75% respectively, though it is difficult to compute the exact worth of each question. Many candidates will prepare with practice exams and attempt to score 85% or higher in order to be ready for the real exams.
Time Limit: 90 minutes for each exam.
You have a full hour and a half to take each exam. If you finish early, you can (and should) return to the questions and review your answers. Although it is possible, it is not recommended to take both exams on the same day.
Pricing: $219 USD per exam (subject to change).
Exam retirement: TBD—Usually three years after launch.
Recommended experience: 12 months of experience as an IT support specialist.
How to Register: All CompTIA certification exam testing is provided by Pearson VUE. After you have completed your training and are ready to take your exam(s), visit the Pearson VUE website at pearsonvue.com/comptia to schedule your exam(s) with the nearest authorized testing center.
More details: For more information including exam details, preparation, renewal, and other CompTIA certifications, visit www.comptia.org.

Trouble Spots

Many examinees find the following topics to be more difficult portions of the exams:

CPU architecture, motherboard components, and RAM: Topics such as CPU speeds and types of processors can be difficult to remember accurately for some examinees. The same can be said for motherboards components and RAM types. Focus on the specifics listed in the 220-1001 objectives for hardware. Be sure to take notes on these topics and quiz yourself often to help memorize them.
Mobile Devices: The 220-1001 series exams focus very heavily on mobile devices. Because there are many various types of mobile devices and so many details to remember, this can be a troublesome area for some when testing. Understand the various laptop, tablet, smartphone, wearable and other mobile device components and be sure you are very familiar with using and troubleshooting Android, iOS, Windows and Chrome OS mobile operating systems. Examinees should practice on all platforms and know how to configure and secure them.
Command-line usage: The exam can test you on a dozen or so different commands. Seeing as how many of these commands have different switches (options), it would behoove the examinee to write down each command, its description, and an example, in an attempt to memorize each of them.
Mac OS and Linux: The 220-1002 exam includes Mac OS (macOS) and Linux under the 1.0 Operating Systems domain. This domain makes up 27% of the exam. To pass the exam you will need to understand the common features and functionality of both of these operating systems as listed in the objectives. Practice with the listed Mac OS tools and features and install a version of Linux and practice with the basic Linux commands.
Security: The CompTIA A+ exams have an increased the amount of security coverage. In fact, the 220-1002 2.0 Security domain encompasses 24% of the exam! Examinees should spend time researching how to secure their individual computer, wireless router, and mobile devices. It is also highly advisable that you are familiar with 1002 3.0 Software Troubleshooting best practice procedures for malware removal. There are 7 steps listed there that you should live by. Being able to identify and mitigate security threats and vulnerabilities is an extremely desirable skill. Know the security related and software troubleshooting domains and objectives very well!
Troubleshooting: The exams will question an examinee on how to troubleshoot Windows—especially the second exam. Due to the sheer volume of troubleshooting scenarios, it is recommended that the examinee install operating systems on a separate computer (or within a virtual machine), and practice breaking and fixing. The exam will use performance-based questions to ensure you know where to go and how to troubleshoot specific issues. There are several types of printers, and many things that can go wrong with each. An examinee should study the various print technologies, components, and associated printer processes such as the steps included in the laser printer imaging process. Apply the CompTIA 6-step troubleshooting methodology listed in 220-1001 objectives, and really spend a lot of time memorizing the various reasons a printer could fail (especially laser printers) and how to fix those issues. 27% of the 220-1001 exam is based on hardware and network troubleshooting. 26% of the 220-1002 exam is based on software troubleshooting. Practice your troubleshooting skills with all kinds of hardware, printers, mobile devices, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
The basics of scripting: CompTIA has included scripting in the 220-1002 4.0 Operational Procedures domain. The examinee is expected to be able to identify script files types, environmental variables, comment syntax, basic script constructs, and basic data types. If you are unfamiliar with scripting, it is highly advisable that you become familiar with these concepts before taking the 220-1002 exam.
Communication techniques and professionalism: Also included in the 220-1002 4.0 Operational Procedures domain is the "Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism" objective. All the tech skills in the world are great! But communicating properly in a professional manner is often overlooked, and is just as important. If you want to be a certified A+ technician and successful tech, be sure you are familiar with the plethora of techniques listed.

Preparation Hints

A person who wishes to take the A+ exams should have at least the equivalent knowledge of 12 months hands-on experience in the lab or in the field. CompTIA and the exam questions expect candidates to be able to:

Assemble components based on customer requirements
Install, configure, and maintain PCs, mobile devices, and software for end users
Understand the basics of networking and security forensics
Properly and safely diagnose, resolve, and document common hardware and software issues
Apply troubleshooting skills
Provide appropriate customer support
Understand the basics of scripting, virtualization, desktop imaging, and deployment

Every examinee should first look at the CompTIA objectives for the A+ exams. The objectives can be downloaded from the CompTIA site.

In a nutshell, the A+ objectives are divided into two exams. Each exam is then broken up into sections known as domains. They include:

220-1001 (Core 1)
Domain	Percentage of Examination
1.0 Mobile Devices	14%
2.0 Networking	20%
3.0 Hardware	27%
4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing	12%
5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting	27%
Total	100%

220-1002 (Core 2)
Domain	Percentage of Examination
1.0 Operating Systems	27%
2.0 Security	24%
3.0 Software Troubleshooting	26%
4.0 Operational Procedures	23%
Total	100%

When preparing for the A+ exams, it is wise to use more than one study resource. Using just one study guide might provide you with a narrow view of the concepts. By using various forms of study materials, including books, videos, and practice questions, you will become a much more well-rounded examinee, and increase your chances of passing the exam greatly.

Recommended Study Resources

The following titles are planned for release in mid-2019, from Pearson IT Certification. Check back here for links when the products become available for pre-order and purchase. (Subject to change.)

CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and 220-1002 Exam Cram, ISBN: 9780789760579
CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and 220-1002 Practice Questions Exam Cram, ISBN: 9780135566268
CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and 220-1002 Cert Guide, ISBN: 9780789760517
CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and 220-1002 Cert Guide, premium edition, ISBN: 978013530009
CompTIA A+ 220-1001 Complete Video Course, ISBN: 9780135305355
CompTIA A+ 220-1002 Complete Video Course, ISBN: 9780135305324
CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and 220-1002 Complete Video Course Library, ISBN coming soon
Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software, ISBN: 9780789760500
Complete A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software Lab Manual, ISBN: 9780135380178

Where to Go from Here

Generally, the CompTIA A+ certified technician will move on to the CompTIA Network+ exam. These are part of what many technicians call "the CompTIA triad" which includes the A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications. For valuable resources and tools regarding these certifications, please feel free to visit the author's website at davidlprowse.com.

With the A+ certification under your belt, it is possible to start engaging in a job search. Many A+ certified techs become Technical Support Specialists, Field Service Technicians, IT Support Technicians, and IT Support Administrators with companies such as Microsoft, Dell, HP, Intel, Canon, BlueCross BlueShield, Nissan, Ricoh, the U.S. Department of Defense, and many others.

Good luck on your exams!