CompTIA A+ Certification

Exam Objectives
EXAM NUMBER: 220-901
 About the Exam
Candidates are encouraged to use this document to help prepare for CompTIA A+ 220-901. In order to receive
the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams: 220-901 and 220-902. CompTIA A+ 220-901 measures the
necessary skills for an entry-level IT professional. Successful candidates will have the knowledge required to:
• Assemble components based on customer requirements
• Install, configure and maintain devices, PCs 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 virtualization, desktop imaging and deployment
These content examples are meant to clarify the test objectives and should not be
construed as a comprehensive listing of all the content of this examination.

EXAM ACCREDITATION
CompTIA A+ is accredited by ANSI to show compliance with the ISO 17024 Standard and,
as such, undergoes regular reviews and updates to the exam objectives.

EXAM DEVELOPMENT
CompTIA exams result from subject matter expert workshops and industry-wide survey
results regarding the skills and knowledge required of an entry-level IT professional.

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PLEASE NOTE
The lists of examples provided in bulleted format are not exhaustive lists. Other examples of
technologies, processes or tasks pertaining to each objective may also be included on the exam
although not listed or covered in this objectives document. CompTIA is constantly reviewing the
content of our exams and updating test questions to be sure our exams are current and the security
of the questions is protected. When necessary, we will publish updated exams based on existing
exam objectives. Please know that all related exam preparation materials will still be valid.

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 TEST DETAILS
Required exam CompTIA A+ 220-901
Number of questions Maximum of 90
Types of questions Multiple choice and performance-based
Length of test 90 minutes
Recommended experience Six to 12 months hands-on experience in the lab or field
Passing score CompTIA A+ 220-901: 675 (on a scale of 900)

EXAM OBJECTIVES (DOMAINS)

The table below lists the domains measured by this examination
and the extent to which they are represented:

DOMAIN PERCENTAGE OF EXAMINATION

1.0 Hardware 34%

2.0 Networking 21%
3.0 Mobile Devices 17%
4.0 Hardware & Network Troubleshooting 28%
Total 100%

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 1.0 Hardware
1.1 Given a scenario, configure settings and use BIOS/UEFI tools on a PC.
• Firmware upgrades/flash BIOS - Enabling and disabling devices • Monitoring
• BIOS component information - Date/time - Temperature monitoring
- RAM - Clock speeds - Fan speeds
- Hard drive - Virtualization support - Intrusion detection/notification
- Optical drive - BIOS security (passwords, drive - Voltage
- CPU encryption: TPM, LoJack, secure boot) - Clock
• BIOS configurations • Built-in diagnostics - Bus speed
- Boot sequence

1.2 Explain the importance of motherboard

components, their purpose and properties.
• Sizes • RAM slots • Front/top panel connectors
- ATX • CPU sockets - USB
- Micro-ATX • Chipsets - Audio
- Mini-ITX - Northbridge - Power button
- ITX - Southbridge - Power light
• Expansion slots • CMOS battery - Drive activity lights
- PCI • Power connections and types • Bus speeds
- PCI-X • Fan connectors • Reset button
- PCIe
- miniPCI

1.3 Compare and contrast various RAM types and their features.
• Types - ECC vs. non-ECC • RAM compatibility
- DDR - RAM configurations
- DDR2 - Single channel vs. dual
- DDR3 channel vs. triple channel
- SODIMM - Single sided vs. double sided
- DIMM - Buffered vs. unbuffered
- Parity vs. non-parity

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 1.0 Hardware

1.4 Install and configure PC expansion cards.

• Sound cards • Storage cards
• Video cards • Modem cards
• Network cards • Wireless/cellular cards
• USB cards • TV tuner cards
• Firewire cards • Video capture cards
• Thunderbolt cards • Riser cards

1.5 Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media.
• Optical drives - SD • Tape drive
- CD-ROM/CD-RW - MicroSD • Media capacity
- DVD-ROM/DVD-RW/DVD-RW DL - MiniSD - CD
- Blu-ray - xD - CD-RW
- BD-R - SSD - DVD-RW
- BD-RE - Hybrid - DVD
• Magnetic hard disk drives - eMMC - Blu-ray
- 5400 rpm • RAID types - Tape
- 7200 rpm -0 - DVD DL
- 10,000 rpm -1
• Hot swappable drives -5
• Solid state/flash drives - 10
- Compact flash

1.6 Install various types of CPUs and apply the appropriate

cooling methods.
• Socket types - Architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit)
- Intel: 775, 1155, 1156, 1366, 1150, 2011 - Integrated GPU
- AMD: AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+ - Disable execute bit
• Characteristics • Cooling
- Speeds - Heat sink
- Cores - Fans
- Cache size/type - Thermal paste
- Hyperthreading - Liquid-based
- Virtualization support - Fanless/passive

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 1.0 Hardware

1.7 Compare and contrast various PC connection interfaces,

their characteristics and purpose.
• Physical connections - Audio - IR
- USB 1.1 vs. 2.0 vs. 3.0 - Analog - NFC
- Connector types: A, B, mini, micro - Digital (Optical connector) • Characteristics
- Firewire 400 vs. Firewire 800 - RJ-45 - Analog
- SATA1 vs. SATA2 vs. SATA3, eSATA - RJ-11 - Digital
- Other connector types - Thunderbolt - Distance limitations
- VGA • Wireless connections - Data transfer speeds
- HDMI - Bluetooth - Quality
- DVI - RF - Frequencies

1.8
Install a power supply based on given specifications.
• Connector types and their voltages • Specifications
- SATA - Wattage
- Molex - Dual rail
- 4/8-pin 12v - Size
- PCIe 6/8-pin - Number of connectors
- 20-pin - ATX
- 24-pin - MicroATX
- Dual voltage options

1.9
Given a scenario, select the appropriate components for a custom
PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs.
• Graphic/CAD/CAM design workstation - High-end video/specialized GPU • Thin client
- Multicore processor - High-definition sound card - Basic applications
- High-end video - High-end cooling - Meets minimum requirements
- Maximum RAM • Home theater PC for selected OS
• Audio/video editing workstation - Surround sound audio - Network connectivity
- Specialized audio and video card - HDMI output • Home server PC
- Large fast hard drive - HTPC compact form factor - Media streaming
- Dual monitors - TV tuner - File sharing
• Virtualization workstation • Standard thick client - Print sharing
- Maximum RAM and CPU cores - Desktop applications - Gigabit NIC
• Gaming PC - Meets recommended - RAID array
- Multicore processor requirements for selected OS

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 1.0 Hardware

1.10 Compare and contrast types of display devices and their features.
• Types • Refresh/frame rates • Aspect ratios
- LCD • Resolution - 16:9
- TN vs. IPS • Native resolution - 16:10
- Fluorescent vs. LED backlighting • Brightness/lumens - 4:3
- Plasma • Analog vs. digital
- Projector • Privacy/antiglare filters
- OLED • Multiple displays

1.11 Identify common PC connector types and associated cables.

• Display connector types • Device cables and connectors
- DVI-D - SATA
- DVI-I - eSATA
- DVI-A - USB
- DisplayPort - Firewire (IEEE1394)
- RCA - PS/2
- HD15 (i.e., DE15 or DB15) - Audio
- BNC • Adapters and convertors
- miniHDMI - DVI to HDMI
- miniDin-6 - USB A to USB B
• Display cable types - USB to Ethernet
- HDMI - DVI to VGA
- DVI - Thunderbolt to DVI
- VGA - PS/2 to USB
- Component - HDMI to VGA
- Composite
- Coaxial

1.12 Install and configure common peripheral devices.

• Input devices - Touch pads • Input & output devices
- Mouse - Smart card readers - Touch screen
- Keyboard - Digital cameras - KVM
- Scanner - Microphone - Smart TV
- Barcode reader - Webcam - Set-top Box
- Biometric devices - Camcorder - MIDI-enabled devices
- Game pads • Output devices
- Joysticks - Printers
- Digitizer - Speakers
- Motion sensor - Display devices

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 1.0 Hardware

1.13 Install SOHO multifunction device/printers

and configure appropriate settings.
• Use appropriate drivers for a - USB • Public/shared devices
given operating system - Serial - Sharing local/networked device
- Configuration settings - Ethernet via operating system settings
- Duplex - Wireless - TCP/Bonjour/AirPrint
- Collate - Bluetooth - Data privacy
- Orientation - 802.11 (a/b/g/n/ac) - User authentication on the device
- Quality - Infrastructure vs. ad hoc - Hard drive caching
• Device sharing - Integrated print server (hardware)
- Wired - Cloud printing/remote printing

1.14 Compare and contrast differences between the various

print technologies and the associated imaging process.
• Laser • Thermal
- Imaging drum, fuser assembly, - Feed assembly, heating element
transfer belt, transfer roller, pickup - Special thermal paper
rollers, separate pads, • Impact
duplexing assembly - Print head, ribbon, tractor feed
- Imaging process: processing, - Impact paper
charging, exposing, developing, • Virtual
transferring, fusing and cleaning - Print to file
• Inkjet - Print to PDF
- Ink cartridge, print head, roller, feeder, - Print to XPS
duplexing assembly, carriage and belt - Print to image
- Calibration

1.15 Given a scenario, perform appropriate printer maintenance.

• Laser • Impact
- Replacing toner, applying - Replace ribbon, replace
maintenance kit, calibration, cleaning print head, replace paper
• Thermal • Inkjet
- Replace paper, clean heating - Clean heads, replace cartridges,
element, remove debris calibration, clear jams

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 2.0 Networking
2.1 Identify the various types of network cables and connectors.
• Fiber • Coaxial
- Connectors: SC, ST and LC - Connectors: BNC, F-connector
• Twisted Pair
- Connectors: RJ-11, RJ-45
- Wiring standards: T568A, T568B

2.2 Compare and contrast the characteristics of connectors and cabling.

• Fiber
- Types (single-mode vs. multi-mode)
- Speed and transmission limitations
• Twisted pair • Coaxial
- Types: STP, UTP, CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, - Types: RG-6, RG-59
CAT6, CAT6e, CAT7, plenum, PVC - Speed and transmission limitations
- Speed and transmission limitations - Splitters and effects on signal quality
- Splitters and effects on signal quality

2.3 Explain the properties and characteristics of TCP/IP.

• IPv4 vs. IPv6 • Client-side DHCP
• Public vs. private vs. APIPA/link local • Subnet mask vs. CIDR
• Static vs. dynamic • Gateway
• Client-side DNS settings

2.4 Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols and their purpose.
• Ports - 443 – HTTPS - LDAP
- 21 – FTP - 3389 – RDP - SNMP
- 22 – SSH - 137-139 – NetBIOS/NetBT - SMB
- 23 – TELNET - 445 – SMB/CIFS - CIFS
- 25 – SMTP - 427 – SLP - SSH
- 53 – DNS - 548 – AFP - AFP
- 80 – HTTP • Protocols • TCP vs. UDP
- 110 – POP3 - DHCP
- 143 – IMAP - DNS

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 2.0 Networking

2.5 Compare and contrast various WiFi networking

standards and encryption types.
• Standards • Encryption types
- 802.11 (a/b/g/n/ac) - WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES
- Speeds, distances and frequencies

2.6 Given a scenario, install and configure SOHO wireless/

wired router and apply appropriate settings.
• Channels • NAT/DNAT
• Port forwarding, port triggering • Basic QoS
• DHCP (on/off) • Firmware
• DMZ • UPnP

2.7 Compare and contrast Internet connection types,

network types and their features.
• Internet connection types - ISDN • Network Types
- Cable - Cellular - LAN
- DSL - Tethering - WAN
- Dial-up - Mobile hotspot - PAN
- Fiber - Line-of-sight wireless Internet service - MAN
- Satellite

2.8 Compare and contrast network architecture

devices, their functions and features.
• Hub • Bridge • Repeaters/extenders
• Switch • Modem • Ethernet over Power
• Router • Firewall • Power over Ethernet injector
• Access point • Patch panel

2.9 Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.

• Crimper • Cable tester
• Cable stripper • Loopback plug
• Multimeter • Punchdown tool
• Tone generator and probe • WiFi analyzer

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 3.0 Mobile Devices
3.1 Install and configure laptop hardware and components.
• Expansion options - USB to Bluetooth - Wireless card
- Expresscard /34 - USB Optical Drive - Mini-PCIe
- Expresscard /54 • Hardware/device replacement - Screen
- SODIMM - Keyboard - DC jack
- Flash - Hard drive - Battery
- Ports/Adapters - SSD vs. hybrid vs. magnetic disk - Touchpad
- Thunderbolt - 1.8in vs. 2.5in - Plastics/frames
- DisplayPort - Memory - Speaker
- USB to RJ-45 dongle - Smart card reader - System board
- USB to WiFi dongle - Optical drive - CPU

3.2 Explain the function of components within the display of a laptop.

• Types • WiFi antenna connector/placement
- LCD • Webcam
- TN vs. IPS • Microphone
- Fluorescent vs. LED backlighting • Inverter
- OLED • Digitizer

3.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features.

• Special function keys - Keyboard backlight • Docking station
- Dual displays - Touch pad (on/off) • Physical laptop lock and cable lock
- Wireless (on/off) - Screen orientation • Rotating/removable screens
- Cellular (on/off) - Media options (fast forward/rewind)
- Volume settings - GPS (on/off)
- Screen brightness - Airplane mode
- Bluetooth (on/off)

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 2.0 Mobile Devices

3.4 Explain the characteristics of various types of other mobile devices.

• Tablets - Fitness monitors • Smart camera
• Smartphones - Glasses and headsets • GPS
• Wearable technology devices • Phablets
- Smart watches • e-Readers

3.5 Compare and contrast accessories and ports of other mobile devices.
• Connection types - IR - Extra battery packs/battery chargers
- NFC - Hotspot/tethering - Protective covers/water proofing
- Proprietary vendor-specific ports • Accessories - Credit card readers
(communication/power) - Headsets - Memory/MicroSD
- MicroUSB/miniUSB - Speakers
- Lightning - Game pads
- Bluetooth - Docking stations

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 4.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
4.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to
motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools.
• Common symptoms - No power - Proprietary crash screens
- Unexpected shutdowns - Overheating (BSOD/pin wheel)
- System lockups - Loud noise - Distended capacitors
- POST code beeps - Intermittent device failure • Tools
- Blank screen on bootup - Fans spin – no power to other devices - Multimeter
- BIOS time and settings resets - Indicator lights - Power supply tester
- Attempts to boot to incorrect device - Smoke - Loopback plugs
- Continuous reboots - Burning smell - POST card/USB

4.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and

RAID arrays with appropriate tools.
• Common symptoms - RAID stops working - FORMAT
- Read/write failure - Proprietary crash screens - File recovery software
- Slow performance (BSOD/pin wheel) - Bootrec
- Loud clicking noise - S.M.A.R.T. errors - Diskpart
- Failure to boot • Tools - Defragmentation tool
- Drive not recognized - Screwdriver
- OS not found - External enclosures
- RAID not found - CHKDSK

4.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common video,

projector and display issues.
• Common symptoms - Artifacts - Distorted geometry
- VGA mode - Color patterns incorrect - Burn-in
- No image on screen - Dim image - Oversized images and icons
- Overheat shutdown - Flickering image
- Dead pixels - Distorted image

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 4.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

4.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless

networks with appropriate tools.
• Common symptoms • Hardware tools • Command line tools
- No connectivity - Cable tester - PING
- APIPA/link local address - Loopback plug - IPCONFIG/IFCONFIG
- Limited connectivity - Punchdown tools - TRACERT
- Local connectivity - Tone generator and probe - NETSTAT
- Intermittent connectivity - Wire strippers - NBTSTAT
- IP conflict - Crimper - NET
- Slow transfer speeds - Wireless locator - NETDOM
- Low RF signal - NSLOOKUP
- SSID not found

4.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and repair common mobile

device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.
• Common symptoms - No wireless connectivity - No sound from speakers
- No display - No Bluetooth connectivity - GPS not functioning
- Dim display - Cannot display to external monitor - Swollen battery
- Flickering display - Touchscreen non-responsive • Disassembling processes
- Sticking keys - Apps not loading for proper re-assembly
- Intermittent wireless - Slow performance - Document and label cable
- Battery not charging - Unable to decrypt email and screw locations
- Ghost cursor/pointer drift - Extremely short battery life - Organize parts
- No power - Overheating - Refer to manufacturer resources
- Num lock indicator lights - Frozen system - Use appropriate hand tools

4.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools.

• Common symptoms - Garbled characters on paper - Printing blank pages
- Streaks - Vertical lines on page - No image on printer display
- Faded prints - Backed up print queue • Tools
- Ghost images - Low memory errors - Maintenance kit
- Toner not fused to the paper - Access denied - Toner vacuum
- Creased paper - Printer will not print - Compressed air
- Paper not feeding - Color prints in wrong print color - Printer spooler
- Paper jam - Unable to install printer
- No connectivity - Error codes

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 CompTIA A+ Acronyms

The following is a list of acronyms that appear on the CompTIA A+

exams. Candidates are encouraged to review the complete list
and attain a working knowledge of all listed acronyms as a
part of a comprehensive exam preparation program.
ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT
AC Alternating Current CPU Central Processing Unit
ACL Access Control List CRT Cathode Ray Tube
ACPI Advanced Configuration Power Interface DAC Discretionary Access Control
ACT Activity DB-25 Serial Communications D-Shell Connector, 25 Pins
ADSL Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line DB-9 9 Pin D Shell Connector
AGP Accelerated Graphics Port DC Direct Current
AHCI Advanced Host Controller Interface DDoS Distributed Denial of Service
AP Access Point DDR Double Data Rate
APIPA Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing DDR RAM Double Data Rate Random-Access Memory
APM Advanced Power Management DDR SDRAM Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic
ARP Address Resolution Protocol Random-Access Memory
ASR Automated System Recovery DFS Distributed File System
ATA Advanced Technology Attachment DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
ATAPI Advanced Technology Attachment Packet Interface DIMM Dual Inline Memory Module
ATM Asynchronous Transfer Mode DIN Deutsche Industrie Norm
ATX Advanced Technology Extended DLT Digital Linear Tape
AUP Acceptable Use Policy DLP Digital Light Processing
A/V Audio Video DMA Direct Memory Access
BIOS Basic Input/Output System DMZ Demilitarized Zone
BNC Bayonet-Neill-Concelman or DNS Domain Name Service or Domain Name Server
British Naval Connector DoS Denial of Service
BTX Balanced Technology Extended DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory
CAPTCHA Completely Automated Public Turing Test DRM Digital Rights Management
to tell Computers and Humans Apart DSL Digital Subscriber Line
CCFL Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp DVD Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc
CD Compact Disc DVD-RAM Digital Video Disc-Random-Access Memory
CD-ROM Compact Disc-Read-Only Memory DVD-ROM Digital Video Disc-Read-Only Memory
CD-RW Compact Disc-Rewritable DVD-R Digital Video Disc-Recordable
CDFS Compact Disc File System DVD-RW Digital Video Disc-Rewritable
CFS Central File System or Common File System or DVI Digital Visual Interface
Command File System ECC Error Correcting Code or
CIFS Common Internet File System Error Checking and Correction
CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor ECP Extended Capabilities Port
CNR Communications and Networking Riser EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable
COMx Communication Port (x=Port Number) Read-Only Memory

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT
EFS Encrypting File System IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity
EIDE Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity
EMI Electromagnetic Interference IP Internet Protocol
IPCONFIG Internet Protocol Configuration
EMP Electromagnetic Pulse
IPP Internet Printing Protocol
EPROM Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory IPS In-Plane Switching
EPP Enhanced Parallel Port IPSec Internet Protocol Security
ERD Emergency Repair Disk IR Infrared
ESD Electrostatic Discharge IrDA Infrared Data Association
EULA End-User License Agreement IRP Incident Response Plan
EVGA Extended Video Graphics Adapter/Array IRQ Interrupt Request
ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network
EVDO Evolution Data Optimized or Evolution Data Only
ISO International Organization for Standardization/
FAT File Allocation Table Industry Standards Organization
FAT12 12-Bit File Allocation Table ISP Internet Service Provider
FAT16 16-Bit File Allocation Table JBOD Just a Bunch Of Disks
FAT32 32-Bit File Allocation Table Kb Kilobit
FDD Floppy Disk Drive KB Kilobyte or Knowledge Base
LAN Local Area Network
Fn Function (referring to the function key on a laptop)
LBA Logical Block Addressing
FPM Fast Page Mode LC Lucent Connector
FRU Field Replaceable Unit LCD Liquid Crystal Display
FSB Front Side Bus LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
FTP File Transfer Protocol LED Light Emitting Diode
FQDN Fully Qualified Domain Name LI-ON Lithium-Ion
LPD/LPR Line Printer Daemon/Line Printer Remote
Gb Gigabit
LPT Line Printer Terminal
GB Gigabyte LVD Low Voltage Differential
GDI Graphics Device Interface MAC Media Access Control or Mandatory Access Control
GHz Gigahertz MAPI Messaging Application Programming Interface
GUI Graphical User Interface MAU Media Access Unit or Media Attachment Unit
GPS Global Positioning System Mb Megabit
GSM Global System for Mobile Communications MB Megabyte
MBR Master Boot Record
HAL Hardware Abstraction Layer
MBSA Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
HAV Hardware-Assisted Virtualization MFD Multi-Function Device
HCL Hardware Compatibility List MFP Multi-Function Product
HDD Hard Disk Drive MHz Megahertz
HDMI High-Definition Media Interface MicroDIMM Micro Dual Inline Memory Module
HPFS High-Performance File System MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface
MIME Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension
HTML Hypertext Markup Language
MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output
HTPC Home Theater PC MMC Microsoft Management Console
HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol MP3 Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 3 Audio
HTTPS Hypertext Transfer Protocol Over MP4 Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 4
Secure Sockets Layer MPEG Moving Picture Experts Group
I/O Input/Output MSCONFIG Microsoft Configuration
ICMP Internet Control Message Protocol MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
ICR Intelligent Character Recognition MUI Multilingual User Interface
IDE Integrated Drive Electronics NAC Network Access Control
IDS Intrusion Detection System NAS Network Attached Storage
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers NAT Network Address Translation
IIS Internet Information Services NetBIOS Networked Basic Input/Output System
IMAP Internet Mail Access Protocol

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT

NetBEUI Networked Basic input/output system
RGB Red Green Blue
Extended User Interface RIP Routing Information Protocol
NFS Network File System RIS Remote Installation Service
NIC Network Interface Card RISC Reduced Instruction Set Computer
NiCd Nickel Cadmium RJ-11 Registered Jack Function 11
NiMH Nickel Metal Hydride RJ-45 Registered Jack Function 45
NLX New Low profile Extended RMA Returned Materials Authorization
NNTP Network News Transfer Protocol ROM Read-Only Memory
NTFS New Technology File System RTC Real-Time Clock
NTLDR New Technology Loader SAN Storage Area Network
NTP Network Time Protocol SAS Serial Attached SCSI
OCR Optical Character Recognition SATA Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer SC Subscription Channel
OLED Organic Light Emitting Diode SCP Secure Copy Protection
OS Operating System SCSI Small Computer System Interface
PAN Personal Area Network SCSI ID Small Computer System Interface Identifier
PATA Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment SD Card Secure Digital Card
PC Personal Computer SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory
PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect SEC Single Edge Connector
PCIe Peripheral Component Interconnect express SFC System File Checker
PCIX Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended SFF Small Form Factor
PCL Printer Control Language SLI Scalable Link Interface or System Level Integration
PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card or Scanline Interleave Mode
International Association S.M.A.R.T. Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology
PE Preinstallation Environment SMB Server Message Block or Small To Midsize Business
PGA Pin Grid Array SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
PGA2 Pin Grid Array 2 SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol
PII Personally Identifiable Information SoDIMM Small outline Dual Inline Memory Module
PIN Personal Identification Number SOHO Small Office, Home Office
PKI Public Key Infrastructure SP Service Pack
PnP Plug and Play SPDIF Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format
POP3 Post Office Protocol 3 SPGA Staggered Pin Grid Array
PoS Point of Sale SRAM Static Random-Access Memory
POST Power On Self Test SSH Secure Shell
POTS Plain Old Telephone Service SSID Service Set Identifier
PPP Point-to-Point Protocol SSL Secure Sockets Layer
PPTP Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol ST Straight Tip
PRI Primary Rate Interface STP Shielded Twisted Pair
PRL Preferred Roaming List SXGA Super Extended Graphics Array
PROM Programmable Read-Only Memory TB Terabyte
PS/2 Personal System/2 Connector TCP Transmission Control Protocol
PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
PSU Power Supply Unit TDR Time Domain Reflectometer
PVC Permanent Virtual Circuit TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol
PXE Preboot Execution Environment TKIP Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
QoS Quality of Service TPM Trusted Platform Module
RAID Redundant Array of Independent UAC User Account Control
(or Inexpensive) Discs UDF User Defined Functions or Universal Disk Format
RAM Random Access Memory or Universal Data Format
RAS Remote Access Service UDP User Datagram Protocol
RDP Remote Desktop Protocol UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
RF Radio Frequency UNC Universal Naming Convention
RFI Radio Frequency Interference UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

 ACRONYM SPELLED OUT
URL Uniform Resource Locator
USB Universal Serial Bus
USMT User State Migration Tool
UTP Unshielded Twisted Pair
UXGA Ultra Extended Graphics Array
VESA Video Electronics Standards Association
VFAT Virtual File Allocation Table
VGA Video Graphics Array
VM Virtual Machine
VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol
VPN Virtual Private Network
VRAM Video Random-Access Memory
WAN Wide Area Network
WAP Wireless Access Protocol or Wireless Access Point
WEP Wired Equivalent Privacy
WiFi Wireless Fidelity
WINS Windows Internet Name Service
WLAN Wireless Local Area Network
WPA Wireless Protected Access
WPS WiFi Protected Setup
WUXGA Wide Ultra Extended Graphics Array
XGA Extended Graphics Array
ZIF Zero Insertion Force
ZIP Zig-zag Inline Package

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-901)

A+ Proposed Hardware and Software List

CompTIA has included this sample list of hardware and software to assist
candidates as they prepare for the A+ exam. This list may also be helpful for
training companies who wish to create a lab component to their training offering.
The bulleted lists below each topic are a sample list and not exhaustive.

EQUIPMENT • Adapters
• Apple tablet/smartphone • Network cables
• Android tablet/smartphone • Unterminated network cable/connectors
• Windows tablet/smartphone • AC adapters
• Windows laptop/Mac laptop/Linux laptop • Optical drives
• Windows desktop/Mac desktop/ • Screws/stand-offs
Linux desktop • Cases
• Monitors • Maintenance kit
• Projectors • Mice/keyboards
• SOHO router/switch
• Access point TOOLS
• VoIP phone • Screw drivers
• Printer • Multimeter
- Laser/inkjet • Wire cutters
- Wireless • Punchdown tool
• Surge suppressor • Crimper
• UPS • Power supply tester
• Cable stripper
SPARE PARTS/HARDWARE • POST cards
• Motherboards • Standard technician toolkit
• RAM • ESD strap
• Hard drives • Thermal paste
• Power supplies  • Cable tester
• Video cards • WiFi analyzer
• Sounds cards • SATA to USB connectors
• Network cards
• Wireless NICs SOFTWARE
• Fans/cooling devices/heat sink • Operating system disks
• CPUs • Antivirus software
• Assorted connectors/cables • Virtualization software
- USB • Anti-malware
- HDMI • Driver software
- etc

© 2015 CompTIA Properties, LLC, used under license by CompTIA Certifications, LLC. All rights reserved. All certification programs and education related to such
programs are operated exclusively by CompTIA Certifications, LLC. CompTIA is a registered trademark of CompTIA Properties, LLC in the U.S. and internationally.
Other brands and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or service marks of CompTIA Properties, LLC or of their respective owners. Reproduc-
tion or dissemination prohibited without written consent of CompTIA Properties, LLC. Printed in the U.S. 02082-Dec2015
CompTIA A+ Certification
Exam Objectives
EXAM NUMBER: 220-902
 About the Exam
Candidates are encouraged to use this document to help prepare for CompTIA A+ 220-902. In order to receive
the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams: 220-901 and 220-902. CompTIA A+ 220-902 measures the
necessary skills for an entry-level IT professional. Successful candidates will have the knowledge required to:
• Assemble components based on customer requirements
• Install, configure and maintain devices, PCs 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 virtualization, desktop imaging and deployment
These content examples are meant to clarify the test objectives and should not be
construed as a comprehensive listing of all the content of this examination.

EXAM ACCREDITATION
CompTIA A+ is accredited by ANSI to show compliance with the ISO 17024 Standard and,
as such, undergoes regular reviews and updates to the exam objectives.

EXAM DEVELOPMENT
CompTIA exams result from subject matter expert workshops and industry-wide survey
results regarding the skills and knowledge required of an entry-level IT professional.

CompTIA AUTHORIZED MATERIALS USE POLICY

CompTIA Certifications, LLC is not affiliated with and does not authorize, endorse or condone utilizing any
content provided by unauthorized third-party training sites (aka “brain dumps”). Individuals who utilize
such materials in preparation for any CompTIA examination will have their certifications revoked and be
suspended from future testing in accordance with the CompTIA Candidate Agreement. In an effort to more
clearly communicate CompTIA’s exam policies on use of unauthorized study materials, CompTIA directs
all certification candidates to the CompTIA Certification Exam Policies. Please review all CompTIA policies
before beginning the study process for any CompTIA exam. Candidates will be required to abide by the
CompTIA Candidate Agreement. If a candidate has a question as to whether study materials are considered
unauthorized (aka “brain dumps”), he/she should perform a search using CertGuard’s engine, found here.

PLEASE NOTE
The lists of examples provided in bulleted format are not exhaustive lists. Other examples of
technologies, processes or tasks pertaining to each objective may also be included on the exam
although not listed or covered in this objectives document. CompTIA is constantly reviewing the
content of our exams and updating test questions to be sure our exams are current and the security
of the questions is protected. When necessary, we will publish updated exams based on existing
exam objectives. Please know that all related exam preparation materials will still be valid.

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

 TEST DETAILS
Required exam CompTIA A+ 220-902
Number of questions Maximum of 90
Types of questions Multiple choice and performance-based
Length of test 90 minutes
Recommended experience Six to 12 months hands-on experience in the lab or field
Passing score CompTIA A+ 220-902: 700 (on a scale of 900)

EXAM OBJECTIVES (DOMAINS)

The table below lists the domains measured by this examination
and the extent to which they are represented:

DOMAIN PERCENTAGE OF EXAMINATION

1.0 Windows Operating Systems 29%

2.0 Other Operating Systems & Technologies 12%
3.0 Security 22%
4.0 Software Troubleshooting 24%
5.0 Operational Procedures 13%
Total 100%

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

 1.0 Windows Operating Systems
1.1 Compare and contrast various features and requirements of Microsoft
Operating Systems (Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1).
• Features: security center, event viewer, • Upgrade paths – differences between
- 32-bit vs. 64-bit file structure and paths, in place upgrades, compatibility
- Aero, gadgets, user account control, category view vs. classic view tools, Windows upgrade OS advisor
BitLocker, shadow copy, system - Side-by-side apps, Metro UI, Pinning,
restore, ready boost, sidebar, One Drive, Windows store, multimonitor
compatibility mode, virtual XP task bars, charms, Start Screen,
mode, easy transfer, administrative PowerShell, Live sign in, Action Center
tools, defender, Windows firewall,

1.2 Given a scenario, install Windows PC operating

systems using appropriate methods.
• Boot methods - Remote network installation - CDFS
- USB - Image deployment - NFS
- CD-ROM - Recovery partition - ext3, ext4
- DVD - Refresh/restore - Quick format vs. full format
- PXE • Partitioning • Load alternate third-party
- Solid state/flash drives - Dynamic drivers when necessary
- Netboot - Basic • Workgroup vs. domain setup
- External/hot swappable drive - Primary • Time/date/region/language settings
- Internal hard drive (partition) - Extended • Driver installation, software
• Type of installations - Logical and windows updates
- Unattended installation - GPT • Factory recovery partition
- Upgrade • File system types/formatting • Properly formatted boot drive with
- Clean install - exFAT the correct partitions/format
- Repair installation - FAT32
- Multiboot - NTFS

1.3 Given a scenario, apply appropriate Microsoft command line tools.

• TASKKILL • COPY • EXIT
• BOOTREC • XCOPY • HELP
• SHUTDOWN • ROBOCOPY • EXPAND
• TASKLIST • DISKPART • [command name] /?
• MD • SFC • Commands available with standard
• RD • CHKDSK privileges vs. administrative privileges
• CD • GPUPDATE
• DEL • GPRESULT
• FORMAT • DIR
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)
 1.0 Windows Operating Systems

1.4 Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft operating

system features and tools.
• Administrative - Startup • Other
- Computer management - Tools - User State Migration tool (USMT)
- Device manager • Task Manager - Windows Easy Transfer
- Local users and groups - Applications - Windows Upgrade Advisor
- Local security policy - Processes • System utilities
- Performance monitor - Performance - REGEDIT
- Services - Networking - COMMAND
- System configuration - Users - SERVICES.MSC
- Task scheduler • Disk management - MMC
- Component services - Drive status - MSTSC
- Data sources - Mounting - NOTEPAD
- Print management - Initializing - EXPLORER
- Windows memory diagnostics - Extending partitions - MSINFO32
- Windows firewall - Splitting partitions - DXDIAG
- Advanced security - Shrink partitions - DEFRAG
• MSCONFIG - Assigning/changing drive letters - System restore
- General - Adding drives - Windows Update
- Boot - Adding arrays
- Services - Storage spaces

1.5 Given a scenario, use Windows Control Panel utilities.

• Internet options - Hide extensions • Programs and features
- Connections - General options • HomeGroup
- Security - View options • Devices and printers
- General • System • Sound
- Privacy - Performance (virtual memory) • Troubleshooting
- Programs - Remote settings • Network and Sharing Center
- Advanced - System protection • Device Manager
• Display/display settings • Windows firewall
- Resolution • Power options
- Color depth - Hibernate
- Refresh rate - Power plans
• User accounts - Sleep/suspend
• Folder options - Standby
- View hidden files

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

 1.0 Windows Operating Systems

1.6 Given a scenario, install and configure Windows networking

on a client/desktop.
• HomeGroup vs. WorkGroup • Proxy settings - DNS
• Domain setup • Remote Desktop Connection - Gateway
• Network shares/administrative • Remote Assistance • Network card properties
shares/mapping drives • Home vs. work vs. public network settings - Half duplex/full duplex/auto
• Printer sharing vs. network • Firewall settings - Speed
printer mapping - Exceptions - Wake-on-LAN
• Establish networking connections - Configuration - QoS
- VPN - Enabling/disabling Windows firewall - BIOS (on-board NIC)
- Dial-ups • Configuring an alternative
- Wireless IP address in Windows
- Wired - IP addressing
- WWAN (Cellular) - Subnet mask

1.7 Perform common preventive maintenance procedures

using the appropriate Windows OS tools.
• Best practices • Tools
- Scheduled backups - Backup
- Scheduled disk maintenance - System restore
- Windows updates - Recovery image
- Patch management - Disk maintenance utilities
- Driver/firmware updates
- Antivirus/Anti-malware updates

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

 2.0 Other Operating Systems and Technologies
2.1 Identify common features and functionality of
the Mac OS and Linux operating systems.
• Best practices - Force Quit - cd
- Scheduled backups • Features - shutdown
- Scheduled disk maintenance - Multiple desktops/Mission Control - pwd vs. passwd
- System updates/App Store - Key Chain - mv
- Patch management - Spot Light - cp
- Driver/firmware updates - iCloud - rm
- Antivirus/anti-malware updates - Gestures - chmod
• Tools - Finder - chown
- Backup/Time Machine - Remote Disc - iwconfig/ifconfig
- Restore/snapshot - Dock - ps
- Image recovery - Boot Camp - su/sudo
- Disk maintenance utilities • Basic Linux commands - apt-get
- Shell/Terminal - ls - vi
- Screen sharing - grep - dd

2.2 Given a scenario, set up and use client-side virtualization.

• Purpose of virtual machines • Security requirements
• Resource requirements • Network requirements
• Emulator requirements • Hypervisor

2.3 Identify basic cloud concepts.

• SaaS • Rapid Elasticity
• IaaS • On-demand
• PaaS • Resource pooling
• Public vs. Private vs. Hybrid vs. Community • Measured service

2.4 Summarize the properties and purpose of services

provided by networked hosts.
• Server roles - DNS server - UTM
- Web server - Proxy server - IDS
- File server - Mail server - IPS
- Print server - Authentication server • Legacy/embedded systems
- DHCP server • Internet appliance

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

 2.0 Other Operating Systems & Technologies

2.5 Identify basic features of mobile operating systems.

• Android vs. iOS vs. Windows - Screen orientation - Launcher/GUI
- Open source vs. closed (accelerometer/gyroscope) - Virtual assistant
source/vendor specific - Screen calibration - SDK/APK
- App source (Google Play Store, - GPS and geotracking - Emergency notification
App Store, and Store) - WiFi calling - Mobile payment service

2.6 Install and configure basic mobile device network

connectivity and email.
• Wireless/cellular data - Enter appropriate pin code - Google/Inbox
network (enable/disable) - Test connectivity - Yahoo
- Hotspot • Corporate and ISP email configuration - Outlook.com
- Tethering - POP3 - iCloud
- Airplane mode - IMAP • PRI updates/PRL updates/
• Bluetooth - Port and SSL settings Baseband updates
- Enable Bluetooth - Exchange, S/MIME • Radio firmware
- Enable pairing • Integrated commercial provider • IMEI vs. IMSI
- Find device for pairing email configuration • VPN

2.7 Summarize methods and data related to

mobile device synchronization.
• Types of data to synchronize - Documents • Software requirements to install
- Contacts - Location data the application on the PC
- Programs - Social media data • Connection types to enable
- Email - eBooks synchronization
- Pictures • Synchronization methods
- Music - Synchronize to the Cloud
- Videos - Synchronize to the Desktop
- Calendar • Mutual authentication for
- Bookmarks multiple services (SSO)

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

 3.0 Security
3.1 Identify common security threats and vulnerabilities.
• Malware • Social engineering
- Spyware • Shoulder surfing
- Viruses • Zero-day attack
- Worms • Zombie/botnet
- Trojans • Brute forcing
- Rootkits • Dictionary attacks
- Ransomware • Non-compliant systems
• Phishing • Violations of security best practices
• Spear phishing • Tailgating
• Spoofing • Man-in-the-middle

3.2 Compare and contrast common prevention methods.

• Physical security - Smart card - VPN
- Lock doors - Tokens - DLP
- Mantrap - Privacy filters - Disabling ports
- Cable locks - Entry control roster - Access control lists
- Securing physical documents/ • Digital security - Smart card
passwords/shredding - Antivirus/Anti-malware - Email filtering
- Biometrics - Firewalls - Trusted/untrusted software sources
- ID badges - User authentication/strong passwords • User education/AUP
- Key fobs - Multifactor authentication • Principle of least privilege
- RFID badge - Directory permissions

3.3 Compare and contrast differences of basic Windows OS

security settings.
• User and groups - Moving vs. copying folders and files • User authentication
- Administrator - File attributes - Single sign-on
- Power user • Shared files and folders • Run as administrator vs. standard user
- Guest - Administrative shares vs. local shares • BitLocker
- Standard user - Permission propagation • BitLocker-To-Go
• NTFS vs. Share permissions - Inheritance • EFS
- Allow vs. deny • System files and folders

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

 3.0 Security

3.4 Given a scenario, deploy and enforce security

best practices to secure a workstation.
• Password best practices - BIOS/UEFI passwords - Failed attempts lockout
- Setting strong passwords - Requiring passwords - Timeout/screen lock
- Password expiration • Account management • Disable autorun
- Changing default user - Restricting user permissions • Data encryption
names/passwords - Login time restrictions • Patch/update management
- Screensaver required password - Disabling guest account

3.5 Compare and contrast various methods for securing mobile devices.
• Screen locks • Remote backup applications • Authenticator applications
- Fingerprint lock • Failed login attempt restrictions • Trusted sources vs. untrusted sources
- Face lock • Antivirus/anti-malware • Firewalls
- Swipe lock • Patching/OS updates • Policies and procedures
- Passcode lock • Biometric authentication - BYOD vs. corporate owned
• Remote wipes • Full device encryption - Profile security requirements
• Locator applications  • Multifactor authentication

3.6 Given a scenario, use appropriate data destruction

and disposal methods.
• Physical destruction • Recycling or repurposing best practices
- Shredder - Low level format vs. standard format
- Drill/hammer - Overwrite
- Electromagnetic (Degaussing) - Drive wipe
- Incineration
- Certificate of destruction

3.7 Given a scenario, secure SOHO wireless and wired networks.

• Wireless specific • Change default usernames and passwords • Update firmware
- Changing default SSID • Enable MAC filtering • Physical security
- Setting encryption • Assign static IP addresses
- Disabling SSID broadcast • Firewall settings
- Antenna and access point placement • Port forwarding/mapping
- Radio power levels • Disabling ports
- WPS • Content filtering/parental controls

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

 4.0 Software Troubleshooting
4.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot PC operating system problems
with appropriate tools.
• Common symptoms - Missing NTLDR - System Recovery Options
- Proprietary crash screens - Missing boot configuration data - Repair disks
(BSOD/pinwheel) - Missing operating system - Pre-installation environments
- Failure to boot - Missing graphical interface - MSCONFIG
- Improper shutdown - Missing GRUB/LILO - DEFRAG
- Spontaneous shutdown/restart - Kernel panic - REGSRV32
- Device fails to start/detected - Graphical Interface fails to load - REGEDIT
- Missing DLL message - Multiple monitor - Event viewer
- Services fails to start misalignment/orientation - Safe mode
- Compatibility error • Tools - Command prompt
- Slow system performance - BIOS/UEFI - Uninstall/reinstall/repair
- Boots to safe mode - SFC
- File fails to open - Logs

4.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common PC security

issues with appropriate tools and best practices.
• Common symptoms • Tools • Best practice procedure
- Pop-ups - Antivirus software for malware removal
- Browser redirection - Anti-malware software 1. Identify malware symptoms
- Security alerts - Recovery console 2. Quarantine infected system
- Slow performance - Terminal 3. Disable system restore (in Windows)
- Internet connectivity issues - System restore/Snapshot 4. Remediate infected systems
- PC/OS lock up - Pre-installation environments a. Update anti-malware software
- Application crash - Event viewer b. Scan and removal techniques (safe
- OS updates failures - Refresh/restore mode, pre-installation environment)
- Rogue antivirus - MSCONFIG/Safe boot 5. Schedule scans and run updates
- Spam 6. Enable system restore and create
- Renamed system files restore point (in Windows)
- Files disappearing 7. Educate end user
- File permission changes
- Hijacked email
- Responses from users regarding email
 - Automated replies from
unknown sent email
- Access denied
- Invalid certificate (trusted root CA)

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

 4.0 Software Troubleshooting

4.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS

and application issues with appropriate tools.
• Common symptoms - Extremely short battery life - Reset to factory default
- Dim display - Overheating - Adjust configurations/settings
- Intermittent wireless - Frozen system - Uninstall/reinstall apps
- No wireless connectivity - No sound from speakers - Force stop
- No Bluetooth connectivity - Inaccurate touch screen response
- Cannot broadcast to external monitor - System lockout
- Touchscreen non-responsive • Tools
- Apps not loading - Hard reset
- Slow performance - Soft reset
- Unable to decrypt email - Close running applications

4.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and

application security issues with appropriate tools.
• Common symptoms - Unauthorized location tracking - Force stop
- Signal drop/weak signal - Unauthorized camera/ - Cell tower analyzer
- Power drain microphone activation - Backup/restore
- Slow data speeds - High resource utilization - iTunes/iCloud/Apple Configurator
- Unintended WiFi connection • Tools - Google Sync
- Unintended Bluetooth pairing - Anti-malware - One Drive
- Leaked personal files/data - App scanner
- Data transmission overlimit - Factory reset/clean install
- Unauthorized account access - Uninstall/reinstall apps
- Unauthorized root access - WiFi analyzer

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

 5.0 Operational Procedures
5.1 Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures.
• Equipment grounding • Personal safety • Compliance with local
• Proper component handling and storage - Disconnect power before repairing PC government regulations
- Antistatic bags - Remove jewelry
- ESD straps - Lifting techniques
- ESD mats - Weight limitations
- Self-grounding - Electrical fire safety
• Toxic waste handling - Cable management
- Batteries - Safety goggles
- Toner - Air filter mask
- CRT

5.2 Given a scenario with potential environmental

impacts, apply the appropriate controls.
• MSDS documentation for • Protection from airborne particles • Compliance to local
handling and disposal - Enclosures government regulations
• Temperature, humidity level - Air filters/mask
awareness and proper ventilation • Dust and debris
• Power surges, brownouts, blackouts - Compressed air
- Battery backup - Vacuums
- Surge suppressor

5.3 Summarize the process of addressing prohibited content/

activity, and explain privacy, licensing and policy concepts.
• Incident Response • Licensing/DRM/EULA
- First response - Open source vs. commercial license
- Identify - Personal license vs. enterprise licenses
- Report through proper channels • Personally Identifiable Information
- Data/device preservation • Follow corporate end-user policies
- Use of documentation/ and security best practices
documentation changes
- Chain of custody
- Tracking of evidence/
documenting process

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)


5.4 Demonstrate proper communication techniques and professionalism.
• Use proper language – 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 co-workers while
interacting with customers
- Personal interruptions
5.5 Given a scenario, explain the troubleshooting theory.
• 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
2. Establish a theory of probable
cause (question the obvious)
- If necessary, conduct external or
internal research based on symptoms
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)
5.0 Operational Procedures
• Dealing with difficult customer or situation - Provide proper documentation
- Do not argue with customers on the services provided
and/or be defensive - Follow up with customer/user at
- Avoid dismissing customer problems a later date to verify satisfaction
- Avoid being judgmental • Deal appropriately with customers
- Clarify customer statements (ask confidential and private materials
open-ended questions to narrow the - Located on a computer,
scope of the problem, restate the issue desktop, printer, etc
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
3. Test the theory to determine cause
- Once theory is confirmed, determine
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
 CompTIA A+ Acronyms

The following is a list of acronyms that appear on the CompTIA

A+ exams. Candidates are encouraged to review the complete
list and attain a working knowledge of all listed acronyms as a
part of a comprehensive exam preparation program.
ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT
AC Alternating Current CPU Central Processing Unit
ACL Access Control List CRT Cathode Ray Tube
ACPI Advanced Configuration Power Interface DAC Discretionary Access Control
ACT Activity DB-25 Serial Communications D-Shell Connector, 25 Pins
ADSL Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line DB-9 9 Pin D Shell Connector
AGP Accelerated Graphics Port DC Direct Current
AHCI Advanced Host Controller Interface DDoS Distributed Denial of Service
AP Access Point DDR Double Data Rate
APIPA Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing DDR RAM Double Data Rate Random-Access Memory
APM Advanced Power Management DDR SDRAM Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic
ARP Address Resolution Protocol Random-Access Memory
ASR Automated System Recovery DFS Distributed File System
ATA Advanced Technology Attachment DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
ATAPI Advanced Technology Attachment Packet Interface DIMM Dual Inline Memory Module
ATM Asynchronous Transfer Mode DIN Deutsche Industrie Norm
ATX Advanced Technology Extended DLT Digital Linear Tape
AUP Acceptable Use Policy DLP Digital Light Processing
A/V Audio Video DMA Direct Memory Access
BIOS Basic Input/Output System DMZ Demilitarized Zone
BNC Bayonet-Neill-Concelman DNS Domain Name Service or Domain Name Server
or British Naval Connector DoS Denial of Service
BTX Balanced Technology Extended DRAM Dynamic Random-Access Memory
CAPTCHA Completely Automated Public Turing Test DRM Digital Rights Management
to tell Computers and Humans Apart DSL Digital Subscriber Line
CCFL Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp DVD Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc
CD Compact Disc DVD-RAM Digital Video Disc-Random-Access Memory
CD-ROM Compact Disc-Read-Only Memory DVD-ROM Digital Video Disc-Read-Only Memory
CD-RW Compact Disc-Rewritable DVD-R Digital Video Disc-Recordable
CDFS Compact Disc File System DVD-RW Digital Video Disc-Rewritable
CFS Central File System or Common File System DVI Digital Visual Interface
or Command File System ECC Error Correcting Code or
CIFS Common Internet File System Error Checking and Correction
CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor ECP Extended Capabilities Port
CNR Communications and Networking Riser EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable
COMx Communication Port (x=Port Number) Read-Only Memory

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

 ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT
EFS Encrypting File System IIS Internet Information Services
EIDE Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics IMAP Internet Mail Access Protocol
EMI Electromagnetic Interference IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity
EMP Electromagnetic Pulse IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity
EPROM Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory IP Internet Protocol
EPP Enhanced Parallel Port IPCONFIG Internet Protocol Configuration
ERD Emergency Repair Disk IPP Internet Printing Protocol
ESD Electrostatic Discharge IPS In-Plane Switching
EULA End-User License Agreement IPSec Internet Protocol Security
EVGA Extended Video Graphics Adapter/Array IR Infrared
EVDO Evolution Data Optimized or Evolution Data Only IrDA Infrared Data Association
FAT File Allocation Table IRP Incident Response Plan
FAT12 12-Bit File Allocation Table IRQ Interrupt Request
FAT16 16-Bit File Allocation Table ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network
FAT32 32-Bit File Allocation Table ISO International Organization for Standardization
FDD Floppy Disk Drive or Industry Standards Organization
Fn Function (referring to the function key on a laptop) ISP Internet Service Provider
FPM Fast Page Mode JBOD Just a Bunch of Disks
FRU Field Replaceable Unit Kb Kilobit
FSB Front Side Bus KB Kilobyte or Knowledge Base
FTP File Transfer Protocol LAN Local Area Network
FQDN Fully Qualified Domain Name LBA Logical Block Addressing
Gb Gigabit LC Lucent Connector
GB Gigabyte LCD Liquid Crystal Display
GDI Graphics Device Interface LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
GHz Gigahertz LED Light Emitting Diode
GUI Graphical User Interface LI-ON Lithium-Ion
GPS Global Positioning System LPD/LPR Line Printer Daemon/Line Printer Remote
GSM Global System for Mobile communications LPT Line Printer Terminal
HAL Hardware Abstraction Layer LVD Low Voltage Differential
HAV Hardware-Assisted Virtualization MAC Media Access Control/Mandatory Access Control
HCL Hardware Compatibility List MAPI Messaging Application Programming Interface
HDD Hard Disk Drive MAU Media Access Unit or Media Attachment Unit
HDMI High-Definition Media Interface Mb Megabit
HPFS High-Performance File System MB Megabyte
HTML Hypertext Markup Language MBR Master Boot Record
HTPC Home Theater PC MBSA Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol MFD Multi-Function Device
HTTPS Hypertext Transfer Protocol Over MFP Multi-Function Product
Secure Sockets Layer MHz Megahertz
I/O Input/Output MicroDIMM Micro Dual Inline Memory Module
ICMP Internet Control Message Protocol MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface
ICR Intelligent Character Recognition MIME Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension
IDE Integrated Drive Electronics MIMO Multiple Input, Multiple Output
IDS Intrusion Detection System MMC Microsoft Management Console
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers MP3 Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 3 Audio

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

 ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT

MP4 Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 4
PRI Preferred Roaming Index
MPEG Moving Picture Experts Group PRL Preferred Roaming List
MSCONFIG Microsoft Configuration PROM Programmable Read-Only Memory
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet PS/2 Personal System/2
MUI Multilingual User Interface PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
NAC Network Access Control PSU Power Supply Unit
NAS Network Attached Storage PVC Permanent Virtual Circuit
NAT Network Address Translation PXE Preboot Execution Environment
NETBIOS Networked Basic Input/Output System QoS Quality of Service
NETBEUI Networked Basic Input/Output System RAID Redundant Array of Independent
Extended User Interface (or Inexpensive) Discs
NFS Network File System RAM Random-Access Memory
NIC Network Interface Card RAS Remote Access Service
NiCd Nickel Cadmium RDP Remote Desktop Protocol
NiMH Nickel Metal Hydride RF Radio Frequency
NLX New Low Profile Extended RFI Radio Frequency Interference
NNTP Network News Transfer Protocol RGB Red Green Blue
NTFS New Technology File System RIP Routing Information Protocol
NTLDR New Technology Loader RIS Remote Installation Service
NTP Network Time Protocol RISC Reduced Instruction Set Computer
OCR Optical Character Recognition RJ-11 Registered Jack Function 11
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer RJ-45 Registered Jack Function 45
OLED Organic Light Emitting Diode RMA Returned Materials Authorization
OS Operating System ROM Read-Only Memory
PAN Personal Area Network RTC Real-Time Clock
PATA Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment SAN Storage Area Network
PC Personal Computer SAS Serial Attached SCSI
PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect SATA Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
PCIe Peripheral Component Interconnect express SC Subscription Channel
PCIX Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended SCP Secure Copy Protection
PCL Printer Control Language SCSI Small Computer System Interface
PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card SCSI ID Small Computer System Interface Identifier
International Association SD card Secure Digital card
PE Preinstallation Environment SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
PGA Pin Grid Array SEC Single Edge Connector
PGA2 Pin Grid Array 2 SFC System File Checker
PII Personally Identifiable Information SFF Small Form Factor
PIN Personal Identification Number SLI Scalable Link Interface or System Level Integration
PKI Public Key Infrastructure or Scanline Interleave mode
PnP Plug and Play S.M.A.R.T. Self-Monitoring, Analysis, And Reporting Technology
POP3 Post Office Protocol 3 SMB Server Message Block or Small-to-Midsize Business
PoS Point of Sale SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
POST Power-On Self Test SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol
POTS Plain Old Telephone Service SODIMM Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module
PPP Point-to-Point Protocol SOHO Small Office, Home Office
PPTP Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol SP Service Pack

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

 ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT
SPDIF Sony-Philips Digital Interface Format USB Universal Serial Bus
SPGA Staggered Pin Grid Array USMT User State Migration Tool
SRAM Static Random Access Memory UTP Unshielded Twisted Pair
SSH Secure Shell UXGA Ultra Extended Graphics Array
SSID Service Set Identifier VESA Video Electronics Standards Association
SSL Secure Sockets Layer VFAT Virtual File Allocation Table
ST Straight Tip VGA Video Graphics Array
STP Shielded Twisted Pair VM Virtual Machine
SXGA Super Extended Graphics Array VoIP Voice Over Internet Protocol
TB Terabyte VPN Virtual Private Network
TCP Transmission Control Protocol VRAM Video Random Access Memory
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol WAN Wide Area Network
TDR Time Domain Reflectometer WAP Wireless Access Protocol/Wireless Access Point
TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol WEP Wired Equivalent Privacy
TKIP Temporal Key Integrity Protocol WiFi Wireless Fidelity
TPM Trusted Platform Module WINS Windows Internet Name Service
UAC User Account Control WLAN Wireless Local Area Network
UDF User Defined Functions or Universal Disk Format WPA Wireless Protected Access
or Universal Data Format WPS WiFi Protected Setup
UDP User Datagram Protocol WUXGA Wide Ultra Extended Graphics Array
UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Interface XGA Extended Graphics Array
UNC Universal Naming Convention ZIF Zero-Insertion-Force
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply ZIP Zigzag Inline Package
URL Uniform Resource Locator

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Objectives Version 1.0 (Exam Number: 220-902)

A+ Proposed Hardware and Software List

CompTIA has included this sample list of hardware and software to assist
candidates as they prepare for the A+ exam. This list may also be helpful for
training companies who wish to create a lab component to their training offering.
The bulleted lists below each topic are a sample list and not exhaustive.

EQUIPMENT • Adapters
• Apple tablet/smartphone • Network cables
• Android tablet/smartphone • Unterminated network cable/connectors
• Windows tablet/smartphone • AC adapters
• Windowslaptop/Mac laptop/Linux laptop • Optical drives
• Windows desktop/Mac desktop/ • Screws/stand-offs
Linux desktop • Cases
• Monitors • Maintenance kit
• Projectors • Mice/keyboards
• SOHO router/switch
• Access point TOOLS
• VoIP phone • Screw drivers
• Printer • Multimeter
- Laser/inkjet • Wire cutters
- Wireless • Punchdown tool
• Surge suppressor • Crimper
• UPS • Power supply tester
• Cable stripper
SPARE PARTS/HARDWARE • POST cards
• Motherboards • Standard technician toolkit
• RAM • ESD strap
• Hard drives • Thermal paste
• Power supplies • Cable tester
• Video cards • WiFi analyzer
• Sounds cards • SATA to USB connectors
• Network cards
• Wireless NICs SOFTWARE
• Fans/cooling devices/heat sink • Operating system disks
• CPUs • Antivirus software
• Assorted connectors/cables • Virtualization software
- USB • Anti-malware
- HDMI • Driver software
- etc

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programs are operated exclusively by CompTIA Certifications, LLC. CompTIA is a registered trademark of CompTIA Properties, LLC in the U.S. and internationally.
Other brands and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or service marks of CompTIA Properties, LLC or of their respective owners. Reproduc-
tion or dissemination prohibited without written consent of CompTIA Properties, LLC. Printed in the U.S. 02088-Nov2015