CompTIA A+ Certification

Exam: Core 1 Objectives

EXAM NUMBER: CORE 1 (220-1001)
 About the Exam
Candidates are encouraged to use this document to help prepare for CompTIA A+ Core 1.
In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-
1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). CompTIA A+ Core 1 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 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
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 testing
exam objectives. Please know that all related exam preparation materials will still be valid.

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 TEST DETAILS
Required exam Core 1
Number of questions Maximum of 90
Types of questions Multiple choice and performance-based
Length of test 90 minutes
Recommended experience 12 months of experience as an IT support specialist
Passing score 675 (on a scale of 100–900)

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 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%

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 1.0 Mobile Devices
1.1 Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components.
• Hardware/device replacement - Wireless card/Bluetooth module - Plastics/frames
- Keyboard - Cellular card - Speaker
- Hard drive - Video card - System board
- SSD vs. hybrid vs. magnetic disk - Mini PCIe - CPU
- 1.8in vs. 2.5in - Screen
- Memory - DC jack
- Smart card reader - Battery
- Optical drive - Touchpad

1.2 Given a scenario, install components within the display of a laptop.

• Types • Webcam
- LCD • Microphone
- OLED • Inverter
• WiFi antenna connector/placement • Digitizer/touchscreen

1.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features.

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

1.4 Compare and contrast characteristics of various

types of other mobile devices.
• Tablets • Wearable technology devices • E-readers
• Smartphones - Smart watches • GPS
- Fitness monitors
- VR/AR headsets

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 1.0 Mobile Devices

1.5 Given a scenario, connect and configure accessories

and ports of other mobile devices.
• Connection types • Accessories
- Wired - Headsets
- Micro-USB/Mini-USB/USB-C - Speakers
- Lightning - Game pads
- Tethering - Extra battery packs/battery chargers
- Proprietary vendor-specific - Protective covers/waterproofing
ports (communication/power) - Credit card readers
- Wireless - Memory/MicroSD
- NFC
- Bluetooth
- IR
- Hotspot

1.6 Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device

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

1.7 Given a scenario, use methods to perform

mobile device synchronization.
• Synchronization methods - Calendar • Connection types to enable
- Synchronize to the cloud - Bookmarks synchronization
- Synchronize to the desktop - Documents
- Synchronize to the automobile - Location data
• Types of data to synchronize - Social media data
- Contacts - E-books
- Applications - Passwords
- Email • Mutual authentication for
- Pictures multiple services (SSO)
- Music • Software requirements to install
- Videos the application on the PC

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 2.0 Networking
2.1 Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their purposes.
• Ports and protocols - 110 – POP3 - 548 – AFP
- 21 – FTP - 143 – IMAP - 67/68 – DHCP
- 22 – SSH - 443 – HTTPS - 389 – LDAP
- 23 – Telnet - 3389 – RDP - 161/162 – SNMP
- 25 – SMTP - 137-139 – NetBIOS/NetBT • TCP vs. UDP
- 53 – DNS - 445 – SMB/CIFS
- 80 – HTTP - 427 – SLP

2.2 Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices.

• Routers • Firewall • Patch panel
• Switches • Network interface card • Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- Managed • Repeater - Injectors
- Unmanaged • Hub - Switch
• Access points • Cable/DSL modem • Ethernet over Power
• Cloud-based network controller • Bridge

2.3 Given a scenario, install and configure a basic

wired/wireless SOHO network.
• Router/switch functionality - Light switches - NAT
• Access point settings - Security cameras - UPnP
• IP addressing - Door locks - Whitelist/blacklist
• NIC configuration - Voice-enabled, smart - MAC filtering
- Wired speaker/digital assistant • QoS
- Wireless • Cable/DSL modem configuration • Wireless settings
• End-user device configuration • Firewall settings - Encryption
• IoT device configuration - DMZ - Channels
- Thermostat - Port forwarding - QoS

2.4 Compare and contrast wireless networking protocols.

• 802.11a • Channels • 4G
• 802.11b - 1–11 • 5G
• 802.11g • Bluetooth • LTE
• 802.11n • NFC
• 802.11ac • RFID
• Frequencies • Zigbee
- 2.4Ghz • Z-Wave
- 5Ghz • 3G

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 2.0 Networking

2.5 Summarize the properties and purposes of

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

2.6 Explain common network configuration concepts.

• IP addressing • DNS • Gateway
- Static • DHCP • VPN
- Dynamic - Reservations • VLAN
- APIPA • IPv4 vs. IPv6 • NAT
- Link local • Subnet mask

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 - WMN

2.8 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: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 3.0 Hardware
3.1 Explain basic cable types, features, and their purposes.
• Network cables • Video cables - USB 3.0
- Ethernet - VGA • Peripheral cables
- Cat 5 - HDMI - Serial
- Cat 5e - Mini-HDMI • Hard drive cables
- Cat 6 - DisplayPort - SATA
- Plenum - DVI ( DVI-D/DVI-I) - IDE
- Shielded twisted pair • Multipurpose cables - SCSI
- Unshielded twisted pair - Lightning • Adapters
- 568A/B - Thunderbolt - DVI to HDMI
- Fiber - USB - USB to Ethernet
- Coaxial - USB-C - DVI to VGA
- Speed and transmission limitations - USB 2.0

3.2 Identify common connector types.

• RJ-11 • RG-6 • DB-9
• RJ-45 • USB • Lightning
• RS-232 • Micro-USB • SCSI
• BNC • Mini-USB • eSATA
• RG-59 • USB-C • Molex

3.3 Given a scenario, install RAM types.

• RAM types • Single channel
- SODIMM • Dual channel
- DDR2 • Triple channel
- DDR3 • Error correcting
- DDR4 • Parity vs. non-parity

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 3.0 Hardware

3.4 Given a scenario, select, install and configure storage devices.

• Optical drives • Magnetic hard drives • Hybrid drives
- CD-ROM/CD-RW - 5,400rpm • Flash
- DVD-ROM/DVD-RW/DVD-RW DL - 7,200rpm - SD card
- Blu-ray - 10,000rpm - CompactFlash
- BD-R - 15,000rpm - Micro-SD card
- BD-RE - Sizes: - Mini-SD card
• Solid-state drives -2.5 - xD
- M2 drives -3.5 • Configurations
- NVME - RAID 0, 1, 5, 10
- SATA 2.5 - Hot swappable

3.5 Given a scenario, install and configure

motherboards, CPUs, and add-on cards.
• Motherboard form factor - Security settings • Compatibility
- ATX - Interface configurations - AMD
- mATX - Security - Intel
- ITX - Passwords • Cooling mechanism
- mITX - Drive encryption - Fans
• Motherboard connectors types - TPM - Heat sink
- PCI - LoJack - Liquid
- PCIe - Secure boot - Thermal paste
- Riser card • CMOS battery • Expansion cards
- Socket types • CPU features - Video cards
- SATA - Single-core - Onboard
- IDE - Multicore - Add-on card
- Front panel connector - Virtualization - Sound cards
- Internal USB connector - Hyperthreading - Network interface card
• BIOS/UEFI settings - Speeds - USB expansion card
- Boot options - Overclocking - eSATA card
- Firmware updates - Integrated GPU

3.6 Explain the purposes and uses of various peripheral types.

• Printer • Signature pad • KVM
• ADF/flatbed scanner • Game controllers • Magnetic reader/chip reader
• Barcode scanner/QR scanner • Camera/webcam • NFC/tap pay device
• Monitors • Microphone • Smart card reader
• VR headset • Speakers
• Optical drive types • Headset
• Mouse • Projector
• Keyboard - Lumens/brightness
• Touchpad • External storage drives

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 3.0 Hardware

3.7 Summarize power supply types and features.

• Input 115V vs. 220V • Wattage rating
• Output 5V vs. 12V • Number of devices/types of
• 24-pin motherboard adapter 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 • Gaming PC • Standard thick client
- SSD - SSD - Desktop applications
- High-end video - High-end video/specialized GPU - Meets recommended
- Maximum RAM - High-definition sound card requirements for selected OS
• Audio/video editing workstation - High-end cooling • Thin client
- Specialized audio and video card • Network attached storage device - Basic applications
- Large, fast hard drive - Media streaming - Meets minimum requirements
- Dual monitors - File sharing for selected OS
• Virtualization workstation - Gigabit NIC - Network connectivity
- Maximum RAM and CPU cores - RAID array
- Hard drive

3.9 Given a scenario, install and configure common devices.

• Desktop - Application installations/configurations
- Thin client - Synchronization settings
- Thick client - Account setup/settings
- Account setup/settings - Wireless settings
• Laptop/common mobile devices
- Touchpad configuration
- Touchscreen configuration

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 3.0 Hardware

3.10 Given a scenario, configure SOHO multifunction

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

3.11 Given a scenario, install and maintain various print technologies.

• Laser • Inkjet • Impact
- Imaging drum, fuser assembly, - Ink cartridge, print head, roller, feeder, - Print head, ribbon, tractor feed
transfer belt, transfer roller, pickup duplexing assembly, carriage, and belt - Impact paper
rollers, separate pads, - Calibrate - Maintenance: Replace ribbon,
duplexing assembly - Maintenance: Clean heads, replace replace print head, replace paper
- Imaging process: processing, cartridges, calibrate, clear jams • Virtual
charging, exposing, developing, • Thermal - Print to file
transferring, fusing, and cleaning - Feed assembly, heating element - Print to PDF
- Maintenance: Replace toner, apply - Special thermal paper - Print to XPS
maintenance kit, calibrate, clean - Maintenance: Replace paper, clean - Print to image
heating element, remove debris • 3D printers
- Plastic filament

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing
4.1 Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts.
• Common cloud models • Measured service
- IaaS • Metered
- SaaS • Off-site email applications
- PaaS • Cloud file storage services
- Public vs. private vs. - Synchronization apps
hybrid vs. community • Virtual application streaming/
• Shared resources cloud-based applications
- Internal vs. external - Applications for cell phones/tablets
• Rapid elasticity - Applications for laptops/desktops
• On-demand • Virtual desktop
• Resource pooling - 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

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 5.0 Hardware and Network
Troubleshooting
5.1 Given a scenario, use the best practice methodology to resolve problems.
• Always consider corporate - Review system and application logs 4. Establish a plan of action to resolve the
policies, procedures, and impacts 2. Establish a theory of probable problem and implement the solution
before implementing changes cause (question the obvious) 5. Verify full system functionality and, if
- If necessary, conduct external or applicable, implement
1. Identify the problem internal research based on symptoms preventive measures
- Question the user and identify 3. Test the theory to determine cause 6. Document findings,
user changes to computer and - Once the theory is confirmed, determine actions, and outcomes
perform backups before the next steps to resolve problem
making changes - If theory is not confirmed re-
- Inquire regarding environmental establish new theory or escalate
or infrastructure changes

5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related

to motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power.
• Common symptoms - Continuous reboots - Smoke
- Unexpected shutdowns - No power - Burning smell
- System lockups - Overheating - Proprietary crash screens
- POST code beeps - Loud noise (BSOD/pin wheel)
- Blank screen on bootup - Intermittent device failure - Distended capacitors
- BIOS time and setting resets - Fans spin – no power to other devices - Log entries and error messages
- Attempts to boot to incorrect device - Indicator lights

5.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays.

• Common symptoms - OS not found
- Read/write failure - RAID not found
- Slow performance - RAID stops working
- Loud clicking noise - Proprietary crash screens
- Failure to boot (BSOD/pin wheel)
- Drive not recognized - S.M.A.R.T. errors

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

5.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues.

• Common symptoms - Artifacts - Distorted geometry
- VGA mode - Incorrect color patterns - Burn-in
- No image on screen - Dim image - Oversized images and icons
- Overheat shutdown - Flickering image
- Dead pixels - Distorted image

5.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile device

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

5.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers.

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

5.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common wired

and wireless network problems.
• Common symptoms - No connectivity
- Limited connectivity - APIPA/link local address
- Unavailable resources - Intermittent connectivity
- Internet - IP conflict
- Local resources - Slow transfer speeds
- Shares - Low RF signal
- Printers - SSID not found
- Email

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 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 CGA Computer Graphics and Applications
ACL Access Control List CIDR Classless Inter-Domain Routing
ACPI Advanced Configuration Power Interface CIFS Common Internet File System
ADF Automatic Document Feeder CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor
ADSL Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line CNR Communications and Networking Riser
AES Advanced Encryption Standard COMx Communication port (x=port number)
AHCI Advanced Host Controller Interface CPU Central Processing Unit
AP Access Point CRT Cathode-Ray Tube
APIPA Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing DaaS Data as a Service
APM Advanced Power Management DAC Discretionary Access Control
ARP Address Resolution Protocol DB-25 Serial Communications D-Shell Connector, 25 pins
ASR Automated System Recovery DB-9 Serial Communications D-Shell Connector, 9 pins
ATA Advanced Technology Attachment DBaaS Database as a Service
ATAPI Advanced Technology DC Direct Current
Attachment Packet Interface DDoS Distributed Denial of Service
ATM Asynchronous Transfer Mode DDR Double Data Rate
ATX Advanced Technology Extended DDR RAM Double Data Rate Random Access Memory
AUP Acceptable Use Policy DFS Distributed File System
A/V Audio Video DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
BD-R Blu-ray Disc Recordable DIMM Dual Inline Memory Module
BIOS Basic Input/Output System DIN Deutsche Industrie Norm
BD-RE Blu-ray Disc Rewritable DLT Digital Linear Tape
BNC Bayonet-Neill-Concelman DLP Digital Light Processing or Data Loss Prevention
BSOD Blue Screen of Death DMA Direct Memory Access
BYOD Bring Your Own Device DMZ Demilitarized Zone
CAD Computer-Aided Design DNS Domain Name Service or Domain Name Server
CAPTCHA Completely Automated Public Turing test to DoS Denial of Service
tell Computers and Humans Apart DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory
CD Compact Disc DRM Digital Rights Management
CD-ROM Compact Disc-Read-Only Memory DSL Digital Subscriber Line
CD-RW Compact Disc-Rewritable DVD Digital Versatile Disc
CDFS Compact Disc File System DVD-RAM Digital Versatile Disc-Random Access Memory
CERT Computer Emergency Response Team DVD-ROM Digital Versatile Disc-Read Only Memory
CFS Central File System, Common File System, or DVD-R Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable
Command File System DVD-RW Digital Versatile Disc-Rewritable

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT
DVI Digital Visual Interface HTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol
DVI-D Digital Visual Interface--Digital HTTPS Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure
ECC Error Correcting Code I/O Input/Output
ECP Extended Capabilities Port IaaS Infrastructure as a Service
EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable ICMP Internet Control Message Protocol
Read-Only Memory ICR Intelligent Character Recognition
EFS Encrypting File System IDE Integrated Drive Electronics
EIDE Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics IDS Intrusion Detection System
EMI Electromagnetic Interference IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
EMP Electromagnetic Pulse IIS Internet Information Services
EPROM Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory IMAP Internet Mail Access Protocol
EPP Enhanced Parallel Port IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identity
ERD Emergency Repair Disk IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity
eSATA External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment IP Internet Protocol
ESD Electrostatic Discharge IPConfig Internet Protocol Configuration
EULA End User License Agreement IPP Internet Printing Protocol
EVGA Extended Video Graphics Adapter/Array IPS Intrusion Prevention System
Ext2 Second Extended File System IPSec Internet Protocol Security
exFAT Extended File Allocation Table IR Infrared
FAT File Allocation Table IrDA Infrared Data Association
FAT12 12-bit File Allocation Table IRP Incident Response Plan
FAT16 16-bit File Allocation Table IRQ Interrupt Request
FAT32 32-bit File Allocation Table ISA Industry Standard Architecture
FDD Floppy Disk Drive ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network
FPM Fast Page Mode ISO International Organization for Standardization
FSB Front-Side Bus ISP Internet Service Provider
FTP File Transfer Protocol JBOD Just a Bunch of Disks
FQDN Fully Qualified Domain Name KB Knowledge Base
GDDR Graphics Double Data Rate KVM Kernel-based Virtual Machine
GDI Graphics Device Interface KVM Keyboard-Video-Mouse
GUI Graphical User Interface LAN Local Area Network
GUID Globally Unique Identifier LBA Logical Block Addressing
GPS Global Positioning System LC Lucent Connector
GPT GUID Partition Table LCD Liquid Crystal Display
GPU Graphics Processing Unit LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol
GSM Global System for Mobile Communications LED Light Emitting Diode
HAL Hardware Abstraction Layer LPD/LPR Line Printer Daemon/Line Printer Remote
HAV Hardware Assisted Virtualization LPT Line Printer Terminal
HCL Hardware Compatibility List LVD Low Voltage Differential
HDCP High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection MAC Media Access Control/Mandatory Access Control
HDD Hard Disk Drive MAN Metropolitan Area Network
HDMI High Definition Media Interface MAPI Messaging Application Programming Interface
HIPS Host Intrusion Prevention System mATX Micro Advanced Technology Extended
HPFS High Performance File System MAU Media Access Unit/Media Attachment Unit
HTML Hypertext Markup Language MBR Master Boot Record
HTPC Home Theater PC MBSA Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT

MDM Mobile Device Management
PCIe Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
MFA Multifactor Authentication PCIX Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended
MFD Multifunction Device PCL Printer Control Language
MFP Multifunction Product PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory
MicroDIMM Micro Dual Inline Memory Module Card International Association
MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface PE Preinstallation Environment
MIME Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension PGA Pin Grid Array
MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output PGA2 Pin Grid Array 2
MMC Microsoft Management Console PGP Pretty Good Protection
MP3 Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 3 Audio PII Personally Identifiable Information
MP4 Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 4 PIN Personal Identification Number
MPEG Moving Picture Experts Group PHI Personal Health Information
MSConfig Microsoft Configuration PKI Public Key Infrastructure
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet PnP Plug and Play
MT-RJ Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack PoE Power over Ethernet
MUI Multilingual User Interface POP3 Post Office Protocol 3
NaaS Network as a Service PoS Point of Sale
NAC Network Access Control POST Power-On Self-Test
NAS Network-Attached Storage POTS Plain Old Telephone Service
NAT Network Address Translation PPM Pages Per Minute
NetBIOS Networked Basic Input/Output System PPP Point-to-Point Protocol
NetBEUI Networked Basic Input/Output PPTP Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol
System Extended User Interface PRI Primary Rate Interface
NFC Near Field Communication PROM Programmable Read-Only Memory
NFS Network File System PS/2 Personal System/2 connector
NIC Network Interface Card PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
NiCd Nickel Cadmium PSU Power Supply Unit
NiMH Nickel Metal Hydride PVA Patterned Vertical Alignment
NLX New Low-profile Extended PVC Permanent Virtual Circuit
NNTP Network News Transfer Protocol PXE Preboot Execution Environment
NTFS New Technology File System QoS Quality of Service
NTLDR New Technology Loader RADIUS Remote Authentication Dial-In User Server
NTP Network Time Protocol RAID Redundant Array of
NTSC National Transmission Standards Committee Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks
NVMe Non-volatile Memory Express RAM Random Access Memory
OCR Optical Character Recognition RAS Remote Access Service
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer RDP Remote Desktop Protocol
OLED Organic Light Emitting Diode RF Radio Frequency
OS Operating System RFI Radio Frequency Interference
PaaS Platform as a Service RFID Radio Frequency Identification
PAL Phase Alternating Line RGB Red Green Blue
PAN Personal Area Network RIP Routing Information Protocol
PAT Port Address Translation RIS Remote Installation Service
PC Personal Computer RISC Reduced Instruction Set Computer
PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect RJ-11 Registered Jack Function 11
PCI Payment Card Industry RJ-45 Registered Jack Function 45

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
 ACRONYM SPELLED OUT ACRONYM SPELLED OUT
RMA Returned Materials Authorization TKIP Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
ROM Read-Only Memory TLS Transport Layer Security
RPO Recovery Point Objective TN Twisted Nematic
RTC Real-Time Clock TPM Trusted Platform Module
RT Recovery Time Objective UAC User Account Control
Saas Software as a Service UDF User Defined Functions or Universal
SAN Storage Area Network Disk Format or Universal Data Format
SAS Serial Attached SCSI UDP User Datagram Protocol
SATA Serial Advanced Technology Attachment UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
SC Subscription Channel UNC Universal Naming Convention
SCP Secure Copy Protection UPnP Universal Plug and Play
SCSI Small Computer System Interface UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
SCSI ID Small Computer System Interface Identifier URL Uniform Resource Locator
SD card Secure Digital Card USB Universal Serial Bus
SEC Single Edge Connector USMT User State Migration Tool
SFC System File Checker UTM Unified Threat Management
SFF Small Form Factor UTP Unshielded Twisted Pair
SFTP Secure File Transfer Protocol UXGA Ultra Extended Graphics Array
SIM Subscriber Identity Module VA Vertical Alignment
SIMM Single In-Line Memory Module VDC Volts DC
SLI Scalable Link Interface or System Level VDI Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
Integration or Scanline Interleave Mode VESA Video Electronics Standards Association
S.M.A.R.T. Self-Monitoring, Analysis, VFAT Virtual File Allocation Table
and Reporting Technology VGA Video Graphics Array
SMB Server Message Block VLAN Virtual LAN
SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol VM Virtual Machine
SNMP Simple Network Management Protocol VNC Virtual Network Computer
SoDIMM Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol
SOHO Small Office/Home Office VPN Virtual Private Network
SP Service Pack VRAM Video Random Access Memory
SPDIF Sony-Philips Digital Interface Format WAN Wide Area Network
SPGA Staggered Pin Grid Array WAP Wireless Access Protocol/Wireless Access Point
SRAM Static Random Access Memory WEP Wired Equivalent Privacy
SSD Solid State Drive WIFI Wireless Fidelity
SSH Secure Shell WINS Windows Internet Name Service
SSID Service Set Identifier WLAN Wireless Local Area Network
SSL Secure Sockets Layer WMN Wireless Mesh Network
SSO Single Sign-on WPA Wireless Protected Access
ST Straight Tip WPA2 WiFi Protected Access 2
STP Shielded Twisted Pair WPS WiFi Protected Setup
SXGA Super Extended Graphics Array WUXGA Wide Ultra Extended Graphics Array
TACACS Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System WWAN Wireless Wide Area Network
TCP Transmission Control Protocol XGA Extended Graphics Array
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol ZIF Zero-Insertion-Force
TDR Time Domain Reflectometer ZIP Zigzag Inline Package
TFTP Trivial File Transfer Protocol

CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: Core 1)
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 that wish to create a lab component for their training offering.
The bulleted lists below each topic are sample lists and not exhaustive.

EQUIPMENT • CPUs SOFTWARE

• Apple tablet/smartphone • Assorted connectors/cables • Operating systems
• Android tablet/smartphone - USB - Linux
• Windows tablet/Smartphone - HDMI - Chrome OS
• Chromebook - Etc. - Microsoft Windows
• Windows laptop/Mac laptop/Linux laptop • Adapters - Mac OS
• Windows desktop/Mac desktop/Linux desktop • Network cables - Android
• Windows Server w/Active Directory • Unterminated network cables/connectors - iOS
and Print Management • AC adapters • PE Disk/Live CD
• Monitors • Optical drives • Antivirus software
• Projectors • Screws/stand-offs • Virtualization software
• SOHO router/switch • Cases • Anti-malware
• Access point • Maintenance kit • Driver software
• VoIP phone • Mice/keyboards
• Printer • KVM
- Laser/inkjet • Console cable
- Wireless
- 3D printer TOOLS
• Surge suppressor • Screw drivers
• UPS • Multimeter
• VR headset • Wire cutters
• Smart devices (IoT devices) • Punchdown tool
• Crimper
SPARE PARTS/HARDWARE • Power supply tester
• Motherboards • Cable stripper
• RAM • Standard technician toolkit
• Hard drives • ESD strap
• Power supplies • Thermal paste
• Video cards • Cable tester
• Sounds cards • Cable toner
• Network cards • WiFi analyzer
• Wireless NICs • SATA to USB connectors
• Fans/cooling devices/heat sink

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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. 04992A-Apr2018