What are the most important topics for CompTIA A+ 1101 and 1102?
Core 1 (1101) covers mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, and troubleshooting hardware/networking. Core 2 (1102) covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures. The most heavily tested topics across both exams are TCP/IP networking (ports, protocols, IP addressing), Windows OS configuration, security concepts (malware types, hardening), and hardware specifications (RAM types, storage interfaces, display connectors).
The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102). Together they validate foundational IT skills across hardware, software, networking, security, and troubleshooting. A+ is the most widely recognized entry-level IT certification and a common requirement for help desk and IT support roles.
This cheat sheet compresses the highest-frequency content from both exam domains into a quick-reference format for use in the final preparation stage.
Core 1 (220-1101): Domain Reference
Hardware: Common Connectors and Interfaces
| Connector | Used For | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| SATA | Storage drives | 6 Gbps (SATA III), L-shaped data + power |
| NVMe (M.2) | SSD | PCIe interface, much faster than SATA |
| PCIe | Expansion cards | x1, x4, x8, x16 lanes; GPU uses x16 |
| USB-A | Peripheral devices | Rectangular, common legacy connector |
| USB-C | Modern peripherals, charging | Oval, reversible, supports Thunderbolt |
| Thunderbolt 3/4 | High-speed peripherals, displays | Uses USB-C connector, 40 Gbps |
| HDMI | Displays | Multiple versions (1.4, 2.0, 2.1); audio + video |
| DisplayPort | Displays | Higher bandwidth than HDMI for high refresh |
| VGA | Legacy displays | 15-pin D-sub, analog only |
| DVI | Legacy displays | Digital and/or analog variants |
| RJ-45 | Ethernet networking | 8 pins, used with Cat5e/Cat6 |
| RJ-11 | Telephone (POTS) | 6 pins |
RAM Types
| Type | Speed Range | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| DDR4 | 2133-3200 MHz | Most common desktop RAM (2020s) |
| DDR5 | 4800+ MHz | Latest standard, not backward compatible |
| LPDDR4/5 | Similar | Low-power variant for laptops |
| ECC RAM | Varies | Error-correcting for servers, not consumer |
| SO-DIMM | Laptop form factor | Shorter than desktop DIMM |
Storage Technologies
| Technology | Interface | Speed | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDD | SATA | 100-200 MB/s | High-capacity, cost-effective |
| SATA SSD | SATA | ~550 MB/s | General purpose replacement for HDD |
| NVMe SSD | M.2 / PCIe | 3,000-7,000 MB/s | High-performance workstations |
| Optane (Intel) | M.2 / PCIe | High IOPS | Cache and high-speed storage |
| eMMC | Soldered | ~400 MB/s | Budget laptops and tablets |
Networking: TCP/IP Port Reference
| Port | Protocol | Service | Secure Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20/21 | TCP | FTP (data/control) | SFTP port 22 |
| 22 | TCP | SSH, SFTP, SCP | Already secure |
| 23 | TCP | Telnet | Replace with SSH |
| 25 | TCP | SMTP | SMTPS 465 |
| 53 | TCP/UDP | DNS | DNS over HTTPS 443 |
| 67/68 | UDP | DHCP (server/client) | N/A |
| 69 | UDP | TFTP | N/A |
| 80 | TCP | HTTP | HTTPS 443 |
| 110 | TCP | POP3 | POP3S 995 |
| 137-139 | TCP/UDP | NetBIOS | SMB 445 |
| 143 | TCP | IMAP | IMAPS 993 |
| 161/162 | UDP | SNMP (agent/manager) | SNMPv3 |
| 389 | TCP | LDAP | LDAPS 636 |
| 443 | TCP | HTTPS | Already secure |
| 445 | TCP | SMB/CIFS | N/A |
| 3389 | TCP | RDP | N/A (use NLA) |
| 5900 | TCP | VNC | N/A |
Core 2 (220-1102): Domain Reference
Windows: Key Administrative Tools
| Tool | Access Method | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Task Manager | Ctrl+Shift+Esc | Processes, performance, startup |
| Device Manager | devmgmt.msc | Hardware drivers and status |
| Disk Management | diskmgmt.msc | Partition, format, assign drive letters |
| Event Viewer | eventvwr.msc | System, application, security logs |
| Registry Editor | regedit.exe | Registry editing (advanced) |
| Group Policy Editor | gpedit.msc | Local policy configuration |
| System Configuration | msconfig | Startup, services, boot options |
| Resource Monitor | resmon.exe | Detailed CPU, memory, disk, network |
| Performance Monitor | perfmon.exe | Long-term performance data collection |
| Computer Management | compmgmt.msc | Collection of admin tools |
Windows Registry Hives
| Hive | Contains |
|---|---|
| HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKLM) | System-wide settings, hardware, software |
| HKEY_CURRENT_USER (HKCU) | Settings for currently logged-in user |
| HKEY_USERS (HKU) | Settings for all user profiles |
| HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT (HKCR) | File associations and COM objects |
| HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG (HKCC) | Current hardware profile |
Security: Malware Types
| Type | Behavior | Detection Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Virus | Attaches to files, spreads when executed | Unexpected file modifications |
| Worm | Self-replicates via network | High network activity, slow performance |
| Trojan | Disguised as legitimate software | Unexpected program behavior |
| Ransomware | Encrypts files, demands payment | Encrypted files, ransom note |
| Spyware | Monitors activity, collects data | Browser redirects, popup ads |
| Rootkit | Hides in OS/firmware | Difficult detection, abnormal system behavior |
| Keylogger | Records keystrokes | Credential theft evidence |
| Adware | Displays unwanted ads | Browser behavior changes |
"A+ Core 2 security questions frequently ask what to do first when malware is suspected. The answer is almost always: quarantine the system (disconnect from network), then investigate. Continuing to use an infected system allows malware to spread and overwrites forensic evidence." -- A+ preparation instructor
Troubleshooting Methodology (Core 1 and Core 2)
CompTIA's standard troubleshooting steps are tested on both exams:
- Identify the problem -- gather information, question the user, identify symptoms
- Establish a theory of probable cause -- consider the most obvious cause first
- Test the theory -- determine if theory is confirmed; if not, establish new theory
- Establish a plan of action -- plan the resolution, identify potential effects
- Implement the solution -- apply the fix or escalate if beyond capability
- Verify full system functionality -- confirm resolution and prevent recurrence
- Document findings -- record what was done, for future reference
Laptop-Specific Hardware
| Component | Key Points |
|---|---|
| LCD inverter | Converts DC to AC for CCFL backlights (legacy) |
| LED backlight | Direct drive, no inverter needed |
| Digitizer | Touch input layer over display |
| Docking station | Provides desktop ports for laptop |
| Port replicator | Simplified docking, fewer features |
| Battery types | Li-ion (lithium ion), LiPo (lithium polymer) |
| Thermal paste | Between CPU/GPU and heatsink, conducts heat |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which A+ exam is harder, Core 1 or Core 2? Most candidates find Core 2 harder because it covers a broader range of topics including Windows operating system administration, security, scripting, and operational procedures. Core 1 is more hardware-focused, which candidates with hands-on IT experience often find more intuitive. However, individual backgrounds vary widely.
How many performance-based questions are on the A+ exams? CompTIA A+ exams typically include 3 to 5 performance-based questions out of 90 total questions per exam. These questions require interacting with simulations such as connecting cables, configuring network settings, or completing security tasks. They often take longer than multiple-choice questions and appear at the beginning of the exam.
Do I need to know command-line commands for A+? Yes. Core 2 tests Windows command-line tools: ipconfig, netstat, nslookup, tracert, ping, sfc /scannow, chkdsk, and others. For Linux, basic commands like ls, cd, pwd, chmod, grep, and ps appear. These commands require knowing what they do and when to use them, not necessarily exact syntax memorization.
References
- CompTIA. (2024). CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives. CompTIA. https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a
- CompTIA. (2024). CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) Exam Objectives. CompTIA. https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a
- Meyers, M. (2022). CompTIA A+ Core 1 All-in-One Exam Guide, Eleventh Edition. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Meyers, M. (2022). CompTIA A+ Core 2 All-in-One Exam Guide, Eleventh Edition. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Messer, J. (2024). Professor Messer's CompTIA A+ Training Courses. https://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/
- Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. (2024). Service Name and Transport Protocol Port Number Registry. https://www.iana.org/assignments/service-names-port-numbers/