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V14

A+ Core 1 & 2 V14 (Retiring Version)

CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for launching your tech career, offering foundational skills for beginners. The A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams cover essential tech areas like hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, networking, and security. To achieve this certification, you must pass both exams under the same certification version. Gaining this certification opens doors to roles like IT specialist and help desk technician and sets you up for intermediate certifications like Network+ and Security+.

Plus A+ Certification

A+ Core 1 (V14) exam objectives

Mobile devices (15%) 

  • Installation and configuration: installing and configuring laptop hardware like HDD/SSD, RAM, and wireless cards.
  • Accessories setup: setting up accessories such as USB, Bluetooth, and NFC devices.
  • Display technologies: comparing mobile display technologies like LCD and OLED.
  • Network connectivity: configuring network connectivity options, including WiFi, Bluetooth, and mobile data synchronization.
  • Troubleshooting: diagnosing and resolving issues related to mobile devices, including hardware failures and connectivity problems.

Networking (20%) 

  • Protocols: comparing and contrasting TCP and UDP protocols.
  • Networking hardware: exploring the roles and functionalities of routers, switches, and firewalls.
  • Wireless standards: understanding wireless networking standards like 802.11.
  • Network services: summarizing services provided by networked hosts, including DNS, DHCP, and web servers.
  • SOHO networks: installing and configuring small office/home office networks.
  • Networking tools: utilizing tools like crimpers, cable testers, and WiFi analyzers for troubleshooting.

Hardware (25%) 

  • Cables and connectors: explaining various cable types and connectors, such as HDMI and Ethernet.
  • RAM installation: installing appropriate RAM modules for different systems, including DDR3 and DDR4.
  • Storage solutions: selecting and installing storage solutions like HDDs and SSDs.
  • Motherboards and CPUs: configuring motherboards and CPUs, considering form factors, sockets, and cooling solutions.
  • Peripheral devices: installing and configuring peripheral devices such as printers and scanners.

Virtualization and cloud computing (11%) 

  • Virtualization technologies: learning the fundamentals of virtualization technologies, including virtual machines and hypervisors.
  • Cloud computing models: understanding cloud computing models, such as IaaS and SaaS, and their benefits.

Hardware and network troubleshooting (29%) 

  • Troubleshooting methodologies: diagnosing, resolving, and documenting common hardware and network issues.
  • Tools and techniques: utilizing appropriate tools and techniques, such as multimeters and cable testers, for troubleshooting.

A+ Core 2 (V14) exam objectives

Operating systems (31%) 

  • Windows features: identifying features of different Windows editions.
  • Command-line tools: using command-line tools and Windows 10 utilities like Task Manager and Disk Management.
  • Control panel utilities: navigating and utilizing Control Panel utilities for system configuration.
  • Windows settings: adjusting Windows settings for performance and security, including network and user account settings.
  • OS types: explaining the purposes of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
  • OS installations: performing installations and upgrades, ensuring compatibility and system requirements.

Security (25%) 

  • Physical and logical security: implementing security measures such as access controls and encryption.
  • Wireless security protocols: comparing wireless security protocols and authentication methods, including WPA2 and multifactor authentication.
  • Malware prevention: detecting, removing, and preventing malware using appropriate tools.
  • Social engineering attacks: understanding social engineering attacks to mitigate threats and vulnerabilities.

Software troubleshooting (22%) 

  • Software issue diagnosis: diagnosing and resolving software issues on PCs and mobile devices.
  • Troubleshooting tools: using tools such as event logs and system restore to identify and fix software-related issues.

Operational procedures (22%) 

  • Safety and communication: following industry best practices for safety, communication, and professionalism.
  • Documentation: maintaining accurate documentation and records to support operational efficiency and compliance.
  • Environmental safety: implementing procedures for environmental safety and equipment handling to prevent damage and ensure workplace safety.

Download exam objectives

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Exam details

  • Exam version: V14; Core 1 and Core 2 exams must be taken from the same version, no mixing allowed

  • Exam series code: 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2)

  • Launch date: April 2022

  • Number of questions: maximum of 90 per exam, including multiple-choice (single and multiple response), drag-and-drop, and performance-based questions

  • Length of test: 90 Minutes per exam

  • Passing score: A+ Core 1: 675 (on a scale of 900), A+ Core 2: 700 (on a scale of 900)

  • Recommended experience: 9 to 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field

  • Languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai

  • DoD 8140 approved work roles: technical support specialist, system administrator, and cyber defense infrastructure support specialist

  • Retirement: September 25, 2025, for English, December 19, 2025, for all other languages

Skills learned

  • Identify, use, and connect hardware components and devices effectively.

  • Install and support Windows OS, Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android, and Linux OS across various systems.

  • Troubleshoot issues with PCs and mobile devices to resolve software problems.

  • Explain types of networks and connections to ensure proper networking functionality.

  • Protect against security vulnerabilities by identifying potential risks.

  • Install and configure laptops and other mobile devices for optimal performance.

  • Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts to understand virtualization and cloud computing.

  • Follow best practices for safety, environmental impacts, and effective communication in operational procedures.

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