CompTIA Exam Syllabus

220-1202 syllabus, skills measured, and exam topics

CompTIA A+ is the preferred certification for technical support and IT operational roles. Learn about the certification, available training and the exam.

Skills measured by domain

Use the weighting table to decide where to spend the most study time.

Domain Weight
Mobile devices 13%
Networking 23%
Hardware 25%
Virtualization and cloud computing 11%
Hardware and network troubleshooting 28%

Detailed outline

Scan each section as a working study checklist instead of one long wall of text.

Mobile devices (13%)

  • Hardware setup: installing components like batteries, cameras, and Wi-Fi antennas.
  • Accessory options: configuring USB, Bluetooth, NFC, and docking stations.
  • Network setup: configuring Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular data, and synchronization settings.
  • Troubleshooting: identifying and fixing hardware and connectivity issues.

Networking (23%)

  • Protocols and ports: learning about networking protocols, ports, and wireless technologies.
  • SOHO networks: setting up small office/home office networks, including IP addressing and VPNs.
  • Networking tools: troubleshooting with crimpers, cable testers, and Wi-Fi analyzers.

Hardware (25%)

  • Component installation: setting up RAM, CPUs, and storage devices.
  • Cables and connectors: working with HDMI, Ethernet, and USB cables.
  • Peripheral devices: installing and maintaining printers, scanners, and other peripherals.
  • Motherboards and power: configuring motherboards, power supplies, and cooling solutions.

Virtualization and cloud computing (11%)

  • Virtualization concepts: understanding virtual machines, hypervisors, and desktop virtualization.
  • Cloud models: learning about IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS.

Hardware and network troubleshooting (28%)

  • Diagnosing issues: identifying and fixing hardware, network, and connectivity problems.
  • Troubleshooting tools: using multimeters, cable testers, and loopback plugs.

Pick the right learning and practice solutions for your skill-building and exam preparation needs ​

  • No matter where you are in your journey, CompTIA’s CertMaster products deliver flexible learning and practice experiences to help you build skills, boost confidence and achieve A+ Core 1 exam readiness.
  • Shop A+ Core 1 Learn and Practice products
  • Learn: Practice
  • Best for:: Best for those building foundational knowledge and skills. No prior related job role experience needed .
  • Primary purpose:: Comprehensive learning with lab activities to practice skills.
  • Contains:: Instructional content, video, interactives, labs (simulated), assessments, practice tests
  • Estimated duration:: 25–40 hours
  • Learn more about CertMaster Learn: Learn more about CertMaster Practice

Save with popular A+ Core 1 product bundles

  • Bundle our popular CertMaster products with an Exam Voucher plus Retake Assurance and save!
  • Shop all A+ Core 1 product bundles

Practice and Exam Bundle with Retake

  • Know you're ready before you test. Validate your skills and reduce exam-day risk with Practice, plus a built-in exam retake for peace of mind. Bundle includes: CertMaster Practice and a Voucher with Retake Assurance.