The CompTIA A+ Core Series requires candidates to pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1101) and Core 2 (220-1102) covering the following new content, emphasizing the technologies and skills IT pros need to support a hybrid workforce.

• Increased reliance on SaaS applications for remote work

• More on troubleshooting and how to remotely diagnose and correct common software, hardware, or connectivity problems

• Changing core technologies from cloud virtualization and IoT device security to data management and scripting

• Multiple operating systems now encountered by technicians on a regular basis, including the major systems, their use cases, and how to keep them running properly

• Reflects the changing nature of the job role, where many tasks are sent to specialized providers as certified personnel need to assess whether it’s best to fix something on site, or to save time and money by sending proprietary technologies directly to vendors

• Help Desk Technician

• Field Service Technician

• Associate Network Engineer

• Junior Systems Administrator

• Desktop Support Specialist

• System Support Technician

CompTIA A+ 220-1101 (Core 1) and 220-1102 (Core 2)

Candidates must complete both 1101 and 1102 to earn certification. Exams cannot be combined across the series.

• CompTIA A+ 220-1101 covers mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing.

• CompTIA A+ 220-1102 covers operating systems, security, software and operational procedures.

Maximum of 90 questions per exam

90 Minutes

Passing Scores:

• 220-1101: 675 (on a scale of 900)

• 220-1102: 700 (on a scale of 900)

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

Unlike other vendor-specific networking certifications, CompTIA Network+ prepares candidates to support networks on any platform. CompTIA Network+ is the only certification that covers the specific skills that network professionals need. Other certifications are so broad, they don’t cover the hands-on skills and precise knowledge needed in today’s networking environments.

What Skills Will You Learn?

Networking Fundamentals

• Explain basic networking concepts including network services, physical connections, topologies and architecture, and cloud connectivity.

Network Implementations

• Explain routing technologies and networking devices; deploy ethernet solutions and configure wireless technologies.

Network Operations

• Monitor and optimize networks to ensure business continuity.

Network Security

• Explain security concepts and network attacks in order to harden networks against threats.

Network Troubleshooting

• Troubleshoot common cable, connectivity, and software issues related to networking.

• Junior Network Administrator

• Datacenter Support Technician

• Network Engineer

• System Administrator

• NOC Technician

• Telecommunications Technician

• Cable Technician

Maximum of 90 questions

90 Minutes

Passing Score: 720 (on a scale of 100-900)

1.0 Mobile Devices

• Install and configure laptop hardware and components

• Compare and contrast the display components of mobile devices

• Set up and configure accessories and ports of mobile devices

• Configure basic mobile-device network connectivity and application support

2.0 Networking

• Compare and contrast Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports, protocols, and their purposes

• Compare and contrast common networking hardware

• Compare and contrast protocols for wireless networking

• Summarize services provided by networked hosts

• Given a scenario, install and configure basic wired/wireless small office/home office (SOHO) networks

• Compare and contrast common network configuration concepts

• Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types, and their features

• - Given a scenario, use networking tools

3.0 Hardware

• Explain basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes

• Given a scenario, install the appropriate RAM

• Given a scenario, select and install storage devices

• Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards

• Given a scenario, install or replace the appropriate power supply

• Given a scenario, deploy and configure multifunction devices/ printers and settings

• Given a scenario, install and replace printer consumables

4.0 Virtualization and Cloud Computing

• Summarize cloud-computing concepts

• Summarize aspects of client-side virtualization

5.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

• Given a scenario, apply the best practice methodology to resolve problems

• Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU, and power

• Given a scenario, troubleshoot and diagnose problems with storage drives and RAID arrays

• Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues

• Given a scenario, troubleshoot common issues with mobile devices

• Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve printer issues

• Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems with wired and wireless networks

1.0 Operating Systems

• Compare and contrast common operating system types and their purposes

• Compare and contrast features of Microsoft Windows versions

• Summarize general OS installation considerations and upgrade methods

• Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft command line tools

• Given a scenario, use Microsoft operating system features and tools

• Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows Control Panel utilities

• Summarize application installation and configuration concepts

• Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking on a client/desktop

• Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Mac OS and Linux client/desktop operating systems

2.0 Security

• Summarize the importance of physical security measures

• Explain logical security concepts

• Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods

• Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using appropriate tools and methods

• Compare and contrast social engineering, threats, and vulnerabilities

• Compare and contrast the differences of basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings

• Given a scenario, implement security best practices to secure a workstation

• Given a scenario, implement methods for securing mobile devices

• Given a scenario, implement appropriate data destruction and disposal methods

• Given a scenario, configure security on SOHO wireless and wired networks

3.0 Software Troubleshooting

• Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve printer issues

• Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve PC security issues

• Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware removal

• Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application issues

• Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application security issues

4.0 Operational Procedures

• Compare and contrast best practices associated with types of documentation

• Given a scenario, implement basic change management best practices

• Given a scenario, implement basic disaster prevention and recovery methods

• Explain common safety procedures

• Explain environmental impacts and appropriate controls

• Explain the processes for addressing prohibited content/ activity, and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts

• Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism

• Identify the basics of scripting

• Given a scenario, use remote access technologies

• OSI Model Layers and Data Encapsulation

• Network Types

• Cables and Connectors

• IP Addressing Schemes and Subnetting

• Well-Known Ports and Protocols

• Registered Ports

• Network Services and Data Center Architectures

• Cloud Concepts

• Network Implementations

• Ethernet Switching and Wireless Standards

• Network Operations

• Disaster Recovery and High Availability Concepts

• Security Concepts and Threats

• Physical Security and Network Hardening

• Network Troubleshooting Methodologies & Tools

• Troubleshooting Network Issues