Exam Domains & Study Strategy
Key Takeaways
- Core 1 (220-1101) is weighted heavily toward Hardware (25%) and Hardware/Network Troubleshooting (29%), making these the highest-priority study areas.
- Core 2 (220-1102) places the most weight on Operating Systems (31%) and splits the remainder roughly evenly between Security, Software Troubleshooting, and Operational Procedures.
- Performance-based questions (PBQs) appear at the beginning of each exam and require hands-on skills like configuring networks, partitioning drives, or using command-line tools.
- A structured study plan of 8–12 weeks with daily 1–2 hour study sessions is the most effective approach for most candidates.
- Hands-on practice with real hardware, virtual machines, and command-line tools is essential — the exams test applied knowledge, not just memorization.
Exam Domains & Study Strategy
Core 1 (220-1101) Domain Breakdown
The Core 1 exam covers five domains, each representing a percentage of the total exam:
| Domain | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 Mobile Devices | 15% | Laptop hardware, mobile device features, connectivity, accessories |
| 2.0 Networking | 20% | TCP/IP, ports, protocols, wireless standards, network hardware, configurations |
| 3.0 Hardware | 25% | Cables, connectors, RAM, storage, motherboards, CPUs, power supplies, printers |
| 4.0 Virtualization & Cloud Computing | 11% | Virtual machines, hypervisors, cloud models (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS) |
| 5.0 Hardware & Network Troubleshooting | 29% | Systematic troubleshooting of hardware, networking, mobile, and printer issues |
Core 1 Study Priority
Since Troubleshooting (29%) and Hardware (25%) together account for 54% of the Core 1 exam, these should receive the most study time. Networking (20%) is the next priority, followed by Mobile Devices (15%) and Virtualization/Cloud (11%).
Core 2 (220-1102) Domain Breakdown
| Domain | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 Operating Systems | 31% | Windows, macOS, Linux installation, configuration, tools, and features |
| 2.0 Security | 22% | Physical and logical security, malware, social engineering, authentication |
| 3.0 Software Troubleshooting | 22% | OS issues, application crashes, browser problems, mobile OS issues |
| 4.0 Operational Procedures | 25% | Documentation, change management, backup, safety, professionalism, scripting |
Core 2 Study Priority
Operating Systems (31%) is the largest domain and should receive the most study time. Operational Procedures (25%) is often underestimated by candidates but carries significant weight. Security (22%) and Software Troubleshooting (22%) are equally weighted.
Question Types
Both CompTIA A+ exams feature three types of questions:
1. Multiple-Choice Questions
Standard questions with four answer choices (select one correct answer) or multiple correct answers ("Choose two" or "Choose three"). These make up the majority of the exam.
2. Drag-and-Drop Questions
You must drag items from a list and drop them into the correct positions. Common examples include matching ports to protocols, ordering troubleshooting steps, or categorizing items.
3. Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)
These are simulated environments where you must complete a task. PBQs typically appear at the beginning of the exam and may include:
- Configuring a wireless network
- Setting up a SOHO router
- Partitioning and formatting a hard drive
- Using command-line tools to diagnose issues
- Configuring firewall rules
- Setting file permissions
Pro Tip: If a PBQ is taking too long, flag it and move on to the multiple-choice questions. You can return to PBQs at the end. Getting stuck on a PBQ at the start can cost you time for the rest of the exam.
Recommended Study Plan
8-Week Study Plan for Core 1 (220-1101)
| Week | Focus Area | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Mobile Devices (Domain 1) | Read objectives, watch videos, study laptop components |
| Week 2 | Networking Fundamentals (Domain 2, Part 1) | TCP/IP, ports, protocols, OSI model |
| Week 3 | Networking Hardware & Wireless (Domain 2, Part 2) | Routers, switches, APs, Wi-Fi standards |
| Week 4 | Hardware - Cables & Peripherals (Domain 3, Part 1) | Connectors, cables, displays, printers |
| Week 5 | Hardware - Core Components (Domain 3, Part 2) | RAM, CPU, motherboard, storage, PSU |
| Week 6 | Virtualization & Cloud (Domain 4) | VMs, hypervisors, cloud models |
| Week 7 | Troubleshooting (Domain 5) | Systematic troubleshooting methodology, hands-on practice |
| Week 8 | Review & Practice Exams | Full-length practice tests, review weak areas |
8-Week Study Plan for Core 2 (220-1102)
| Week | Focus Area | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Windows OS (Domain 1, Part 1) | Editions, features, tools, command-line |
| Week 2 | macOS & Linux (Domain 1, Part 2) | macOS features, Linux commands, file systems |
| Week 3 | Mobile OS & Application Management (Domain 1, Part 3) | iOS/Android, app installation, MDM |
| Week 4 | Security Fundamentals (Domain 2, Part 1) | Physical security, authentication, encryption |
| Week 5 | Threats & Vulnerabilities (Domain 2, Part 2) | Malware, social engineering, wireless security |
| Week 6 | Software Troubleshooting (Domain 3) | OS issues, application problems, browser errors |
| Week 7 | Operational Procedures (Domain 4) | Documentation, change management, backups, safety |
| Week 8 | Review & Practice Exams | Full-length practice tests, review weak areas |
Exam Day Tips
- Arrive early — Check in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time
- Skip PBQs first — Flag them and return after completing multiple-choice questions
- Read every word — CompTIA questions often include qualifiers like "BEST," "MOST likely," and "FIRST"
- Eliminate wrong answers — Even if unsure, narrowing from 4 to 2 choices gives you a 50% chance
- Manage your time — You have about 1 minute per question; do not spend more than 2 minutes on any single question
- Trust your preparation — If you have studied consistently and scored well on practice exams, you are ready
Which domain carries the most weight on the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) exam?
What type of CompTIA A+ exam question requires you to complete tasks in a simulated environment?
Arrange the Core 1 (220-1101) domains from highest exam weight to lowest:
Arrange the items in the correct order