
CompTIA A+
Certification Exam Objectives
Exam 220-901
version 2.0
Candidates are encouraged to use this document to help prepare for CompTIA A+ 220-901. In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams: 220-901 and 220-902. CompTIA A+ 220-901 measures the necessary skills for an entry-level IT professional. Successful candidates will have the knowledge required to:
- Assemble components based on customer requirements
- Install, configure and maintain devices, PCs and software for end users
- Understand the basics of networking and security/forensics
- Properly and safely diagnose, resolve and document common hardware and software issues
- Apply troubleshooting skills
- Provide appropriate customer support
- Understand the basics of virtualization, desktop imaging and deployment
These content examples are meant to clarify the test objectives and should not be construed as a comprehensive listing of all the content of this examination.
1.0 Hardware
1.1 Given a scenario, configure settings and use BIOS/UEFI tools on a PC.
- Firmware upgrades/flash BIOS
- BIOS component information
- BIOS configurations
- Built-in diagnostics
- Monitoring
1.2 Explain the importance of motherboard components, their purpose and properties.
- Sizes
- Expansion Slots
- RAM Slots
- CPU sockets
- Chipsets
- CMOS battery
- Power connections and types
- Fan connectors
- Front/top panel connectors
- Bus speeds
- Reset button
1.3 Compare and contrast various RAM types and their features.
- Types
- RAM compatibility
1.4 Install and configure PC expansion cards.
- Sound cards
- Video cards
- Network cards
- USB cards
- Firewire cards
- Thunderbold cards
- Storage cards
- Modem cards
- Wireless/cellular cards
- TV tuner cards
- Video capture cards
- Riser cards
1.5 Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media.
- Optical drives
- Magnetic hard disk drives
- Hot swappable drives
- Solid state/flash drives
- RAID types
- Tape drives
- Media capacity
1.6 Install various types of CPUs and apply the appropriate cooling methods.
- Socket types
- Characteristics
- Cooling
1.7 Compare and contrast various PC connection interfaces, their characteristics and purpose.
- Physical connections
- Wireless connections
- Characteristics
1.8 Install a power supply based on given specifications
- Connector types and their voltages
- Specifications
1.9 Given a scenario, select the appropriate components for a custom PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs.
- Graphic/CAD/CAM design workstation
- Audio/video editing workstation
- Virtualization workstation
- Home theater PC
- Standard thick client
- Thin client
- Home server PC
1.10 Compare and contrast types of display devices and their features
- Types
- Refresh frame rates
- Resolution
- Native resolution
- Brightness/lumens
- Analog vs. digital
- Privacy/antiglare filters
- Multiple displays
- Aspect ratios
1.11 Identify common PC connector types and associated cables.
- Display connector types
- Display cable types
- Device cables and connectors
- Adapters and converters
1.12 Install and configure peripheral devices
- Input devices (keyboard, mouse, scanner)
- Output devices (Printers, speakers, display)
- Input & output devices (KVM, touch screen, MIDI-enabled devices)
1.13 Install SOHO multifunction device/printers and configure appropriate settings
- User appropriate drivers for a given operating system
- Device sharing
- Public/shared devices
1.14 Compare and contrast differences between the various print technologies and the associated imaging process.
- Laser
- Inkjet
- Thermal
- Impact
- Virtual
1.15 Given a scenario, perform appropriate printer maintenance.
- Laser
- Thermal
- Impact
- Inkjet
2.0 Networking
2.1 Identify the various types of network cables and connectors.
- Fiber
- Twisted Pair
- Coaxial
2.2 Compare and contrast the characteristics of connectors and cabling.
- Fiber
- Twisted pair
- Coaxial
2.3 Explain the properties and characteristics of TCP/IP.
- IPv4 vs. IPv6
- Public vs. private vs. APIPA/link local
- Static vs. dynamic
- Client-side DNS settings
- Client-side DHCP
- Subnet mask vs. CIDR
- Gateway
2.4 Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols and their purpose.
- Ports (21 – FTP, 22 – SSH, 80 – HTTP)
- Protocols (DHCP, DNS, LDAP, SMB)
- TCP vs. UDP
2.5 Compare and contrast various WiFi networking standards and encryption types.
- Standards (802.11 {a/b/g/n/ac}, speeds, distances, and frequencies)
- Encryption types (WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES)
2.6 Given a scenario, install and configure SOHO wireless/wired router and apply appropriate settings.
- Channels
- Port forwarding
- DHCP (on/off)
- DMZ
- NAT/DNAT
- Basic QoS
- Firmware
- UPnP
2.7 Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network types and their features.
- Internet connection types (Cable, DSL, Dial-up)
- Network Types (LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN)
2.8 Compare and contrast network architecture devices, their functions and features
- Hub
- Switch
- Router
- Access point
- Bridge
- Modem
- Firewall
- Patch Panel
- Repeaters/extenders
- Ethernet over Power
- Power of Ethernet injector
2.9 Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.
- Crimper
- Cable stripper
- Multimeter
- Tone generator and probe
- Cable tester
- Loopback plug
- Punchdown tool
- WiFi analyzer
3.0 Mobile Devices
3.1 Install and configure laptop hardware and components
- Expansion options (SODIMM, Flash, Express card /34)
- Hardware/device replacement (memory, hard drive, keyboard)
3.2 Explain the function of components within the display of a laptop.
- Types (LCD, OLED
- WiFi antenna connector/replacement
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Inverter
- Digitizer
3.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features.
- Special function keys (dual displays, Wireless on/off, Bluetooth on/off)
- Docking station
- Physical laptop lock and cable lock
- Rotating/removable screens
3.4 Explain the characteristics of various types of other mobile devices.
- Tablets
- Smartphones
- Wearable technology devices
- Phablets
- e-Readers
- Smart camera
- GPS
3.5 Compare and contrast accessories and ports of other mobile devices
- Connector types (NFC, MicroUSB, Bluetooth)
- Accessories (Headsets, Speakers, Gamepads)
4.0 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
4.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU and power with appropriate tools.
- Common symptoms (System lockups, POST code beeps, Continuous reboots)
- Tools (Multimeter, Power supply tester, POST card/USB)
4.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays with appropriate tools.
- Common symptoms (Read/write failures, Slow performance, Loud clicking noise)
- Tools (Screwdriver, External enclosures, CHKDSK)
4.3 Given a scenario troubleshoot common video, projector and display issues.
- Common issues (No image on screen, Dead pixels, Artifacts)
4.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot wired and wireless networks with appropriate tools.
- Common symptoms (No connectivity, APIPA/link local address,Limited connectivity)
- Hardware tools (Cable tester, Loopback plug, Punchdown tools)
- Command line tools (PING, IPCONFIG/IFCONFIG, TRACERT)
4.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and repair common mobile device issues while adhering to the appropriate procedures.
- Common symptoms (No display, Battery not charging, Ghost cursor/pointer drift)
- Disassembling process for proper re-assembly
4.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers with appropriate tools.
- Common symptoms (Streaks, Faded prints, Creased paper)
- Tools (Maintenance kit, Toner vacuum, Compressed air)