CompTIA A+ study guide · 2026

The 9 CompTIA A+ domains, explained

9 domains and 63 official objectives. Hardware and Network Troubleshooting carries the most weight at 28% (Core 1). Each guide explains what the domain covers, how its questions are framed and where candidates lose marks.

Start with Domain 5 See all domains
Questions
Maximum of 90 per exam (Core 1 and Core 2 are taken separately; both required)
Time
90 minutes per exam
Passing score
Core 1: 675; Core 2: 700 (scale of 100-900)
Outline
V15 exam objectives: Core 1 (220-1201) v4.0 and Core 2 (220-1202) v3.0, launched 25 March 2025 (220-1101/220-1102 retired 25 September 2025; V15 retirement estimated 2028)

Exam blueprint

Bar widths follow the official weights, scaled to fit the bar. Weight ranges are drawn at their midpoint.

  1. 1 13%
  2. 2 23%
  3. 3 25%
  4. 4 11%
  5. 5 28%
  6. 6 28%
  7. 7 28%
  8. 8 23%
  9. 9 21%
  1. 1 Mobile Devices
  2. 2 Networking
  3. 3 Hardware
  4. 4 Virtualization and Cloud Computing
  5. 5 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
  6. 6 Operating Systems
  7. 7 Security
  8. 8 Software Troubleshooting
  9. 9 Operational Procedures

All 9 domains

63 official objectives 175–225 hrs suggested study

  1. Domain 01 13% (Core 1)

    Mobile Devices

    Core 1 domain 1.0 tests whether you can service a laptop, choose the right connector or accessory, and get a phone or tablet onto the network with corporate mail syncing. It is the lightest Core 1 domain but feeds directly into mobile troubleshooting.

    Inside this domain

    • Given a scenario, monitor mobile device hardware and use appropriate replacement techniques
    • Compare and contrast accessories and connectivity options for mobile devices
    • Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and provide application support

    Watch for Software fix for a hardware cause

    Objectives
    3
    Questions est.
    ~12
    Study time est.
    10–15 hrs
  2. Domain 02 23% (Core 1)

    Networking

    Core 1 domain 2.0 is the networking foundation of A+: the port numbers, Wi-Fi standards, DNS and DHCP behavior, SOHO addressing and cabling tools a technician needs to connect and support a small office.

    Inside this domain

    • Compare and contrast Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports, protocols, and their purposes
    • Explain wireless networking technologies
    • Summarize services provided by networked hosts
    • Explain common network configuration concepts
    • and 4 more objectives

    Watch for Insecure protocol picked for a secure need

    Objectives
    8
    Questions est.
    ~21
    Study time est.
    20–25 hrs
  3. Domain 03 25% (Core 1)

    Hardware

    Core 1 domain 3.0 is the PC builder's domain: display technologies, cables and connectors, memory, storage and RAID, motherboards and firmware, power supplies, and multifunction printers. It is the largest body of facts on Core 1.

    Inside this domain

    • Compare and contrast display components and attributes
    • Summarize basic cable types and their connectors, features, and purposes
    • Compare and contrast RAM characteristics
    • Compare and contrast storage devices
    • and 4 more objectives

    Watch for RAID as backup

    Objectives
    8
    Questions est.
    ~23
    Study time est.
    20–30 hrs
  4. Domain 04 11% (Core 1)

    Virtualization and Cloud Computing

    Core 1 domain 4.0 is the smallest A+ domain, but it carries the vocabulary of modern support: hypervisors, virtual desktops, containers, cloud deployment models and service types. Two objectives, tested through short scenarios.

    Inside this domain

    • Explain virtualization concepts
    • Summarize cloud computing concepts

    Watch for Hosted hypervisor for production

    Objectives
    2
    Questions est.
    ~10
    Study time est.
    10–15 hrs
  5. Domain 05 28% (Core 1)

    Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

    Core 1 domain 5.0 is the heaviest domain on Core 1. It turns every component and network concept into a symptom and asks for the most likely cause or the next correct step, using CompTIA's troubleshooting methodology.

    Inside this domain

    • Given a scenario, troubleshoot motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and power
    • Given a scenario, troubleshoot drive and RAID issues
    • Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues
    • Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile device issues
    • and 2 more objectives

    Watch for Fix before test

    Objectives
    6
    Questions est.
    ~25
    Study time est.
    25–30 hrs
  6. Domain 06 28% (Core 2)

    Operating Systems

    Core 2 domain 1.0 is the largest objective set on A+: OS types and filesystems, installations, Windows editions, Windows tools, commands, settings and networking, plus macOS, Linux, application installs and cloud productivity tools.

    Inside this domain

    • Explain common operating system (OS) types and their purposes
    • Given a scenario, perform OS installations and upgrades in a diverse environment
    • Compare and contrast basic features of Microsoft Windows editions
    • Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows operating system features and tools
    • and 7 more objectives

    Watch for Setting change for an edition limitation

    Objectives
    11
    Questions est.
    ~25
    Study time est.
    25–30 hrs
  7. Domain 07 28% (Core 2)

    Security

    Core 2 domain 2.0 is the security domain of A+: physical and logical controls, Windows security settings, wireless authentication, malware and social engineering, the malware removal procedure, hardening, mobile security, data destruction and SOHO and browser settings.

    Inside this domain

    • Summarize various security measures and their purposes
    • Given a scenario, configure and apply basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings
    • Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods
    • Summarize types of malware and tools/methods for detection, removal, and prevention
    • and 7 more objectives

    Watch for Scan before isolation

    Objectives
    11
    Questions est.
    ~25
    Study time est.
    25–30 hrs
  8. Domain 08 23% (Core 2)

    Software Troubleshooting

    Core 2 domain 3.0 asks you to fix software, not hardware: Windows stop errors, boot failures, slow profiles and crashing services, misbehaving mobile apps, and the symptoms that reveal a compromised phone or PC.

    Inside this domain

    • Given a scenario, troubleshoot common Windows OS issues
    • Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application issues
    • Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile OS and application security issues
    • Given a scenario, troubleshoot common personal computer (PC) security issues

    Watch for Reimage first

    Objectives
    4
    Questions est.
    ~21
    Study time est.
    20–25 hrs
  9. Domain 09 21% (Core 2)

    Operational Procedures

    Core 2 domain 4.0 covers how a professional technician works: documentation and ticketing, change management, backups, safety and environment, licensing and incident handling, communication, scripting, remote access and the basics of AI.

    Inside this domain

    • Given a scenario, implement best practices associated with documentation and support systems information management
    • Given a scenario, apply change management procedures
    • Given a scenario, implement workstation backup and recovery methods
    • Given a scenario, use common safety procedures
    • and 6 more objectives

    Watch for Every differential in the restore

    Objectives
    10
    Questions est.
    ~19
    Study time est.
    20–25 hrs

Study the heaviest domains first

Marks follow weight. This order puts the most marks behind you first, across about 175–225 hrs of study.

  1. 5 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 28% (Core 1) · 25–30 hrs
  2. 6 Operating Systems 28% (Core 2) · 25–30 hrs
  3. 7 Security 28% (Core 2) · 25–30 hrs
  4. 3 Hardware 25% (Core 1) · 20–30 hrs
  5. 2 Networking 23% (Core 1) · 20–25 hrs
  6. 8 Software Troubleshooting 23% (Core 2) · 20–25 hrs
  7. 9 Operational Procedures 21% (Core 2) · 20–25 hrs
  8. 1 Mobile Devices 13% (Core 1) · 10–15 hrs
  9. 4 Virtualization and Cloud Computing 11% (Core 1) · 10–15 hrs

Try one

Practice questionDomain 5: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

A user's desktop makes a repetitive clicking sound and Windows displays a S.M.A.R.T. warning for the system drive. The PC still boots normally. What should the technician do FIRST?

One trap from every domain

The answer that looks right, and the clue that gives it away.

  • Domain 1

    Software fix for a hardware cause

    Clue The symptom began immediately after physical work on the display or wireless card.

  • Domain 2

    Insecure protocol picked for a secure need

    Clue The scenario says secure, encrypted or across an untrusted network.

  • Domain 3

    RAID as backup

    Clue The scenario mentions deleted, overwritten, encrypted or corrupted files rather than a failed drive.

  • Domain 4

    Hosted hypervisor for production

    Clue Words such as production, data center or consolidate servers.

  • Domain 5

    Fix before test

    Clue The question says the technician has just established a theory and asks what to do NEXT.

  • Domain 6

    Setting change for an edition limitation

    Clue The edition named is Home and the requirement is domain, BitLocker, gpedit or incoming RDP.

  • Domain 7

    Scan before isolation

    Clue The question asks for the step immediately after verifying symptoms.

  • Domain 8

    Reimage first

    Clue A specific recent change preceded the problem.

Other IT Fundamentals & Hardware certifications

Study guides for exams that overlap with CompTIA A+.

Practise what you read

CompTIA A+ domains: common questions

How many domains are in the CompTIA A+ exam?

CompTIA A+ has 9 domains with 63 official objectives between them: Mobile Devices, Networking, Hardware, Virtualization and Cloud Computing, Hardware and Network Troubleshooting, Operating Systems, Security, Software Troubleshooting and Operational Procedures.

Which CompTIA A+ domain carries the most weight?

Hardware and Network Troubleshooting is the heaviest at 28% (Core 1), followed by Operating Systems (28% (Core 2)). The lightest is Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11% (Core 1)). Weights come from CompTIA's official outline.

What is the CompTIA A+ exam format?

Questions: Maximum of 90 per exam (Core 1 and Core 2 are taken separately; both required). Time allowed: 90 minutes per exam. Passing score: Core 1: 675; Core 2: 700 (scale of 100-900).

How long should I study for CompTIA A+?

Our planning estimate is 175–225 hrs across all domains, split by weight. It is an editorial estimate, not an official figure, so adjust it to your experience and to how you score on practice questions.

Where should I start?

Start with Hardware and Network Troubleshooting, because it carries the most marks, then work down by weight. Use the checklist on each domain page to confirm you can do what the domain asks before moving on.

Which outline is this guide based on?

This guide follows V15 exam objectives: Core 1 (220-1201) v4.0 and Core 2 (220-1202) v3.0, launched 25 March 2025 (220-1101/220-1102 retired 25 September 2025; V15 retirement estimated 2028), published by CompTIA. It was last reviewed in October 2026.

Domain names, weights and objectives come from CompTIA's official outline (V15 exam objectives: Core 1 (220-1201) v4.0 and Core 2 (220-1202) v3.0, launched 25 March 2025 (220-1101/220-1102 retired 25 September 2025; V15 retirement estimated 2028)). Question counts and study hours are editorial planning estimates, not official figures. Last reviewed October 2026.