Free CompTIA A+ Study Guide 2026 - Syllabus, Domain Weightage & Study Plan
📋 2026 Edition  ·  Updated August 2026

CompTIA A+
comptia-a-plus Study Guide - Pass First Attempt

Complete exam coverage for the CompTIA A+. Every domain, every key topic - structured so you study smart, not hard. Built around the official exam blueprint.

90
Questions
90 min
Duration
675
Passing score
9
Domains
Unlock Practice Test → Take Readiness Diagnostic
92%
First-attempt pass rate
47K+
Candidates prepared
4.9★
Average rating
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Overall readiness (locked)
Mobile Devices (Core 1 - 220-1201)
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Networking (Core 1 - 220-1201)
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Hardware (Core 1 - 220-1201)
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Virtualization and Cloud Computing (Core 1 - 220-1201)
-
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (Core 1 - 220-1201)
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Operating Systems (Core 2 - 220-1202)
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Security (Core 2 - 220-1202)
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Software Troubleshooting (Core 2 - 220-1202)
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Operational Procedures (Core 2 - 220-1202)
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Exam at a Glance

Everything you need to know before you start

Key facts about the CompTIA A+ exam structure, format, and scoring.

🆔
comptia-a-plus
Exam code
📝
90 questions
Total questions
⏱
90 minutes
Duration
🎯
675
Passing score
📋
9 domains
Exam domains
📅
Valid 3 years
Certification validity
🌐
Online / In-person
Testing mode
🏆
Globally recognised
Credential type
ℹ️
Scoring method: Each CompTIA A+ exam (Core 1 and Core 2) is scored on a scale of 100–900. A passing score of 675 is required for Core 1 (220-1101) and 700 for Core 2 (220-1102). Both must be passed to earn the A+ certification.. The exam may include unscored pilot questions - treat every question seriously.
Focus Areas

What should you study for the CompTIA A+ exam?

To pass the CompTIA A+ certification exam, you should focus on these core domains. The exam tests your ability to apply concepts in real-world scenarios - not just memorise definitions.

⚠️
Common mistake: Candidates memorise terminology but struggle with scenario-based questions. Focus on when to use what, not just what exists.
🔐
Mobile Devices (Core 1 - 220-1201) (13%)
Covers installation, configuration, and support of smartphones, tablets, and mobile device synchronization.
🏗
Networking (Core 1 - 220-1201) (23%)
Covers networking fundamentals, TCP/IP, wireless, and network services.
⚡
Hardware (Core 1 - 220-1201) (25%)
Covers PC components, peripherals, storage, and hardware troubleshooting.
💰
Virtualization and Cloud Computing (Core 1 - 220-1201) (11%)
Covers cloud models, virtualization technologies, and cloud deployment concepts.
🔄
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (Core 1 - 220-1201) (28%)
Tests the ability to troubleshoot PC hardware, storage, and networking issues systematically.
📊
Operating Systems (Core 2 - 220-1202) (28%)
Covers Windows OS installation, configuration, administration, and macOS/Linux basics.
🌐
Security (Core 2 - 220-1202) (28%)
Covers security threats, vulnerability mitigation, and best security practices for endpoints.
🛡
Software Troubleshooting (Core 2 - 220-1202) (23%)
Covers troubleshooting operating systems, applications, and security issues.
🔐
Operational Procedures (Core 2 - 220-1202) (21%)
Covers documentation, ticketing, change management, scripting, and remote access tools.
Full Syllabus

CompTIA A+ Exam Syllabus and Topics

The CompTIA A+ exam is divided into 9 domains. Each domain tests specific skills and contributes to your overall score. Click any domain to expand topics.

Mobile Devices (Core 1 - 220-1201)
Covers installation, configuration, and support of smartphones, tablets, and mobile device synchronization.
13% ▼
Mobile Hardware
Smartphone Components
Laptop Components
Docking Stations
Accessories
Mobile OS and Connectivity
iOS vs Android
Email Configuration
VPN on Mobile
Mobile Synchronization
~12 questions
13 marks
13% of exam weight
Networking (Core 1 - 220-1201)
Covers networking fundamentals, TCP/IP, wireless, and network services.
23% ▼
Network Concepts
TCP/IP Model
IP Addressing (IPv4/IPv6)
Ports and Protocols
DNS, DHCP, HTTP/S
Network Hardware
Routers
Switches
Wireless Access Points
Firewalls
Modems
Wireless Standards
802.11 Standards (WiFi 5/6)
Wireless Encryption (WPA2/WPA3)
SSID
Channel Selection
~21 questions
23 marks
23% of exam weight
Hardware (Core 1 - 220-1201)
Covers PC components, peripherals, storage, and hardware troubleshooting.
25% ▼
Motherboards, CPUs, and RAM
CPU Types
RAM Types (DDR4/DDR5)
Motherboard Form Factors
BIOS/UEFI
Storage and Expansion
HDD vs SSD (NVMe, SATA)
RAID Levels
PCIe Expansion
Power Supply Units
~22 questions
25 marks
25% of exam weight
Virtualization and Cloud Computing (Core 1 - 220-1201)
Covers cloud models, virtualization technologies, and cloud deployment concepts.
11% ▼
Cloud Concepts
IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
Public/Private/Hybrid Cloud
Shared Responsibility Model
Cloud Storage
Virtualization
Hypervisors (Type 1/2)
Virtual Machines
Containers
VM Resource Allocation
~10 questions
11 marks
11% of exam weight
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (Core 1 - 220-1201)
Tests the ability to troubleshoot PC hardware, storage, and networking issues systematically.
28% ▼
Systematic Troubleshooting
CompTIA Troubleshooting Model
Identifying Problems
Testing Theories
Documenting Outcomes
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
POST Errors
Connectivity Issues
Printer Troubleshooting
Storage Failures
~25 questions
28 marks
28% of exam weight
Operating Systems (Core 2 - 220-1202)
Covers Windows OS installation, configuration, administration, and macOS/Linux basics.
28% ▼
Windows Installation and Management
Windows 10/11 Features
File Systems (NTFS, FAT32)
User Accounts
Group Policy Basics
Command Line and Tools
CMD Commands
PowerShell
Task Manager
Registry Editor
Disk Management
macOS and Linux Fundamentals
macOS System Preferences
Linux File Hierarchy
Shell Commands
Package Management
~25 questions
28 marks
28% of exam weight
Security (Core 2 - 220-1202)
Covers security threats, vulnerability mitigation, and best security practices for endpoints.
28% ▼
Malware and Threats
Virus
Ransomware
Phishing
Social Engineering
Zero-Day Exploits
Security Best Practices
Antivirus/Antimalware
Windows Defender
Firewalls
User Account Control (UAC)
Patch Management
~25 questions
28 marks
28% of exam weight
Software Troubleshooting (Core 2 - 220-1202)
Covers troubleshooting operating systems, applications, and security issues.
23% ▼
Windows Troubleshooting
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
Startup Repair
Safe Mode
System Restore
Event Viewer
Mobile and Application Issues
App Crashes
Update Failures
Security Pop-ups
Profile and Permission Issues
~21 questions
23 marks
23% of exam weight
Operational Procedures (Core 2 - 220-1202)
Covers documentation, ticketing, change management, scripting, and remote access tools.
21% ▼
Documentation and Ticketing
ITIL Basics
Help Desk Ticketing
Asset Management
Change Management
Scripting and Automation
Batch Scripts
PowerShell Scripts
Python Basics
Remote Access Tools (RDP, VNC)
~19 questions
21 marks
21% of exam weight
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Study Plan

CompTIA A+ Structured Study Roadmap

Designed for candidates studying 1-2 hours per day. Select your timeline below.

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Exam Strategy

Tips to pass CompTIA A+ on your first attempt

Tactical advice beyond content knowledge - what separates candidates who pass from those who retake.

🗓
Hands-on lab practice is critical — performance-based questions test real-world skills.
🔍
Know the OSI model and TCP/IP ports — they appear frequently across both exams.
⏭
Study the systematic troubleshooting model and apply it to all hardware and software scenarios.
📊
Review Windows command-line tools and understand when to use each one.
Recommended Resources

Official and trusted study materials

Curated resources ranked by usefulness. Quality over quantity - focus on a small set of authoritative sources.

Official
Official Exam Guide
The authoritative blueprint. Know every objective before studying anything else.
→ Vendor website
Practice Tests
CompTIA A+ Practice Test
Full-length CompTIA A+ simulations with detailed per-domain analysis and explanations.
→ Start free practice test
Mock Exam
CompTIA A+ Mock Exam
Timed, full-length CompTIA A+ mock exam that mirrors the real test format and pacing.
→ Take free mock exam
Training
CompTIA A+ Certification Training
Get instant explanations for any CompTIA A+ concept, 24/7 domain-level weak-area coaching, and adaptive practice - no waiting for a session.
→ CompTIA A+ certification online training
AI Tutor
CompTIA A+ AI Tutor
Get instant explanations for any CompTIA A+ concept, 24/7 domain-level weak-area coaching, and adaptive practice - no waiting for a session.
→ Try CompTIA A+ AI tutor
Reference
CompTIA A+ Cheat Sheet
One-page summaries for each CompTIA A+ domain - ideal for last-week revision.
→ Get free cheat sheet
Diagnostic
CompTIA A+ Readiness Test
10-minute diagnostic that scores your readiness against the 675 pass threshold, domain by domain.
→ Check my readiness
Community
Study Groups & Forums
Reddit r/certifications and exam-specific Discord servers for peer support and tips.
→ Reddit / Discord
⚠️
Avoid brain dumps. Sites selling "real exam questions" violate most vendor NDAs and are legally risky. Questions rotate regularly - brain dumps lead to overconfidence on outdated material and a higher retake rate.
Reviews

What candidates say after passing

★★★★★
"Passed CompTIA A+ on my first attempt after 5 weeks. The domain-level diagnostic showed me exactly where my gaps were - I stopped wasting time on topics I already knew."
Rahul S.
Solutions Architect, Bangalore
★★★★★
"The structured study plan kept me on track. I tried studying on my own for 3 months and failed. With Edureify's roadmap I passed in 6 weeks."
Priya M.
Cloud Engineer, Mumbai
★★★★★
"The AI mentor was like having a personal tutor available at 2am. Every concept I didn't understand was explained until I got it. Invaluable for the Mobile Devices (Core 1 - 220-1201) domain."
David K.
DevOps Engineer, London
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about CompTIA A+

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