Professional Documents
Culture Documents
This comprehensive edition of the course presents just enough operating systems-related content in
Lesson 1 to support the hardware topics covered in lessons 2 through 5. In Lessons 6 and 7, coverage
returns to operating systems from the perspective of installing, configuring, maintaining, and
troubleshooting them. This is followed by lessons covering networking, cloud computing, and
virtualization. Security, laptops and mobile devices are covered next, concluding with printing and
operational content. Separate courses for each exam will also be available.
Following are some specifics about the exam and exam objectives. Further information about changes to
the courseware itself is found later in this document.
Dates
CompTIA A+ (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) CompTIA A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002)
Exam available through July 31, 2019 Exam available starting January 15, 2019
Domains
This table compares the CompTIA exam domains for A+ Exam 220-901 and A+ Exam 220-1001.
A+ (Exam 220-901) Domains A+ (Exam 220-1001) Domains
1.0 Hardware 34% Mobile Devices 14%
2.0 Networking 21% Networking 20%
3.0 Mobile Devices 17% Hardware 27%
4.0 Hardware & Network Troubleshooting 28% Virtualization and Cloud Computing 12%
5.0 N/A Hardware and Network Troubleshooting 27%
1|Page
This table compares the CompTIA exam domains for A+ Exam 220-902 and A+ Exam 220-1002.
A+ (Exam 220-902) Domains A+ (Exam 220-1002) Domains
1.0 Windows Operating System 29% Operating Systems 27%
2.0 Other operating systems & Technologies 12% Security 24%
3.0 Security 22% Software Troubleshooting 26%
4.0 Software Troubleshooting 24% Operational Procedures 23%
5.0 Operational Procedures 13% N/A
3|Page
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
Item 220-1001 Objective
• Thin client
• Thick client
Laptop/common mobile devices
• Touchpad configuration
• Touchscreen configuration
• Application
installations/configurations
• Synchronization settings
• Account setup/settings
• Wireless settings
3D printers 3.11
• Plastic filament
Shared resources 4.1
• Internal vs. external
Metered
Off-site email applications
Cloud file storage services
• Synchronization apps
Virtual application streaming/cloud-based
applications
• Applications for cell phones/tablets
• Applications for laptops/desktops
Virtual desktop
• Virtual NIC
2. Identify the problem 5.1 (Note also that general troubleshooting
• Inquire regarding environmental or procedures were previously part of the 902
infrastructure changes objectives)
• Review system and application logs
Log entries and error messages 5.2
Multiple failed jobs in logs 5.6
Unavailable resources
• Internet
• Local resources: Shares, printers,
email
4|Page
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
Item 220-1002 Objective
• Chrome OS
Vendor-specific limitations
• End-of-life
• Update limitations
Compatibility concerns between operating
systems
Windows 10 1.2
Corporate vs. personal needs
• Domain access
• Media center
• BranchCache
File system types/formatting 1.3
• HFS
• Swap partition
Prerequisites/hardware compatibility
Application compatibility
OS compatibility/upgrade path
Navigation 1.4
• ..
Ipconfig (moved from 901 to 1002)
Ping (moved from 901 to 1002)
Tracert (moved from 901 to 1002)
Netstat (moved from 901 to 1002)
Nslookup (moved from 901 to 1002)
Dism
Net use
Net user
User Account Management 1.5
Credential Manager 1.6
BitLocker
Sync Center
Application installation and configuration 1.7
concepts
• All items
Basic Linux commands 1.9
• kill
Badge reader 2.1
Security guard
Server locks
USB locks
Active Directory 2.2
• Login script
• Domain
• Group policy/updates
5|Page
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
Item 220-1002 Objective
• Organizational Units
• Home Folder
• Folder redirection
Software tokens
MDM policies
Port security
MAC address filtering
Certificates
These were in 220=901: 2.3
WEP
WPA
WPA2
TKIP
AES
Authentication
• RADIUS
• TACACS
Malware 2.4
• Keylogger
Tools and methods
• Software firewalls
• DNS configuration
Social engineering 2.5
• Impersonation
• Dumpster diving
DDoS
DoS
Rainbow table
Basic Active Directory functions 2.7
• Account creation
• Account deletion
• Password reset/unlock account
• Disable account
Common symptoms 3.1
• Limited connectivity
• No OS found
• Application crashes
• Black screens
• Printing issues
• Slow bootup
• Slow profile load
Common solutions
• Reboot
• Kill tasks
6|Page
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
Item 220-1002 Objective
• Restart services
• Update network settings
• Reimage/reload OS
• Roll back updates
• Roll back device drivers
• Apply updates
• Repair application
• Update boot order
• Disable Windows
services/applications
• Safe boot
• Rebuild Windows profiles
System/application log errors 3.2
App log errors 3.4
Network topology diagrams 4.1
Knowledge base/articles
Regulatory and compliance policy
Inventory management
• Asset tags
• Barcodes
All items 4.2
Backup and recovery 4.3
• Image level
• File level
• Critical applications
Backup testing
Cloud storage vs local storage backups
Account recovery options
Toxic waste handling 4.4
• Cell phones
• Tablets
Regulated data 4.6
• PCI
• GDPR
• PHI
Basics of scripting 4.8
• All items
Remote access technologies 4.9
• All items except RDP
7|Page
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
Removed/Simplified/De-emphasized Objectives
This table lists items and objective categories in Exams 220-901 and 220-902 that have been removed,
greatly simplified, or de-emphasized in Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002.
Item 220-901/902 Objective
PCI-X 901:1.2
RAM types 901:1.3
• Single sided vs. double sided
• Buffered vs. unbuffered
• RAM compatibility
Firewire cards 901:1.4
Thunderbolt cards
Storage cards
Modem cards
Wireless/cellular cards
TV tuner cards
Video capture cards
Specific socket types 901:1.6
• Intel: 775, 1155, 1156, 1366, 1150,
2011
• - AMD: AM3, AM3+, FM1, FM2, FM2+
Firewire 901:1.7
IR
Characteristics of connection interfaces
• Analog
• Digital
• Distance limitations
• Data transfer speeds
• Quality
• Frequencies
Display connector/cable types 901:1.11
• RCA
• BNC
• MiniDIN-6
• Component
• Composite
• Coaxial
Device connector/cable types
• Firewire
• PS/2
• USB A to USB B
• Thunderbolt to DVI
• PS/2 to USB
• HDMI to VGA
Motion sensor 901:1.12
Camcorder
8|Page
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
Item 220-901/902 Objective
Smart TV
Set-Top box
MIDI-enabled devices
CIDR 901:2.6
Expansion options 901: 3.1
• Express card/34
• Express card/54
Types 901: 3.2
• LCD
o TTL vs IPS
o Fluorescent vs. LED backlighting
Smart camera 901: 3.4
Tools 901: 4.1 (Note that multimeter is still listed
• Multimeter as a network troubleshooting tool and that
• Power supply tester students are still expected to troubleshoot
• Loopback plugs issues, so tool selection is implicit rather
• POST card/USB than explicit)
Tools 901: 4.2 (some tools are still identified on
• Screwdriver the 1002 syllabus and students are still
• External enclosures expected to troubleshoot issues, so tool
• CHKDSK selection is implicit rather than explicit)
• FORMAT
• File recovery software
• Bootrec
• Diskpart
• Defragmentation tool
Command line tools 901: 4.4
• NBTSTAT
• NETDOM
Tools 901: 4.6 (students are still expected to
• Maintenance kit troubleshoot issues, so tool selection is
• Toner vacuum implicit rather than explicit)
• Compressed air
• Printer spooler
Windows Vista 902: 1.2 (note that there is a more general
Aero, Gadgets, Shadow copy, Ready boost, "Desktop styles/user interface" content
Sidebar, Compatibility mode, Virtual XP example in 1002)
mode, Easy transfer, Security center,
Category view vs. classic view, Side-by-side
apps, Metro UI, Pinning, One Drive,
Windows store, Multimonitor, Task bars,
charms, Start Screen,
PowerShell, Live sign in, Action Center
bootrec, md, rd, del, exit, help, expand 902: 1.3
9|Page
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
Item 220-901/902 Objective
User State Migration tool (USMT), Windows 902: 1.4
Easy Transfer, Windows Upgrade Advisor
Android vs. iOS vs. Windows (Open source 902: 2.5
vs. closed source/vendor specific)
App source (Google Play Store, App Store,
and Store)
Screen orientation
(accelerometer/gyroscope)
Screen calibration
GPS and geotracking
WiFi calling
Launcher/GUI
Virtual assistant
SDK/APK
Emergency notification
Mobile payment service
OS problem troubleshooting - symptoms 902: 4.1
• Improper shutdown, Spontaneous
shutdown/restart, Device fails to
start/detected, Missing DLL
message, Compatibility error, Boots
to safe mode, File fails to open,
Missing NTLDR, Missing boot
configuration data, Missing
operating system, Missing graphical
interface, Missing GRUB/LILO,
Kernel panic, Graphical Interface
fails to load, Multiple monitor
misalignment/orientation
Tools
• REGSRV32
Mobile OS problem troubleshooting - tools 902: 4.3 (students are still expected to
• Hard reset, Soft reset, Close running troubleshoot issues, so tool selection is
applications, Reset to factory implicit rather than explicit)
default, Adjust
configurations/settings,
Uninstall/reinstall apps, Force stop
Mobile OS security troubleshooting - tools 902: 4.4 (students are still expected to
• Anti-malware, App scanner, Factory troubleshoot issues, so tool selection is
reset/clean install, Uninstall/reinstall implicit rather than explicit)
apps, Force stop, Cell tower
analyzer, Backup/restore,
iTunes/iCloud/Apple Configurator
(Google Sync, One Drive)
10 | P a g e
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
Exam Blueprint Comparisons
The following tables compare the 220-901 and 220-1001 exam blueprints.
11 | P a g e
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
A+ (Exam 220-901) A+ (Exam 220-1001) Objectives
Objectives
1.9 3.8 Given a scenario, select and configure appropriate components for
a custom PC configuration to meet customer specifications or needs.
1.12 3.9 Given a scenario, install and configure common devices.
1.13 3.10 Given a scenario, configure SOHO multifunction devices/printers
and settings.
1.14 3.11 Given a scenario, install and maintain various print technologies.
12 | P a g e
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
Where 220-902 objectives are covered in the 220-1002 exam blueprint:
A+ (Exam 220-902) A+ (Exam 220-1002) Objectives
Objectives
Domain 1.0: Operating Systems
N/A 1.1 Compare and contrast common operating system types and their
purposes.
1.1 1.2 Compare and contrast features of Microsoft Windows versions.
1.2 1.3 Summarize general OS installation considerations and upgrade
methods.
1.3 1.4 Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft command line tools.
1.4 1.5 Given a scenario, use Microsoft operating system features and
tools.
1.5 1.6 Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows Control Panel utilities.
N/A 1.7 Summarize application installation and configuration concepts.
1.6 1.8 Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking on a
client/desktop.
2.1 1.9 Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Mac OS and Linux
client/desktop operating systems.
Domain 2.0: Security
3.2 2.1 Summarize the importance of physical security measures.
N/A 2.2 Explain logical security concepts.
901: 2.5 2.3 Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and
authentication methods.
3.1 2.4 Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using
appropriate tools and methods.
3.1 2.5 Compare and contrast social engineering, threats, and
vulnerabilities.
3.3 2.6 Compare and contrast the differences of Microsoft Windows OS
security settings.
3.4 2.7 Given a scenario, implement security best practices to secure a
workstation.
3.5 2.8 Given a scenario, implement methods for securing mobile devices.
3.6 2.9 Given a scenario, implement appropriate data destruction and
disposal methods.
3.7 2.10 Given a scenario, configure security on SOHO wireless and wired
networks.
Domain 3.0: Software Troubleshooting
4.1 3.1 Given a scenario, troubleshoot Microsoft Windows OS problems.
4.2 3.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve PC security issues.
4.2 3.3 Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware
removal.
4.3 3.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application issues.
4.4 3.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application security
issues.
13 | P a g e
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
A+ (Exam 220-902) A+ (Exam 220-1002) Objectives
Objectives
Domain 4.0: Operational Procedures
N/A 4.1 Compare and contrast best practices associated with types of
documentation.
N/A 4.2 Given a scenario, implement basic change management best
practices.
N/A 4.3 Given a scenario, implement basic disaster prevention and
recovery methods.
5.1 4.4 Explain common safety procedures.
5.2 4.5 Explain environmental impacts and appropriate controls.
5.3 4.6 Explain the processes for addressing prohibited content/activity,
and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.
5.4 4.7 Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and
professionalism.
N/A 4.8 Identify the basics of scripting.
N/A 4.9 Given a scenario, use remote access technologies.
14 | P a g e
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
Course Outline Comparison
This table compares the high-level outline of gtslearning 901 and 902 study guides courseware to that of
The Official CompTIA® A+® Core 1 and Core 2 (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002) courseware.
gtslearning Study Guides The Official CompTIA® A+® Core 1 and Core
2 (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002)
902 / Module 1 / Supporting Windows 1 Lesson 1: Supporting Operating Systems
901 / Module 1 / Peripheral Devices Lesson 2: Installing and Configuring PC
Components
Lesson 3: Installing, Configuring, and
Troubleshooting Display and Multimedia
Devices
901 / Module 2 / System Components Lesson 4: Installing, Configuring, and
Troubleshooting Storage Devices
Lesson 5: Installing, Configuring, and
Troubleshooting Internal System Components
902 / Module 2 / Supporting Windows 2 Lesson 6: Installing, Configuring, and
Maintaining Operating Systems
Lesson 7: Maintaining and Troubleshooting
Microsoft Windows
901 / Module 4 / Printer and Network Hardware Lesson 8: Network Infrastructure Concepts
901 / Module 5 / Networks
902 / Module 4 / Supporting Windows Networks Lesson 9: Configuring and Troubleshooting
Networks
Lesson 10: Managing Users, Workstations, and
Shared Resources
Lesson 11: Implementing Client Virtualization
and Cloud Computing
902 / Module 3 / Supporting Windows 3 Lesson 12: Security Concepts
Lesson 13: Securing Workstations and Data
Lesson 14: Troubleshooting Workstation
Security Issues
901 / Module 3 / Troubleshooting and Mobile Lesson 15: Supporting and Troubleshooting
Devices Laptops
902 / Module 5 / Linux, OS X, and Mobile OS Lesson 16: Supporting and Troubleshooting
Mobile Devices.
901 / Module 4 / Printer and Network Hardware Lesson 17: Installing, Configuring, and
Troubleshooting Print Devices
902 / Module 5 / Linux, OS X, and Mobile OS Lesson 18: Implementing Operational
Procedures
15 | P a g e
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
Course Setup Changes
The VM-based lab environment builds on the format established for previous A+, Network+ and Security+
courses. The Windows VMs use a fresh configuration and a pre-built CentOS image is available to run the
Linux-based activities.
As previously, provisioning a different workbench PC is recommended for the hardware hands-on. This
will ensure the students do not damage machines they need for other labs and provide access to a wider
range of different PC models.
Support resources for instructors and students are now delivered through CompTIA CHOICE. A complete
and detailed setup guide document is available for download from the CompTIA CHOICE platform.
In the Video tile in CompTIA CHOICE, you will find access to different videos that can be incorporated into
the course. These videos, developed exclusively for CompTIA by ITPro.TV, provide demonstrations of key
activities in the course. These are a good alternative to show if you do not have access to all equipment
mentioned in the course. Video icons in the course content also alert you and your students to videos
that relate to the content covered.
Topic-by-Topic Changes
Following are the topic-by-topic changes between the two courseware versions.
16 | P a g e
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002) Lesson 2: Installing and Configuring PC Components
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002)
A+ (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) Lesson 2: Installing and Configuring PC
Components
902-5.5 / Safety and Environmental Procedures
(Part) A. Use Appropriate Safety Procedures
Activity 2.1 Implementing an Anti-ESD Service Kit
901-1.1 / Motherboard Components B. PC Components
C. Common Connection Interfaces
901-1.2 / Connection Interfaces C. Install Peripheral Devices
901 Lab 1 / Identifying PC Components
901 Lab 2 / Identifying PC Ports Activity 2.4 Demonstrating PC Disassembly and
901 Lab 3 / Connecting Peripheral Devices Reassembly
17 | P a g e
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002) Lesson 5: Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting
Internal System Components
19 | P a g e
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002) Lesson 10: Managing Users, Workstations, and Shared
Resources
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002)
A+ (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) Lesson 10: Managing Users, Workstations,
and Shared Resources
902-2.4 / Managing Users A. Manage Users
902-4.3 / Configuring Shared Resources (Part) B. Configure Shared Resources
Activity 10.3 Configuring Shared Resources
C. Configure Active Directory Accounts and
902-4.3 / Configuring Shared Resources (Part) Policies
Activity 10.5 Configuring Active Directory
902 Lab 19 / Windows Domain Networking Accounts and Policies
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002) Lesson 11: Implementing Client Virtualization and Cloud
Computing
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002)
A+ (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) Lesson 11: Implementing Client
Virtualization and Cloud Computing
A. Configure Client-Side Virtualization
902-4.4 / Virtualization and Services B. Cloud Computing Concepts
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002) Lesson 13: Securing Workstations and Data
A+ (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002)
Lesson 13: Securing Workstations and Data
902-3.5 / Securing Workstations A. Implement Security Best Practices
902-3.6 / Securing Data B. Implement Data Protection Policies
Activity 13.3 Configuring Data Protection
C. Protect Data During Incident Response
20 | P a g e
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002) Lesson 14: Troubleshooting Workstation Security Issues
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002)
A+ (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) Lesson 14: Troubleshooting Workstation
Security Issues
A. Detect, Remove, and Prevent Malware
B. Troubleshoot Common Workstation Security
902-3.4 / Viruses and Malware Issues
902 Lab 15 / Anti-Virus Software Activity 14.2 Using Anti-Virus Software
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002) Lesson 15: Supporting and Troubleshooting Laptops
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002)
A+ (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) Lesson 15: Supporting and Troubleshooting
Laptops
A. Use Laptop Features
901-3.2 / Laptops B. Install and Configure Laptop Hardware
901 Lab 11 / Removing and Installing Laptop Activity 15.3 Installing and Configuring Laptop
FRUs Hardware
901-3.4 / Troubleshooting Mobile Devices (Part) C. Troubleshoot Common Laptop Issues
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002) Lesson 16: Supporting and Troubleshooting Mobile
Devices
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002)
A+ (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) Lesson 16: Supporting and Troubleshooting
Mobile Devices
A. Mobile Device Types
B. Connect and Configure Mobile Device
Accessories
C. Configure Mobile Device Network
901-3.3 / Mobile Devices Connectivity
Activity 16.4 Configuring Bluetooth
902-5.3 / Mobile Operating Systems D. Support Mobile Apps
901-3.4 / Troubleshooting Mobile Devices (Part)
902-5.4 / Securing and Troubleshooting Mobile
OS E. Troubleshoot Mobile Device Issues
21 | P a g e
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002) Lesson 17: Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting
Print Devices
A+ (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002)
A+ (Exams 220-901 and 220-902) Lesson 17: Installing, Configuring, and
Troubleshooting Print Devices
A. Maintain Laser Printers
B. Maintain Inkjet Printers
901-4.1 / Printers (Part) C. Maintain Impact, Thermal, and 3D Printers
901-4.2 / Configuring Printers D. Install and Configure Printers
901 Lab 12 / Installing a Printer Activity 17.5 Installing and Configuring Printers
901-4.3 / Troubleshooting Printers E. Troubleshoot Print Device Issues
Activity 17.2 Maintaining and Troubleshooting
901 Lab 13 / Printer Maintenance Printers
901-1.4 / Audio and Multimedia Devices (Part) F. Install and Configure Imaging Devices
In Closing
This course is still designed for students who have basic computer user skills and who are interested in
obtaining a job as an entry-level IT technician. Good next steps for students who wish to pursue
additional technical training and certification include:
22 | P a g e
LICENSED FOR USE ONLY BY: MUHAMMAD MASOOD HAIDER · 17078061 · JUL 16 2021