Transition Guide to

The Official CompTIA® A+® Core 1 and 2 Guides

(Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002)

This bridge document is written for instructors who have not used Official CompTIA A+ Content
previously and are looking to come up to speed on the new version quickly and efficiently.

High-Level Overview of Course Design Changes

This edition of the course integrates material covering exam objectives for A+ Core 1 and A+ Core 2. 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.

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%

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%

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 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

Exam Objective Comparisons

The following tables compare the exam objective content between Exams 220-901 and 220-902 and
Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002.

New Objectives for 220-1001

This table lists new objectives in Exam 220-1001 that were not included or had less emphasis in Exam
220-901.
Item 220-1001 Objective
VR/AR headsets 1.4
Synchronization methods 1.7
• Sync to the automobile
Types of data to synchronize 1.7
• Passwords
Switches 2.2
• Managed
• Unmanaged
Cloud-based network controller 2.2
Router/switch functionality 2.3
End-user device configuration
IoT device configuration
• Thermostat
• Light switches
• Security cameras
• Door locks
• Voice-enabled, smart speaker/digital
assistant
Cable/DSL modem configuration
Firewall settings
• Whitelist/blacklist
Zigbee 2.4
Z-Wave
3G
4G
5G
LTE
Syslog 2.5
End-point management server 2.5
DHCP 2.6
• Reservations

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 Item 220-1001 Objective
VLAN
Internet connection types 2.7
• WMN
Multipurpose cables 3.1
• USB-C
Hard drive cables 3.1
• IDE
• SCSI
RS-232 3.2
USB-C
DB-9
SCSI
RAM types 3.3
• DDR4
Solid-state drives 3.4
• M2 drives
• NVME
• SATA 2.5
Magnetic hard drives
• 15,000rpm
• Sizes: 2.5, 3.5
Motherboard connector types 3.5
• IDE
CPU features
• Overclocking
Expansion cards
• eSATA card
QR scanner 3.6
VR headset
Signature pad
Magnetic reader/chip reader
NFC/tap pay device
Output 5V vs. 12V 3.7
Graphic / CAD / CAM design workstation 3.8
• SSD
Gaming PC
• SSD
Network attached storage device (was
Home Server PC)
• Hard drive
Desktop 3.9
• Thin client
• Thick client
Laptop/common mobile devices

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 Item 220-1001 Objective
• 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

New Objectives for 220-1002

This table lists new objectives in Exam 220-1002 that were not included or had less emphasis in Exam
220-902.
Item 220-1002 Objective
32-bit v. 64-bit 1.1
• RAM limitations
• Software compatibility
Cell phone/tablet operating systems
• Chrome OS
Vendor-specific limitations
• End-of-life

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 Item 220-1002 Objective
• 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
• Organizational Units
• Home Folder
• Folder redirection

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 Item 220-1002 Objective
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
• Restart services
• Update network settings
• Reimage/reload OS

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 Item 220-1002 Objective
• 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

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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
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 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

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 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)

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Exam Blueprint Comparisons
The following tables compare the 220-901 and 220-1001 exam blueprints.

Where 220-901 objectives are covered in the 220-1001 exam blueprint:

A+ (Exam 220-901) A+ (Exam 220-1001) Objectives
Objectives
Domain 1.0: Mobile Devices
3.1 1.1 Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and
components.
3.2 1.2 Given a scenario, install components within the display of a laptop.
3.3 1.3 Given a scenario, use appropriate laptop features.
3.4 1.4 Compare and contrast characteristics of various types of other
mobile devices.
3.5 1.5 Given a scenario, connect and configure accessories and ports of
other mobile devices.
2.6 1.6 Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network
connectivity and application support.
N/A 1.7 Given a scenario, use methods to perform mobile device
synchronization.

Domain 2.0: Networking

2.4 2.1 Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports, protocols, and their
purposes.
2.8 2.2 Compare and contrast common networking hardware devices.
2.6 2.3 Given a scenario, install and configure a basic wired/wireless
SOHO network.
2.5 2.4 Compare and contrast wireless networking protocols.
2.4 2.5 Summarize the properties and purposes of services provided by
networked hosts.
2.3 2.6 Explain common network configuration concepts.
2.7 2.7 Compare and contrast Internet connection types, network, types,
and their features
2.9 2.8 Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tools.

Domain 3.0: Hardware

1.11, 2.2 3.1 Explain basic cable types, features, and their purposes.
1.7 3.2 Identify common connector types.
1.3 3.3 Given a scenario, install RAM types.
1.5 3.4 Given a scenario, select, install, and configure storage devices.
1.2 3.5 Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, CPUs, and
add-on cards.
1.12 3.6 Explain the purposes and uses of various peripheral types.
1.8 3.7 Summarize power supply types and features.

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 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.

Domain 4.0: Virtualization and Cloud Computing

2.3 4.1 Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts.
2.2 4.2 Given a scenario, set up and configure client-side virtualization.

Domain 5.0: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting

902: 5.5 5.1 Given a scenario, use the best practice methodology to resolve
problems.
4.1 5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards,
RAM, CPUs, and power.
4.2 5.3 Given a scenario, troubleshoot hard drives and RAID arrays.
4.3 5.4 Given a scenario, troubleshoot video, projector, and display issues.
4.5 5.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common mobile device issues while
adhering to the appropriate procedures.
4.6 5.6 Given a scenario, troubleshoot printers.
4.4 5.7 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common wired and wireless
network problems.

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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.

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 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.

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Course Outline
Below is the table of contents for The Official CompTIA® A+® Core 1 and Core 2 (Exams 220-1001 and
220-1002) courseware.
The Official CompTIA® A+® Core 1 and Core 2 (Exams 220-1001 and 220-1002)
Lesson 1: Supporting Operating Systems
Lesson 2: Installing and Configuring PC Components
Lesson 3: Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Display and Multimedia Devices
Lesson 4: Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Storage Devices
Lesson 5: Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Internal System Components
Lesson 6: Installing, Configuring, and Maintaining Operating Systems
Lesson 7: Maintaining and Troubleshooting Microsoft Windows
Lesson 8: Network Infrastructure Concepts
Lesson 9: Configuring and Troubleshooting Networks
Lesson 10: Managing Users, Workstations, and Shared Resources
Lesson 11: Implementing Client Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Lesson 12: Security Concepts
Lesson 13: Securing Workstations and Data
Lesson 14: Troubleshooting Workstation Security Issues
Lesson 15: Supporting and Troubleshooting Laptops
Lesson 16: Supporting and Troubleshooting Mobile Devices.
Lesson 17: Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Print Devices
Lesson 18: Implementing Operational Procedures

Course Setup
In the setup for this course, each student has a Windows 10 host computer with virtual machines pre-
configured. The VMs include a Windows Server 2016 domain controller, a DNS server, virtual switches,
Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and CentOS Linux. For the hardware installation activities, it is
recommended that a separate workbench PC be provided to each learner.

Some starting virtual machine images are now provided, as well as the scripts required to implement all
installations. As always, training providers are responsible for meeting licensing requirements for any
software used in the classroom.

A complete and detailed setup guide document is available for download from the CompTIA CHOICE
platform.

Activities
In this edition of A+, the hands-on activities that use the VMs have been implemented using a reset script,
so that each activity can be keyed independently. Scripted steps are provided so that students can reset
their environments to a base state when they complete each one. Hands-on activities have been re-
conceived as longer, more comprehensive, lab-style exercises, so you will probably want to review them
to see where you might need to tailor your instructional delivery from the prior, more discrete task-based
approach.

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A workbench PC (for each student or group of students) is also needed for some activities. This computer
will be used to install physical hardware. It will also be used for troubleshooting activities in which the
instructor introduces problems into the system for students to troubleshoot. This computer does not use
VMs and should be configured as a Windows 10 system.

In addition, extensive review and discussion activities have been added on a topic-by-topic basis. As
always, sample responses for students are found in the Solutions section in the back of the student
guide.

Other Course Features

In addition to the activities, we’ve also added some additional features to help support your students in
their learning.

In the Assessments tile in CompTIA CHOICE, you will find a variety of different assessments that students
can take related to the lesson content as well as course-wide final assessment. These assessments can be
used for self-study by students or as homework in your course.

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.

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:

• CompTIA Network+ (Exam N10-007)

• CompTIA Security+ (Exam SY0-501)
• CompTIA Server+ (Exam SK0-004)

Enjoy the course!

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