The CompTIA 220-1002 Exam is challenging and thorough preparation is essential for success. This exam study guide is designed to help you prepare for the A+ Core 2 certification exam. It contains a detailed list of the topics covered on the Professional exam, as well as a detailed list of preparation resources. These study guides for the CompTIA A+ (Core 2) will help guide you through the study process for your certification.
220-1002 CompTIA A+ (Core 2) Exam Summary
● Exam Name: CompTIA A+ (Core 2)
● Exam Code: 220-1002
● Exam Price: $232 (USD)
● Duration: 90 mins
● Number of Questions: 90
● Passing Score: 700 / 900
● Reference Books: CertMaster Learn for A+
● Schedule Exam: Pearson VUE
● Sample Questions: CompTIA A+ Core 2 Sample Questions
● Recommended Practice: CompTIA 220-1002 Certification Practice Exam
Exam Syllabus: 220-1002 CompTIA A+
1. Operating Systems - 27%
Compare and contrast common operating system types and their purposes.
1. 32-bit vs. 64-bit
● RAM limitations
● Software compatibility
2. Workstation operating systems
● Microsoft Windows
● Apple Macintosh OS
● Linux
3. Cell phone/tablet operating systems
● Microsoft Windows
● Android
● iOS
● Chrome OS
4. Vendor-specific limitations
● End-of-life
● Update limitations
5. Compatibility concerns between operating systems
Compare and contrast features of Microsoft Windows versions.
1. Windows 7
2. Windows 8
3. Windows 8.1
4. Windows 10
5. Corporate vs. personal needs
● Domain access
● BitLocker
● Media center
● BranchCache
● EFS
6. Desktop styles/user interface
Summarize general OS installation considerations and upgrade methods.
1. Boot methods
● Optical disc(CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray)
● External drive/flash drive (USB/eSATA)
● Network boot (PXE)
● Internal fixed disk (HDD/SSD)
● Internal hard drive (partition)
2. Type of installations
● Unattended installation
● In-place upgrade
● Clean install
● Repair installation
● Multiboot
● Remote network installation
● Image deployment
● Recovery partition
● Refresh/restore
3. Partitioning
● Dynamic
● Basic
● Primary
● Extended
● Logical
● GPT
4. File system types/formatting
● ExFAT
● FAT32
● NTFS
● CDFS
● NFS
● ext3, ext4
● HFS
● Swap partition
● Quick format vs. full format
5. Load alternate third-party drivers when necessary
6. Workgroup vs. Domain setup
7. Time/date/region/language settings
8. Driver installation, software, and Windows updates
9. Factory recovery partition
10. Properly formatted boot drive with the correct partitions/format
11. Prerequisites/hardware compatibility
12. Application compatibility
13. OS compatibility/upgrade path
Given a scenario, use appropriate Microsoft command line tools.
1. Navigation
● dir
● cd
2. ipconfig
3. ping
4. tracert
5. netstat
6. nslookup
7. shutdown
8. dism
9. sfc
10. chkdsk
11. diskpart
12. taskkill
13. gpupdate
14. gpresult
15. format
16. copy
17. xcopy
18. robocopy
19. net use
20. net user
21. [command name] /?
22. Commands available with standard privileges vs. administrative privileges
Given a scenario, use Microsoft operating system features and tools.
1. Administrative
● Computer Management
● Device Manager
● Local Users and Groups
● Local Security Policy
● Performance Monitor
● Services
● System Configuration
● Task Scheduler
● Component Services
● Data Sources
● Print Management
● Windows Memory Diagnostics
● Windows Firewall
● Advanced Security
● Event Viewer
● User Account Management
2. MSConfig
● General
● Boot
● Services
● Startup
● Tools
3. Task Manager
● Applications
● Processes
● Performance
● Networking
● Users
4. Disk Management
● Drive status
● Mounting
● Initializing
● Extending partitions
● Splitting partitions
● Shrink partitions
● Assigning/changing drive letters
● Adding drives
● Adding arrays
● Storage spaces
5. System utilities
● Regedit
● Command
● Services.msc
● MMC
● MSTSC
● Notepad
● Explorer
● Msinfo32
● DxDiag
● Disk Defragmenter
● System Restore
● Windows Update
Given a scenario, use Microsoft Windows Control Panel utilities.
1. Internet Options
● Connections
● Security
● General
● Privacy
● Programs
● Advanced
2. Display/Display Settings
● Resolution
● Color depth
● Refresh rate
3. User Accounts
4. Folder Options
● View hidden files
● Hide extensions
● General options
● View options
5. System
● Performance (virtual memory)
● Remote settings
● System protection
6. Windows Firewall
7. Power Options
● Hibernate
● Power plans
● Sleep/suspend
● Standby
8. Credential Manager
9. Programs and features
10. HomeGroup
11. Devices and Printers
12. Sound
13. Troubleshooting
14. Network and Sharing Center
15. Device Manager
16. BitLocker
17. Sync Center
Summarize application installation and configuration concepts.
1. System requirements
● Drive space
● RAM
2. OS requirements
● Compatibility
3. Methods of installation and deployment
● Local (CD/USB)
● Network-based
4. Local user permissions
● Folder/file access for installation
5. Security considerations
● Impact to device
● Impact to network
Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows networking on a client/desktop.
1. HomeGroup vs. Workgroup
2. Domain setup
3. Network shares/administrative shares/mapping drives
4. Printer sharing vs. network printer mapping
5. Establish networking connections
● VPN
● Dial-ups
● Wireless
● Wired
● WWAN (Cellular)
6. Proxy settings
7. Remote Desktop Connection
8. Remote Assistance
9. Home vs. Work vs. Public network settings
10. Firewall settings
● Exceptions
● Configuration
● Enabling/disabling Windows Firewall
11. Configuring an alternative IP address in Windows
● IP addressing
● Subnet mask
● DNS
● Gateway
12. Network card properties
● Half duplex/full duplex/auto
● Speed
● Wake-on-LAN
● QoS
● BIOS (on-board NIC)
Given a scenario, use features and tools of the Mac OS and Linux client/desktop operating systems.
1. Best practices
● Scheduled backups
● Scheduled disk maintenance
● System updates/App Store
● Patch management
● Driver/firmware updates
● Antivirus/Anti-malware updates
2. Tools
● Backup/Time Machine
● Restore/Snapshot
● Image recovery
● Disk maintenance utilities
● Shell/Terminal
● Screen sharing
● Force Quit
3. Features
● Multiple desktops/Mission Control
● Key Chain
● Spot Light
● iCloud
● Gestures
● Finder
● Remote Disc
● Dock
● Boot Camp
4. Basic Linux commands
● ls
● grep
● cd
● shutdown
● pwd vs. passwd
● mv
● cp
● rm
● chmod
● chown
● iwconfig/ifconfig
● ps
● su/sudo
● apt-get
● vi
● dd
● kill
2. Security - 24%
Summarize the importance of physical security measures.
1. Access control vestibule
2. Badge reader
3. Smart card
4. Security guard
5. Door lock
6. Biometric locks
7. Hardware tokens
8. Cable locks
9. Server locks
10. USB locks
11. Privacy screen
12. Key fobs
13. Entry control roster
Explain logical security concepts.
1. Active Directory
● Login script
● Domain
● Group Policy/Updates
● Organizational Units
● Home Folder
● Folder redirection
2. Software tokens
3. MDM policies
4. Port security
5. MAC address filtering
6. Certificates
7. Antivirus/Anti-malware
8. Firewalls
9. User authentication/strong passwords
10. Multifactor authentication
11. Directory permissions
12. VPN
13. DLP
14. Access control lists
15. Smart card
16. Email filtering
17. Trusted/untrusted software sources
18. Principle of least privilege
Compare and contrast wireless security protocols and authentication methods.
1. Protocols and encryption
● WEP
● WPA
● WPA2
● TKIP
● AES
2. Authentication
● Single-factor
● Multifactor
● RADIUS
● TACACS
Given a scenario, detect, remove, and prevent malware using appropriate tools and methods.
1. Malware
● Ransomware
● Trojan
● Keylogger
● Rootkit
● Virus
● Botnet
● Worm
● Spyware
2. Tools and methods
● Antivirus
● Anti-malware
● Recovery console
● Backup/restore
● End user education
● Software firewalls
● DNS configuration
Compare and contrast social engineering, threats, and vulnerabilities.
1. Social engineering
● Phishing
● Spear phishing
● Impersonation
● Shoulder surfing
● Tailgating
● Dumpster diving
2. DDoS
3. DoS
4. Zero-day
5. On-path attack (previously known as man-in-the-middle attack)
6. Brute force
7. Dictionary
8. Rainbow table
9. Spoofing
10. Non-compliant systems
11. Zombie
Compare and contrast the differences of basic Microsoft Windows OS security settings.
1. User and groups
● Administrator
● Power user
● Guest
● Standard user
2. NTFS vs. share permissions
● Allow vs. deny
● Moving vs. copying folders and files
● File attributes
3. Shared files and folders
● Administrative shares vs. local shares
● Permission propagation
● Inheritance
4. System files and folders
5. User authentication
● Single sign-on
6. Run as administrator vs. standard user
7. BitLocker
8. BitLocker To Go
9. EFS
Given a scenario, implement security best practices to secure a workstation.
1. Password best practices
● Setting strong passwords
● Password expiration
● Screensaver required password
● BIOS/UEFI passwords
● Requiring passwords
2. Account management
● Restricting user permissions
● Logon time restrictions
● Disabling guest account
● Failed attempts lockout
● Timeout/screen lock
● Change default admin user account/password
Basic Active Directory functions
1. Account creation
2. Account deletion
3. Password reset/unlock account
4. Disable account
3. Disable autorun
4. Data encryption
5. Patch/update management
Given a scenario, implement methods for securing mobile devices.
1. Screen locks
● Fingerprint lock
● Face lock
● Swipe lock
● Passcode lock
2. Remote wipes
3. Locator applications
4. Remote backup applications
5. Failed login attempts restrictions
6. Antivirus/Anti-malware
7. Patching/OS updates
8. Biometric authentication
9. Full device encryption
10. Multifactor authentication
11. Authenticator applications
12. Trusted sources vs. untrusted sources
13. Firewalls
14. Policies and procedures
● BYOD vs. corporate-owned
● Profile security requirements
Given a scenario, implement appropriate data destruction and disposal methods.
1. Physical destruction
● Shredder
● Drill/hammer
● Electromagnetic (Degaussing)
● Incineration
● Certificate of destruction
2. Recycling or repurposing best practices
● Low-level format vs. standard format
● Overwrite
● Drive wipe
Given a scenario, configure security on SOHO wireless and wired networks.
1. Wireless-specific
● Changing default SSID
● Setting encryption
● Disabling SSID broadcast
● Antenna and access point placement
● Radio power levels
● WPS
2. Change default usernames and passwords
3. Enable MAC filtering
4. Assign static IP addresses
5. Firewall settings
6. Port forwarding/mapping
7. Disabling ports
8. Content filtering/parental controls
9. Update firmware
10. Physical security
3. Software Troubleshooting - 26%
Given a scenario, troubleshoot Microsoft Windows OS problems.
1. Common symptoms
● Slow performance
● Limited connectivity
● Failure to boot
● No OS found
● Application crashes
● Blue screens
● Blank screens
● Printing issues
● Services fail to start
● Slow bootup
● Slow profile load
2. Common solutions
● Defragment the hard drive
● Reboot
● Kill tasks
● Restart services
● Update network settings
● Reimage/reload OS
● Roll back updates
● Roll back devices drivers
● Apply updates
● Repair application
● Update boot order
● Disable Windows services/applications
● Disable application startup
● Safe boot
● Rebuild Windows profiles
Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve PC security issues.
1. Common symptoms
● Pop-ups
● Browser redirection
● Security alerts
● Slow performance
● Internet connectivity issues
● PC/OS lockup
● Application crash
● OS updates failures
● Rogue antivirus
● Spam
● Renamed system files
● Disappearing files
● File permission changes
● Hijacked email
- Responses from users regarding email
- Automated replies from unknown sent email
● Access denied
● Invalid certificate (trusted root CA)
● System/application log errors
Given a scenario, use best practice procedures for malware removal.
1. Identify and research malware symptoms.
2. Quarantine the infected systems.
3. Disable System Restore (in Windows).
4. Remediate the infected systems.
● Update the anti-malware software.
● Scan and use removal techniques (safe mode, pre-installation environment).
5. Schedule scans and run updates.
6. Enable System Restore and create a restore point (in Windows).
7. Educate the end user.
Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application issues.
1. Common symptoms
● Dim display
● Intermittent wireless
● No wireless connectivity
● No Bluetooth connectivity
● Cannot broadcast to external monitor
● Touchscreen non-responsive
● Apps not loading
● Slow performance
● Unable to decrypt email
● Extremely short battery life
● Overheating
● Frozen system
● No sound from speakers
● Inaccurate touch screen response
● System lockout
● App log errors
Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile OS and application security issues.
1. Common symptoms
● Signal drop/weak signal
● Power drain
● Slow data speeds
● Unintended WiFi connection
● Unintended Bluetooth pairing
● Leaked personal files/data
● Data transmission over limit
● Unauthorized account access
● Unauthorized location tracking
● Unauthorized camera/microphone activation
● High resource utilization
4. Operational Procedures - 23%
Compare and contrast best practices associated with types of documentation.
1. Network topology diagrams
2. Knowledge base/articles
3. Incident documentation
4. Regulatory and compliance policy
5. Acceptable use policy
6. Password policy
7. Inventory management
● Asset tags
● Barcodes
Given a scenario, implement basic change management best practices.
1. Documented business processes
2. Purpose of the change
3. Scope the change
4. Risk analysis
5. Plan for change
6. End-user acceptance
7. Change board
● Approvals
8. Backout plan
9. Document changes
Given a scenario, implement basic disaster prevention and recovery methods.
1. Backup and recovery
● Image level
● File level
● Critical applications
2. Backup testing
3. UPS
4. Surge protector
5. Cloud storage vs. local storage backups
6. Account recovery options
Explain common safety procedures.
1. Equipment grounding
2. Proper component handling and storage
● Antistatic bags
● ESD straps
● ESD mats
● Self-grounding
3. Toxic waste handling
● Batteries
● Toner
● CRT
● Cell phones
● Tablets
4. Personal safety
● Disconnect power before repairing PC
● Remove jewelry
● Lifting techniques
● Weight limitations
● Electrical fire safety
● Cable management
● Safety goggles
● Air filter mask
5. Compliance with government regulations
Explain environmental impacts and appropriate controls.
1. MSDS documentation for handling and disposal
2. Temperature, humidity level awareness, and proper ventilation
3. Power surges, under-voltage events, and power loss
● Battery backup
● Surge suppressor
4. Protection from airborne particles
● Enclosures
● Air filters/mask
5. Dust and debris
● Compressed air
● Vacuums
6. Compliance to government regulations
Explain the processes for addressing prohibited content/ activity, and privacy, licensing, and policy concepts.
1. Incident response
● First response
- Identify
- Report through proper channels
● - Data/device preservation
● Use of documentation/documentation changes
● Chain of custody
● Tracking of evidence/documenting process
2. Licensing/DRM/EULA
● Open-source vs. commercial license
● Personal license vs. enterprise licenses
3. Regulated data
● PII
● PCI
● GDPR
● PHI
4. Follow all policies and security best practices
Given a scenario, use proper communication techniques and professionalism.
1. Use proper language and avoid jargon, acronyms, and slang, when applicable
2. Maintain a positive attitude/project confidence
3. Actively listen (taking notes) and avoid interrupting the customer
4. Be culturally sensitive
● Use appropriate professional titles, when applicable
5. Be on time (if late, contact the customer)
6. Avoid distractions
● Personal calls
● Texting/social media sites
● Talking to coworkers while interacting with customers
● Personal interruptions
7. Dealing with difficult customers or situations
● Do not argue with customers and/or be defensive
● Avoid dismissing customer problems
● Avoid being judgmental
● Clarify customer statements (ask open-ended questions to narrow the scope of the problem, restate the issue, or question to verify understanding)
● Do not disclose experiences via social media outlets
8. Set and meet expectations/timeline and communicate status with the customer
● Offer different repair/replacement options, if applicable
● Provide proper documentation on the services provided
● Follow up with customer/user at a later date to verify satisfaction
9. Deal appropriately with customers’ confidential and private materials
● Located on a computer, desktop, printer, etc.
Identify the basics of scripting.
1. Script file types
● .bat
● .ps1
● .vbs
● .sh
● .py
● .js
2. Environment variables
3. Comment syntax
4. Basic script constructs
● Basic loops
● Variables
5. Basic data types
● Integers
● Strings
Given a scenario, use remote access technologies.
1. RDP
2. Telnet
3. SSH
4. Third-party tools
● Screen share feature
● File share
5. Security considerations of each access method
CompTIA 220-1002 Certification Sample Questions and Answers
To make you familiar with the CompTIA A+ (Core 2) (220-1002) certification exam structure, we have prepared this sample question set. We suggest you try our Sample Questions for A Plus (Core 2) 220-1002 Certification to test your understanding of CompTIA 220-1002process with real CompTIA certification exam environment.
220-1002 CompTIA A+ (Core 2) Sample Questions:-
01. A new security requirement for logging on to a company network has been put in place for all users. Which of the following should a systems administrator enforce to BEST meet this requirement?
(Select TWO).
a) Strong passwords
b) Folder redirection
c) Email filtering
d) Multifactor authentication
e) Remote desktop
f) Anti-malware
02. A technician implements a Group Policy change and needs to apply it without restarting the workstation. Which of the following commands can be used to accomplish this task?
a) gpupdate
b) gpresult
c) netstat
d) Dism
03. Joe, a user, forgot his password and was unable to log in to a workstation. Joe remembers the password later, but he is still unable to log in. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the issue?
a) Reset account
b) Deleted account
c) Locked account
d) Limited-user account
e) Unprovisioned account
04. Which of the following is the proper way to dispose of batteries?
a) Shred
b) Recycle
c) Dispose in trash
d) Incinerate
05. Which of the following password choices increases the chance that a brute force attack will succeed?
a) Capital letters
b) Long passwords
c) Special characters
d) Dictionary words
06. An end user has requested assistance from the help desk to install new video editing software. The user wants to create several .wma files.
Which of the following should the help desk consider before installing the software?
a) Disk space
b) Network connection
c) Aspect ratio
d) Power supply
07. A user connects a printer to a workstation. As the printer drivers are installed, an error message appears. The default drivers appear to be incompatible with the OS.
Which of the following should a technician use FIRST to troubleshoot the problem?
a) Services
b) Device Manager
c) Programs and Features
d) Task Manager
08. Which of the following is the BEST use-case scenario for a Chrome OS device?
a) Database queries
b) Application development
c) Photo and video editing
d) Web browsing and email
09. To prevent electrical damage to a PC while working on it, which of the following should be disconnected before work begins?
a) Video cable
b) Serial cable
c) Power cable
d) USB cable
10. A user reports a phone battery does not last the entire day, and the phone's navigation is slow. Which of the following should a technician do FIRST to troubleshoot the device?
a) Examine the running apps.
b) Update the firmware.
c) Reinstall the most-used application.
d) Turn off all network services.
Answers:-
Answer 1:- a, d
Answer 2:- a
Answer 3:- c
Answer 4:- b
Answer 5:- d
Answer 6:- a
Answer 7:- b
Answer 8:- d
Answer 9:- c
Answer 10:- a
Comments